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in reply to: On ATD two years-plus? #1183742
Hi Flora, I have not been here in a long time, however would like to comment. I was on Methimazole for about 2.5 years and most of that time needed frequent adjustment up and down in dosage. I eventually said to the Endo that I did not feel like exercising any more, and felt sluggish. He thought that I might be over medicated. We decided that I would stop the ATD and low and behold 6 months later I was declared in remission. It has now been almost 3 years and I am doing well, except when I eat salty foods. Then my eyes act up.
I am so happy that I persevered and did not kill off my thyroid, although many times I wanted to get rid of it once and for all.
Just my story.in reply to: eye question #1179757Hi,
Yes, I have noticed this also. I do not know if it is because of the Tapazole or the Graves. It is mostly on the upper eye area, but my neck is also very mottled. I have been off the Tapazole now since January and I see no improvement with these cosmetic complaints. The puffiness is still there around the eye area, but I can see my neck looking more normal, with some definition. My right eye hurts at times. But still mottled. This is a very interesting disease- I wish it would go away! However, feeling hugely better than when diagnosed in 2010.in reply to: Just for Fun – The “Off Topic” Thread! #1177862Boomer- you are killing me! You make me laugh HUGE. Thanks for coming back!
Maryin reply to: Gabe’s Total Thyroidectomy Journal – 5/31/13 #1179591Hi Karen,
All the best to you, from one menpausal to another-or should I say”mentalpausal”!
Let us know how you are during your recovery. I am another who would choose your path if my remission does not remain. Big hugs from afar.
Maryin reply to: Blood sugar levels unstable? #1179564Hi Sue,
I also report having had the sweats and extreme fatigue about an hour after eating. It passes after awhile, but is very uncomfortable and almost debilitating.
Even an apple would do me in. I asked the doc and he just shrugged. Eventually it got better, and in time it happened occasionally, esp after a high carb meal. I also wonder about the blood sugar spiking.
I still get the sweats after eating, and my face gets really red, but am not as tired. I guess that it is a metabolic thing. I hope it gets better for you soon.
I never knew that those 2 small glands could wreak such havoc on our bodies and minds!Hi Caro,
It is fantastic that you feel good! I also, just over a year on Methimazole, was asked by my endo if I felt lucky and would like to go off the ATD. I said no, I was not comfortable with that as yet, so we agreed that I would stay on 7.5 mg daily. Then I needed a downward adjustment about 6 months later to 5 mg, then another 6 months later to 2.5 mg. After two and a half years on the ATD I started to feel weird again and so the endo thought that I was over medicated. Yipee! Remission? Anyway I have been drug free for 5 months and feel pretty good. So trust your instincts. There should be no harm in staying on a small dose for years. I know that I was not ready so soon, even though the endos keep talking about 12-18 months as the goal post to see about remission.
Anyway, it is great to hear that you feel better. I wish that the docs would talk to us about how long the healing process can take. I had no idea how much patience is needed. Maybe they don’t want us to know, because we might get discouraged. But it is worth it to try to keep your thyroid intact, if you can. I know that for some it is not an option.
Good luck, eat and exercise carefully, and continue on your way to good health!in reply to: Do I need a Psychiatrist too? #1179435Boomer-please do not leave! We need your humour! Your apology was gracious, for sure. I think that some one else could be as gracious. There were harsh words said on both sides.
I agree that there is too much “preaching” at times by some. I tend to skip those posters now, as I do not find it at all pleasant.
I really appreciate this forum, and the moderators!Oh my gosh- you have been a source of strength and reason for me. It is just not fair that your eyes are so troublesome for you. I guess, above all, you have to take care not to lose your sight. I am throwing out a big hug to you.
I agree with MsLux. I flunked a visual field test about a year and a half ago and it was suggested to me by a physician to take 200mcg selenium daily. My last visual field test showed a vast improvement!
Ms Lux,
I feel that your attack on Kimberly is unjustified. These facilitators perform a a very important function on this forum. If you feel that a comment on your posts, with an suggestion that may help you, is inappropriate, perhaps you should not be spilling out so much information on a public forum on the world wide web.
