[knitlit]

in reply to: 2-Week Post-Op – All is Well #1071056

so glad all is well so far ” title=”Very Happy” />

[knitlit]

in reply to: uptake reaction…PEASE READ…. #1071269

I’m not sure, because that could be symptoms of your hyperthyroidism. Best thing is to call your dr. Monitor your symptoms. Others who know more than I will pipe in, but in doing my own research I read that in rare instances a reaction to the Uptake can happen, prompting a thyroid storm, BUT this is rare.

When I did the radio iodine uptake, the only reaction I had was that I felt that I had been swallowing saltwater, I kept clearing my throat of salt water taste for like 3-4 days after.

In comparison, I didn’t have any reaction to the ablation dose, I had figured I would have a more intense saltwater taste, but didn’t.

It is natural to be anxious. I had a 24 hour bug not long after I was diagnosed in February. I wasn’t on any treatment yet, hadn’t seen an Endo at that point. Anyway, I had been reading and reading up on all the GD symptoms and Thyroid Storm symptoms, I had a temperature that seemed to be climbing to about 102 deg, frequent BM, nausea and vomiting. Classic TS symptoms. I was really worried, rested, took my fluids and listened to myself.. it seemed after a few hours of rest, I wasn’t getting any worse, so I calmed down realizing it must have been a virus. I was glad I took stock.

Hang in there.

[knitlit]

in reply to: The Next Step #1071278

Aurelian,
One book that was very helpful in explaining GD is called "Living With Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism" by Mary Shomon. There was a check-off list to take to your dr. appointment, this list was a compilation of factors that show a predisposition to GD.

Some of the items on the list were: Do any of your family members have GD? Do any family members have Hashimoto’s? Sjorgrens disease? Does any members of your family have hyperthyroid or hypothyroid history? Any history of autoimmune disorders? Recent traumatic events or illnesses? etc.

I hope you will be able to resolve your health issues soon.

[knitlit]

in reply to: update: 7 weeks after RAI, and ATM #1071320

I heard from the lab today, I had left a message on Monday, since I hadn’t heard from the Endo at that point. (office called on Tuesday & I had forgotten to get my levels) I was able to get them from the lab today:
as of Wed. April 29:
TSH 0.004 ref ranges .40-5.0
Free T4 6.0 ref ranges 0.8-1.8 I
Free T3 416 ref ranges 82-179
c
Compare to Feb 11th numbers
TSH- 0.02
Free T4 2.82
I couldn’t find my T3 to compare from the 11th.

I was surprised by numbers being so much higher than they were initially. I guess my thyroid is battling the RAI & ATM at this point. I thought that this was happening earlier in the process. I can understand the Endo’s reason for upping my methimazole now.

The increased dose of the methimazole seems not to be bothering me so far. I feel slightly fatigued about 40 minutes after the dose, then it seems like I start feeling more normal energy levels after about an hour. It will be interesting to see how I feel by Tuesday.

[knitlit]

in reply to: update: 7 weeks after RAI, and ATM #1071319

Thank you Dianne.

There is an opportunity for advancement in my job that just came up, I decided it was bad timing, and not to apply. The positive is that I love my current work and schedule and the starting pay would be no different to my current situation due to my seniority. Realistically, until I know I am stabilized I don’t want to purposely add stress. (I have very light TED in left eye at this point.

[knitlit]

in reply to: My goiter is going down hurrayyyy #1071363

Hyperm, great news!

[knitlit]

in reply to: Problems with keeping food inside me #1071613

For about 2 years intermittently I was having the same problem, seemed when I ate something w/Splenda is when this would happen. So, I would watch ingredients and I would seem to be OK then.

Right before I was (accidentally) diagnosed w/GD in Feb, I had noticed having the BM problem again. Like you, I felt like I was running to the BR as soon as I finished eating. I knew I wasn’t eating stuff w/Splenda, so didn’t know why this was happening more frequently.

To make a long story short, I had RAI March 20th and have been on ATM’s since 2 days after and now seem to be normalized on that front.

[knitlit]

in reply to: May 12 2009, Im so scared :( #1071747

Hopeful-so sorry that you have been going thru such a rough time.

