[Ewenme]

in reply to: Wish me luck #1062755

To answer your question, Shirley, I have been feeling quite ‘normal’ for the last few months. Occasionally, felt a little hyper, but think this was something other than thyroid (i.e. anxiety, etc). Of course, I’m paranoid now that "it" is back every time I feel a little ‘off,’ but my endo said unless these feelings stick around, it’s probably not the Graves. I have a lab slip so I can go have my blood drawn if I feel it necessary. I monitor my pulse/BP quite regularly, also, and have been within normal ranges.
My endo said that my thyroid is not enlarged, which may indicate that I am more apt to stay in remission longer.
Happy to hear of your success, James. By lifestyle changes, I assume you mean diet and exercise? I attempt to live a healthy lifestyle–always have, and will continue to do so.
Not sure what the future holds, but happy to have reached this milestone. I will continue to check in now and then to report on my status and see how everyone else is doing. Very thankful for the support and encouragement of all of you.

[Ewenme]

in reply to: Wish me luck #1062752

Hello, my Graves’ friends,
Checking back in to tell you I had an appt with my endo today and was declared to be in remission. Labs were within normal ranges, after discontinuing the ATD’s a few months ago. I am cautiously optimistic that this will last. Maybe it will be encouraging to know some people do go into remission–I will continue to update if things change.

[Ewenme]

in reply to: methimazole for ever? #1062721

I have been on Methimazole for what would have been a year in March (diagnosed March of 2010). Since my last labs were approaching normal, my doctor told me to discontinue it. This also happened last August–I was going hypo, and my doctor said to discontinue it, which I did; only to go hyper again in another month, at which time I started it again. I don’t know of any reason you cannot stay on ATD’s indefinitely as long as you tolerate it well, and are monitored for any adverse side effects. In fact, in Europe they do not do RAI at all. The only choice besides ATD’s is surgery. Since you are residing there, I suppose I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. I have decided that if/when I go hyper again (I’m pretty sure I will ) I will do something more permanent, like RAI, since it is my opinion that it is easier to regulate thyroid hormone levels after RAI/thyroidectomy than it is to try to control a rebellious thyroid with ATD’s ” title=”Wink” /> Just my opinion. Hope that helps.

[Ewenme]

in reply to: Tapizole and Flu #1062766

I have been on Tapazole/aka methimazole, for almost a year–started out at 15 mg and am now taking about the same dose as you–I have NOT noticed an increase in illness. I think when you have Graves disease you tend to blame every symptom on that, but other things can happen at the same time, so if you feel you are sick more than you feel is warranted, you should probably make an appt. with your GP and see if he can give you some answers.
Best of luck!

[Ewenme]

in reply to: Depression after being stabilized #1062812

Dear Megan, I am glad you found this site–you will find it helpful, I’m sure. It must be a challenge to be a teen and have to deal with all the things that go with growing up, as well as dealing with Grave’s disease–my heart goes out to you. Congrats on completing what sounds like a somewhat ‘rocky’ course of treatment–happy to hear your levels are stable. I know that the thyroid, when out of whack, affects all of you–including your mood. Most of us who have this disease have experienced mood swings (I have been on anti-thyroid drugs since last March, and have been hyper some of the time, hypo some of the time, and sometimes normal–still working on getting the right dose).
When you have Graves, you tend to blame all your problems on your thyroid (or lack thereof), but if your thyroid hormone level is indeed stable, other things could also be going on that have nothing to do with your thyroid. Just having to deal with the diagnosis of a life changing, chronic disease is difficult to accept. Going to a therapist may help you to sort that all out. Antidepressants are necessary sometimes, and some work better than others on different people–maybe you will have to try another (or two or three) before you fine one that is effective for you. There are probably others who will add to what I have said who are more knowledgable, but I just wanted to say ‘welcome’–we’re rooting for you. Check back in often and let us know how things are going.
Joy

[Ewenme]

in reply to: THINNING HAIR and HAIR LOSS #1062824

Just so you know you’re not alone, will add that I went through a period of weeks (last Aug/Sept) where my hair was coming out in impressive quantities. No bald spots, just a brush full of hair every time I brushed it. My endo said it was due to ‘fluctuating hormone levels." At the time, my labs showed that I was hypo (have been on ATD’s since last March). It did return to normal after a few weeks. You didn’t say when you had your last blood test for TSH, etc, but if you haven’t brought this to your endo’s attention, you might want to give him/her a call and express your concerns.

[Ewenme]

in reply to: Not understanding some symptoms #1062906

Hello! I have had Grave’s since March, 2010, and have been on ATD’s since then.
When you mentioned your finger joints ‘catching,’ I could not help but wonder if this is not related to your thyroid. There is a condition called ‘trigger finger’ which causes a catching sensation in your joints. It can be so severe that one has to manually ‘unlock’ the joint to get the finger to straighten out. I know because I had it and was treated for it by a hand surgeon. I don’t believe this is a condition just old folks (like me ) get. It is possible this just happened coincidentally at the same time with the Graves’. If what you are experiencing is muscle spasms, that is something different again. Just a thought. Best wishes on your recovery!

