[ohiolady]

in reply to: Hello Everyone #1075106

I just wanted to make you feel better in spending $176 – My first visit at the endo (no tests – just visit) was $309.
I think you got a bargain!!!

[ohiolady]

in reply to: Newly Diagnosed #1075130

I was in your shoes only 6 weeks ago – this board will help alot. Ask questions and relay your thoughts and feelings. It helped me just to share with others what was happening and for them to share their experiences also. Hang in there.

[ohiolady]

in reply to: New to Graves and struggling with life… #1075388

Thought I’d say that I have made a decision! It took another trip to the endo to get more answers but for now I am going to try methimazole. My uptake was 34% and he has prescribed 10mg per day. I go back in 3 months. Also just for kicks and giggles I am getting a 2nd opinion from another endo in another city in January. I think his opinion will be the same but hey I would rather double check than regret later. Sometimes I wonder if I should just do the RAI and be done with it but I just can’t commit to that yet. That glimmer of hope that remission may take place or a new treatment waiting to be discovered is too hard for me to not try.
I can say that this disease has consumed my life for the past 6 weeks. I hope to move towards normal levels so the heart & overheating symptoms get fewer and far between. I asked the endo about damaging the heart and he didn’t seemed concerned that would happen. He also said he could give me beta blockers but the side effects might not make them worth it. For the time being I am going with out the beta blockers but sometimes the pain can be quite uncomfortable. Any suggestions?
Also how long does it normally take before concentration comes back? Some days at work are almost unbearable when I can’t think straight. I know we need to limit our stress but how does one do that? I try deep breaths and moments alone but sometimes those don’t work so well.
Anyways – this board has helped me immensely. I appreciate the advice and thoughts and the general keep your chin up attitude. THANKS!
Tammy

[ohiolady]

in reply to: thyroid illnesses and diet coke #1075444

I was diagnosed with GD 3 weeks ago by my family doctor and he gave me a flu shot right then. He referred me to an endo and said the endo would want me to have it. I Don’t know your medical history but that is what happened for me.

[ohiolady]

in reply to: About the holidays… #1075234

Since we’re talking about the holidays – I have not read anything here or elsewhere about alcohol consumption and GD. Since I am recently diagnosed I am wondering if it is a no – no totally or can one enjoy the spirits (moderately of course)?
Tammy

[ohiolady]

in reply to: GD treatments / to seekingclarity #1075280

I think that is why I am having such a hard time deciding what to do – I want to know the right answer. That is part of who I am (I’m an accountant – there is always a correct answer in numbers) – always wanting to make the best decision without failure. My husband has been harping on me for years that every decision need not be monumental – Make a decision and go with it – if it doesn’t work – oh well – learn from it the next time. (oh to have that easy of take on it)

We have to choose what works for us, mentally & physically. I’m leaning towards ATD Tapazole just for the fact can have a chance at remission – Hey – only 2% of female population get GD so I must be lucky!

I do have one question about the bones – I am 5’7" – 120" (and losing) soaking wet and very small build any I wonder about osteoporosis all the time. Is there contridications on using ATD if osteoporosis is present? I don’t know I have it but I do know I have the right physical attributes for it.

I also want to say thanks for all who have responded to my posts – it is comforting to discuss this with others blessed with GD. Tammy

[ohiolady]

in reply to: GD treatments / to seekingclarity #1075276

Ok so if 30 – 40% chance of remission why do so many choose RAI for first treatment instead of ATD

[ohiolady]

in reply to: GD treatments / to seekingclarity #1075274

Ski:
What an informational post – AWESOME!
Am I understanding it correctly in a nutshell – if choose ATD will take approx 6 weeks to get thyroid non hyper and then most likely take it for 12-18 mo and then see if thyroid goes hyper again. I assume they have to "fine tune" the ATD dosage during this time. If it goes into remission great – but most likely not and then choose to go back on ATD or have RAI. If have RAI takes approx 6 weeks to get thyroid non hyper and then take hormone replacement. Hormone replacement dosage takes some time to fine tune. My endo said it would take a minimum of 6 months with the ATD (not sure if he meant to get thyroid non hyper or to have dosage "fine tuned")

[ohiolady]

in reply to: New to Graves and struggling with life… #1075384

Thanks for the answers –

[ohiolady]

in reply to: New to Graves and struggling with life… #1075382

ski
Thanks for responding – I have been riding a spin cycle for excercise. I read in another post that excercise needs to be scaled back – my endo did not say to be careful. Can I ride?

[ohiolady]

in reply to: New to Graves and struggling with life… #1075380

I am 50 & just started menopausal symptoms when GD entered my life – There are two antithyroid meds – everyone talks about PTU but what about the other – I understand PTU is safer if you are pregnant but I am past that stage – is the other med better or stronger or just different? The symptoms of this disease seem to appear for me when I am trying to concentrate or do small things – if I stay doing something (like using the leaf blower to blow the leaves) I’m not feeling them. How does this work? They seem to come and go.
I am a type A and noticed that others have posted they are the same. If I can control stress it will help relieve the symptoms? What is the longterm outlook on life being normal again? I’ve noticed some have said that it is a roller coaster to get the thyroid under control. Is that with the meds &/or RAI?
I have seen an endo and he has said it is my choice on which treatment to choose – My uptake was 34 – how does that fall in the range of those diagnosed with GD? For those of you who have chose the meds how long did it take for the thyroid to slow down? How about with RAI? Did the meds or the RAI make you feel sick after taking it?
My husband & I have planned a trip to Hawaii in February and would like to feel normal but I think that is out of the question that soon – I am trying to get a positive outlook on this but am really struggling. Right now the lack of being able to concentrate and make my fingers work the keyboard properly is a bit much.
WOW after reading what I wrote it is all over the board but I don’t have the mental concentration to fix it.

[ohiolady]

in reply to: New to Graves and struggling with life… #1075378

I’ve just been diagosed with Graves and I am a bucket of nerves. If I choose antithyroid meds and later want RAI will that throw off the RAI so it doesn’t work as well?

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