[amosmcd]

in reply to: New lab results #1174836

Thanks, Bobbi!

Yeah, there’s something about cold and damp that really makes a person cold!

I would be reluctant to try the PTU after all the bad stuff I’ve heard about it, but I guess I could ask my endo if this keeps going on. Since my body wants to bounce between being hypo and hyper, I’d really rather just get my thyroid out. I’m just not sure how much time I should give all this. After 30 years of having almost every hypo symptom, to feeling so good on Levothroxine, and then suddenly having Graves Disease and now feeling so lousy on Methimazole, I am so impatient to get back to feeling good like I did for that year to 18 months before going hyper. I felt like I wasted 30 years of my life never feeling right, never understanding how people got anything done, how they had any motivation, feeling lazy–and now the Methimazole is making me feel even worse than that. Some treatment! Last night I slept 10 hours, woke up feeling so sleepy I could barely get out of bed, spent the first few hours at work trying to keep my eyes open. It’s ridiculous.

Anyway, thanks for listening to me rant. I really appreciate this supportive group of folks!

Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Methimazole question #1174813

Thanks, Shakira!

I’ll ask my endo on Monday for a new prescription. It’s easier than worrying about miniscule pieces of pills–lol!

Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Week 6 of methimazole #1174773

I forgot to mention in my first post above that one gradual effect of the Methimazole that I don’t like at all, is feeling cold again. Since starting Levothyroxine when I was hypo, I had felt normal for the first time in decades. Before that I used to be freezing when everyone was warm, hated the cold temps in Seattle from Fall to Summer, and dreamed of moving to the southwest where it’s hot. Even Summer here was never warm enough unless it got above 80, which doesn’t happen a lot. Anything below 60 was almost painful for me. My hands were always cold, and I was always cold at work. And this was with “normal” thyroid labs (aside from the Hashi antibodies.)

Now I find that I’m cold at night again in spite of the furnace set at 60 with a comforter and wool blanket on top. I was cold this morning thinking the furnace had not been turned up yet, but my son had turned it up to 64 and I was still cold laying in bed. Also cold at work again.

I still get hot flashes in the evening, but I’m thinking that has more to do with menopause than being hyper.

I would much rather be warm than cold. Don’t want to go through the winter and spring being so cold again. It makes life very unpleasant for me.

Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Week 6 of methimazole #1174772

Hi, Shirley–

Well, don’t be too impressed. I put off way too long doing this yard project (partly because I was zapped by the Methimazole for a while) and also lulled by our endless summer into hoping the weather would last until the end of October. I was definitely dreaming when it comes to that in Seattle! Anyway, I had to rush, rush, rush to get it done and get the bulbs into the ground before the first frost, and managed to get most of it done before the rains hit. I asked my brother to come to help or it wouldn’t have gotten done at all this weekend. What the Methimazole has done has zapped my motivation. I have to literally force myself to get up in the morning, get dressed, and do anything. Know I would feel horrible this spring when there were no bulbs popping up to cheer me was the only thing that made me get out there.

I have to confess that although I put Seattle on my location when I registered, I actually live in Renton. Didn’t want to get too specific until I got to know people here. So I don’t walk in Seattle, although I’d love to live near Green Lake and walk there. I did that way back in my 20’s when I lived out in the U District. I just walk in a 2-mile loop around my neighborhood, although it’s now time for the treadmill unless the sun comes out and it’s dry. I don’t like being cold and wet! I love Wallingford, it’s such a pretty neighborhood and so close to everything.

As far as tulip bulbs, it’s a good time to plant. You don’t want to wait too much longer. I think Nov 15th is our first hard frost, but I would plant bulbs within the next 10 days. I’m so sorry the rats got your bulbs after all your work. I would have spent the winter setting rat traps while gleefully chuckling under my breath.

I just happened to have a bunch of chicken wire left over from a yard project years ago, so when I read about squirrels digging up bulbs, I knew I had to do that. If my brother hadn’t helped I think I would have sat down and cried.

