New to board. Old to Graves Disease

Community Leader
Registered: 08-01-2002
New to board. Old to Graves Disease
4
Tue, 11-21-2006 - 8:18am

I was first diagnosed with GD in 2000 shortly after having a baby.  When my son was 6m old, I could barley pick him up anymore.  I couldn't walke up just a couple steps without a great amount of effort.  I could not sit on the floor and then stand withoput help.  I just didn't have any muscel stregnth.  My pulse was greatewr than 140bpm.  I went from 125 pounds down to 95 pounds in a matter of 2 months.  I was referred to an endocrinologist, was started on PTU, which I took for a year.  They wanted me to do the radioactive iodiene, which I refused.  I stayed in remission for a couple of years.  In 2003, I went hyper again.  my pulse ws up to 160 bpm.  Again I was referred back to endo.  This time RAI was really pushed.  I refused again.  This time we tried tapazole.  It workerd until now. 


As of today, my tsh is again <.03 normal being.49-4.67. My free T3 is 5.39, normal being 1.45-3.48. And a couple I have never had done before, Anti-thyroid Perocidase AB >1000, with normal being 0-35, Anti-thyroiglobulin AB 46, with normal being 0-40. I do know this means I am hyperthyroid again. But I do not know what the last two tests are or what they mean.

My Dr. put an order of propanolol for me again. I was told to reconsder the RAI, (radioactive iodine). I just don't know what to do. My Dr. sent me the results thru email so I have not talked to her yet. I started crying when I saw the results and her recomendations. I seriously do not want to do the RAI. It is so scary. I doubt very highly that they will let me have the ATD (anti thyroid drugs)again. I had to basically beg for them last time.


I just want to feel normal again!  I need some advise from those who have BTDT.  HAs anyone had the RAI?  Anyone have subtotal thyroidectomy?  Anyone keep trying the ATD?   Please help!  I don't know what to do.

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Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 11-21-2006 - 5:08pm

Hi Sheryl,


Welcome to our board.


Even though I don't have Graves' disease, I am hyperthyroid and was encouraged to either have RAI or surgery.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-17-2006
Fri, 11-24-2006 - 9:40pm

Hi Packersrnumber1,
I was diagnosed with gd in 2003. I went on PTU as well. It helped, however it is a long
story but I didnt take any meds for a long time and I was very hyper again. My doctor gave me tapazole and it worked but she also brought up RAI and I said no. So I stayed on tapazole for 7 months then off meds for a month, then on szynthroid for hypo, now I am back on tapazole. You have a right to assist in your own health care. I can not tell you what to do or not to do but go with your gut feeling. Like calley said there are alot of others on this site that have had RAI and who have not had it done.

Good luck to you and let us know how your doing.

Thanks,
Terianne

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-03-2005
Sat, 11-25-2006 - 6:20pm

Oh, first, new to this board.

I was dx'ed hyperthyroid after my parents' died within three weeks of each other. Anyway, I did some quick research on the internet about the radioactive pill and decided not to take it. There is some really scary stuff written about this treatment. Went on PTU...HATED IT...I figured that my heart beating a million times a minute was not a good thing even with the heart meds so I opted for the pill. THE BEST THING I'VE DONE FOR MYSELF IN A LONG TIME. I'm still in the blood work part and should be on Synthroid within the next few weeks. I got real tired real fast of fooling around with this disease and trying to play the meds game. The only things that have happened to me since taking the pill 1. my muscle mass has returned, I can actually get out of the car without help 2. My heart has settled down 3. My hair has stopped falling out 4. The red, bumpy stuff on my shins is going away 5. My eyes are not as bloodshot, I was looking like Dracula. So far, my weight has stayed even and I'm watching that like a hawk. I know they're are some downsides, but so far, this is working for me and I'm glad I listened to my GP and my Endo and took the pill.

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Thu, 11-30-2006 - 9:42pm

Hi Rattie2005,


That's great to hear that your treatment is working so well.

 

Calley7