[LynneB54]

in reply to: the rai is working:-) #1070052

Hi Hopeful,

Glad the RAI is working for you!! Feeling better is such a blessing.

I need some help though; I can’t find a way to start a new thread so I’m piggybacking on this one. Sorry! I’ve tried twice and it just doesn’t go through. So if my posts have some how gone through and I can’t find them – sorry for the repeat. I just couldn’t find the ‘send’ button like it is here.

I had RAI in February. My TSH stayed at .004 through May. My T4 levels went down so I was feeling much better. But last week I truly crashed and feel really, really awful now. My TSH has spiked to 124; I take it that’s pretty high. The doctor called the day he got the results (last Wednesday) and I started on Synthroid 112 mg. that day. I go in tomorrow for what will probably be weekly visits for a bit until we can get this stabilized. Which leads me to the reason for the post: when might I reasonably expect to feel better?? Any thoughts on that? I have a whole host of symptoms that are well known to most of you, and would just like to know that there is an end in sight. Also – I have ‘brain mud’ and can’t think of a reasonable question to ask the doctor tomorrow to save my life. Any suggestions??

Not sure at this point if being hyper or hypo is worse….

Thanks for the help,
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: Success rates for treatments #1074624

Hi All,

I wanted to thank Ski, Bobbi, and Gemsile for your responses to my questions about treatments. What you said makes a great deal of sense. I think I’m just going to have to take a deep breath, make a decision, and take the plunge. I’m sure in a few months (wnen I’m finally feeling better) I’m going to shake my head and wonder why I had so much trouble making this decision.

I really do appreciate the support! Have a good weekend,
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: Need Womans Advice #1074653

Hi Sarabear,

I’ve had fibrocystic "disease" for as long as I can remember. I was told that it is basically a ‘wastebasket’ diagnosis and simply means that I have lumpy breasts. No one seems concerned about it. From my limited knowledge, I’d have to say that the thyroid problems and fibrocystic breasts aren’t connected, but I’m not a doctor.

Hope you get some answers from the endo that will help!

Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: I am writing to Tom Daschle… #1074701

Hi Madame X,

I obviously don’t know what your particular insurance company will cover – but I can tell you from experience that it’s worth phone calls and letters to them to get them to explain why coverage is being denied. When my daughter was 12 she was extremely sick and was referred to an orthopedic rehab hospital. The insurance company’s doctor said she was "too sick to benefit from being in the hospital". I guess they thought she should stay home until she either recovered or died, but either way – they didn’t want to pay for her care. My husband and I fought them, and my daughter was admitted to the hospital, where she stayed for 4 weeks. My son also had a tumor removed at age 5 and the insurance didn’t want to cover that, either.

The lesson I learned from the cases with my children is that it is possible to fight the insurance company and win, but you have to be persistent. Document all phone calls and get the person’s name each time you call. Write letters. Trust me – it works. They may not pay the whole amount, but they should tell you exactly why they are denying each claim. Don’t be afraid to ask for a supervsor. Enlist your doctor’s help as well; they’re used to this.

There has to be a better way. I’m tired of being held hostage to my insurance company’s whims on what they will and won’t pay for!

Best of luck to you!!
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: Muscle Loss in Legs & More #1074808

Hi Grasshopper,

We’re exactly the same age; I’ll be 55 in March too. Yikes!! ” title=”Smile” /> Anyway – I hear you. I have the same muscle fatigue/weakness/soreness and it’s quite bothersome. Enough already!! I asked the endo (that I only saw once and never again) why my muscles hurt and were weak and he said it’s just "part of it". Well now. Wasn’t that helpful! ” title=”Smile” /> So you’re not alone in this. Try and keep your sense of humor; I think someone recommended watching funny movies when possible. Laughter has to help! I hope you can get the other problems you mentioned in your life under control. Graves is enough to cope with. One suggestion – when you go see your endo you might want to talk to him about your depression. Medication may be helpful, as well as counseling if you can do it. You have a lot on your plate right now and you need some relief.

