[MAMMAOF2]

#1058627

Hi-
I should start off by saying that I have not been offically diagnosed with Graves yet. I will be seeing my Endo for the first time in a week and a half. Up until now I didn’t even realize there was anything "wrong" with me and I probably wouldn’t of known if it hadn’t been for a sick baby. About a month ago my youngest son had thrush, so to help him out I took him to the DR for a treatment. While there I asked the Dr. why I was having trouble swallowing and what was causing the pressure in my throat. So, after she felt around she noticed that my thyroid was enlarged. She ordered the blood work and sure enough my level way at .02. I had the uptake test done, as well as the scans. Once those were done they set me up with an apt to see an Endo….and now here I sit with so many questions.
1-I am a music teacher and have been having troubles sining is this because of my thyroid?
2-I have had a sore throat mor about a month is this another symptom?
3-Obviously my thyroid is enlarged…If I chose the radiationt treatment will it shrink it or will I have to live with this constant pressure?
4-Is excessive thirst a symptom? (I had my blood sugar check, as well as my A1C all were normal)
5-Will I gain back any weight?…(I have lost a LOT of weight, and Muscle…and hair)
6- Once I start treatment how long will it be before I start feeling better? I have been so tired lately and it seems like I’m always in a "fog".
7- I don’t seem to have any trouble with my eyes, will that be something that I will have to deal with eventually?

Any help with these questions would be great and leave me more prepared for my Dr’s apt. Thank You!

[Kimberly]

#1169088

Hello and welcome – We aren’t doctors here, just fellow patients, but here are a few comments…

Hyperthyroidism can have several potential causes, so it’s important that you work with your doctor go get a correct diagnosis. Getting your hyperthyroidism under control should help with the goiter. A specific diagnosis will help you narrow your treatment options.

I’ve heard of hoarseness being associated with thyroid issues, but not excessive thirst or sore throat. I learn new things every day, though!

Weight issues are very individual. It *is* common for weight lost due to hyperthyroidism to be regained after treatment. This weight loss isn’t "good" weight loss, as we lose lean muscle mass, not fat.

Many patients with Graves’ and some with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis do experience eye involvement. We can’t predict who will have eye involvement, although smoking is a major risk factor. If your hyperthyroidism is due to another cause, you should get a free pass on the eye issues!

None of the treatment options for hyperthyroidism are "quick fixes" — and every patient is different. Most patients start to see a reduction in symptoms within a few weeks.

Hope this helps!

[jrs1218]

#1169089

Hi Mammaof2,

I was diagnosed with Graves at the beginning of June. I chose to take anti-thyroid meds to get my thyroid under control. One thing that I have learned through this process, is that nothing is "normal". We all react differently.

I went to the doctor because I was having panic attacks and completely losing my mind. My uncle went for a normal physical and had almost no symptoms. He had lost weight, but he had also began exercising and eating right, so he thought it was all that.

Make sure you write down your questions. If you are foggy, you won’t remember them at your appointment. (I forget stuff all the time.)

These are my best answers to your questions from my experience:
1. I would guess that having trouble singing has something to do with your thyroid because it feels like someone is choking your windpipe. I didn’t have trouble swallowing, but felt like someone was grabbing my neck and my voice was rough. It’s keeps getting better and better the closer to "normal" my thyroid gets.
2. I have a lot of sore throats that last a long time too. It may be from the thyroid. I have no proof though.
3. Your thyroid will shrink eventually. Mine is usually smaller in the morning and gets more swollen as the day progresses. But it is getting smaller as I get my numbers into the normal range.
4. I was very thirsty. I think because I was so warm all the time. I am not as much anymore.
5. Some people gain weight, some don’t. You are unique. I didn’t lose weight, but I gained as I went hypo. I didn’t lose my hair when I was hyper, but am now that I am hypo. I really think it will depend on how your body deals with it. I was super, super weak before treatment. I feel tons better now. Not as strong, but 85-90%.
6. I’m still in a fog. Very forgetful. It’s been three months. I don’t know if it’s a side effect of the medication, the hypothyroidism or what.
7. I haven’t had any eye issues. You might not either. I get pressure in my head, but my eyes aren’t effected.

Good luck with your appointment. It takes time, but it does get better.
Jennifer

[Bobbi]

#1169090

There are possible, plausible explanations for why you are experiencing voice difficulties, that can be associated with thyroid. First off, the nerve that services the vocal cords runs through the thyroid, raising the possibility that it could be pressured by growing thyroid tissue. Secondly, we lose strength, throughout the body, when we have too much thyroid hormone — it’s possible that loss of strength in our muscles, etc., could be a factor. I noticed improve voice issues when I finally got my thyroid issues under control, but that might not hold true for everyone.

[MAMMAOF2]

#1169091

Thank you so much for your replies, after reading through them I feel much better about my dianosis! At my apt today I was offically diagnosed with Graves and will begin my treatment plan next Friday. I am so thankful that I came across this website. I will try to keep you posted on how my recovery goes. Again…thank you for your help!

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