[Gina]

#1058984

I don’t even know where to start! First of all, anyone who has commented on my previous post, I will reply soon! I’ve just wanted to try to take a break from thinking about graves, the symptoms, and the treatment options.

Does anyone have any advice on controlling the shakiness? The beta blocker brings my heart rate down to about 85 to 90 but it does nothing for the shakiness. I shake extremely bad! I hate it!

Also, I am wondering about my Endo. I’ve seen him twice. The first time I seen him he suspected graves but wanted to do a scan (not sure if it was the uptake you guys talk about) and he explained the 3 options for treatment. He went on and on about the risks which scared the crap outta me. He also prescibed the beta blocker. Metoprolo 50 mg once a day. The second time I seen him he did the scan and said yes it’s graves, which treatment do ya want? I asked him if I could think about it and he said yes but don’t take to long and said I could see another doc if I wanted to.
It took me and my PCP awhile to find him so I’m not sure if seeing another Endo is possible. I don’t have the best insurance in the world and there is 1 Endo in my city and he doesn’t accept my insurance. The one I have is in another city but not to far away.
I am so tired of seeing doctors.

I would greatly appreciate any advice given. Thanks in advance, Gina

[mmcnally]

#1171346

Hi, I am newly diagnosed, just like you, and I was also prescribed 50mg Metroprolo twice a day. I am about 3 weeks in and the shakes have eased up, BUT I have Xanax (.25) that helps with the break-thru shaking.

[Kimberly]

#1171347

Hi Gina – I don’t know how long you’ve been on the beta blocker, but most patients do see some relief from tremors/shakes with these drugs.

You might call your endo’s or GP’s office if this continues to be a concern.

I was never on beta blockers, but when I was hypER, I noticed that caffeine had a major impact on my tremors. I had to give up my morning coffee, as the shakes would be so bad, I was sure all my co-workers would notice!

If you are a regular coffee drinker, you might try easing up on caffeine to see if that makes a difference.

Take care!

[Gina]

#1171348

I’ve had issues with anxiety and panic attacks for years so I am on Ativan and Zoloft. The Ativan seems to help with the severity of the shakes but they never go away completely.
Have you decided on a treatment option? I have no clue what treatment option I’m gonna choose. I think I’ve thought to much about it that my brain needs a break if ya know what I mean.

[Gina]

#1171349

Kimberly, hi and thanks for the reply. Yes, I am a coffee drinker. I drink 2 cups in the morning but the rest of the day it’s mountain dew. Yes I know bad but most of the time I drink caffeine free mountain dew. I am a smoker who has all intentions on quitting so I’m pretty sure I’ll give up the coffee as well. They kinda go hand and hand, lol.

[Kimberly]

#1171350

Hi Gina – Smoking is a major risk factor for worsening of the eye involvement that can come with Graves’. At our 2011 conference in Boston, we heard the advice “Stop Smoking” probably 30 different times from 8 different doctors.

Here’s some info from the Mayo Clinic that might be helpful:

(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. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/smoking-cessation/SK00055

Take care!
Kimberly

[Gina]

#1171351

Kimberly, yes I have read about smoking increasing the risk of the eye disease. Funny how my Endo didn’t mention that but didn’t hesitate to inform me of the risks of eye disease and RAI.

[Bobbi]

#1171352

Regarding the shakes — you will get rid of the shakes when you have gotten your thyroid hormone levels under control. Some things, like beta blockers, xanax, etc., might have an effect on the shakes, but will simply mask your problem. Your problem is too much thyroid hormone. It sounds like, to date, you are not on any treatment to control your thyroid levels. That is not a good idea. Unless your endo has said otherwise, most of us start with the antithyroid drugs. Yes, there are possible adverse consequences. You are living with a worse choice, if you are not getting your thyroid levels under control. Taking the ATDs gives us time to mull over our options, seek second opinions if we want, etc., without risking much in the way of health consequences.

As to not having insurance for the local endo. Think in terms of budgeting him in, at least temporarily. I spent years paying out of pocket for my endo. it was worth it. She wasn’t all that expensive, and not nearly as expensive as intensive care had I gone into thyroid storm.

It’s all a matter of perspective, really. The only “perfect” option is good health. When we don’t have good health, the options are never “perfect” but most of them are lots better than the alternative (hyperthyroidism, in this case).

[mvk]

#1171353

Hi,

I have a tremor especially in my right hand. The beta blocker seems to help it a bit but not for long and it doesn’t totally go away. It is frustrating to say the least. I had my dose of RAI this morning about 3 hours ago. I can’t say I feel anything at all and hope that stays the case. The radiologist told me to stay 10 feet away from anyone for the first two days and then 6 feet for the rest of the time. Drink a lot of liquids (even wine!). I’m just glad something is happening to me finally to fix the hyperthyroidism. I probably would have chosen medication if I was younger (I’m almost 62). It is only on the right side of my thyroid and both the radiologist and the endocrinologist have both stated that it is possible that the left side may recover and I won’t be hypo when this is all wrapped up. No promises but possible. I’ll let you all know how the next couple weeks go for me. Best wishes and health to all of you.

mvk

[Gina]

#1171354

Bobbi, you are right. I am not on any treatment yet to control my thyroid. My Endo asked me what treatment I want and I asked him if I could think about it and he said yes but not to take to long. I have no idea yet on what treatment options I will choose.

[adenure]

#1171355

Hi Gina!

