Grave's Disease

[shellynn80]

I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease on September 8th.  After I was diagnosed I went to a naturalist because I did not like the options I was given- surgically remove my thyroid or kill my thyroid.  The naturalist has put me on some vitamins and minerals I am lacking in, and she has also suggested a diet change.  SInce then, I have felt one hundred percent better.  About three weeks after I started taking these supplements, I had my blood drawn.  (Last week).  I am a little concerned because so far my numbers still aren't looking good.  My T4 was 1.9, my TSH was 0.01, and my T3 was 335 (this number is down from my last blood draw 399).  I can't remember what my other numbers were at my last blood draw, but I know that when I was diagnosed I was at 0.01 for my TSH.  Do you have any advice for me.  I am still seeing my endroconogist.

[Super_sally888]

Hello,

After the tests the medication you will be given should help to reduce the size of the thyroid. I presume that is why he wants you on meds first rather than just proceeding with surgery...

Of course you will need to be followed (and make sure you are) closely followed by your doctor.

Make sure your doctor knows you are having difficulty eating.  You will not die taking just ensure and fluids, soft foods for some weeks (some people do live on liquid diet for longer periods) - just make sure you are taking enough calories (check the label instructions), and a liquid multivitamin... fruit juices, custard, soft scrambled egg, ice-cream, there are many things you could potentially eat.

If the meds don't help shrink the thyroid he may move the surgery sooner.

Keep in close touch with your doctor and talk to him about your concerns / fears etc, but don't panic about all this.

Best wishes

[AuntRainey]

My doctor just told me that I have to have 2 different tests then I have to be put on medication to lower the hormones in my thyroid, and several months down the line, he has to remove my thyroid.

This means I can not eat for several months, and I will lose massive amounts of weight and possibly die before he removes it.

What am I supposed to do now?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I am glad you are feeling better but the labs are still in the hyperthyroid range -- would suggest following with the endocrinologists and re-evaluate options, particularly use of antithyroid drugs like tapazole.

[AuntRainey]

I also have Grave's Disease, however, my right thyroid is enlarged, causing my windpipe and esophagus to become a bit blocked.

I am unable to eat anything with any kind of solidity, and I can only drink ensure, and eat stage 1 bananas for babies.

Thew normal t-4 number should be 0.50, mine is 3.46, and my tsh is way below the scales. I have to see an endrochronological on Monday.

He may need to do a thyroidectomy, but we are not sure.

I also have a red blothcy rash on my legs that itch like crazy.

I get dizzy, memory lapses, and confusion due to the auto-immune system being so out of whack.

I haven't eaten anything for 2 weeks now, because if i do, I will choke and possible die.