Best of luck,
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: TED Triggers? #1074881

Good morning,

This post is really for Ski. I wanted to thank you for a previous response you sent about seeing an ophthalmologist rather than my regular optometrist. My eyes continued to get increasingly dry and I was having some weird pain in my left eye, so I went in last week for an appointment. Fortunately, the doctor couldn’t see any problems with my eyes, although he agreed they were very dry. He had no explaination for the pain I sometimes have, but was definate that he didn’t see any eye changes, and didn’t see any cause for concern. He’s actually a friend so I trust him when he tells me not to worry. This was a great relief, so thanks for the advice, Ski! I probably wouldn’t have gone without the post from you. The doc recommended some OTC eye drops and they are working very well. Relief at last!

I sure hope everyone feels as well as possible and stays safe and warm for Christmas.

Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: Graves and Weight… #1074932

Hi Mickey,

Ohhhhh to I hear you!! I don’t want to gain back any of the weight I’ve lost either! ” title=”Smile” /> I put myself on a diet on 12/1/06 and have followed it consistently since then. I lost 40+ pounds and am scared to death that I’ll gain it back. I don’t think I’ve lost an ounce that I didn’t work hard for while hyper. No fair!! I think that’s why I’ve put off making a treatment decision, which is dumb. I’ve struggled with my weight my entire life and I’m finally happy with what I weigh. Now I have an illness where the price of getting well seems to be gaining weight. Humpf…is it okay to whine??

Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: How many are like me? #1075114

Bobbi,

I’ve read with interest all of your posts. I seem to remember that you mentioned (I’m pretty fuzzy right now – so if it wasn’t you – sorry!! ” title=”Smile” />) that you wouldn’t choose to do RAI now. Did I misunderstand?? But if that was you, why would you do something different?

Thanks for the answer – I’m still trying to decide myself.

Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: New to Graves and struggling with life… #1075390

Hi Tammy,

I’m sure not a medical expert, but from what I’ve read and heard, I’m a little surprised your doctor didn’t put you on a beta blocker. From what I understand – being hyper can cause damage to your heart. For me – the beta blocker has made the difference between being able to function at all and a downward spiral. Within hours the hand tremors were gone, as were the heart palpitations, and that "twitchy" feeling. What a relief!! In addition, I was having lots of trouble with muscle pain in my thighs and upper arm and while that is only marginally better – at least it’s not getting any worse. I haven’t had any side effects (which of course doesn’t mean that you won’t) but truly – it has been a Godsend. If you’re still having heart problems, you might want to consider asking for a prescription until your thyroid levels are normal.

I’d like to know when concentration will come back too! ” title=”Smile” /> I just feel fuzzy all the time. I’m hopeful that will pass. My stress relief is a hot bath and a good book; that helps a lot. Otherwise – I’m just trying my best to keep doing what I’m doing (work and volunteer stuff) because I’ve come to realize that I’m not going to feel any better doing nothing, either. However – I’m giving up as much nonessential stuff as possible and just doing the best I can with the rest of it. Fortunately, my kids are grown so I don’t have the stress of young children at home, and that helps too. I guess my advice to you is to find the level of work and other stuff that you can manage and say good bye to the rest of it for now. I’m counting on a light at the end of the Graves’ tunnel!! ” title=”Smile” />

Please keep us posted on your experience with Methimazole; I’m still struggling with a treatment decision and would like to know how you’re doing.

Good luck!
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: Glad to find you here #1075149

Hi Malia,

Oh my – you remind me of myself a few weeks ago. I’ve been walking several miles a day and riding a bike for years, plus working out at Curves a couple of times a week. I remember being surprised when I read a post from someone about exercising and Ski said it wasn’t a good idea in the hyper stage. I wrote back and asked why; my doctors hadn’t mentioned anything about exercise. Ski thought I could still probably continue to walk my dogs but not to over do it. Quite frankly – I didn’t understand that advice at that time – but I sure do now!! ” title=”Smile” /> My thigh muscles barely work and walks of 2+ miles are just out of the question at this point. And you know what?? I don’t care – I feel so miserable that it doesn’t matter. I’m also suffering from a cold – like everyone else. Bah humbug!! But it’s encouraging to know that we will get better with time; I think it’s important to remember that.

Anyway – it seems that how you’re feeling is pretty normal (whatever normal is now!) Best of luck to you.

Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: thyroid illnesses and diet coke #1075441

Hi Cathy,

Coconut milk!! Yum! I love coconut!! I’ll bet it’s wonderful – but is it high in calories? Thanks for the suggestion about calcium – I’ll be more aware of that. I take a calcuim with D supplement (have for years) and I love cheese and yogurt. I also drink OJ with calcium. It’s funny – when my kids were home we all drink lots of milk, but as they’ve grown up and moved on I don’t drink nearly as much. Wonder why…. Anyway – I’ll try and have at least a glass a day. I was not aware of the iodine content of milk vs RAI. Interesting!

One last question (at least for today). I’m getting over a nasty cold, and my daughter is encouraging me to get a flu shot. Since I haven’t started on a treatment yet (other than a beta blocker) is that a good idea now? Don’t know that it makes a difference, but I really don’t want to do anything to stimulate my immune system anymore than it already is right now. My doctor didn’t mention it one way or the other; I’m just curious what others have done.

Take care,
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: thyroid illnesses and diet coke #1075439

Thanks to all who wrote about diet cokes. It’s interesting to read the comments – and I agree; there is nothing in diet coke that is actually good for you. I’ve done some reading but haven’t found any scientific studies to support that it’s really harmful. There’s lots of stuff on the internet, but it’s not all true. The difficult thing, I think, is to separate fact from fiction. My brother in law sent me an email about six months ago about how bad diet coke is and it sounded very plausible (and pretty scary!!) As I do with most things that come to me by email, I checked it out on snopes.com, and it turned out to be false. So I went back to snopes and typed in "dangers of diet coke" and found that the allegations don’t seem to be able to be validated.

So – what to do? I know some of you have made the (undoubtedly wise) decision to quit drinking the stuff and I respect that. For me – the jury is still out. I’m trying to drink less, but can’t see giving it up entirely.

The whole issue of food additives and chemicals is really pretty scary. Basically, I think if it comes in a box, can, or package – it probably isn’t good for you. I mean – look at the ingredients on a cereal box; what is that stuff?? I also wonder about the hormones that are added to milk that they won’t tell us about; now I just buy Silk or organic milk. And the salt solution that’s added to frozen meat as a "flavor enhancer" is a neurotoxin. I live in a small town, and I don’t have access to a Whole Foods unless I go to Houston, Dallas, etc. and that’s not realistic. Truly – it’s very hard to make good, informed choices on what to eat or drink. I guess we all just do the best we can.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: Is It Really Graves #1075308

Hi Steve,

Oh man – this just isn’t fun, is it? I’m so sorry you’re still feeling so unwell after a year. I’m new to this so I can’t offer much of anything but sympathy. However – some of your symptoms sound very familiar to me – especially the restless legs (especially when trying to sleep; just can’t stay comfortable…) and the muscle weakness (I have it in my thighs). I had heart palpitations too, but that, racing heart, and hand tremors have gone away since the doctor put me on a beta blocker. That has helped immensely!! You may still be having heart symptoms without knowing it. You might want to check that out with your doctor.

Other than that, I’ve learned from reading the posts that we all have symptoms that seem to come and go. I don’t think there are any quick fixes – some of the symptoms are apparently here to stay for awhile. Hopefully you’ll get your thyroid numbers were they need to be for you and you’ll start feeling better soon.

I sure hope you get some answers soon as to why you’re feeling so unwell.

Best of luck to you,
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: thyroid illnesses and diet coke #1075435

Hi Ski,

Okay – thanks so much. As you’ve read before, I’ve been rather obsessively searching for a definative answer to what was wrong with me. Putting a name to it helps. You’ve supplied the final piece of the puzzle, and I feel much better now. I’ll just trust the diagnosis from my family doc and go forward. Now I just have to figure out what treatment to go with….

Thanks again,
Lynne

[LynneB54]

in reply to: thyroid illnesses and diet coke #1075432

Hi Ski,

Well – drats!! Not the answer I was hoping for! ” title=”Smile” /> You’re right – it porbably doesn’t do much good to drink diet coke, but I’m not much of a water drinker (and I’ve tried!!) You’re right about the chemicals in it, but look at the "food" we buy at the grocery store! It’s it isn’t fresh, it’s loaded with preservatives, etc. Hmmm – I’m going to have to think about this…

One last question re: a diagnosis. Is it possible to have an autoimmune illness without antibodies showing up in the blood? Can they show up later, or are they always there?

Thanks!
Lynnw

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