[janetvj]

in reply to: Normal levels just after 2 months #1072847

You may want to have your blood count taken. Methimazole suppresses the immune system. You are more likely to catch whatever is going around.

[janetvj]

in reply to: Grave’s onset post menopause #1072858

I am in a very similar situation. I had blood tests and a hormone test in June 2007 at age 52 (as part of a routine physical) and my thyroid was functioning normally, and I was found to be post menopausal. In September 2007 I suddenly developed symptoms – sudden weight loss (which I didn’t mind at all), heart palpitations, shortness of breath, jittery, anxiety, tremors, rapid pulse, sleep difficulties, clammy skin, and terrible fatigue after the least bit of activity (taking a shower in the morning literally wiped me out). After a lot of tests, a blood test showed I was severely hyperthyroid, and the radioactive iodine uptake test confirmed Graves Disease. I have no family history. I had been (and still am) under a great deal of stress at work, and I think this and the hormonal changes led to my developing the disease. I was immediately put on a beta-blocker (tenorman) and after a complete physical, I was put on tapazole to "cool me down" as the endocrinologist describes it. I have stayed on the tenorman as I was already on meds for hypertension, and replaced what I had been taking with this. For a while, I felt pretty good, but my weight began creeping up almost immediately, and I now weigh over 40 pounds over my normal adult weight. My doctor has been scaling back the dosage, but nevertheless I have no energy, and no stamina. Although my levels are within the "normal" range, I am feeling very hypo. I see my doctor again this month, and plan to again discuss adjusting the dosage. He wants me to stay on the meds at least 18 to 24 months before easing off. I really do not want to have the RAI, so I am working with him to see if we can get me into remission. I am also retiring on May 1st, which I believe will greatly increase my chances of being able to heal. I think the mind-body connection cannot be ignored, and the stress of my job has really gotten to me.

So far, I have been lucky in that I have not experienced the hair loss or the eye problems, other than a little dryness.

Good luck to you, and keep us posted on your progress.

[janetvj]

in reply to: Weight Loss Success Stories #1073031

I am very interested in this topic. I have not had the RAI treatment – at least not yet. I’ve been on tapazole for a little over a year, and my levels are now within the "normal" range. However, I’m definitely feeling hypo, and have been working with my endocrinologist on that. He’d like me to stay on the meds for a while longer before seeing if I have gone into remission. I hate the way the meds make me feel. I used to be fairly active, and always kept my weight in check. But I have picked up more than 40 pounds since I have been on the meds, and I believe it’s a combination of the fatigue and lack of stamina, along with the lowered metabolism. But I also can’t ignore the fact that since this has all happened, I’ve developed a HUGE sugar craving. I never used to eat sweets, and now I can’t resist them. I think this is my body trying to make up for the lack of energy, and I think a lot of it is related to the tapazole and the repressing of the thyroid. Am I off base here? And what, if anything, can I do about trying to jump-start my physical acitivity while being so wiped out, and at the same time trying to stick to a healthy diet?

[janetvj]

in reply to: Tips on dealing with fatigue? #1073339

haha – Thanks Kimberly – I wonder if with having to deal with those kinds of comments whether there is any correlation between homicidal rages and Graves disease?

As for the meds, my doctor told me to skip days (the same 2 days every week) rather than splitting the pills. He said that the levels would stay pretty consistent in my system this way. I figure he knows what he’s doing. Have you gotten different advice? And I do get the actual numbers when I get the tests done. The last results were: T4 – 1.00, T3 – 2.79, TSH – 3.69.

I do try to get enough sleep. I fall asleep easily, but I sometimes have problems staying asleep. But, again, I have had issues with insomnia long before I developed Graves Disease. And I can pretty much pinpoint when the Graves began, as I had normal thyroid results from a routine exam in June 2007, and was diagnosed after developing symptoms and having another blood test (along with some other tests), in September – October 2007.

I truly believe that stress plays a big factor in this disease. My job has greatly contributed to my stress level, and with this in mind (as well as considering many, many other factors) I’ve decided to retire May 1st. I’m hoping I can then focus more on getting my health back, so I can enjoy my retirement life.

[janetvj]

in reply to: Tips on dealing with fatigue? #1073336

Thanks elf. I wondered about that, but my endocrinologist seems to be relying more on the numbers than on how I’m feeling. Truth be told, since I developed Graves Disease right at the same time I became post-menopausal, I sometimes wonder myself which of these is causing my symptoms. Are the hot flashes due to menopause, or due to the Graves? Are the muscle aches just me getting old, or is it Graves? Is the lack of exercise causing the lack of energy, or is the lack of energy (Graves) causing the lack of exercise.

All I know is that I don’t like feeling this way. I will take your advice on watching the numbers. Meanwhile, I’ve already asked the doc about trying to go off the meds and see what happens. He said he’d like to see me on the meds a full 2 years before trying that. That’s not too far off, so I guess I’ll hang in there.

[janetvj]

in reply to: Heartburn and Hyperthyroidism? #1073911

Hi to all. I was just browsing, but when I saw this post I immediately registered so I could add my two cents worth. I was diagnosed with Graves about a year and a half ago, and have been taking Tapazole. My levels are now fine, according to the doc, but I wonder if I may be getting a bit hypothyroid, as I feel very lethargic, I’m picking up weight, I feel somewhat depressed…I’m just feeling really run down. And, I have been having a great deal of trouble with heartburn. I asked the doctor about any link between my thyroid and heartburn, and he sort of dismissed the idea. Interesting that others may have also suspected a link.

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