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in reply to: Lessons from Graves’ Disease #1066657

Julie and Ladybug – I love what you have posted! I was thinking of the Haiti victims pulled out so many days later and thinking – wow, two weeks in rubble without my thyroid replacement would not be so good. I am lucky to live in the US, where healthcare may not be perfect, but it does have strengths. So right that we can heal and get better. One of my nursing students from Nepal was talking about his experience with a serious illness there and how many people in his village die from things we don’t even consider that serious due to their lack of access to healthcare. His village members carried him 20 miles to the nearest hospital – but they had no Xray equipement there so he was finally flown out 3 days later (after a storm) to a larger hospital – he had to give his own IV pain medication on the flight with a syringe (and find a vein). He finally got treatment and got well – most there do not.

Thanks for keeping me focused on my well-side of life. I remember just a year ago feeling like a human Apollo 13 and wondering what system was left unscathed. Now, I just have to make my health more of a priority in order to be healthy. Your stories rock – thank you!!! For those in the "thick of it" I hope this offers a little inspiration to keep going. Yes, it changes us forever but that is not all bad if we look for the gift in it. ” title=”Razz” />

[cathycnm]

in reply to: nancy patterson #1069412

I think that is correct, too.

[cathycnm]

in reply to: Im new to the Graves Disease Foundation #1068799

Andi – Welcome! As a nurse practitioner, I am a huge fan of NPs for most things. However, I am wondering if you are seeing an endo, also. Or is your nurse using an endo as a consultant?

As far as panic attacks, there are several meds that can help control these until we are stable. I am weaning off antidepressants that I went on 2 years ago when all this started. I am down to 1/4 dose but a little afraid I will go loco again if I go off totally (though my docs think the dose I am on is nothing but placebo ” title=”Smile” /> It has helped my quality of life at a time when I really needed it – I still had some of my worst depression moments the last two years. I wonder how it would have been without meds.

If your NP is not in practice with an endo – it may be wise to ask for a consult or outside opinion.

[cathycnm]

in reply to: Very frustrated today! #1068811

Kit – Have you tried imodium? It is safe, over the counter – use as directed, of course – and let your doc know.

I have had more issues with travelers diarrhea or IBS in the last year than before. Two bouts that lasted several weeks. Both times of stress – one after bad water. Yes, it does not add to our feeling of well being at all. I used imodium.

As a teacher – I know the stress is on all of us right now. Let us know how it goes.

[cathycnm]

in reply to: How long did it take? #1068818

Hyper M – Did you say you are on maternity leave? Confused.

[cathycnm]

in reply to: nancy patterson #1069410

Hi all – I am reflecting back on my nurse practitioner pharm class – and we were taught start low and go slow, as well. This is especially true with kids and "older" people. (I think by their defination I am older – YICKS). They also take weight into account. So many mcg/kg of weight. I figured my dose out with their weight formula and it seemed too high. Sure enough, I was slightly high. The dose change that I am on now also agrees with the formula I was taught in pharm and I feel pretty good. So, I guess I am saying that body weight is another factor as well as age.

[cathycnm]

in reply to: Checking in #1068843

Good advice. And I laugh because I am not and never have been a morning person. I have learned that this is probably somewhat genetic, so I quite trying to change it. I only do nursing clinicals 2 days a week for 6 weeks in the fall and 4 days a week for 2 weeks in the summer. If I am right, that is less than a month of the year. It is interesting that I am profoundly happier if I let my body’s natural rhythems rule and I have a job that allows flexibility most of the time. I am less happy waking early even when I do it routinely for several weeks and get 8 hours of sleep. Even camping, I sleep until 8 or 9 AM. Evenings are my "go" time! I got the alarm because I read a book about depression a couple years ago called "healing without Frued or Prosac." It claimed that gradual awakening also decreases depression – it is not natural to wake to alarms. It is worth a try – I am curious. I’ll let you guys know!

[cathycnm]

in reply to: Checking in #1068841

Post grad school, a full-time job in healthcare leadership, a house, budget cuts, etc. No stress here. I am almost ready to go see a derm – but I am soooo ready to be down to some normal # of doctor visits/year. My bone scan is due and I am just plain dragging my feet as I prefer outdoor camping to waiting room camping ” title=”Wink” />

Another discussion item – I find it harder to wake-up in the morning since Graves treatment. Makes some sense that our thyroid kicks in more naturally in the morning without us having to take the replacement, though it could be one of the other meds I am still on (minute dose). Anyway – I got one of those progressive alarms that slowly lights up, gives a pleasant noise (like ocean or stream) and emits aroma therapy for 30 minutes before the alarm sounds. I am wondering if that will help. Right now, I set 2 alarms – one across the room – and I still can go back to sleep too easily. Clinicals start in a week or so and I need to be at the hospital 30 minutes away by 6:45. Testing it this weekend to see.

Anyone else with the slow wake-ups??? Tried the progressive alarm????

[cathycnm]

in reply to: More Hyper 3 months post RAI #1069019

Runlacie – My endo told me that sore throat was common and is from an inflammation as the thyroid dies. It seems like it could be that it hurts when some of the cells burst and that such a thing could bring on a surg (and symptoms).

[cathycnm]

in reply to: Help ! Work Issues from Eye Issues #1069287

I have real issues with dry eye in February and March. I though I needed to swim in eye drops to keep up with my postmasters reading assignments. Honestly, it really had an impact on my whole attitude for life. My opthamologist placed the plugs – really quick and painless. I could feel a difference instantly. Occasionally, I get too many tears and I get one down my cheek. I smile every time going – yea, I have tears again. I would recomend that you explore it. My insurance covered the cost because I have Graves. Worth checking into. ” title=”Very Happy” />

[cathycnm]

in reply to: graves and drug abuse #1069033

Chesney – From here, you can get stronger than ever. Welcome.

[cathycnm]

in reply to: depression anyone? #1069136

jlw and all – endo stuff and emotions go hand-in-hand. I am still on a quarter dose of Remeron at night because I am paranoid about the insommnia recurring if I quite totally. I have never been on antidepressants more than a few weeks (I hate them and get aweful side effects with most of them). But the Remeron helps sleep and I don’t get the side effects. The down side is weight gain which masked the Graves at first. I am not sure if I got depression or Graves first – about the same time, I think.

As a life coach, I can recomment a couple of books. What Happy People Know, Happier, The How of Happiness and Authentic Happiness are my favorites – really, there are ways to create more happiness. They are simple things that we work into our routines. No, they do not totally override a wacked out thyroid before we are stabilized but I prefer them to meds long-term. I can give you authors if you need them, too. Good luck. I hate depression!

[cathycnm]

in reply to: Facebook #1069079

Yes – Let me know if you want me to add you as a friend, too. C

[cathycnm]

in reply to: Hi, everyone! I’m the new facilitator. #1069060

Welcome Ellen – Looking forward to working with you! ” title=”Wink” />

[cathycnm]

in reply to: Synthroid or Anxiety ???? #1069085

Hopeful – I have never heard of that side effect before. Did you ask the pharmacist or your doctor?

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