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in reply to: Surgery vs. Iodine #1179996

Hi Kim,

Did you have to find an Endo doc that would support you on long term ATD use, or do you have another doctor (primary?…alternative?). Did you ever stop taking mmi, or has it been a straight 6 years?

Thanks,
James

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in reply to: Just need to vent…in other words, at my wit’s end… #1179918

Hi Becky,

When I saw south Philly my eyes lit up- I’m in Philly too. I have to stay away from south Philly though…too many good cheese steak places. I’m trying to eat healthier these days.

Sorry for the rough 15 months. I do hope you are able to feel better and enjoy life. I was diagnosed with GD last month, so I’m early in the treatment process. Hang in there!

James

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in reply to: Methimzole & Propanolol for 7 weeks, no improvement #1179825

@Flora

Glad you’re seeing improvements Flora. I’m on my second week taking Methimazole (10mg daily)…and I’ve quickly learned that you have to have patience with graves disease treatment, which has been the hardest part for me. I just can’t wait to be able to exercise again.

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in reply to: Antibody Test? Low-dose MMI with antihistamine? #1179780

misslex wrote:

I understand that there is an antibody test that can help determine whether or not you are actually in remission – does anyone know the name of that test so that I can request it at my appointment tomorrow?

Antibody tests (TRAb, TSI) can be helpful in predicting which patients are in remission.

[bigad]

in reply to: Gabe’s Total Thyroidectomy Journal – 5/31/13 #1179611

Thanks for the info. Karen! I hope he doesn’t retire before I may need him…lol.

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in reply to: feeling a bit more optimistic today #1179706

Hi Allie,

If you get a chance, check out the book called “Wheat Belly”. The author is a cardiologist- he links the eating of wheat to many of our problems. After reading Wheat belly, I’ve been trying to eat similar to the Paleo diet, which is getting back to eating Whole foods and getting away from the processed stuff.

James

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in reply to: Gabe’s Total Thyroidectomy Journal – 5/31/13 #1179609

Hi Karen,

Glad you’re doing well. I see we’re fairly close (I’m in Philly)…I might have to use your Doc if I ever decide to get a TT.

With regard to the risks of a TT- are the percentages normally low with your Doc? Any issues with your parathyroid glands? Voice okay?

Thanks,
James

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in reply to: (1) progression? And (2) nutrition? #1179701

Hello Keira,

I too was recently diagnosed with Graves in May. My only symptom is rapid heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and some anxiety (after I found out I have Graves). After meeting with my Endo, I decided to schedule a RAI for this week (Karen was a big help with RAI info- I bugged her a lot via PM ). However, after some heavy thought and soul searching, I decided to take MMI with a heavy dose of healthy eating.

No matter what treatment we choose, I think we give our bodies a fighting chance with healthy eating. I’ve always tried to eat healthy, but on the day my atrial fibrillation started, I had krispy Kreme donuts, pepperoni pizza and a cheese steak (I live in Philly). Those days are gone…I’m now trying to stick with a combo of the diets Kimberly mentioned- Paleo/Low iodine…basically Whole Foods (Organic when possible). I’ve read where some people did well with ATD’s and a healthy diet, so I’m giving it a try.

James

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in reply to: Medication/Surgery #1179545

A large percentage of Docs seem to recommend RAI- is that an option for you? I’m scheduled for mine next week.

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in reply to: So what was your Graves story…. #1179270

5 weeks ago, I went into atrial fibrillation, which I thought would go away in a couple of days. Two weeks later, saw the cardiologist who put my on a beta blocker and blood thinner.

He also had me take a blood test, which showed a thyroid issue. Went to my primary who explained that I was experiencing hyperthyroidism and took a TSI test that was positive at 326.

Referred to the Endo doc…just met with him yesterday and we decided to take the RAI route. Spoke to the RAI scheduler and they explained the whole process to me. What gives me anxiety the most is being radioactive and told to stay away from people for 4 days. I’ll still be scared to get near my 11 year old son on the 5th day. I guess I’ll wait a full week to be safe. The RAI scheduler said I’m getting a low dose- around 10 to 12, so after 4 days, I should be fine. I’ll be secluded in my basement (man cave).

I’ve reviewed this forum and have been googling away on this graves disease. I just turned 50 on May 8th, and what a gift after 50 years of life. I’ve never been on meds or anything, so I guess I just have to man up and accept my new condition. My dad is in his 80’s and took the RAI route over twenty years ago and he seems fine…he takes synthyroid…gets checked every 6 months and his levels have been normal.

I just can’t wait to get this process over with so my heart rate can get back to normal rythym, although Metoprolol has kept my rate in control. This is my story as of week 5…will see how RAI goes in June. Then will probably need synthyroid like my pop.

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