[sbigler]

in reply to: Conflicting answers from two Dr.’s…. #1065042

This "sort off" happened to me but long after I was treated for Graves. My lab’s were inadvertently sent to my family doctor and he said to call my endo immediately to get my meds adjusted because I was very hypo. However, when I finally got copies of my labs to the endo he REDUCED my meds because i was still hyper. I have all the faith in the world in my family physician, but I think he interpreted "low" warnings to be "low" thyroid. So it pays to follow the advice of your endo because of their expertise in this area.

Best of luck to you and hope you start feeling better soon!
-Soni

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in reply to: Benefit of a research hosp after treatment for a 2 opinion #1065188

Thank you Ski for your thoughts. I was told by my endo to hold off going to the ophthalmologist because things can change. But you are correct-I hadn’t thought about the fact that he hasn’t seen me at all since I was diagnosed (he saw me a month before).So I guess it would be beneficial to let them know of my condition so that they can track any changes. My vision seems to be changing on a daily basis so didn’t want to go through prescription changes, etc. until things slow down. But no harm in keeping them in the loop.

Thanks!

-Soni

[sbigler]

in reply to: Benefit of a research hosp after treatment for a 2 opinion #1065185

Thanks Kimberly and mamabear. I appreciate you both taking the time to respond! Mamabear-I definitely relate to your doctor stories. I have had some really wonderful physicians in the last few years, but my endo’s bedside manner leaves something to be desired. I have a friend who interned with him during pharmacy school and she says that he is one of the very best in his field. It is just that everyone (including myself) questions the fact that he didn’t test for thyroid issues early on. Now I have no way of knowing how long I may have had this disease, and did it cause my kidney failure or did the kidney failure cause the disease (one of the other reasons why family is encouraging me to go for second opinion). And should I have had surgery, did the RAI not take, why don’t I feel better after 6 months, etc. etc. etc.

I agree with you both that family need to "MYOB". I am just having a hard time convincing them all that I did the right thing and that I will get better eventually, when all they have to do is look at me and know that I still am not right. I often quote the folks here on the board and their stories, but the pressure to do something more to "fix" me continues and then I start doubting myself!!

So once again-I appreciate your responses. Very helpful and supportive!

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in reply to: Benefit of a research hosp after treatment for a 2 opinion #1065181

Thanks Kimberly,

I don’t have copies of all of my labs (only the last two that were done) but it looks like the Free T4 was tested this last time. The numbers are TSH – .06 and Free T4 – 1.22. In April the TSH was .07, and they tested Thyroxine (T4) and that level was 10.6. I don’t see a T3 test at all.

Thanks for your input earlier. I know patience is the key here, but trying to explain that to my family when I am also frustrated because I don’t feel well is difficult. And watching the scales creep up and up and up (another 6 lbs this morning) is extremely annoying!!

-Soni

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in reply to: One year from RAI #1065523

Wow .. 150 of Synthroid seems high especially because at 6 months out am I am only at .050. I have Synthroid-envy!!!

There is a lady that I work with that takes 150 but she never had Graves-just hypothyroidism. She looks and feels great so hopefully it will be the right dose for you. I would think you may go hyper for a few weeks but I bet it is only temporary. I live for the day that I can get my Synthroid increased to a higher dose so that I can start feeling like a normal person again.

Best of luck to you in Mexico!

-Soni

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in reply to: small weight gain..7 months port RAI #1065229

Interesting….. I had RAI in December and lost 30 lbs in the process. I then became hypo, started .075 mg of Synthroid on March 1st, and have gained almost 40 lbs back. The strange thing is that a lot of the weight gain is now in my abdomen. I even discussed this with my doctor a few months ago because for the first time I in my 49 years I am carrying my weight in my middle instead of all over (like usual). I asked about being tested for diabetes and he said to hold off because my labs would all be "tweaked" because of the thyroid. Then last week the doctor reduced my Synthroid to a lesser dose (.050) because I am still somewhat hyper so now I am worried about gaining even more weight. Ugh!!

[sbigler]

in reply to: 6 MONTHS RAI AND STILL A ROLLER COASTER RIDE #1065336

I am also post RAI 6 months and found out yesterday that the endo is reducing Synthroid from .075 to .050 because I am still showing hyper. I can’t get off of the beta blocker (heart still races) so was not surprised by this but am frustrated because I am exhausted and have gained almost 40 lbs. Reading all of the comments/responses on this website has helped me to be more patient that I probably would have been, but it is still tough. My family is also frustrated because I "should be feeling better by now!!" My husband is pretty understanding, but my mom wants me to go to Mayo Clinic because she feels I should not still be hyper at 6 months post RAI so my doctor must not know what he is doing! I know she only wants me to feel better but it doesn’t help me when I have to constantly be defending myself and how I feel to people because they think I should be cured by now. So thanks NGDF for this board. It is so very helpful!!

[sbigler]

in reply to: Heartburn.. #1066241

When I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease I was also diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. I had been having heartburn and pain behind the breastbone, which I mentioned to the doctor when I went to him because of GD symptoms, and it was discovered that I had the hernia. I am now on a prescription medication for the heartburn but was told that Prylosec OTC, taken on an empty stomach, would likely the best and easiest thing that I could do. You may want to go back to the doc to make certain you don’t have a hiatal hernia, but in the mean time do the Prylosec and see if that helps. Of course the challenge for me has been taking synthroid on an empty stomach in the morning at least 4 hours before an antacid. Makes it hard to know when to take the heartburn meds!!

Good luck to you!

[sbigler]

in reply to: the long haul #1066215

It is so helpful to read the symptoms of others on this site. I too am having issues with heat intolerance, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety etc. and was confused because I thought these symptoms were more side effects of hyperthryoidism and not being hypothryoid. I am new to this disease (had the RAI on Dec 16th) and just started synthroid last Wednesday (.075). I am so exhausted that I never even got out of my p.j.’s this weekend. I was hoping that I would feel better quickly, but have learned that it is wrong to think any cures would happen "overnight". Preparing myself for the long haul because of reading everyone’s comments on here has been the most beneficial aspect of joining this group. So thanks for your honesty everyone-it has been very helpful!

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