New to Grave's???about levels,nodules
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| Tue, 02-13-2007 - 2:50pm |
Hi,
I've been posting on and off here for awhile...since October and just got diagnosed with Grave's. I have two nodules one small, the other 3cm. I had the FNA and everything was benign.
Here are my questions.....at first my TSH was .02 and T4 was also out of range. My endocrinologist ordered more bloodwork and he said my levels were only slightly off! Both T4 and TSH were slightly off....I don't know what the exact numbers are because I am waiting for a copy of my lab report. I did ask the doctor but he has such a thick accent that I could not understand him over the phone. The doctor said that my levels will fluctuate. My question...how do I ever find the right dose of medication if my levels will flucuate? We decided to start on 5 mg of Tapazole and I also take Atenolol for my palps. Will I ever feel right? Can this ever go into remission? We decided to try medication first before RAI...because obviously that would throw me into hypo and I would HAVE to take medication.....for life.
My other question is what role does Grave's disease play on the nodules? I believe my doctor said my nodules were separate and not cause by Grave's. However, my understanding was the the nodules on the thryoid cause hyperthyroidism. Anyone with any thoughts or answers to my questions? Thank you!

Hi,
I'm sorry as I can't answer most of your questions. However, I had the opposite of you in that I had hashimoto's disease vs. graves AND I had a 4 cm (diameter and length) cold nodule inside the left side of my thyroid. I know that with hyperthyroidism, your pituitary gland is telling your thyroid gland to produce more TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as it thinks that you are not producing enough T4 hormone. This TSH is supposed to tell your thyroid to produce more T4 hormone which, in turn, converts into your T3 hormone. With hyperthyroidism, there is an access of T4 and thus T3 hormones being produced VS. hypo where there is not enough. This is my long-winded way of saying based on my own experience with my docs, my nodule was a separate issue from my hashimoto's disease. My nodule was a cold nodule. Is yours a hot or cold nodule?
Hi,
I understand what your saying....thanks! My nodule was benign....I thought the doctor said it was a separate thing. I wasn't sure if the Grave's caused it or not! I thank you for your input.
Kristine