[newtograves]

#1060723

I have been having symptoms for awhile and just recently found every symptom matches Graves disease. I’m down to about 90 pounds and already have early onset Osteo.
I don’t have a Dr or insurance. I may qualify for medicaid
should I wait for all that to go through or go to the ER?

[Kimberly]

#1184335

Hello – We are fellow patients here, not docs, but I would suggest getting this checked out sooner rather than later. There is no telling how long the Medicaid could take to go through!

You could try the ER, or you could look up a heath center near your zip code on the hrsa.gov site – they serve everyone regardless of insurance, and payment is free or on a sliding scale basis:

(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://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/index.html

Symptoms for Graves’ can overlap a lot of other issues, but a simple blood test can tell you if you have hyperthyroidism. The TSH test is an inexpensive screening test, and the labs can be set up to automatically test T4 and T3 if TSH is out of range.

Hope you can get some answers!

[newtograves]

#1184336

thank you so much Kimberly

[newtograves]

#1184337

Kimberly,
just thought I would let you know I had a Dr’s appt the week after our exchange. He sent me to the ER. They said we’re not qualified to deal with graves disease and sent me by ambulance to a large hospital 50 miles away. They admitted me and kept me for 3 days while they ran tests got my heart stabilized, they also gave me steroids as well as vitamin d because i was deficient. I’m now on propanolol and methimazole and theratears I’m feeling a bit better but still weak and fatigued I’m hoping that improves the longer I take it. I have to return to Charlotte in a month for a follow up with my endo.
Thank you for your help Kimberly

[Kimberly]

#1184338

Thanks for checking back – kudos to your doctor for making sure you were in a place with the expertise to get you stabilized and treated!

Methimazole and propranolol are common for Graves’ patients, although I am not familiar with the third item. Could be a weird autocorrect issue!

[newtograves]

#1184339

the theratears is to relieve some of the eye symptoms I have the graves eye disease as well, it reduces inflammation which helps me see better and relieves the dry gritty feeling
I have been on the methimazole long enough now I feel much better although I have a minor rash that I’m keeping a close eye on if it continues or gets worse I will call the DR, don’t wanna jump the gun as PTU is far more expensive.
Still having trouble sleeping but melatonin is helping some nights but not all.

Hope you are good Kimberly

[Kimberly]

#1184340

newtograves wrote:

the theratears is to relieve some of the eye symptoms I have the graves eye disease as well, it reduces inflammation which helps me see better and relieves the dry gritty feeling

OK, got it – I was thinking that was the name of an oral medication, and couldn’t figure out what it was! It probably wouldn’t hurt to consult your doc now about that rash. For minor skin issues, doctors will usually let you keep taking the methimazole, although they might suggest an antihistimine. Either way, it’s good to keep your doc in the loop!

[Author]

Posts