[marathonjackie]

#1060619

Hi all,

I’m a 31yo runner that has been feeling unwell for the last ten years. A year ago, I was diagnosed with Graves disease, though I didn’t accept it. Being a marathon runner, a super healthy eater, and never having thyroid issues before, I didn’t think this was true.

Alas, one year later, I’ve finally come to accept this diagnosis as I’ve been feeling increasingly anxious for no reason, seriously physically exhausted, scarily dizzy, and mentally foggy. My pulse and blood pressure are really low (usually 80/60 and pulse in the 50s) from running, and I know this disease affects everyone differently. Has anyone had success curing chronic brainfog with the stablization of their Graves? It honestly feels like I’m in a dream all the time.

Are there any marathon runners on the board that are able to continue distance running while treating their Graves? My training has really suffered since going on methimazole.

Thanks all- so glad to have found this message board!

-Jackie.

[Kimberly]

#1183676

Hello and welcome – definitely work with your doctor on getting back into your training routine. Hyperthyroidism affects the heart and can reduce bone/muscle mass. You definitely want to wait until levels are stable and then slowly get back into your running routine. You should see improvement in the “brain fog” once levels are stable, although some of us have lingering memory issues and need to adjust our daily routines accordingly by using daytimers, e-mail reminders, phone reminders, etc..

The founder of the “Greater than Graves'” campaign (a project to raise funds and awareness) does a LOT of different activities, but I believe that running is one:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://greaterthangraves.com/index.html

There are options on this site for “contact” and “blogs”.

Also, I don’t know if you are on Twitter, but I’ve seen other runners on there using the hashtags #greaterthangraves and #gravesdisease.

Wishing you all the best!

[brondack]

#1183677

I also have Graves – diagnosed just over 2 years ago and I, along with my endo, have decided to use the ATD (Methimazole) option until it doesn’t ‘work’ anymore.

I am fortunate that , while I rode the Graves rollercoaster between hyper and hypo and back for short time, even then I never experienced the extreme effects that many others have.

I am not a runner, but I am very active with a daily fitness center regimen along with cycling, kayaking, and hiking – at least when our New England weather permits.

But I am also a walker (and started it in earnest AFTER my Graves diagnosis) – and last year I participated in the Jimmy Fund Boston Marathon Walk – which follows the exact route of the Marathon – and I did the full 26.2 miles in about 7 hours.

Yes, Graves is a royal pain – but it can be overcome -maybe not in every circumstance but probably in most. There is light at the end of the tunnel you are in.

Hang in there and keep working at it ! Best of luck !

[Momof5]

#1183678

I wasn’t a runner prior to Graves, but after 2+ years on meds and stabilization after about a year (the first year was quite a rollercoaster), I am running a half marathon on Saturday. So, yes, there’s hope.

[flora]

#1183679

Great to see your post today, Carrie – stable and running a half marathon on Saturday – WooHoo! Good for you (and thanks for the encouraging news!)
– flora

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