[marciam]

in reply to: How long until the RAI treatment starts to work? #1178751

Well, 16 weeks out and still high, i think. I will take another blood test next week. Hard to tell if i am having symptoms but definitely feeling mood swings, anxiety and a little shakiness. But that could also be menopause, who knows? Still have tons of energy, working out a lot, losing weight on the South Beach diet. I know, i shouldn’t complain after reading so many horrible stories on this forum. It will be interesting to see what the doctor says after the next blood test. Funny, i was so worried about becoming a different person after the pill but that didn’t happen. Maybe we are the way we are and nothing can change that. I don’t mean that we are supposed to be really ill but maybe some people are just more revved up than others and a pill can’t change that. Sorry, just getting philosophical on a Monday afternoon.

[marciam]

in reply to: Hyperthyroidism and the Boston marathon #1063754

Thanks for the feedback. I don’t think i have had my potassium checked but my Vitamin D was fine. Been on the medicine for about 8 weeks now. My last blood test came back – T4 great, TSH low so the doctor won’t let me back off on the dosage yet. But i’m hopeful that after the next 6 weeks i can start weaning off. Funny, probably because i was in such great shape – i didn’t notice much strength loss – except being extremely thin of course. I just kept pushing through. It is really amazing how your body wants to regulate itself. For you women – i lost my period for 4 months while i was sick (at first i thought i was pregnant!) But after 6 weeks on the medicine it came back! not so sure that’s a great thing – but it shows how your body can come back to normal. I didn’t sign up for Boston – i just can’t know how long it will take to regulate this thing. But i am back to running again – i ran 8 miles last Saturday! Unfortunately i have lost all my speed so it’s like starting all over. I think that weight training is really important too. My big issue is i have to start remembering that i can’t eat like i did when i was sick. I hate to say it – but that was a great side effect of this disease – being able to eat anything you want without gaining any weight! So no races for me right now – but i’m not ruling out one next year – i know there’s another marathon in me!

[marciam]

in reply to: TED AND PUFFY FACE #1063351

I’ve been on the methimazole for about 8 weeks. Feeling much better (although i hate the 5 lbs i’ve gained!). But i know what you mean about the puffy eyes and face. I wasn’t sure if it was the medication or the disease but from what i’m reading here – it is the disease. At first my eyes were irritated, blurry, dry and crusty. That part has mostly gone away – but for most of the day, my eyes are all squinty and swollen. My hands also feel a little puffy. Yes, this is a minor complaint but i guess it’s nice to know it’s not just me walking around with a puffy face. I suppose if i had any time, i could try ice packs in the morning. I’m not really sure what i’m eating that could be too salty – probably any prepared food is bad for me. But you try to find the time to cook organically being a single mom with 2 teenagers.

[marciam]

in reply to: Hyperthyroidism and the Boston marathon #1063751

Thanks for your help. I’ve been reading some of the other posts too and it is all very helpful although some of it is scary. I haven’t run in over a week (which is really hard for me!). But i’ve been feeling better the past 2 days so i think the medicines have kicked in. I’m really hoping that the methimazole works so i can get off the heart drug. I’m going to the primary care doctor tomorrow and hopefully i will like her enough that she can be my point person in all of this – between the endocrinologist and cardiologist and whatever other ologists come up. I’ve been reading the other posts about stress and yes, i do believe stress is a big factor in this – in all diseases. I just went through a rough divorce (are there any easy ones?) and had a crazy summer at work. I just assumed my jitteriness and heart issues were just stress. Wasn’t until it effected my running that i realized that something was really wrong. Call me crazy- but i’m really hoping that i can wean myself off of the drugs eventually (okay, that doesn’t sound right!) Funny how it’s always the health, diet and exercise conscious people that end up sick. I just wish i didn’t have everyone asking me if i ran the Portland Marathon this past weekend. I just have to sigh and say – no, not right now.

[marciam]

in reply to: Hyperthyroidism and the Boston marathon #1063748

Thanks Bobbi:
well, i made my decision after spending half a day in the emergency room because my heart was amping out all night long. Somewhere around 3 am i realized that i couldn’t just push through this. i have to let my body heal. So i’m trying to go a whole week without exercising – which is really hard for me. i won’t do Boston this year. unfortunately you have to qualify for Boston and who knows if i will ever do that again – i’m not getting any younger. Although last year, i was stronger and faster than i’ve ever been. That’s what i can’t figure out with this disease – i’ve always been hyper and energetic – i can get more things done in one day than most people can in a week, I like being that way. Will the medication take that away?

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