[DianneW]

#1073252

You really should ask your endocrinologist if there’s a specific reason in your case that he recommended RAI right away, because it could be related to the severity of your case, but that still doesn’t mean you have to follow his recommendation. Often it tends to be the particular bias of the endocrinologist, but we all seem to have our own biases on treatment choices. Some endos send all their patients immediately for RAI without telling them they have other options, and others believe everyone should start with antithyroid drugs.

An endocrinologist at one of the Graves’ Disease Foundation Conferences told us she likes to start all her patients on ATDs if for no other reason than she wants them to make any decisions that might be permanent after their thyroid levels have returned to normal. I think that idea is a good one. Hyperthyroidism impairs the decision-making abilities of the patient, and it takes time to fully understand the implications of the disease and each treatment option.

I don’t think it’s far-fetched at all to hope to be one of the fortunate ones who will have a remission on ATDs, but we are all different and some people would rather get it all over with and get on with it. Some really don’t want to mess with all the meds and blood tests. It takes some motivation and desire for participation in one’s own wellness to be among the most successful at having a remission with ATDs.

Anxiety is a normal symptom caused by hyperthyroidism, and should improve as your thyroid levels normalize. Normally you will be able to wean off the beta blockers when your thyroid levels are normal. That’s up to your doctor. The blurriness of your vision may be caused by dry eyes. Try using artificial tears, such as Systane eye drops. Dry corneas can have reduced vision. But more importantly, have an exam by an ophthalmologist who can do a baseline in case you have further changes.

As for how much is on your plate right now, it may be good for your attempts at remission that you slow down and rest. Talk to your college about your diagnosis. They should be able to make provisions for you to complete the work later, or at a minimum to give you some kind of special help. Do what you have to do, but getting well should be first on your list (because you can’t take care of that boy if you aren’t)!

I realize what a shock this is. Been there, done that. But glad you found us. You’re not alone.

[partygirl1]

#1019668

Is there any particular reason an endocrinlogist would recommend that you have radiation treatment right out the box, opposed to a antithyroid medication regimen? Is this based on the severity of the condition when intially diagnosed? or one of the norms? It only seem obvious to me that you would hope to be one of the fortunates, who actually go into remission with the help of medication. or is this far-fetched? and how long do you have to use the beta-blockers? Really concerned about these medications too. Very, very, very, new to this disorder. I’m still in shock? and anxious?! and talk about bluriness? Will that improve with the medication? Oh, and a full time college student and a part-time customer-service rep, and a mommy of an 6 year old boy. I’m going crazy and it’s my last semester of school and I can’t even see the blackboard! I need a break from one of my gigs, and it ain’t my boy! Help! (3rd day since diagnosis)

[partygirl1]

#1073253

if you haven’t noticed I’ve been all over this board and loving it! Love it! Love it! Love it!
As a result of many doctor’s appointments I’ve missed several classes and notes, so now I’m playing catch up, which is proving to be difficult, because I’m always tired. I may be foolish but I am determined to finish school only because this is my last semester before I receive a BS in accounting. One eye, one leg, I will only take off if deemed neccessary.
I leave from school and go straight to work. I have 14 hr days 3x a week. As mentioned I have a six year old son and recently miscarried while being diagnosed with GD. I was kind of surprised my endo didn’t intially write me out from work. When asked, he stated, "you know your income will decrease and you have to keep your job nowadays". So now I’m wondering if he’s a physician or a social worker. I’ve been dedicated to my job going on 11 years. I work for a freight company ("when it absolutely, positively has to be there company") and handle cash and other administrative duties and it’s not helping at work or school that I can hardly see clearly and I’m always feeling anxious. I also have kerataconis.
The difference between school and work is that I am being held accountable for an abundance of errors recently in a short period of time. I’m just surpised at my endo’s reaction, and then he went on to say, "have them send me the paperwork". That’s not the procedure and he knows that, nor was his response’s professional. I’m just surprised I wasn’t given time to adjust or at least until I see the optomologist who specializes in GD on Mar. 10. "I wanna be normal again"! I start tapazole today. I regret having to take medication, but I’m not ready for RAI. Is it lazy of me to want some time off to deal with MY priorities? :” title=”Question” /> I definately need a second opinion. i’m a mess. Help!

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