[DianaorEd]

in reply to: Living through Graves disease #1067079

I was also told by many medical folks that Graves’ Disease/hyperthyroidism is almsot an epidemic in the last 2 yrs????? Also, my dogs Vet said the number of cats he has treated has jumped by 50%

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I am now trying to piece together what is causing this mass outbreak of this disease

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comparing locations of residents, water systems and environmental causes? Can anyone help with this? Most all sites do say it can be hereditary and that precluding the diagnosis, most have had recurrent/long lasting sinus infections

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I had 3 that lasted 6-8 weeks each in the prior year to diagnosis. Is very puzzling as to why folks are being diagnosed

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the oldest person that I have heard of is a 92 yr. old lady who lives nearby me; her first symptom: woke up one morning and had no idea who/where she was and had forgotten everyone from her past. She was immediately treated with Atenolol and her heart rate decreased from 165

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she is now doing better, but no other meds were added, as she refused medical treatment; had never seen a Dr. in her 92 yrs. and was NOT starting now! Her memory started returning in 7 days ” title=”Smile” />

[DianaorEd]

in reply to: Living through Graves disease #1067077

I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease 3/09

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heart rate of 185 and a 50 lb. weight loss! Was put on Methimozole and Atenelol and for 6 mos. I finaly got over my "Mad/Crazy Woman" symptoms! It is a roller coaster up/down and yes, very irritating for my family

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cared less if I talked to my kiddies who live in TX and OR and pretty much ignored my husband. The trembling and rapid heart rate was horrid

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the atenolol did reduce my heart rate in 7 days; I would get in my car and thinking I was driving 55 mph and was at 90 mph!!!!! By Aug. was pretty much stable, however the labs showed the Methimozole was damaging my liver

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so OFF the methimozole and everything returned!!!!! Another HUGE roller coaster ride and then RAI treatment mid-Oct. Did isolate myself in my bedroom for 4 days, as recommended. Was still shaky/trembling, so started a low dose of Methimozole and Atenelol for 10 days until the thyroid gland died

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I am highly allergic to iodine, so pre-treated with large doses of Prednisone 12 hrs. before the RAI—-within 7 days, my BP went out of control, so now have steroid induced high BP. I am presently on HUGE doses of 3 different BP meds and FINALLY the BP is stabilizing. Started Synthyroid last week and can already tell that I am feeling better

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my body thermostat is returning to normal

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I simply froze for 3 wks. and could NEVER get warm! I will continue with labs every 2 mos. and a visit to my Endo after the labs to see if the Synthroid dose is controlling my now hypothyroidism! A disease involving the endocrine system is very tricky to control and getting the correct dosage of Synthroid is the key. I so nor regret the RAI, but thankful the Radiologist warned me that I may need a low dose of Methimozole for a few weeks, until the thyroid gland died. I am 63 so far tooooooooo old for this disease ” title=”Smile” /> however, I did conquer it and consider myself cured—-now simply dealing with the steroid induced high BP and regulating the Synthroid. BEST thing I did

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purchase a BP cuff with heart rate and can up/lower my BP meds as needed. Without the home monitoring the BP readings, don’t really know how I could have coped! Good luck with this tricky disease and be patient with your husband

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you may want to sit in on one of his Endo appts. and READ/READ/READ about this disease. Also, I had a very low Vit. D lab (probably the meds caused this) and take 50,000 units of Vit. D once weekly.

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