[Cowgirlup]

in reply to: GD but instead of wt loss – have wt gain #1072900

I recently came out of remission and have not started back on my ATD’s yet.

Like you, I have a rash and and have gained weight. My Endo said that sometimes people will gain weight in the beginning of Graves with Hypo symptoms, however, they are actually Hyper! I do have other medical conditions that may be contributing to my weight gain. I had to take steriods (Decadron) during chemotheray treatments for cancer. However, I have not have chemo or Decadron since Nov. and I have still gained some weight since then. The last few days have given me hope as to losing some of this weight…. maybe my symptoms are starting to reverse… I finally lost 5 pounds in 3 days! I want to say YEAH, but I know it’s all for the wrong reason!

As far as the rash… my doc does NOT seem to think that it’s related to Graves, however, I had the rash when I was orginially diagnosed with Graves several years ago. I am convinced that it MUST be related!!!! Is it a coincidence that each time my Graves flares up that I get a rash??? And my rash is NOT on my shins, it’s on my stomach and back.

Now for my ATD’s…. Well I must admit that I’m kind of enjoying all of this energy that we get from Graves! I’m getting lots of things done that I couldn’t do from being so sick from the Chemo. LOL don’t worry, I have an appt with my Endo and do realize that it is a MUST that I start taking my ATD’s again.

[Cowgirlup]

in reply to: Advice Please #1072990

OMG Emily …… You need to get medical treatment!!!! ASAP!!!!! A storm can be fatal. I don’t want to scare you but…… you need to get help NOW! Even if you go to the ER, a storm requires hospitalization.

Back in the early 1900’s, many doctors didn’t even know what Graves was. There was no treatment (ATD’s, Surgery, RAI etc…) for Graves, sooooooo ……. when people were unfortunate enough to get Graves they were left to die! It wasn’t until mid 1900 that the head of Cleveland Clinic developed the surgery and started saving lives. I know this because I flew to Cleveland Clinic to see Dr. Cabral (Endo/Thyroid Disease Specialist) regarding my Graves and he told me the story about how Graves treatment developed! I was in shock when I left there!

Emily, I don’t have insurance either because I provided my family insurance with my job, that I had to quit because of my Graves! I maintained COBRA for 18 months at over $1300.00 per month. Then, 2 months after my insurance ended I was diagnosed with Cancer. Fortunately, I have found some wonderful doctors and I have spent the last year going through chemotherapy and radiation WITHOUT INSURANCE!!!! One round of chemo is $20,000.00, One Petscan is $10,000.00. I have racked up over $350,000.00 in medical bills. HOWEVER, THERE ARE STILL SOME WONDERFUL DOCTORS….WHERE IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT MONEY!!!! Most of my doctors have written off my debts. WOW!!!! I THANK GOD EVERYDAY!!!!! Even my Oncologist has not charged me one dime and he’s the best around here!!!!

As far as my Graves, my Endo charges me $60.00 and lets me make payments and my labs are done at the hospital, which the hospital writes off 100% of my bills.

Where do you live???? Someone on GDF might have an Endo that they can talk to…to get you in there….and get you treatment asap! I know for sure, if you live near me (Chattanooga) I could get you in to see my Endo immediately!!!

Please let me know, I am willing to help you all that I can!

Chrisi

[Cowgirlup]

in reply to: RAI VS Surgery #1073036

My Endo told me that the TED (eye disease) and get worse with RAI. She doesn’t want me to have RAI for that reason.

[Cowgirlup]

in reply to: Graves vs hyperthyroid – looking for answers #1073021

Hi Kaicee …. Graves disease (immune system deficiency) is the cause and Hyperthyroid is a symptom of the Graves.

As far as the raging goes, in previous years when Graves was less known of, Graves Disease was mis-diagnosed for Bipolar! They have very similar symptoms, especially the highs/lows and the raging. My family accused me of geing bipolar for years. I finally went to a psychiatrist and to my amazement he told me that I absolutely was NOT bipolar! It was not long after that that I was diagnosed with Graves! Did your Doc put you on an antidepessant? If not, you may want to discuss it with you doctor. It really helps.

I hope this helps!

Chrisi

[Cowgirlup]

in reply to: Battling Graves Disease and Cancer #1073074

Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate it! I’m so glad I found this site. It’s wonderful to not feel so alone. No one (family/friends) really understands what I go through!

[Cowgirlup]

in reply to: Can Stopping Steroids suddenly cause a thyroid storm? #1073128

Have you tried Butal for the headaches? I get severe migranes and that’s the ONLY thing that works for me. You might discuss it with your doc if you haven’t tried it yet. It’s a non-narcotic.

Good Luck!!!

[Cowgirlup]

in reply to: Battling Graves Disease and Cancer #1073071

Yes, after insisting on the tests because I was convinced that I went Hypothyroid. Especially after Radiation to my neck & chest area for Hodgkins Lymphoma. Chances are very high that the Radiation would kill my thyroid. My Oncologist finally ordered the tests. He called me immediately upon receiving the results and said my Graves Disease is back and that he sent the reports to my Endo. He said that I need to get my back on my ATD’s. I can’t believe this, nor can I go through this again!!!! It doesn’t make sense to me. Thanks so much for your input!

[Author]

Posts