[PeggyR]

in reply to: How often to have TSH checked after normal. #1065928

Knowing one has Graves seemed to be the hardest part of the battle, for me and too many others. I’m not suggesting any treatment option, but the RAI was so easy. And I had to have it twice! They were pretty conservative with the radiation, in my case anyway, too conservative the first time. Getting the diagnosis and getting to this board is the beginning of healing for so many of us. You sound pretty tough and like a wonderful mom. I’d love to have a daughter like me! How great is that for you!!! My two sons live in California and I’m in Minnesota and no one has the money to visit- ” title=”Sad” /> … but they are healthy, working and handsome (of course). Keep on trucking Mama and I’ll see ya round the board. Peggy

[PeggyR]

in reply to: How often to have TSH checked after normal. #1065926

Bobbi- Avoiding a hormonal roller coaster when going from hypo to normal was what I learned from you before, so I appreciate the same advice in regards to staying normal and will keep it in mind. You’re a gem! Peggy

Mamabear- That is a lot of hormonal changes you have been going through, holy buckets! Kids can keep you going through some amazing times. I am Margaret and I have a dog named Maggie. Peggy was the name of a nurse at the hospital I was born at. My mother & paternal grandmother were both Margarets. In truth, when called by that name, I still think I’m in trouble. My husband likes the name also. Thank you for your support…I did cry when I read all these replies…a good -ah, I’m not alone…cry. Hang in there! Peggy

Ski- Thank you for your help. Surviving to tell the tale is one part and having my experience help another is the best, most meaningful part. And even today, when I try to share with aquaintances about being so thin & shaky- I get a blank stare or "I need a disease were I can eat anything and not get fat". I mention that because I needed a good cry about it. It’s part of who I am. Take care, Peggy

[PeggyR]

in reply to: How often to have TSH checked after normal. #1065922

Thank you both for such a prompt reply. I have had 2 ablations and am told I only have "scar tissue", no thyroid any more. It is like, same book, different chapter…no diagnosis for years and no TSH done on me till a chronic pain specialist said, "Your hands are shaking" and then, "your heart rate is 120! Have you ever had thyroid problems?" I didn’t even really know where my thyroid was. (Now I do!!!!)

I was angry for a long time about the missed diagnosis and all the "stuff" this disease did to me and my way of life. This board was the biggest saving grace and still is!

Anyway, back to my story, after my dx I took the RAI and waited see my thyroid levels go up, but instead watched my weight go down. So, after 6 months I burst into my Endocrine’s office & demanded another! (maybe not so dramatically). The radiologists cranked up the dosage, this time. I went home, had a sore throat and slept for a couple of days. It took 6 months for me to go hypo and I continued to loss wt up until 6 months after. I think I cried when they said my TSH was 9!

I had a normal TSH over a year ago. It took a few years to get there. I am 58 years old, post menopausal and healthy, but need to loss some weight (oh, the paradox). I believe I am stablized in regards to weight, am walking daily & in 2 weeks will begin some wt. training. I feel wonderful & happy, just too chunky in the middle. I did develope some, not so healthy, eating habits while hyper that I do not recommend. My TSH in November was normal at 2.4. It was therapeutic for me to write all that! Graves is quite a journey and it’s so important to connect with fellow travellers! Does that enlighten you? LOL Peggy

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