I can’t take quinine because it makes my ears ring, but that’s a good idea. Some of the leg cramps are probably related to my spine, which has a lot of disk disease and bone spurs, but these latest cramps are unlike what I’ve had before. I’m getting worked up by a neurologist for problems with my left leg, especially when I drive long distances. It cramps and spasms and keeps me from driving more than around 45 minutes at a time, unless somebody is with me to spell me. I’d like to explore the state more on road trips, but that’s just not possible right now.

I agree, esophageal cancer is a terrible way to die. My Mom lived only 6 months after her diagnosis and suffered terribly. A nasty disease. All cancer is. This December will be 2 years since she passed away.

I’ve read a lot on the forum between RAI and TT, but when I’m faced with the decision, I’ll definitely read even more. My brain overflows when faced with too much info and then it’s gone with the wind.

I’ve enjoyed your posts, Shirley. Would you like to get together sometime for coffee/tea or lunch? I would be happy to drive up north. I work in Seattle so the drive up there is easy for me. PM me and let me know.

Take care,
Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Week 6 of methimazole #1174771

Hi, Alexis–

When I went to get my labs drawn, I asked the lab tech what labs were ordered, which were the usual T3, T4, TSH. I said, well, I’d like to get a liver function profile as well, can you ask the endo if he can add that. Thanks to hearing about keeping track of one’s liver function from the experienced people like you on the forum! The endo decided to add a CMP (complete metabolic panel) which includes liver function tests. Had to smile at that!

Yes, hopefully a lower dose! I am thoroughly sick of sleeping so much. Then I have to zip around like crazy to get stuff done before I go to work at 3pm. My job is lucky I decide to fit in a shower-lol!

I end up feeling anxious all the time, which then makes me confused, because am I anxious because I’m still hyper a little, or anxious because I’m trying to get too much done in too little time? ARGH! 😮 Just ate a Reeses candy bar, which is quite comforting, but the chocolate will probably up my heartrate!

Thanks for your support,
Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Graves’ in “seniors” #1174663

Hi, Maryelled–

Welcome to the forum! I’m a newbie myself. You’ll find a lot of support and good advice here.

I wanted to tell you that when I first asked my endo (who I had seen for pre-diabetes issues) about all my hypo symptoms (I was hypo before I was hyper), he told me that all of the symptoms I was describing could be caused by peri-menopause. He’s lucky I let him live! I said, really? Because I’ve had these symptoms for 30 years and I haven’t been peri-menopausal for 30 years!!

It’s bad enough to be sick, but to not be taken seriously because you are a woman and/or young or middle-aged or elderly is such an injustice. I hope you find the answers you’re looking for with an endo who can respect you and not look at you as “the thyroid in room 6.”

Take care,
Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Eye exam today #1174659

Hi, Shirley–

Thanks so much for your post! Yeah, I was rolling my eyes when he was talking about who to see about TED when he doesn’t even know much, if anything, about it. But like you said, at least I got a new Rx for glasses and we’ll see if that helps. I’ll take in my Rx tomorrow, and hopefully will have them soon.

The hard part about warm packs and massage is that I usually fall asleep watching TV (I work late and can’t fall asleep right when I get home.) I wonder if doing this in the morning instead will help the same? I can see relaxing with a cup of tea when I first get up!

Macular degeneration runs in my family, although I have no signs of that at all, so I always try to wear sunglasses to limit my UV exposure if I’m outside when it’s bright. When I got my eyes dilated yesterday I had to wear them even inside the house for a while. 😎

I’m not the most patient person in the world, and I felt bad for decades with many, many hypo symptoms that doctors wouldn’t treat, although I had antibodies for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, because my labs were “normal.” Finally was treated and felt like I understood how other people managed to get anything done. To then turn around and less than 2 years later find out I was hyper and with Graves antibodies has been tough for me. I don’t like how the Methimazole makes me feel, even if it’s reduced the hyper symptoms, because I’ve lost so much energy. The last month has seemed like an eternity waiting for my labs to get drawn in another 2 weeks.

I know I’m very lucky to not have major Graves symptoms, but I did have major Hashimoto’s symptoms and truly I’d rather feel a little hyper than hypo!

Anyway, thanks for listening to me rant, Shirley. You’ve been very kind.

Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Week Four of Methimazole #1174643

Forgot to say that I’ve gained about 4 lbs since the first week of September. Since I’m close to where I want to be anyway, I’m trying not to gain more than 5 more lbs after losing the 36lbs initially while hyper. I seem to go up and down, week to week, but hopefully it’s a slow, steady gain. Just want to fit into my jeans and slacks again without having to wear a belt to hold them up.

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Week 3 of Methimazole–update #1174495

Hi, Shirley, sorry to not get back to your other post! Are there specific questions regarding TED that I should ask the ophtho at my appt? Ir that he should be asking me? My Graves has been been mild so far, but it sounds like it doesn’t follow that it being mild is a predictor for TED, it seems.
Thanks for your supportive posts. It’s nice to know we have a number of folks from Seattle in the forum. I’m enjoying the gorgeous and rare September warm temps and sunshine, hope you are, too

Take care, Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Week 3 of Methimazole–update #1174493

Hi, SallyB62–

I see my eye doctor next week. He’s a regular ophthomologist who does treat TED. I have no idea if I have it or not, but since I’m going to see him for a regular eye exam (which is overdue) I thought I’d have him check me for any signs of TED.

I’m not sure what antibodies you mean. I have positive antibodies for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves, but not sure if those are what you’re talking about.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’ll let you know how the eye appt goes.

Right now only my left eye bothers me, but it’s not painful dryness really. Just bothersome and it affects my vision.

Take care,
Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Side effects of Methimazole #1174323

Hi, Currietm,

I would ask your doctor about spreading the dose out over a 24 hour period. I felt a lot better after splitting mine into 2-5mg doses, one in the morning and one at bedtime. I couldn’t imagine taking 30mg all at once when just taking 10mg once a day made me feel so horrible.

It has gotten a lot better for me, the fogginess and fatigue. I didn’t notice significant improvement until week 3.

I’m glad the Atenolol is working for you. I ended up not needing it.

Hope things get better for you soon!

Take care,
Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: * Stop Methimazole :| * #1174472

Hi, Caro–

Just wanted to say hi and wish things were more stable for you. I think it must be awfully confusing when your primary care doc questions the specialist. As if you don’t have enough to worry about!
I hope things get better for you and you get some answers.

Take care, Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Side effects of Methimazole #1174320

Hi, Kimberly–

Thanks for your reply! The only thing I’ve noticed that stands out is I feel like my blood sugar is crashing the past few days. I don’t know why that would be connected to being hypo or hyper. I had tended towards hypoglycemia in the past from eating the wrong type of food for breakfast, but that hasn’t happened in a long time. The fatigue is directly related to starting the Methimazole 2 weeks ago.

I’ll keep an eye on the other hypo symptoms. Cold intolerance was a big one for me when I was hypo. When people were in shorts and t-shirts, I was in jeans and sweatshirts and a coat.

This has been an interesting past couple of weeks, I have to say. Just will roll with things until they stabilize.

Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Side effects of Methimazole #1174318

Hi, Caro–
I noticed yesterday that my heart rate is dropping. And this is without the beta blocker. Right now sitting in my recliner, it’s only 68. It tends to spike in the evening for some reason.

I haven’t noticed much improvement yet in splitting the Methimazole to twice a day. It does interfere with my sleep, but Im hoping that will go away after a while. I’ve always felt good after walking. I was hoping to take dance lessons, but I just know that wouldn’t be good for me yet. Maybe later this Fall when things have stabilized.

I’m hoping not to get too hypo. I felt bad for so long being just subclinucally hypo, when my labs were normal. But, again it’s a waiting game.

Does your endo say how long before your heart rate returns more to normal, now that you’re hypo?

Take care, Amy

[amosmcd]

in reply to: Just diagnosed #1174278

Thanks, Lilly!

I’m trying to stay positive while my body figures out what it’s going to do. I’m sure some of my anxiety comes from just being hyper.

I’m sorry you’ve swung back to being hypo. That’s no fun, either! I hope you are able to get a balance in your hormones so you’re feeling better. From what I’ve read, this up and down stuff is pretty common with Graves. Which really sucks!

Take care,
Amy

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