[ElisaK]

in reply to: New to Graves – struggling with decision – drugs or RAI #1171103

Hi everyone! Glad to read through some of these posts! I am a 30 yr old female also having some distress with trying to make an informed decision about the best treatment method for my condition. I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease a couple of months ago after a visit to the ER with a bpm of around 140 and shaking like a leaf, teeth chattering. I was initially told by the physicians assistant who discovered I was hyperthyroid not to worry because it would be a “quick fix”. Today I sit here and I’m just not really sure what she meant by that. The more I find out about my treatment options the more frightened I become.

After being discharged from the hospital the next day I was put on 10mg of Propranolol (every 6 hours) to keep my pulse down. I have mild asthma (seasonal or activity induced) and was told by a pharmacist that the ventilin inhaler I use might not be effective while on Propranolol? (one more factor to consider). Shortly thereafter I saw an endocrinologist who layed out 3 treatment options, all of which scared the ever loving crap out of me. I’ve always been sensitive to drugs and external factors (allergens) and radioactive iodine or surgery sounded much too harsh. So I would have to either brave the side effects and possible liver damage of anti-thyroid drugs or live with being hypothyroid post RAI and take hormone supplements for the rest of my life? Not thrilled to have to make that choice. Here would you like to eat this rotten banana or would you rather snack on this wormy apple?

After a thyroid uptake test confirmed I had Graves’ Disease my endocrinologist, (despite his enthusiastic push for RAI), agreed I would start taking Methimazole (15mg) once a day. He said he was starting me on a higher dosage to see more quickly if the drug was working (after I told him I’ve always been ultra sensitive to drugs).

After about 3 wks on the Methimazole I started to break out in a mystery rash mostly behind my ears, back of my neck, shoulders, and chest. The bumpy red rash disappeared and reappeared throughout the day and was itching like crazy by nighttime. I was also having some heart palpitations (possibly stress related). So I went in to see a doctor who said it was probably a reaction to the Methimazole. She called my Endo who told me to stop taking the medication and make an appointment to see him. With my insurance close to running out I reluctantly agreed and made the appointment. He checked my reflexes, had me drink water while he watched my neck, took my vitals, peeked at my skin, then told me the rash “could be” due to the Methimazole and advised me against taking the alternative ATD (PTU) because of the possibility of serious liver damage which is in his opinion “not worth the risk”. He proceeded to tell me my only options were to start me back on the Methimazole (lesser dosage of 5mg) after and if the rash cleared (in about a week) or to go ahead with RAI (again leaning towards the RAI). I decided to wait out the rash and try Methimazole again.

I’ve cut out caffeine from my diet (really hard as I love green tea), started eating healthier, reduced my sodium intake and I am still taking Propranolol but it’s been two weeks of research and I haven’t had the courage to start back on the Methimazole yet. I’m just plain scared. The rash is gone but my skin is still itchy in places. Anyone else have experience with a rash while on Methimazole and being put on a lower dosage successfully? Is there less of a risk of allergic reaction at a lower dosage? Should I have a baseline test done on my liver function etc before I start back on the Methimazole? I’ve been reading books about natural treatment solutions for hyperthyroid sometimes working hand in hand with conventional medication improving your chances of getting your thyroid back in balance – has anyone tried lifestyle changes and drug therapy? Right now this all feels so hopeless…

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