[AllieKatz]

in reply to: How Did Everyone know there was something Critically wrong with their health? #1181111

Kimberly,
Thank You again!

[AllieKatz]

in reply to: How Did Everyone know there was something Critically wrong with their health? #1181109

Kimberly,

Thank You again!
Like your sister, I was allergic to bees for years and tested a + 5 allergic reaction to Bee Stings and needed to also carry an EpiPen along with an Albuterol inhaler and Benedryl (or Claritin)…Then when I was tested again a few years ago via my allergist, my bee sting allergy was and is currently insignificant, between (+1 to +2) reaction…Ironically, today I was swimming in my backyard and I was stung. I have not been stung in years.. …I took claritin and my Albuterol inhaler and did not have a major reaction (no asthma attack or hives. I used to have both when I was stung in the past) ..My arm is very swollen which is normal. I pulled out the stinger and applied toothpaste to the area…..If I were to have bee sting therapy, I would definitely check with my Allergist prior to doing so.
Do you know which Universities have the most effective research and Development regarding Graves Disease in the USA as well as overseas?
I am a former research Scientist Biologist/Chemist/Genetic Engineer and spent many years working towards my Ph.D in the Pharmaceutical field. I teach school now….I did not complete my Doctorate due to family commitments, however since my recent Graves diagnosis, I am considering reentering the “research world”. I am hoping UCSF, UC Davis or UC Berkeley in my area may have a program regarding autoimmune diseases, clinical trials etc….I am hoping even more specific for Graves..I may even phone various departments or drive out there to try and convince the autoimmune scientists to apply for research grants, fellowships etc.. in this “much needed” area. . . Thanks Again

[AllieKatz]

in reply to: How Did Everyone know there was something Critically wrong with their health? #1181107

Kimberly, Snelsen and Barbra,

Thank you so much for your feedback,
I am 50 and I can certainly for-see what lies ahead for me regarding Rx. meds, the costs, adverse side effects etc…..The methimazole (Tapazole) I am currently taking is “short term” for me and I am only using this drug for temporary relief.. Eventually, I will most likely select RAI versus Thyroidectomy because I have had too may unsuccessful surgeries in the past for spinal disk stenosis and ruptured disk issues. The side effects of the methimazole has the potential to cause liver damage along with the Statin drug I also take to lower my high cholesterol…After I am on the methimazole for 2 months my Endocrinologist wants to biopsy my nodules and small goiter..He feels that I do not have cancer, just tests to “rule out” cancer….Just when I was getting my life back together, I was diagnosed with Graves…My husband passed away from Esophageal/gastric Cancer going on two years the end of this year and I was his caregiver. I went through a major depression for many months….I think it is imperative to have our two daughters tested for Graves..They are 22 and 23 and away at college..They both have a significant amount of muscle pain, fatigue, high and low energy levels,headaches, etc….They are also athletes (competitive cheer/dance/gymnastics)..They have endured many upon many sports injuries…My 23 year old is highly emotional and stressed out all the time graduating U of CA 3 years ago at age 20 and is completing Law School next year and takes the CA Bar exam in conjunction to holding down 3 part time jobs on the weekends..I am so worried that she is doing too much… Kimberly, thank you for you input regarding the Genetics..The statistics make me feel better..Barbra, thank you for the information regarding your son’s Hashimoto’s diagnosis..I will eventually take my daughters to my Endocrinologist for blood work” when they come home from their University during the holiday season. I have lived in N CA for 17 years. I am a transplant from Chicago…I have met many people here in CA with various autoimmune diseases such as MS. who “swear by” bee stings..Yes, we have a group of bee farmers here who give bee stings to relieve pain. Apparently, the stings place many people with various autoimmune diseases into remission..Bee stings exasperate a natural Cortisone response which suppresses inflammation among other positive things..I will research this before I try this…Snelsen, how is your TED now? Hugs and wishing everyone well!

[AllieKatz]

in reply to: How Did Everyone know there was something Critically wrong with their health? #1181103

Thank you Barbra,

What course of treatment did you select?

It is so confusing selecting the correct treatment plan because every treatment plan has it’s own set of risks..

[AllieKatz]

in reply to: How Did Everyone know there was something Critically wrong with their health? #1181102

Thank You Miyogirl,

You too have been through a lot! I am glad you feel better..
Graves seems like one of the most complex diseases involving so many factors..

.

[AllieKatz]

in reply to: How Did Everyone know there was something Critically wrong with their health? #1181101

Thank You Raspberry!

Which course of treatment did you select? How do you feel now since your treatment?

[AllieKatz]

in reply to: How Did Everyone know there was something Critically wrong with their health? #1181100

Adenure, Thank you for the feedback…Sounds like you have been through a lot..You also sound strong and a fighter!…I am worried about the methimazole I have now been taking for almost 2 weeks..It seems to be stabilizing my energy levels therefore making me less hyper and so much more calm however I am worried about high liver enzymes since I also take a statin drug for high cholesterol which also has the potential to cause high liver enzymes…What made you choose Thyroidectomy over RAI? Just wondering which path I will choose in the event my liver enzymes elevate from the methimazole then I will need to choose either RAI or a Thyroidectomy..

I am also wondering if I should have both my daughters checked for Graves since there is a possibility of genetic predisposed gene in various cases of Graves Disease..

Thank you again..Sounds like you made the right choice for you!

[AllieKatz]

in reply to: How Did Everyone know there was something Critically wrong with their health? #1181099

Thank You Kimberly. I appreciate this wonderful page and feedback.

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