[ely2009]

in reply to: Treatment Suggestion: Rad. Iodine vs. Anti Thyroid Drugs #1068215

Trey,

I was diagnosed in March of 2009. I began methimazole at a dose of 5mg/daily. I noticed improvements within 3-4 weeks. It was probably 3-4 months before I felt "normal" most of the time. I still don’t feel perfect everyday, but I’m trying to be patient and give my body time to heal. I didn’t have any side effects to the meds and my endo watches my liver function and white blood cells closely. So I guess – so far, so good. I know it’s not ideal to be on meds, but I thought I’d try it before doing something else. There really is pros and cons to every treatment. I’ve learned alot from other people on here about their choice of treatment. Keep reading and make an informed decision – it’s your decision. And even if you decide on RAI eventually, there are people who take meds in the meantime to give themselves time to feel good about their decision.

Another good thing about Graves -there is no straightforward, works for everyone, "best" treatment. ” title=”Smile” />

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: Im sorry but i dont think i can go on anymore… #1068296

Lauren,

I’m so glad you posted. We may all have different stories, but in so many ways they are the same – you are not alone!!!! It’s so difficult to separate what’s hyper/hypo/anxiety/fatigue/stress/imagined and since it’s hard to figure out where it’s coming from – it seems impossible to fix it. Hang in there. Keep working with your docs to figure it out. I truly believe we all will be healthy eventually. It’s hard to be patient when you feel so desparate. Some days I feel like I’m settling for feeling better – even if it’s not "normal." But most days I’m glad to still be improving. I’ll say a prayer for you. Keep us posted.

Hugs and hope,
Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: tightness in my throat in the thyroid area #1068332

Hi Debbie,

Tightness in my throat was one of my first symptoms. My throat was tight and felt like something was stuck – like when you have a bad cold and you have mucous in there. I could also "feel it" in my ears when I swallowed. But, unlike a cold, it didn’t go away. I did have a small goiter, but my endo said it was very insignificant in the world of Graves. She did say, however, that there is so much "stuff" in the throat area, that even minor swelling can make it uncomfortable. Since my levels have normalized on methimazole, I don’t have that feeling chronically, only occasionally.

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: To use an apt term – Scunnered! #1068353

Wow – that sure was an official translation!

[ely2009]

in reply to: To use an apt term – Scunnered! #1068350

Hey – I TOTALLY agree….

I hate not just living life without wondering how I’m going to feel. And when I do feel good, wondering if I should enjoy it or take it easy. I’m tired of thinking about it everyday. Some days have gone by that I haven’t really thought much about it and there are other days that I obsess about how I’m feeling.

OK, translation for scunnered?

” title=”Smile” /> Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: EYES #1068378

Hi M –

I just saw a 2nd opthamologist last week – didn’t like my first, he wasn’t very thorough. ” title=”Smile” /> I had a feeling that I wasn’t seeing clearly even when I was. doesn’t make sense I know. Things just looked different. I felt like something was blurry and then when I looked again it was perfectly clear. the 2nd doc (who did much more testing and explanation) tested my vision and I am 20/20 with my glasses. She attributed some of the blurriness to dry eyes – you can’t see clearly if your eyes aren’t lubricated properly, but then when I looked away or blinked I could see just fine. She did a tear test where she put little strips of paper in my lower lids and that measured the tear production – it was slightly below normal. So I continue to use drops and gel at night. So far, no other eye troubles.

Good luck.

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: My 8yr old DD just diagnosed, by smnm96 #1068409

hi Nicole –

So sorry that you’re dealing with this awful disease…

I am the one with Graves, but I do have children and every time I read a post like yours I want to cry because I can’t imagine how hard it must be for them and their families. It’s SOOOOO difficult for adults to deal with – and we have more knowledge, experience, etc.

One comment I have is that even if her numbers are "normal" she may not feel normal. Normal is NOT the same for everyone. My diagnosis was postponed for a few months because my numbers too were in the normal zone. i had been ill for about 6 weeks when the doc started running tests. One of the first things he did was check my TSH – unfortunatlely? it was normal. So about 6 more weeks of getting WORSE before he re-checked and it had just barely slipped into the hyper zone. So moral of the story – numbers aren’t everything. And it can take a while for your body to "catch up" to your TSH level.

