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Best treatment for 14 yr old diagnosed w/Graves
Looking for a medical opinion about treating Graves...start w/antithyroid drugs or go straight to RAI. My concern is long term effects with RAI...cancer...not with replacement hormone for hypothyroid status. He is young and not totally through puberty...started early...should a permanent treatment like RAI be postponed till he's older if anti thyroid drugs don't put him in remission?
I forgot to mention...ask for Beta blockers to slow the heart rate down and they also help to lower the T3 level somewhat.
Try antithyroid meds first and this will also give him time to research everything about Graves and Hyperthyroidism.
Unfortunately some dont have 'time' as the symptoms get worst and can be dangerous.
But if antithyroid meds can be tolerated for at least 12 months, then I would at least try.
Dont forget to get Liver function tests done as the antithyroid meds can elevate the liver enzymes.
But to truly be in danger with the liver, the enzymes levels have to be in the 1000's.
Mine was 380 and the normal level was under 80.
It is something that has to be watched and also antithyroid meds taken 3 times a day seem to have more success than onec a day.
It stops the thyroid giving 'hyper spikes' when the ATDS wear off and 'covers' him for the whole 24 hours.
Bear in mind that the thyroid releases the most hormones around 3-4am so it is best to take the last dose just before hopping into bed.
I have Graves and was diagnosed and on ATDS for over a year but unfortunately with no success.
I had RAI 10 months ago and am doing well now but only because I researched all I could in that 12 months prior to RAI.
Research all you can and good luck.
Unfortunately some dont have 'time' as the symptoms get worst and can be dangerous.
But if antithyroid meds can be tolerated for at least 12 months, then I would at least try.
Dont forget to get Liver function tests done as the antithyroid meds can elevate the liver enzymes.
But to truly be in danger with the liver, the enzymes levels have to be in the 1000's.
Mine was 380 and the normal level was under 80.
It is something that has to be watched and also antithyroid meds taken 3 times a day seem to have more success than onec a day.
It stops the thyroid giving 'hyper spikes' when the ATDS wear off and 'covers' him for the whole 24 hours.
Bear in mind that the thyroid releases the most hormones around 3-4am so it is best to take the last dose just before hopping into bed.
I have Graves and was diagnosed and on ATDS for over a year but unfortunately with no success.
I had RAI 10 months ago and am doing well now but only because I researched all I could in that 12 months prior to RAI.
Research all you can and good luck.
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