[Boomer]

in reply to: Sue’s TT – July 16, 2013 #1180392

You’re sounding stronger and tougher and more awesome with every post Sue. I had better be on my best behavior now- I think you could out-run me the way you’re sounding these days!

I’m REALLY glad to hear that you moved through anxietyland as quickly as you did. Until a person experiences anxiety they have no idea just how frustrating and tiresome it becomes. It’s exhausting. Like Gabe and others have said, though, I too think it was just your body saying “Hey wait a minute here- something’s amiss. I’m not sure what but I know what will slow her down every time: anxiety!” and so the cycle begins (began). Again. I really do believe that subconsciously, sometimes, our bodies/CNS is pre-programmed to fall into anxiety as “default mode” when we are under stress be it physical, mental, or emotional. But my how I digress sheesh… I’m just glad to hear that you’ve eased right on through it and are sitting pretty on the other side!

I noticed something in your most recent post: You said “I’m nervous about going back next week”. Do you realise just how… How normal that statement is? You didn’t say “I’m sick about going back” or “I’m so anxious about going back”. You said “I’m nervous” and ya know what? It’s normal and natural to feel nervous. What we feel throughout this Graves baloney is anything but normal. Everything is so extreme. If we’re hot we’re REALLY hot and if we’re having tummy troubles we’re REALLY having tummy troubles. It never seems to be a moderate case of anything. But “nervous”? I could live with “nervous” instead of “anxious” or “worried sick” or “in a panic”. Call me crazy but I see “nervous” as a good thing. A little “tell”, if you will, that just told me that your body is moving back into balance. Having a normal reaction to a normnal life-event. Woo hoo! Go on with your normal (yet still badass) self!

I’m feeling kinda “normal” today myself. Had my first follow-up after RAI and right now my levels are normal. On the way down into the hypo zone but boy oh boy does this state of “normal” ever feel weird! I guess it’s been so long that my point of reference is skewed as are all of ours’. Regardless, though, i’m basking in this uneventfukl place of normalness while I can. I’ll be keeping an eye on you so I’ll know how to act when I too can break on through to the other side. Someday. Eventually. I hope…

Hope that pesky incision is healing up nicely for you and that the itching has stopped. Heck I hope EVERYTHING is going good for you and for the rest of the brave fighters here too!

Just want to remind you of one thing before I shut the heck up and give someone else a chance to talk: You WON! You ARE the winner! You did it! You got that no-good rotten thyroid out of you and you’re on your way back to normal! Nervous or not look out cuz here she comes!

Be healthy and happy!

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Shingles now, what’s next… #1180545

Hang tough Karen!

You jumped on it and started the anti-virals quickly so let’s hope that works to your advantage. You’re due for a break and I hope you get one ASAP.

Stay positive even when you don’t feel like it

Rootin’ for you!

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Sue’s TT – July 16, 2013 #1180374

See? you start talking about “weird” and next thing ya know here I am…

What a great read- it was the next best thing to being there. The feel-good hit of the summer I dare say!

But seriously Sue- I’m SO glad that things have gone well for you thus far. At no point, though, did I read that you told your (former) thyroid “I win!”. Maybe you’re not feeling confident enough but I think it’s safe to go ahead and say it by now don’t ya think?

Hope you’re feeling better than you have in a long time- talk to you soon

Health and a non-itchy incision to you,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Graves Disease!!! WhAt …I am Scared!!!! help #1180300

Hey there Babygirl46! Nice to meet you in spite of the location and circumstances!

When I read your first post all I could think was “Wow- this gal has perfectly put into words the fear, confusion, apprehension, frustration, and all the other things we feel while going throuh this stuff”. Well-said indeed.

I hope that now you’ve have a chance to poke around this site and read some posts and articles and whatnot that you feel a little better. I know it sure is a lot of absorb and wrap your head around but give yourself some time- things will come together for you.

In fact now is a good time to really slow down, take extra-good care of yourself, and cut yourself some slack. You know- give yourelf a break. This Graves business is tiresome and relentless so we all have to be careful not to push ourselves too hard. Easy does it for sure.