It’s so hard parenting anyway, let alone with the confusion of GD thrown in there. hang in there. Ny family will pray for your family.

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: checking in. Some good news Left eye much better #1068417

Improvement is awesome! It’s funny how we learn to appreciate life more – and feeling better, even if it’s not perfect. Is that one of the lessons in Graves?

Sounds like a fun trip. We rafted a few years ago and had a great time, until our guide flipped out of the boat. ” title=”Smile” /> We had fun again after we helped her back in….but it was unnnerving.

I’ve learned that I def need more sleep – it’s hard when you start feeling better to not overdo it and get back to life full swing, but take it eeasy.

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: Numbness and tingling #1068422

I haven’t seen anything in writing about it…but I experienced a similar feeling when I ws first diagnosed. Before my diagnosis my lips and cheeks would go numb for short periods of time – not often, but enough to freak me out. I ws worried about something neurological. After awhile on methimazole, this went away. Occasionally, my fingers tingled as well. Like I said, I don’t know for sure – but being hyper does so many weird things to your body.

Are you on meds? I don’t remember.

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: Cancer #1068473

Prayers coming your way…..

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: Questions and more Questions #1068461

Hi Linda.

I had very similar "spells" when I was first diagnosed. They are very unnerving to say the least. I’d talk to the doc to make sure, but mine decreased once my meds really kicked in.

The spells are not gone completely – when I weaned from my beta blocker in May, I had some. Now I get them when I’m overly tired, at PMS time, etc.

In my case, they did improve and I hope yours do too. there were a few nights when i thought for sure I was going to end up in the ER or worse. My poor husband kept reminding me that the doc said to be patient and let the meds work.

hope you hear back from your doc soon.

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: Need Help!! #1068505

Michael,

I can only imagine that my husband felt the EXACT same way you are feeling. I knew it must have been overwhelming for him during my bad time. he’s used to me handling EVERYTHING and I could barely get out bed. I also stay at home caring for my children and my 3 nieces and nephew. Believe me when I say she’s really feeling the way she is – she’s not exagerating. It’s a horrible feeling to be so out of control.

I had some anxiety issues as well. I no longer trusted my body and every little thing that was happening I felt sure that I would die from. I finally went on a low dose of an anti-depressant. I really didn’t want to, but I couldn’t live like I was. I’ve been on meds (methimazole and zoloft) since March and feel almost back to normal. I’d say I felt pretty good after about 3 months – the 3 longest months of my life!

So hang in there. This rough period will end – even though that doesn’t seem possible right now for either of you. Keep us posted.

Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: Wow, updates…. very positive :) #1068514

SOOOOOOOOOO glad to hear it. Good luck this semester.

Don’t overdo it. ” title=”Smile” />

Love,
Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: Weight Gain – Oh NO!!! #1068874

Hi all.

I’ve never worried a huge amount about weight. I’ve never been super skinny or overweight – just kind of average and that’s been OK with me. I am not a consistent exerciser, but we lead active lifestyles (biking, hiking, playing in the yeard.) I did lose weight when I was hyper and now that I am "normal" on tapazole I am gaining a little – don’t know how much, we don’t even have a scale. I can just tell by how my clothes fit. It is frustrating.

I try to eat small portions and frequently. During the day I am really good – because my kids are watching. ” title=”Smile” /> We eat low-fat dairy, lots of fruits and some vegetables, whole grains, nuts, etc. My downfall is nighttime – when they are sleeping. Don’t I deserve a bowl of ice cream after making it through a long day? ” title=”Smile” /> ” title=”Smile” />

Oh well,
Emily

[ely2009]

in reply to: Newly Diagnosed with Questions #1069013

Hi there.

It sounds like you could have seen my old endo – very similar – gruff, no time for questions and explanations, only his opinion mattered, etc. It was horrible to be diagnosed with something that I knew nothing about and to feel so terrible physically and then get no info or support from my doc. I’ve since found a new doc who EXPLAINS my options/listens to my symptoms, etc. It makes a HUGE difference in how I’m dealing with this. Hopefully, you’ll find that in the next doc.

This website has a great amount of info and support. Read through it and ask questions before your next appt. You’ll be much more prepared and know what to ask.

Good luck,
Emily

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