I had RAI treatment for my Graves on Mar 20. I have been very blessed in that I haven’t had uncomfortable symptoms, so didn’t even know I had GD until after going thru more diagnostics after a routine physical. I felt fine until I went to the DR in other words.

My uptake results were 58%.

I do have slight TED in my left eye, so I was concerned about RAI and it affecting me in other ways also. So far, no side affects. I was given 15 milC. I go on Wed April 29 for my followup to see where I am at now. 2 days after the RAI I have also been taking 2 Methimazole a day, (20 mg total) I hadn’t been on any thyroid or antithyroid medication prior to the RAI. I am also on a beta blocker that I just take 1 of.

By the 2.5-4th week mark after the RAI, I was taking lots of naps. I worked my normal schedule, but as soon as I got home from work I was taking a 1-2 hour nap, then still going to bed by midnight and sleeping through the night. On my days off, I have sometimes had 2 naps a day. I have felt OK otherwise, and in fact this week, which is my 5th since the RAI, I haven’t been as tired.

So far, no ill affects from the Methimazole. But I will be glad when they tell me that I don’t have to take it anymore. I don’t like taking meds, much less meds that could affect my WBC’s.

Surely, the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight for you now. I will keep you in my thoughts the best of luck, and hopefully you will be reporting an ease in your symptoms soon. Blessings to you.

[knitlit]

in reply to: Endo asked about Charlie Horses?? #1072303

I have had Charlie horse cramps wake me up w/pain in the arch of my foot, or calf muscle, these past few months since being diagnosed w/GD. I thought it might be related somehow.

If I eat a banana or have potatoes once a day, I don’t seem to have problems, so must be potassium related.

[knitlit]

in reply to: Update: Uptake Test Results and first Endo visit #1072832

Diane, thank you for your response.

I think the dr. meant that both options take your thyroid levels down and therefore can make you feel the same way? Maybe I misspoke. He said he would go the ATP route if I insisted, he obviously felt that RAI was the best option, so after talking w/him agreed to the RAI.

I have been reading library e-resources (magazine journal articles), Mary Shomon’s "Living w/Graves disease", as well as lurking on these boards. I tend to analyze the heck out of the pros and cons of things, researching & researching, of course focusing on the negative experiences. I guess like anything, you hear the bad but not the good.

I did call and talk to my Ophthalmologist today. I told her my dilemma. She asked who my Endo was, then reassured me to feel confident in whatever treatment course he recommends, that I was in very good hands, to trust his recommendations. This made me feel better. I see her in August again, unless I start having further eye problems. So, looks my decision will be to go ahead, take the bull by the horns, I will do the RAI.

Having a medical issue is a new & scary thing to deal with, since I have been very healthy. I will be definitely visiting frequently. I’m sure I will have lots more questions as this process goes along. I am not normally neurotic, I’m an upbeat glass is half-full kind of gal. I’m pretty pragmatic once I know the score and then do what needs to be done. This diagnosis has thrown me for a loop.

Thanks again for the valuable info and insight this board brings to those of us in the throes of anxiety, it really helps.

[knitlit]

in reply to: Newly Diagnosed w/GD glad to find this board #1073404

Amy & Ski thanks for the warm welcome.

RE: not being too troubled. I have had a range of emotions. At each new nugget of dismal information, I think , "Oh great, just what I need, for people to think I am crazy if I get the dementia symptoms." I was concerned about the Radioactive Iodine Uptake test, worried about a reaction to the iodine going into anapaleptic (sp?) shock. I was confusing it w/the RAI treatment to kill the thyroid. ” title=”Confused” />

You might say that I have had a period of over reaction in comparison to my actual symptoms. (I am so glad I have never smoked! looks like that is definitely in my favor) I am trying to be pragmatic but upbeat.

F.Y.I. I have a book from the library that is called "Living Well With Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism" by Mary J. Shomon, c2005. This book covers a lot of territory: Traditional treatments, alternative and nutritional, as well as info on going hypo after treatments, helpful checklists of symptoms to take to the Dr./Endo are also included.

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