Just wanted to pop in and say hello and let you know that you’re in good hands around here- lots of GREAT folks with good advice, solid information, and good from-the-heart support. I’m glad you found us and I hope to see you around many more times in the future.

Peace and health to you and yours,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: One of “those” days. #1180409

I’ll drink to that!

I’d be right under the table ith ya’ll as I don’t drink any more either. “I don’t drink any more (but don’t drink any less)” is how the sayng goes…..

But in all seriousness: I don’t drink but the other day, I don’t know if it was a moment of feeling sorry for myself and I think there was some generalised anger in there too, but I really thought that I wanted to have a drink. There’s a bottle of 100 proof vodka in the cupboard that has been there for years – it was bought and used to make an herbal tincture and once the ounce or two was used there it has sat. I never even liked vodka in my drinking days but if I’d have kept thinking about it it would have started to sound good! Of course I’d be feeling awful had I actually drank some but boy the temptation was there as long as I was willing to entertain the thought.

Crazy thinking huh? “I feel awful – I’ll drink this booze (that will make me feel awful) and that’ll really show ’em!”. I have no idea who “them” even is! In any case I just wanted to share this example of how mixed up my thinking can get when I get too caught up in self-pity or “self” of any kind in excess. I think it a happen to anyone huh?

That whole ordeal with the snooty doctor regarding your lashes, Shirley, would have really gotten under my skin. In fact just reading about your exprience made me angry towards the doctor- why in the heck would you go in to be seen if you didn’t absolutely need to?

Earth To Doctors: We’re Graves patients- We’re sick of doctors, of blood tests, and of pills pills pills, and we are absolutely sick and tired of waiting rooms and especially your crappy outdated magazines. We’re not here for Viagra or to eliminate that pesky zit that is oh-so-troubling. We’re here because we have no other choice. Should you find us in your office do us both a favor – listen to us closely as we know our bodies better than you do, treat us according to our needs and wishes not your tables and charts and “as per your calculations”, and remember who you work for: Us. The sooner you do your job (treating us) the sooner we will ambulate the hell right out of your office and you can get back to the important work of writing Viagra scipts and telling new mothers that babies are supposed to cry.

/rant mode=off

Sure, ladies, I’ll be your honorary son, brother, husband, drinking partner, or golf pro. I’ve never actually golfed but I’ve alwys thought that “Golf pro” would be a great cover story for “laxy bum”. you know- looks better on a resume’… I promise to not make you regret adopting me for oh, say, at least the first week.

Since I had the RAI the other day I’d had to go to the airport twice. I didn’t go in- just rode along as we dropped off and picked up a friend. Believe it or not he triggered a radiation detector when he was in line for security! He shook my hand as he hopped out of the truck and they ended up swabbing the same hand to test for nuclear stuff and/or explosives. Holy cow it had been two weeks to the day by that point- can’t you imagine the bells and whistles that would have gone off had I walked inside? Wow! It is SO tempting!
I’m thinking that to raise hell at the airport with ya would be a blast but I’m not doing it alone- I need a partner in crime! Ill pick both of you gals up at 11:00. you bring the TP and the eggs and I’ve got the vodka covered. The Radioactive Vandals® shall strike swiftly and without warning! Then we’ll need a bathroom break and naps…

We’ll show them, huh?

Hang tough, ya’ll, and I will too. It’s gonna be a hot one so don’t leave grandma in the car.

Happy happy healthy healthy,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: One of “those” days. #1180405

Buck up! Quit whin……… nah baloney!!! With a couple days like you just described I think it’s fair to say you’ve earned a “mad at the world” day don’t you?

I just had RAI three weeks ago tomorrow and to be honest I’m feeling pretty lousy myself. I’m still feeling very positive and hopeful, though, and I hope you are too in between bouts of self-pity. That is how it’s been for me too: up, down, blah, lather, rinse, repeat…

If all goes well the next big event for both of us will be a bit of a non-event. I’m pretty sure no bells or sirens go off once these darn thyroids stop doing what they do. Kind of anti-climactic when ya think about it huh?