[Ewenme]

in reply to: Do any natural/alternative treatments work? #1063311

Hello honestbabe,
Since you obviously value honesty, I must tell you I agree with Bobbi’s advice. When there is no proof out there that acupuncture is a valid treatment for hyperthyroidism, being ‘open minded’ is no longer an option in my opinion. A lot of us would jump at the opportunity to be ‘cured’ of this disease, but realistically cannot expect that. I suppose remission would be the next best thing, which is what I hope to achieve by taking ATD’s. I started taking them in March and after a few ups and downs, am close to being stabilized. I suspect, however, even if I achieve remission RAI may still be in my future, so I am trying to be ‘open minded’ about that. My goal is to get the best treatment I can as fast as I can so I can get on with my life. I think the AMA approved health care system we have in our country is the best in the world and I have chosen to go with traditional, approved methods of treatment. To choose other treatments that have not been proven would, in my opinion, be a waste of time (and money).
Coincidentally, my husband also had a stent about 11 years ago. It plugged up after about 4 months later, and he had to have bypass surgery. I was very thankful that his doctor was on top of things and we didn’t have to find out the hard way that the stent was no longer functional. The body does have remarkable healing abilities, and it’s great that your husband’s heart condition healed without medical/surgical intervention, but that is not the case with everyone.
My wish for you is that you have success in whatever method of treatment you choose.
Joy

[Ewenme]

in reply to: lab results #1063385

To answer your question, Krystal, I was feeling pretty normal. My first clue that I was going the wrong direction was my hair falling out. I was taken off the ATD completely and after a month went HyPER again. I could tell that was happening because my pulse rate started going up (90-100) and I was feeling irritable. My husband is an engineer, and has me take my BP and pulse every day at least a couple times and is trying to correlate the numbers with what level my thyroid hormone is at. I haven’t been very successful at reading my feelings/moods–not sure if they are really thyroid related, i.e "Is this my thyroid or am I crazy as I suspected all along ?" Hoping better days are ahead for both of us.
Joy

[Ewenme]

in reply to: lab results #1063382

I don’t know how often you have labs done, but this may be the point where it should be more frequent. I also am on Methimazole–started taking it in March (15 mg) and was reduced to 10 after some weeks. A few weeks after that, my T3/4 looked normal, but TSH, like you, still too low. My endo didn’t change my dose and next thing you know, I’ve gone hypo. My hair starting coming out and I was feeling sluggish and fat (starting to gain weight). Suggest you monitor more carefully at this point, judging from my experience. Best of luck!
Joy

[Ewenme]

in reply to: POLL: what positive things have come about in your life… #1072391

One more thing…
6.All the great folks I’ve met on this board, whom I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Joy

[Ewenme]

in reply to: POLL: what positive things have come about in your life… #1072390

Doing this poll was a great idea, esp. considering that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I had to think about what good has come out of my diagnosis. At first I thought, ‘you must be kidding,’ but as I thought about it these are some things I came up with:
1. Early diagnosis, thanks to a very competent GP
2. Very supportive and understanding husband and family.
3. The knowledge that God is in control and allows everything for a reason.
4. For how this has forced me to rely on God every day–which I tend not to do when all is well.
4. For how this will make me more compassionate to others with this and other problems and health challenges.
5. For the closer bond I have with my Mom, who has had GD since ’94. I must say I never fully appreciated what she was going through and never took it upon myself to learn about the disease until I also was diagnosed.

Thanks for encouraging all of us (esp me) to think more positively.

Joy

[Ewenme]

in reply to: Hello Again #1063515

Hi, Sara,
Lots of people on this board identify with what you are saying. This disease is so tough because it affects every part of you–not just your body, but your mind as well. Though I was diagnosed last March and have been on ATD’s since then, I am not fully stabilized and still have ‘those’ days. That’s why I love this board. Even though we don’t always have answers, we can relate to and understand the many concerns expressed. As you have probably noticed, there are lots of folks on this board (bless their hearts) who have gone through this and assure us things WILL get better. Sending hugs and best wishes and looking forward to better days ahead for you (and me, too)!
Joy

[Ewenme]

in reply to: Conference has begun! #1063572

Have a great time, Ski! We will miss your postings, but I’m sure we will all gain by what you learn while at the conference.
Joy

[Ewenme]

in reply to: hair loss – any tips? #1063594

Just want to tell you I can relate. I went hypo a couple months ago (on ATD’s) and my hair starting coming out like crazy. I think it’s letting up a little now, but still more than I’m comfortable with. I have been told it’s due to erratic hormone levels. I do color my hair, but have been using a natural product. I have always had thick hair, so the loss hasn’t been devastating yet, and I, like you, am hoping this will turn around soon. Best of luck!

[Author]

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