Aa
Graves Eye Disease
Dr. Lupo , is there anything that will help this disorder. I have Graves Disease , took RAI in Oct of 08 then a few months later my eyes began swelling and tearing. I have been told there is nothing that can be done. My Eye Doctor says it is a unpredictable disease and will see me again in two months. Is there anything I can do at home , other than tear drops and wait? My Blood work showed TSH at 0.0 and my Free T4 at 1.85 . I know this means I am still Hyper. What should normal levels be? I am on Methimazole 5MG twice a day and Propranolol 40MG twice a day. Plus Prayer all day. Other than my eyes, I am doing better, able to walk and I do not shake . Thank You Sir for being here to help. Many Thanks, Roxanne862
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Would consider seeing a neuro-ophthalmologist as you may need steroids (prednisone). Also, you are still on methimazole 4 months after RAI, this is concerning that it did not work and may have aggravated/caused the thyroid eye disease. In these cases, sometimes thyroidectomy is useful. In meantime, wear sunglasses, use rewetting drops, sleep on 2-3 pillows (elevated head of bed) at night.
My hyperactive thyroid was diagnosed by blood tests done in 2000. I did nothing for two years and felt fine. I did begin treatments in 2001 after discovering that my mother and grandmother had also had thyroid problems.
Synthroid was the first treatment,and after 3 weeks I was a mess of dermatitis herpetiforis and a feeling of general irritation. I was referred to an Endo who wanted to start Radiation treatments immediately, but I refused, and found an alternative medicine clinic. There I was advised to drop wheat consumption and that uncovered a more serious corn allergy that now prevents me from taking many medications that use corn as a binding agent. (Synthroid is one that uses confectioners sugar as a binder, which contains corn starch...there for the allergic reaction!)
I used a tincture of bugleweed, dandelion and lemon balm that worked to lower my thyroid, but when I stopped it for a while it no longer seemed to work, as my thyroid is now hypo! Last blood test levels were 17 so I need some help, but can't take the medications!
My health insurance company is willing to fund the meds that will potentially harm me, but have difficulties with Armour thyroid, Cytomel, or Liothyronine as they do not have Drug Identification Numbers.
My doctor seems to know very little about how to balance this oddity of mine and keeps prescribing Synthroid, suggesting that I take that to a pharmacist and see what they can come up with! I've investigated compounding pharmacies but I have found their solutions to be ranging from $3.00/pill to $.80/pill!
I switched doctors,as she just didn't seem to understand my situation and was very resistant to having me try Armour thyroid.
My new doctor is more open to the concept of the dessicated thyroid but knows little about how to prescribe a proper doseage...giving me a 'script that read.....Synthroid 50mcg or an equivalent doseage of liothyronine or dessicated thyroid" which my pharmacist says is too vague a direction for their ethical code.
Most doctor's and most pharmacists that I talk to seem unaware of the products that contain corn starch as a binder, and what doseages in other products might related to a similar doseage of Synthroid in Armour or liothyronine.
Do you have any other suggestions or help you could offer in creating a properly worded 'script that will allow me to get on track.
Synthroid was the first treatment,and after 3 weeks I was a mess of dermatitis herpetiforis and a feeling of general irritation. I was referred to an Endo who wanted to start Radiation treatments immediately, but I refused, and found an alternative medicine clinic. There I was advised to drop wheat consumption and that uncovered a more serious corn allergy that now prevents me from taking many medications that use corn as a binding agent. (Synthroid is one that uses confectioners sugar as a binder, which contains corn starch...there for the allergic reaction!)
I used a tincture of bugleweed, dandelion and lemon balm that worked to lower my thyroid, but when I stopped it for a while it no longer seemed to work, as my thyroid is now hypo! Last blood test levels were 17 so I need some help, but can't take the medications!
My health insurance company is willing to fund the meds that will potentially harm me, but have difficulties with Armour thyroid, Cytomel, or Liothyronine as they do not have Drug Identification Numbers.
My doctor seems to know very little about how to balance this oddity of mine and keeps prescribing Synthroid, suggesting that I take that to a pharmacist and see what they can come up with! I've investigated compounding pharmacies but I have found their solutions to be ranging from $3.00/pill to $.80/pill!
I switched doctors,as she just didn't seem to understand my situation and was very resistant to having me try Armour thyroid.
My new doctor is more open to the concept of the dessicated thyroid but knows little about how to prescribe a proper doseage...giving me a 'script that read.....Synthroid 50mcg or an equivalent doseage of liothyronine or dessicated thyroid" which my pharmacist says is too vague a direction for their ethical code.
Most doctor's and most pharmacists that I talk to seem unaware of the products that contain corn starch as a binder, and what doseages in other products might related to a similar doseage of Synthroid in Armour or liothyronine.
Do you have any other suggestions or help you could offer in creating a properly worded 'script that will allow me to get on track.
Dear Sir, I have just started taking methimazole last week. You have been very helpful and I am going to Duke for the eye appointment. I can not thank you more for your time. Wish I had located you sooner. Many thanks,
Sincerely, Roxanne862
Sincerely, Roxanne862
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