Hang in there Barbra! I think it is perfectly normal to have (more than) one of those days now and then. I mean hey- our bodies have been going through heck and of course that affects the mind and the spirit too. It’s okay, you’re okay, and I’d feel safe in saying that if you DIDN’T have a day like this something woud be wrong with ya. Although we’re all unique we’re all also very much the same – it’s hard for all of us but it can and it will get better.

It WILL get better right? RIGHT? Tell me it’s gonna get better!!!!!!!!

*whew!* okay breathe Boomer breathe…. Gee- I guess I just had one of those days too

Hang tough, champ, and dont forget that your thyroid might be winning this little battle but YOU are gonna win the war.

Health and happiness to you!

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Best wishes Sue #1180323

Aw crap I missed your send-off. Shame on me. I said hello in your other thread…

See you there!

Happy happy healthy healthy,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Best wishes Sue #1180322

Aw crap I missed your send-off. Shame on me. I said hello in your other thread…

See you there!

Happy happy healthy healthy,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Sue’s TT – July 16, 2013 #1180330

Aw darn it I missed your send-off by one day. Drat…

I hope things have gone well for you and that you’re recovering nicely already. You’re a tough cookie but you have my expresss permission to as big a baby as you want to be. You’ve got a full license to whine, to cry, to stomp your feet, and to throw Jello. In fact you are hereby ordered to throw Jello. More people should- it’s great for lifting the spirits and cleanup is delicious.

I’m sure that you’re in no mood for my nonsense so i’m gonna tiptoe out of here, turn off the nightlight, and close the door all the way unlike the nurses who never seem to close the darn thing all the way. Drop us a line when you feel up to it and let us know how things are going.

In the meantime rest, heal, think positive, and remember that when it comes to you and your thyroid: YOU WON!

Love and health to you and yours,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Thyroxine surges? #1180108

Still getting hit with those whammys out of the blue huh? I’d be frustrated/scared/you name it too by now.

I’m really hoping that in just couple more weeks all of these things that have been troubling you for so long will cease and desist. You’ve paid enough dues for ten people and it’s high time you caught a break.

Hang in there Sue – it won’t be long and you’re gonna be so stable and consistant that you’re gonna get bored. I hope so anyhow!

Keep us posted and in the mean time stay positive, hopeful, and brave as always.

Peace,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Diagnosed @ 49 y/o #1179178

@ Karen

I have labs scheduled for exactly 30 days after Nuke Day. I was told that it will take between two weeks and two months for my thyroid to slow down and that it will go hyper on it’s way out. I can feel it working in that it has a fever in it, is slightly swollen more than usual, and my throat is sore. This is all normal and means the RAI is where it needs to be and doing what it is supposed to do.

@ Sue

I’m gonna pretend that you didn’t stick your tongue out at me and that instead you were simply leaning in to kiss a turtle…

Beats kissing frogs right?

Speaking of frogs: Last night I let my dog in and it looked like he had a leaf on his back. Seems plausible as he walked under a tree to come in. I reached down to grab it as he walked by and it was slimy and it jumped!

Turns out it was the coolest little tree frog hitching a ride on a St. Bernard’s back. I should have taken a pic but after screaming like a little girl when I grabbed it I was too shaken to focus the camera.

Snakes on a plane?

Nope. T’was frog on a dog!

Good night all. Stay awesome,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Diagnosed @ 49 y/o #1179177

Bwaaaaa! See? I knew ya’ll had it in ya! Good stuff! Thanks for the laughs – keep ’em coming…

@Stymie

I spaced-out and didn’t address your concerns regarding Ambien aka Zolpidem and I thought I should. It’s some scary stuff- you are absolutely right about it being so easy to get strung out on. It is very similar to benzos in that regard- gotta be VERY careful indeed. I know a pharmacist who says “There are two kinds of people: Those who take Ambien every night and those who don’t take it at all”. I found that to be very telling indeed.

I stopped using drugs 23 years ago and I’m afraid to even take a Vicoden any more. Ambien scared me, too, but gave it a try. He only wrote me for ten days worth and said it was a one-time thing. Fair enough. I told myself that I would not take it unless I had at least two days in between uses, that I would never increase my dose, and that I would only take it if I absolutely had to.