I have been on the Graves Forum for over 2 years and have not seen such rudeness to one of the facilitators until now. Keep up the great work, Kimberly. You are appreciated!Hi ,
I was on 30 mg Methimazole & 40 mg Beta blocker for my first 30 days and went from a size 6 to a 12 in that time with alot of fat around my middle. I thought I was turning into Humpty Dumpty. My fat gain slowed down as soon as my beta blocker was discontinued and the Meth dose dropped to 10 mg. Eventually, once you start exercising and build muscle again, your body shape will return to somewhat normal, but it took me about a year and a half to get rid of the fatty deposits. Only lost a size so far but maybe I was too thin when I was really ill and did not realize it!
I guess the important thing is to get that darn thyroid regulated so that you can feel well. I was fat but sure felt so much better than before. People say I look great now!Mary
Diagnosed June 1010, on Meth until Jan.2013. Hoping that I am in remission.in reply to: Hyper Hormone Secretions? anyone know? #1176882Hi Vanillasky,
I totally sympathize with you on your menopausal symptoms. I am now 57 and until about 16 months ago I also was in dispair. My endo said that he could not help and he said” frankly my dear, it is your age”. He is no longer my endo.
I asked my GP for help sleeping and a prescription for a sleep aid. He did not think that was wise, and instead suggested a referral to a physician with a special interest in bio-identical hormones. I was skeptical, but went, and am so glad that I did. He carefully tests and monitors all of my hormone levels. He also mentioned that if we help correct my imbalances, it l may help to normalise my thyroid function. He said that my menopausal symptoms should abate and I should feel quite good by about the 9-10 month mark under treatment, and he was right.
Within a few months my flashes decreased, sleep was better, and my mood improved.I am on a bi-est cream and progesterone capsule with a break for a few days every month. My dosage is monitored and he has increased both a small amount. He also has me taking vitamin D, omega 3, magnesium and selenium supplements. The magnesium & progesterone also aid with sleep.
I would never buy over the counter female hormone, or mail order product or use health store products, esp after now seeing how carefully the hormones have to be titrated.There is no one size fits all with that stuff.
I also will never again go to a naturopath. I do believe that she triggered Graves disease by insisting that I take iodine drops every day because she thought by looking at my eyes that I had a thyroid problem. I paid her alot of money to make me very sick.
I will stick to my MDs and my new endo from now on.
As of January 2013 I am off the methimazole, and feeling better for it. I sure hope that this is it, but if I have to go back on, so be it. Nothing is worse than full blown Graves. And add in severe menopausal symptoms-wow!
I don’t believe that there is nothing that can help you-keep looking, but do not get sucked in by products or practitioners who have no solid medical basis to their supposed “cures”. They just want to drain your pocketbook.in reply to: Possible remission? #1176272Hi Kimberly,
He did check the antibody level, and there were none. He is checking again and also a another test as I may be one of those who test for negative antibodies. This is rare. Anyway, it is good news so far. I am glad that I listened to my other docs who said not to do anything definative as yet. I sure hope this works! Its been quite a ride. Thanks for this forum!in reply to: Merry Christmas #1176054There are really big hearts on this forum, and I want to give a huge Merry Christmas, and heartfelt thanks to Kimberly, Bobbi , Sky and Shirley for always being there for us as we need a helping hand. Hopefully( me included) some of us can be as generous in the future. May 2013 be kind, peace on earth and goodwill to all.
MaryHi Noisette,
When you mention a dull ache in the left chest and radiating down your left arm, I know exactly what you mean! Mine used to feel tender and irritated in my heart region but now has subsided into an ache. It feels better with vigorous exercise, as if getting more blood to that area eases it. I also mentioned it to my doc and there was no concern.
I have to wonder if there is residual damage to muscles, and the heart is a muscle. I know that my diaphram was affected when I had that muscle loss in the beginning. When I swing towards hyper, my chest symptoms reappear, also the weird hiccup/burp sound I get that is so charming.
I guess we just slog through this all and hope to stay balanced in thyroid hormone for longer periods of time. It sure is a journey!
Cheers, Mary -
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