Graves Disease wonderings lol

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-05-2005
Graves Disease wonderings lol
4
Wed, 01-12-2005 - 1:12am

Hey...

A little background info first lol I had Graves Disease like 6 years ago and went thru the whole propranolol and PTU and Radioactive Iodine treatment and it shut it all down. My question is this...I am taking 1.88 milligrams of Levothyroxin a day and yet I have all the symtpoms of being hypo. I'm gaining weight, no energy, amazing appetite, dry skin, horrible hair..

I have an app with the dr on the 19 (I've already done all the bloodtests, just going in for the results) but is it possible to all of a sudden go hypo again especially after being on such a high dose already?

I've gone thru a huge amount of stress in the last year does that have any impact on your thyroid if you're on meds already?

I know, lots of questions and i'm sure i'll get the answers in a week but it's still nice to talk to others about it :)

Thanks to anyone who responds and if anyone has any questions about Graves or anything like that feel free to ask...there's lots doctors don't tell you even tho they think they're covering everything lol I had tons of side effects the dr didn't tell me about like total loss of taste and electric shocks thru out my chest area when i'd do any type of walking or anything or even the rashes from it the meds... blah glad that's over lol

Jenni

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Thu, 01-13-2005 - 8:58am
Hi Jenni and welcome - I don't have lots of time right now as I'm out to the door to work but ... it sounds to me as if you need your medication increased and that's not unusual at all. The dose isn't that high either so don't worry about that. Stress is a tremendous factor in depleting our thyroid hormone.It affects so many systems in our body negatively. It's my own opinion that doctors' don't even know how much of an effect it has. I think strenous exercise also has an effect on how we use thyroid hormone but my doctor doesn't agree!! LOL! Imagine that? LOL! Anyway, it sounds as if an adjustment in your meds should do it for you. It will be interesting to see what your blood test results are and if they reflect how you're feeling. Let us know!! And be sure to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor so he or she gets a good picture of what's going on with you. Hope this helps! Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2005
Fri, 01-14-2005 - 10:44am

Hi, I was just diagnosed with Graves disease this week and my doctor wants an answer by Monday on what type of treatment I want to have. She is really suggesting the radioactive iodine treatment. I was wondering what are the side effects from this and for you personally who has had it, would you do it again? Or would you just have the surgery?

My doctor thinks I have about a month before the symtoms get worse and even said I could contact an endocrinologist if I wanted. I am really confused right now. I thought I would just do the iodine treatment and be done, but now I am not sure.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!! Danielle

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Fri, 01-14-2005 - 7:41pm

Danielle-


PLEASE don't feel rushed into ANYTHING!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Fri, 01-14-2005 - 11:54pm

Hi Danielle - I agree with April on the meds over RAI as a first step. And most definitely do NOT do anything until you have had an appointment with an endo. Most GP's or family doctors don't know enough about thyroid conditions and even many endos don't, but you have a better chance of getting someone who is experienced with this by seeing an endo.

The usual first step is to take the medication for about a year, that is about all they allow, to see if it brings your thryoid levels into the normal range. Then if that doesn't work, the next step is RAI. So don't rush into anything. Do a little research on your own and make a decision based on what you think is best for you. I hope this helps. I'm going to repost your question on it's own so more people will see it and you might get some more answers! Cathy :)