Turns out I didn’t care for it and it wasn’t very effective. I slept for four hours instead of three and I felt like I was drunk as I laid there trying to sleep. Not worth it. I tried it again a few nights later and felt the same: Yuck. Between the addictiveness (is that a word?), the side-effects, and the fact that it didn’t really help me sleep any longer or better I just don’t see the point in taking chances with it.

I really appreciate the heads-up on that stuff. I’ve seen commercials and heard people talk about it like it’s the best thing since sliced bread and maybe it helps some folks but it’s not for me. Google “ambien horror stories” if anyone wants to be not only shocked but also have a laugh- some people get a little crazy on that stuff. Seems some people sleepwalk on it and end up driving, having sex, and waking up covered in peanut butter. I WISH it would have been that much fun for me!

I type WAY too much….

Thanks for all the support and concern. You guys are amazing!

Love and health (and peanut butter!) to all,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Confusion #1180119

I agree with Kimberly. When in doubt press the professionals for more information.

I empathise with you very much. Frustration and “hurry up and wait” seem to go hand in hand with this darn disease.

I think your best bet is to press your doctor for more information, address your concerns, and keep pressing until you feel confident in the replies you receive.

I’m not qualified in offering any advice regarding dose, etc. but what your doctor is suggesting does not sound entirely unreasonable to me. I could be wrong but I almost feel like we might be better off on the hypo side of things rather than on the hyper side while trying to get things dialed-in correctly.

Maybe it would be a good idea to seek another endo rather than using your family doctor at this point? They can’t be great at everything- maybe a specialist is indeed the right way to go?

Well THAT was as clear a mud huh?

Welcome to the board and i hope you’ll stick around, hang tough, and keep up posted as to how thing progress.

Health to you and yours,

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Diagnosed @ 49 y/o #1179172

Lots of great input from you guys! And then there’s Sue: Yes my urine is glowing a nice shade of day-glo green. You already knew that but you HAD to ask didn’t ya?

Good advice regarding finding a back-up endo just in case he drops the ball. Really, though, as long as he acts like he cares that’s all I would expect/hope for from him in regards to his (lousy) staff.

In regards to the wrong ‘script: It was for Methimazole but was supposed to be Propranolol. I made it a point to tell her not only the med but the dose, frequency, quantity, and that generic was acceptable Had she actually read my chart she would have seen that I had received a script for 180 Methimazole tablets 5 days prior to my calling in the Propranolol. A little common sense goes a long ways.

I’m not too shook up – more like a feeling of disappointment. Call me crazy but I hold medical professionals to a high standard. I might have gotten spoiled as the staff at the hospital (Allegience Health in Jackson, MI) is so professional it’s mind-boggling. Everyone from food service all the way up to the doctors and nurses have been nothing but polite , courteous, and most of all accurate, informative, and knowledgeable. Absolute professionals in every way. To be perfectly honest they set the bar pretty high. Still, though, on that same token, I don’t feel that I’m unreasonable in expecting accurate meds, timely-call-ins regarding orders, and of course no swears from the staff at my endo’s office either!

The vomiting last night was short-lived and was well after the capsule was digested so I wasn’t too concerned. It was also listed as a possible common side-effect. Had it continued or should it happen again I will definitely call in but for now I’m feeling okay and ate good today. My thyroid is absolutely raging today- it’s mad at me for nuking it I guess. Another side-effect which indicates that the radiation is already attacking it and that’s okay by me! Die, thyroid, DIE!

Enough of my whining – help me out with my top-ten list please! You know – the important stuff:

Top Ten Reasons Why RAI Is Great:

1. Day-glo urine (in green no less)!

2. No need for a flashlight at night.

3. Moonlighting for extra money as a traffic light.

4. Freaking out the TSA screeners at the airport and playing “find the nuke” with them.

5. ?

Etc.?

That’s all I’ve got. A “top Four” list just doesn’t have the right ring to it. Can I get a little help?

Love you guys- thanks for your support!

Boomer

[Boomer]

in reply to: Diagnosed @ 49 y/o #1179167

Howdy all!

I thought I should update this thread as some things have happened.