I know it’s all overwhelming. I was really scared to start taking the methimazole bc of all I read about possible side effects. I’m pretty sensitive to medicine in general and had just gotten over a horrendous allergic reaction/ intolerance to the Z-pack (I was the rare percentage!) which took 2 weeks to get out of my system. So, the thought of taking another drug that could mess me up was nerve wracking. But, I did know that the quickest way to getting better was getting on a treatment path, and medicine seemed to be the best way to go as a first means of attack! So, there I sat with my husband, dad, and 4 kids watching me as took the medicine, sitting there waiting for something crazy to happen. 😮 Fortunately, all seems to be going well so far! I get my labs drawn mid- May, so we’ll see… But, I would say, bite the bullet, and if your doctor is okay with it, try the meds. first. They seem to be the least invasive and could get you on the path to wellness while you consider long term ATD use or the other options in the mean time. Don’t wait though, get on the path to making things right for your body.

Alexis

[Gina]

#1171356

Hi Alexis!
Yes, it is very overwhelming! I am afraid to start the ATD’s because I too have had allergic reactions to medication. I am allergic to 5 different medications. I can get over that part of it because like always, when I start a new medication, I always have someone with me for at least an hour to make sure I’m ok but I always have a panic attack as well.
My Endo told me it (ATD’s) could cause liver failure at any given time and if that happened then there would be a liver transplant. I immediately said ok that’s not an option for me.
I am considering it now thanks to this forum. I love this forum. We all get to share our stories and support one another and people tell their experience with their treatment of choice. It really helps to know I’m not the only one.

I am not good at making big decisions like this. I don’t like the pressure of having to choose very soon because I feel rushed and I am hoping that it will just get better on it’s own.

[adenure]

#1171357

Gina,

You sound like me! Hee hee! Seriously, I was in my primary doctor’s office in tears asking if I had to treat hyperthyroidism if I had it. I too was hoping it would just go away on it’s own. But, I realized that isn’t going to happen, and it wasn’t worth the risk of continuing the way I was to see what would happen.

If it’s any consolation, my endo. told me he’s only seen the liver issue/ WBC problem once or twice in 12 years of practice. Of course, it only take you or I to be the one person for it to matter, right?! That’s how I felt after I took the Z-pack. I’m on 5 mg. of methimazole daily (5 weeks now). I haven’t had any symptoms as far as liver issues, but when I get my labs done in May, I’ll have a liver function test and CBC done along with the thyroid levels. So, we’ll see…

I never heard that liver failure could occur at anytime. Does he mean that if someone is taking the same dose over a period time and has been fine for a few months that, at any time liver failure could happen (even on that same dose that’s been fine all along?) I could see it possibly happening if a dose is increased- Just curious about that. Ah well… one day at a time, right?

I hope you find the right choice for you.

Alexis

[snelsen]

#1171358

Hey Gina!
I am sorry that you do not have a compassionate and professional endo. but it looks like you have no other choices. And you DO need one.
You also need ATD’s. You really do. There really is no choice for this.

I am not sure what your allergies are. As an RN who has taken histories of hundreds of patients, and given tons of drugs, I can tell you that about 90% of people who say they have allergies, really do not. When I ask what they mean, usually it is nausea, constipation, GI upset. Sometimes people have itching and/or a slight rash. That should be noted and respected. And of course, when there is swelling in the throat or difficulty breathing, that is a medical emergency. If you need to be watched for an hour by a medical professional after you begin a drug, you may have a true allergy. If this is the case, please wear an allergy bracelet.

But it does not preclude taking a drug you really need to have. To consider which route to go, you begin (we all begin) by taking ATD’s. Then you will know if you can tolerate it, and I hope you can. You will need a GOOD RELATIONSHIP with your endo, providing accurate information about how you are feeling. He may need to adjust the dose up or down. And draw labs.
I know you are sick of doctors. But you are beginning a long relationship with doctors, to get well. REally. None of us like this, many, like me, think it is very unfair. But stuff happens. I really am sorry.

There are bunch of meds that can cause serious liver problems. With ATD’s, the instance is so rare. And you don’t suddenly need a liver transplant.
If your liver function labs increase over time, then the drug will be stopped.
You will be safe.

I think Bobbi’s advice is very good. Consider her suggestion, if the reason you are reluctant to begin treatment has anything to do with the fact that you do not like the doctor. Perhaps you should have one appointment with the endo in your town. I am guessing, but do not know, the visit will be between $180-280. That is based on the high end. Perhaps you can see this doc, then have your labs and most follow up care done by your GP. Or even the endo that your insurance does cover. You can say that the transportation is a problem for the out of town one. I don’t know, I am just throwing ideas out for you to consider.

Another view is that the endo you are going to, is just fine. Graves’ is new to you. Sounds like he gave you information about the three options, that you refused to take the ATD;s but are taking the beta blocker.
But you need to be on the ATD;s. You Graves’, like all of us do. Gotta be treated so you can move on with your life.

Coffee? If it is strongly associated with smoking, maybe you should give it up. But I understand why you enjoy your coffee in the morning.

Smoking? Yes, TED is much more frequent and more severe. Not to mention all the other stuff you already know about smoking. Maybe he laid out too much information for you at the first visit, but it sounds like he was trying to have you realize that you were sick.
Do write again. There is a lot of support here, and it is not a drama website, but people helping people, with skilled facilitators helping us.
Shirley

[Gina]

#1171359

snelsen, thank so much for your response. Iy really made sense and helped.
My first appointment with my Endo is when he explained the 3 options for treatment. He was very professional, not so good on the compassion. When he was explaining the treatment options he also explained every complication that can occur and gave me the percentage rate of the complications. I was scared and unfamiliar with graves so I don’t remember to much of what he said. Some of the complications stuck in my mind, lol.
My second appointment was my scan. I guess the uptake scan, I don’t know.
After the scan he said yep just as I suspected you have graves disease, what treatment do you want. I was in no state of mind and uneducated about graves to say oh I’ll have the so and so. I wasn’t ordering dinner!

That appointment was on the 16th of April. Since then I have obsesses over what treatment is best for me.

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