[teacherhelper]

in reply to: thyroxine absorbtion #1169674

My endo advised me to take my supplements at night so that’s what I do. I only take BP meds in the morning with breakfast and always have dairy with it. There’s so much to think about but once a routine is established, it’s not so bad.

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: TED and e-Readers (Kindle, Nook, etc.) – Any Advice? #1169756

I got a kindle for my birthday in September. I also got the leather case with the light. I love it. I have enlarged the print to a comfortable size and the light in the case is not so bright. I find it very easy on my eyes.

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: Double-Dosing Synthroid #1169786

I have my synthroid in a bottle by my bed. At night before turning off the light I put a pill on the cover of the bottle (it’s a Walgreen’s pill bottle with the cap inverted). Then in the morning I take that pill. You might want to take all 7 pills out of the bubble wrap and put them in a weekly pill minder by your bed. Then you just take the appropriate day. I know with our Grave’s minds, things are confusing enough.

We never did get together to compare notes. Call me or email me after the first of the year and maybe we can meet up.
Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: Silly Synthroid Question #1169501

Good morning!
I keep my synthroid on my nightstand and keep my other meds in my daily container in the kitchen. Then I know to take those when I eat breakfast. Sometimes I think the GD just plays with our minds and thinking.

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: Have decided on the RAI #1061528

I saw my endo last week Tuesday. I’m feeling great right now. I told him that I didn’t know how great felt until the last couple weeks. He said I’d been sick a long time. Hang in there, as you too will feel good in time. I keep telling myself Rome wasn’t built in a day and patience is good to have. Just know that we’ve all been there, done that. And you too will get there. My back seems better now that my levels are stabilized.

Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: Newbie #1061429

Hi newbie!
There is hope. Sometimes it takes longer than we would like (most of us have very little patience with Graves) but, trust me, you will feel better. I’m finally starting to feel more like my older self (can’t say old ‘cuz I’m 66 and don’t feel old). I haven’t had the leg and knee aches for quite a while. One day you’ll just stop in your tracks and realize that you’re feeling better. Hang in there and know that many others have traveled the same road you are right now.
Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: Have decided on the RAI #1061523

If your RAI goes as well as mine did, it’s very easy. I had no real side effects after I swallowed the pill. I even stopped at the store to get some lemon drop candy to suck on. My tech advised it to keep the salivary glands producing to avoid a bad taste in the mouth. It worked. If you are a big milk drinker or eat lots of dairy products, you shouldn’t be low in vitamin D. I’m 66 and just had the RAI in Sept. So far I think my bones are OK. I have HUGE back issues but they’re no more pronounced now than they were before. I also have arthritis, both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. I haven’t felt any differently. Just keep positive thoughts, knowing that the light at the end of the tunnel is closer. I’m presently on 112 mcg of levothyroxine. I started out at 75, went to 100 and then 112. You will be able to tell right away when you’re hypo. It’s amazing how our bodies tell us when things aren’t right. Just make sure you still get some rest. That’s so important in our healing process. Right now I feel so good that I forget how badly I did feel. Take care and blessings on your journey!
Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: RAI 14 WEEKS AGO #1062028

I had RAI Sept 30. By mid Dec I could feel that I was hypo so had blood work done. I was put on 75 mcg of synthroid. By the end of Jan I could tell my levels were off again, had blood work done and was upped to 100 mcg. I was increased to 112 mcg’s in early March and am now stabilized. It’s amazing how different I feel now that things seem to be on the right track. I still get tired and know that I have to rest when that happens, but my energy levels are more like I used to be before my world seemed to fall apart. Right now I’m on three blood pressure pills (100 mg of atenolol, 5 mg of amlodipine/besylate, and 40 mg of Diovan). I’m hoping that the next time I see my PCP I might be able to wean myself off one of the BP pills.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We just have to be patient, which is a hard thing to have when one has GD. Hang in there.
Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: EYE DROPS AND LUBRICANT #1062559

I use two drops, Soothe XP and Refresh Optive during the day. I can use them every hour if my eyes are dry and gritty feeling. At night I use Refresh Celluvisk, a gel drop. All of these were recommended by my eye doctor. They have helped me a lot. I hope this helps you. I know they’re not cheap, but if it helps, it’s worth it.

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: Complete Thyroidectomy #1063366

I used to have leg cramps a lot. Found out that folic acid helps so have been taking folic acid every night. It’s just a little pill that I take. Leg cramps are so much better…rare occurance now! It’s an easy thing to do and not very expensive. Hope this might help!
Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: 2011 Patient & Family Conference will be in Boston #1063408

Where is the conference supposed to be next year? That alone could be worth the trip! Will it be centrally located or on the east coast? Maybe FLorida?

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: POLL: what positive things have come about in your life… #1072389

I have "met" some really great people who have and are experiencing the same things. "cyber" friends can offer so much support. I have learned that God is in control, and nothing I do will ever change that. Prayer is the best medicine. Since my RAI I’ve learned that things definitely do get better. I’ve learned that baby steps in the wellness department can be HUGE!

Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: How to Choose / Tapazole/Thyroidectomy/RAI #1063564

I had RAI 3 weeks ago. It was very easy to do and so far I am not sorry about my decision. I think I’m starting to feel better. My mind is finally starting to focus more and tune into things. I felt pretty disconnected before. My doctor put me on PTU to counter any symptoms I might have and I think it’s helping. I have blood work in 2 weeks and see the doctor in 3. I hope you can come to a decision that will be good for you! This is a wild and crazy disease but I’m seeing a light. I had slight eye involvement but haven’t noticed anything different there. I’ve been very faithful with over the counter eye drops recommended to me by my eye doctor. I also have done a gel drop at night that’s helped a lot. This board has been great for venting, gathering information, and meeting new people who share the same thing. People do not understand how GD affects us and how our personalities change through no fault of our own. Good luck to you in finding what will work best for you!

Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: One month post op –checking in #1063613

Good morning! Glad to hear things are better. I’m just 2 1/2 weeks out from RAI. I’m not sure about how I’m feeling yet, but I think better. My mind seems to be clearing up. I had a meeting on Saturday at my church. It’s the first time that I felt really "connected" to the group. I think that’s a VERY positive sign. I haven’t had bloodwork yet (get that on Nov and go see my endo on the 15th. He put me on PTU the day after the RAI. I think that’s helped me "keep my cool" while all this is going on. I do think I’m starting to feel better and that’s the best feeling. I’ll post more after my labs and drs visit.
Joanie

[teacherhelper]

in reply to: RAI set for Sept. 30 #1063877

It done…and it was so easy! Went alone. Tech was very funny and put me at ease. Advised me to suck on lemon drops for the next few days to keep the salivary glands working so it doesn’t pool in them. Can cause a bitter taste. My diet is only for 2-3 more days! Then look out world… I can’t wait to have that piece of toast, a glass of milk and then a good steak!

I’m back on my PTU starting tomorrow as a precautionary measure. In 5 weeks I have bloodwork and go to the endo in 6. It’s just the imagination working but I think I feel better already! OK. But I am looking forward to that day!

Joanie

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