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Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • StephenE
    Participant
    February 5, 2013 at 4:26 pm
    Post count: 8
    in reply to: 46 Male, Runner and cyclist, with Graves #1170827

    It’s been exactly one year since I was diagnosed with grave disease. I was put on beta blockers and Tapazole to treat the symptoms. I stopped taking the beta blocker after about 3 weeks because it was increasing my heart palpitations. After about 4 weeks on the Tapazole I was starting to feel somewhat back to normal although I still had palpitations from time to time. After six months on Tapazole, I started to break out in welts and hives in the evening and it lasted until the next morning. My Endo figured I developed an allergy to the meds so he took me off of the Tapazole and I’ve been good ever since. The palpitations stopped and my blood work has been in the normal range now for 6 months. I think the welts and hives was a result of my body telling me I didn’t need the meds anymore. Good luck to those out there with this disease. There is hope!

    StephenE
    Participant
    April 13, 2012 at 9:26 am
    Post count: 8
    in reply to: New to Graves – struggling with decision – drugs or RAI #1171095

    Hi Oberon,

    My doctor report explained that dosage is based off of the size of your Thyroid and your uptake. Based of the size of my gland and uptake the recommended dosage for me is 20mCi.

    StephenE
    Participant
    April 10, 2012 at 9:08 am
    Post count: 8
    in reply to: New to Graves – struggling with decision – drugs or RAI #1171081

    I would like to comment on the above post on supplements. My sister-in-law is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and also teaches at one of the schools on the east coast. I have had long conversations with her regarding this disease and treatment options. She has said there is NO Natural way to cure graves disease. What she has done for me is in collaboration with my local doctor, use various natural methods to repair the damage done by Graves and help strengthen the body to up the chances of remission and or successful RAI, if that’s the route taken. Remember pharmaceuticals react to various supplements and vitamins so communication with your doctor is critical.

    StephenE
    Participant
    April 9, 2012 at 1:19 pm
    Post count: 8
    in reply to: 46 Male, Runner and cyclist, with Graves #1170825

    Hello all,

    I finally heard back from my 2nd Doctors program. I was fortunate to have my case reviewed by a doctor and professor of Endocrinology at a medical school in NY. The doctor gave some great feedback in laymen’s terms. I can start back running and exercising now that my heart rate is back to normal. He also suggested for my case, that I go on a year of Tapazole with a reduced rate after 3 months and wait see if I can go into remission. The other thing was based on my relative small size of organ (thyroid) that going with RAI would be the most popular choice. That was the first time I’ve heard of size as a factor. Another question for folks to ask their doctor about.

    Since I have not experienced any side affects in the last two months on Tapazole, I think I will consider requesting going a year with my local Endoc Doctor.

    Hope you all had a good Easter weekend,

    StephenE

    StephenE
    Participant
    March 22, 2012 at 9:06 am
    Post count: 8
    in reply to: 46 Male, Runner and cyclist, with Graves #1170824

    4 weeks to the day of taking Tapazole and my heart rate is finally starting to drop. Very happy finally some change.

    StephenE
    Participant
    March 20, 2012 at 9:25 am
    Post count: 8
    in reply to: 46 Male, Runner and cyclist, with Graves #1170823

    Thanks for the link Kimberly! What a great event, I may have to see if I can do one of the days with them when they are in my area.

    I have talked to my doctors. My GP said to take it easy and the Endo said there is no problem with exercise. Luckily my company has a great program called 2nd Doctors, which is a group of doctors from around the country that reviews all my medical information and gives me feedback about my condition and treatment. I will ask the question on exercise when I get my debriefing next week.

    Once again thanks for the feedback.

    StephenE
    Participant
    March 20, 2012 at 8:03 am
    Post count: 8
    in reply to: 46 Male, Runner and cyclist, with Graves #1170821

    Thank you for the reply Bobbi. I have stopped all running and high intensity cardio workouts, but for sanity purposes I still need to get out once in a while for a low impact workout. I mainly stick to lifting weights at the gym because I feel it is important to maintain muscle and bone density while fighting this monster. Being from Tahoe as well, skiing is a hard activity to give up, so I still go but I take a lot of breaks to rest and keep a constant watch on my heart rate.

    Your information is much appreciated. I hope in time I can give feedback that will help others as well.

    Regards,
    StephenE

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