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In July of ’07 I was diagnosed with levels of Free T4 greater than 7.7 and TSH of less than .01. My Endo was very concerned about my "off the chart" levels and considered me "severe" Hyper. After 5 weeks on 60 mg Methimazole I felt "wonderful" and at my Dr. appt. 3 weeks later felt "not so wonderful" because I had gone Hypo! With med adjustments, within another 2 months I was back in normal ranges and feeling pretty much myself again.
I have worked closely with my Endo to get my levels back into "normal" range and we continue to fine tune my methimazole. I have expressed my goal to him and he is working with me to accomplish it – that being, taking the least amount of medication possible to remain within "normal" ranges and being able to lead a "normal" and productive life. As of Nov. ’08 I have been on only 5 mg methimazole! I see my Doc next Tuesday and just this morning got the results of my latest lab work that was done earlier this week – I am very happy to say that all my levels are still within "normal" range! Keeping my fingers crossed that he will be as happy about my current levels as I am!
Hang in there Grekson, work closely with your Dr. and be optimistic! This is not going to beat me!! I am currently 57 and plan to be around for many more years to come
” title=”Smile” />seekingclarity – boy, isn’t that something we do everyday?!?
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in July, 2007. After my preliminary diagnosis by my GP I was given atenolol to get my A Fib in check and sent off for an ekg, thyroid scan and a 3 week wait for an appt. with an endo. At first I was pretty opposed to the thought of RAI but by the end of my 3 week wait I was feeling so badly that I was open to anything that was going to make me feel better. The diagnosis of Graves Disease was confirmed by my endo. He described my case as "severe" with thyroid levels that were "off the chart". I must say that I feel extremely lucky to have connected with a Dr. who was and always has been willing to work with me to find the path of treatment that we both were comfortable with. It was initially necessary to start treatment with ATD immediately to bring my thyroid levels to "normal". I feel this gave me the time to begin feeling better which in turn gave me time to contemplate my decision for treatment.
I was started on 60 mg. of methimazole for 4 days and then dropped to 40 mg. for the next 8 weeks at which time I would return for my next appt. During that 8 weeks the methimazole worked a little too effectively and I found myself "hypo". By my next appt. I had developed a whole new set of symptoms; daily headaches, extreme muscle aches, etc, etc. At my second endo appt. the methimazole was dropped to 10 mg and monitored for another 8 weeks. At my third appt. it was raised again to 20 mg. I stayed at this dose for the next 5 months or so when it was then dropped to 15 mg. Two months later it was dropped to 10 mg and after another 4 months or so it was dropped to 7.5 mg. Since my last appt. two weeks ago, I am now down to 5 mg. a day. (I forgot to mention that I was taken off of the Atenolol after 4 months) Once I started taking the methimazole and my original symptoms began to go away I was afforded the time and clarity of mind to make my decision to put RAI on the back burner and see where treatment with ATD would take me.
From the very beginning my Dr. has been willing to work with and support me with whichever path of treatment I chose to take. For this, I am extremely greatful. He allowed me to be an active participant. He listened to me and took into consideration my wishes. He actually looked at and took into consideration all of the journals and med/symptom logs that I kept. I was never too keen on destroying my thyroid without first exhausting all other possibilites. Fortunately, so far, the meds have worked for me. Will I go into "remission"? We don’t know. Will I stay on 5 mg of methimazole for years? We don’t know. Will I, at some point, find it necessary to have RAI? I hope not, but we do not know. Right now I am thankful for my restored health, both mental and physical. From the beginning I have read and researched online and sought whatever information about this disease that I could find. I have read with great interest the stories and information provided on this website. Armed with this information, I have been able to discuss my treatment and possibilities and fears with my Dr. At my last appt. he said he was more than pleased with my progress and we couldn’t have asked for more at this point! One of the things I have found most helpful is being able to get my lab results 3 to 4 days before my scheduled appts. My Dr.’s office faxes them to my home machine where I am able to go over them, compare them to the previous labs, and, in the comfort of my living room, compile and make a list of questions and concerns that I want to discuss at my appt. For me, it takes away the element of surprise and does not take away any precious appt. time.
I have met this disease with an open mind and a positive attitude, which I admit was difficult at times. I will continue to live one day at a time….good and bad. I will continue to be thankful and expect the best out of this journey as a person living with Graves Disease.
I will be counting my blessings this Thanksgiving and wish you all a very Happy and Healthful Thanksgiving as well.
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Sorry for the long post!
Helene
