[debbie12]

in reply to: New to Graves – struggling with decision – drugs or RAI #1171083

I wanted to clarify what I posted about my Graves disease. Under no circumstances did I say that there is a natural “CURE” for Graves disease. There is NOT. What I wanted to point out is that in my experience there are sometimes other options than RAI. Which by the way RAI is NOT a cure for Graves disease either. MANY people who have RAI treatment end up with a Hypoactive thyroid disorder and have to take thyroid supplements with Proven ADVERSE side effects. If you RE READ my post my statement is that I have been able to “MANAGE my symptoms, which include taking a medication Propanalol in order to AVOID a dangerous situation. I have read many forums where people have lived with thyroid disorders for years and have not only avoided RAI and Surgery but have NORMAL thyroid blood tests and improved their health by changing their diet and adding a few supplements. I do not think this group of people should be disregarded. So let me add to my statement that it is a BIG decision no matter what the patients choice is. Some people may want RAI or surgery. They should be aware of all the pros and cons. But I believe that MANY people do not even know that thyroid disorders MAY get severe, and that they can swing like a pendulum from hypo to hyper. And that there is no real clear answer what even CAUSES thyroid disorders. And THAT is why I think this forum is so beneficial and wonderful. They get to hear from people who have EXPERIENCED thyroid symptoms because if you don’t have a thyroid disorder you will never understand how the person feels. Thank you for having this forum. It is extremely vluable to so many people including myself. Also I want to add that the SEVERITY of my symptoms has changed dramatically. It was almost like a deep dark depression when it came on. I was exhausted no matter how many hours I slept. I woke up tired with puffy eyes. I lost interest in everything. Forced myself to get through work, home to bed. Same cycle for MONTHS. Then – the FOG lifted a little at a time. I became clearer and less and less tired. Today I feel “almost normal”. I have slight goiter that I put castor oil soaks on when it feels larger and it goes down. I have no problem working. After work I take a short nap and I am back to a lite workout at the gym. On my days off I walk the dog for 2 hours (Initially I would get to the end of the driveway and turn back around). I was SURE my life would never be the same. Now I almost forget HOW BAD I felt. Of course for awhile as I felt better and better I was worried the horribleness would return. I feel the worst is over. Hope to continue to improve more OR even better have it go into remission. It did that before for 25 years after I stopped synthroid (which I took for 10 yrs for Hashimotos hypo) No rhyme or reason. I kept getting my bloodwork back NORMAL .For now I just hope everyone out there starts to feel better, regardless of the option they choose.

[debbie12]

in reply to: New to Graves – struggling with decision – drugs or RAI #1171077

I have decided to take some natural supplements along with selenium, carnitine,high amts Vit C, and Vit D. Changed my diet avoiding bread, sugar, high carbs, and added several oils to my protein shakes. Options for hyperthyroid as far as I am concerned create “other problems”. I started to take the methmizole and after 3 weeks my ALT went from 23 to 50. I can only imagine what it would be in 2 years. 2ND option- Swallow radioactive Iodine. Well the Iodine doesn’t only go to the thyroid. You “swallow” it therefore it goes to your stomach and bowel. I happen to work in healthcare and have seen pt’s who do the RAI later get thyroid or breast cancer.3RD option may for some people with extremely horrible symptoms seem to be the best option for them SURGERY. I just wonder if they haven’t given it enough time trying to MANAGE the symptoms which I have chosen to do. I am not saying that it’s easy. So far I have lost 14 lbs and had to take Propanalol to keep my heartrate in the 80’s instead of 120-130.Strange enough 34 yrs ago I was diagnosed with Hashimotos (hypothyroid). Took synthroid for 10 yrs then cut my dose in half and checked labs until I was off the synthroid with normal T3 T4 TSH levels. Just this year after no thyroid meds for 24yrs I felt EXHAUSTED and had Brainfog, muscle weakness JUST like 34 yrs ago so I swore it was the Hashimoto. Much to my surprize it was HYPER . I really believe it is a hormonal fluctuation that can cause this.First it was right after I gave birth to my daughter and NOW I am 54 (MENOPAUSE?). I also believe that if you get your hormones regulated (I started Bio Identical hormone cream) and change your diet and Get the right Supplements you will be able to TOLERATE and LESSEN your symptoms to SEE if this is something that will work itself out with attention and patience. It MAY take a year or 2 but thats how long the Methmizole takes if and when it does work. I’ve heard people get the RAI after all that. I am just sayin that it cant hurt to try. I am afraid that alot of times people are SCARED INTO making a quick decision. THATS the reason I joined this group. You guys have given me the confidence by hearing what works and doesnt work. The only thing I am not sure of is the Iodine. My instincts tell me with autoimmune thyroids it could make it worse BECAUSE thyroid cells are made of Iodine and the antibodies attacking my thyroid logically would get worse if I added MORE iodine. I’d like to hear from someone with hashis or Graves got better with Iodine.

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