Three days ago, on Monday, I went in to the hospital and did my RAI uptake test. Altough my numbers weren’t expected to be low enough until August it seems that the high-dose MMI did the trick and finally calmed my angry thyroid a bit. A week ago last Sunday I was ordered off the MMI and scheduled for the uptake test and RAI treatment.

The uptake test was fast and simple: Had a short discussion with the tech to explain how things worked, the tech opened up a cool 20lb lead bottle, and handed me one capsule of low-dose RAI from within. I took it on an empty stomach (no food for two hours before and after) and was on my way home in five minutes.

Tuesday was the actual uptake test. I was first sat in front of a gamma imaging device and two pictures were taken – one close and one about 10 inches away. I was then injected in a vein with a radioactive contrast dye and was sent to wait for 15 minutes as it circulated through my system. After 15 minutes I was led to what looked like an x-ray room, laid down on the table, and four pictures were taken. One close, one far, one left, and one right. Nothing to it.

15 minutes later my uptake was calculated to be 66%. Apparantly very high as the normal range was explained to be between 3-30%. ( I could very well have botched the numbers/facts here- forgive me if I have) The good part of having a high rate of uptake is that a lower dose of RAI will be used.

Yesterday, day three, was another quick visit. I sat with the tech as we went over the safety precautions, possible side-effects, etc. Another cool 20lb lead bottle (no bigger than a can of soda. Lead is heavy!) was retrieved, and again one little capsule was removed. My dose of RAI was 32 mCi (millicuries. I *think* I got the suffix correct). I swallowed the capsule and went home.

I felt fine all day yesterday but last evening, out of the blue and with no nausea whatsoever, I threw up a couple times. It was odd in that I did not feel bad beforehand. It just hit me and I had to vomit NOW. After only a few minutes I was fine and eating a bowl of ice cream (as my throat was a ittle sore and I needed an excuse).

I’m feeling fine today. Slight tenderness of my thyroid but that’s nothing new. I’m glad to have taken this next step and am very much looking forward to the day when this lousy thing in my neck slows down and I can get my body back in balance. All in all the RAI treatment was painless, easy, and not as bad as I thought it might be. In four weeks I have to have bloodwork again to check my numbers and (hopefully) will by them be ready to start on Synthroid. It might, however, take longer until I’m ready. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I mentioned elsewhere that I was prety happy with my Endo and I still am. His office gals, though, are a different story. He and I will be having a talk as his office is the most unprofessional error-filled mess I’ve ever seen! I don’t know if he is oblivious to the shenanigans or maybe he doesn’t care. As meticuloous and well-wpoken as he is I will be shocked if he doesn’t care.

What is so bad about his office gals? I’ll tell you and let you decide for yourself:

The wrong prescription was called in. I specified the exact script including dosage and quantity but when I picked it up it was wrong. Wrong med altogether. I had forgotten my phone that day so I drove to his office where I found the office manager. I informed her of the error and she dropped an F-Bomb under her breath as she turned away. I called her out on it right then and there but she didn’t seem to apologetic. Absolutely unprofessional. I’m not easily offended but who wants to hear that kind of talk from a so-called professional?

My order for bloodwork was NOT at the lab as promised. I’d asked for a copy but was assured that the order would be there. It wasn’t. Since the office was closed I had to leave and come back the next day. A 40 mile round trip each time. Not cool.

The order for my uptake test had my last name horribly mis-spelled. So mispelled that I almost had to reschedule the test. The tech had called the endo’s office all afternoon the day prior but never got a call-back in spite of leaving numerous messages. He finally got through two hours after my sheduled time on the day of the test. I was surprised that he said “Wow- there are some real winners in that office” so apparently I’m not alone in my (very) bad impression of them.

I WILL be bringing these issues up with the doctor on my next visit. His reponse will determine whether he gets fired and I go endo shopping or not. I’ll keep ya’ll posted. I’ve been nothing but happy with the doctor himself but I’m seeing a trend with his staff that shakes my confiidence. It will be interesting to how things play out if nothing else.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well that was one loooooong post. I’ll update as things progress over the next few weeks. Until then ya’ll stay positive and keep looking forward and I will too!

Love to all,

Boomer

[Author]

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