[Kimberly]

#1061998

Hello – Personally, I wouldn’t stop my meds without a doctor’s approval…and I would encourage you to discuss this issue with your own doctor as quickly as possible. I don’t know how soon your next appointment is, but perhaps you could call the office and discuss this situation with your doctor or a physician’s assistant.

In terms of damage to your body, the biggest risk is that your hypERthyroidism could return. Hopefully, you’ll be one of the fortunate patients who is able to enjoy a long-term remission. However, relapses most often occur within a few weeks to a few months, so I would definitely be vigilant about getting regular blood tests and keeping a close eye on any symptoms that might indicate a return of your hypERthyroidism.

Also, keep in mind that the most severe side effects with ATDs tend to occur during the first 90 days of use…so if you have to re-start the meds, the 90-day clock “resets” and starts over…so you could potentially be at greater risk for serious side effects. (Which, fortunately, are very rare — but this is still something to consider).

No one here can predict whether you are enjoying a true remission, but antibody testing may be useful. We have heard some anecdotal evidence that the chances of long-term remission are greater if antibodies are at low levels before discontinuing the meds.

[Rita]

#1017978

Has anyone stopped their ATD on their own.

I was diagnosed two years ago, was started on methimazole and levels slowly returned to normal levels. My TSH went from <0.01 to 3.25, FT3 went from 14.4 to 2.7, and FT4 went from 4.3 to 1.0….all normal levels. After my last doctor visit in January my levels were all in the normal range. I then decided (against Doctors advise)to cut back on my dosage. After a week I rechecked my levels and they were all still normal. I then decided to stop taking methimazole all together. Now 3 months later my levels are still normal and have had no significant change. I have actually felt great after I stopped taking methimazole and I don’t want to start taking them again. I have a doctor appt coming up soon and will discuss this with her at that time. I’m sure she won’t be too happy with me.

My question….have I done harm to my body, Am I in remission, will GD come back. I truly do feel better than I have for the past two years.

[mamabear]

#1061999

What was your reasoning for stopping the medicine and what was the reason for stopping it without telling your dr.?

I agree with everything Kimberly said. I have after many years of dealing with this and being in remission come to the conclusion that decieving my dr. would not be in my best interest . I’m not trying to be paranoid or anything but many things have come in to light after these past years that have made made realize that not telling my dr. things could have caused a lot of issues had I wound up in the ER and my dr thinking one thing about me and it not being the truth.

At one time I did go off medicine that I should not have gone off and looking back it was a very bad mistake. I am fine and nothing came of it but had I been in the dr’s office with issues or in the ER with issues my dr. wouldn’t have known what was wrong because their thinking was that I was on medicine. Looking back I wouldn’t do it again for any reason.

Ask yourself why you did it, maybe it was because the dr. isn’t letting you have a say in your care or felt differently. But the dr. is probably going through protocol in order to get you where you would like to be and you might not be thinking that is fast enough. There is a reason they take steps. I’m not scolding you, just giving some advice since I’ve been down that road before. I am currently in remission for four years and am very lucky to be.

Good luck and remember keep checking those #’s and please let your dr. know. Your dr. is assuming you are on meds and is documenting that in your chart thus making your chart wrong. Down the road you want a medical chart that is correct.

[Author]

Posts