[ctebbetts]

in reply to: Headaches?? #1063240

I have suffered from migraines for most of my adult life. I saw a migraine specialist when I reached the point of 2-3 migraines a week. It was this hugely observant specialist who diagnosed my TEd within seconds of walking into the exam room, ordered hormone tests and got me to a thyroid specialist.

He prescribed Propranolol, a beta-blocker, for the headaches. Within a week I received amazing releif and had only two migraines in 8 months. I have read that Propranolol is often used with other anti-thyroid drugs to control symptoms, and I did see a marked reduction in the fidgety, nervous feeling I had assumed was just my normal self as I had felt it for so long!

One drawback – I gained 10+ pounds – perhaps a change in metabolism due to the beta-blocker?

The migraine specialist did ask that I taper off the Propranolol a the one year point – I have been off it for one month adn have had three migraines… proof that it helped or psychosymatic?

~Carolann

[ctebbetts]

in reply to: EYELID SURGERY, ANYONE???? #1063196

I successfully had eyelid and fat removal surgery done last spring to counteract issues with TED. As a high school teacher, the comments regarding my "stare" and red eyes were getting to the point that I didn’t want to go to work.

The surgery was out-patient, completely pain-free but required almost two weeks out of work – I looked like Rocky after his first fight with Apollo Creed! Insurance covered most of the cost as the corneal invovlement was significant (constant pink eye, surface damage, dryness….) and I have a history of uveitis.

The surgery was performed 18 months after the documented onset of TED symtoms. Orbital decompression was not considered necessary at that point as there was not significant muscle inflamation showing on the MRI just fat pockets…

I was extremely pleased with the cosmetic results – and I have had virtually no issues with conjuctivitis and no comments from students!

My only issue is that one eye still exhibits some lid lag. The left eye (originally the worse of the two) is perfect, while the right eye still lags behind when blinking. Also, this surgery doesn’t address the muscle issues – like the discomfort I feel when looking up or side to side – this is only an issue when looking to the upper and lateral extremes. I was told that orbital decompression might be required if the proptosis became more extreme or the muscles became invovled more…

Hope this helps. ~Carolann

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