Diagnosed

I have been diagnosed with Graves Disease (the beginning of).  My latest bloodwork should my t4 level went down from 13 to 12.  What would be the cause of this?  Am seeing my endo again next month.  Is it possible to recover from this disease?  Thank you.

[Totie]

What was your TSH level?

[Smilerdeb]

I have Graves Disease and did have Hyperthyroidism for the last 4 plus years.
The Hyperthyroidism was first treated with Antithyroid meds (which didnt work) and I was given RAI as surgery was too dangerous at the time (Atrial Fibbrillations).
My levels are now normal after the RAI in June 2008 and my thyroid died off 5 weeks after RAI.
I hate to be the one to tell you but Graves disease isnt curable. It is an autoimmune disease. You can go into remission but I never did before RAI.
My antibodies levels are now low (within range) after 6 months of treatment with Thyroxin and my thyroid levels (FT3, FT4, TSH) are all in the normal range.
I am finally starting to live a normal life once again but it has taken a lot of researching and a lot of patience.
Graves Disease will always be with me but Hyperthyroidism wont.
It was the Hyperthyroidism that caused all the symptoms.
Get your Free T3 and Free T4 and TSH done in blood labs and also your antibody tests for Graves Disease.
My Graves was first diagnosed by an Ultrasound and I was in denial (even though my Sister has Graves)and then re-confirmed by antibody testing and a Thyroid Uptake Scan.
Thyroid levels can differ through different times of the day and that is why Doctors suggest that no anti-thyroid meds or thyroxin be taken before bloods and they should be done as early as possible in the morning.
I go at 8am.
I hope that helps you.

[graveswoman]

My doc never said anything about not taking meds before i have test. i will try it next time to see what difference it makes, but you are the second person i have heard say this, due to my job i have had to go in afternoon and as you know with the PTU you need to take it at the same time everyday. it is always mobbed when i go before work. but going to try it thanks.

graveswoman (kim)

[Smilerdeb]

I was told by the head of  Endocrinology that the TSH, FT3, Ft4 are highest around 2-3am in the morning as that is when the thyroid 'fires up' (if you have one.
I always stuck to the 8am appointment and would be outside the Pathology door at 7.45am to get in first lol.
Even without a thyroid now, I have been told to stick to the same regime and not take any thyroxin until I have had my bloods done.
I may sound like a junkie but at the start when the thyroid died after RAI, I would be 'hanging' for that thyroxin hit lol.
Especially as I take it at 6.30am every morning.
Now that my levels are normal, I dont feel the need for that 'hit' though do understand where you are coming from in regards to ATDS.
At best, I would say to wait at least 4 hours before having bloods done after your ATDS and at the same time each time they are done if possible.
It just gives a false reading if you have just swallowed an anti-thyroid med or thyroxine then get bloods done.
Its a policy I have stuck with from day one.

[graveswoman]

Thanks SmilerDeb

i will hold off taking my afternoon one until i have blood work done, just have to stay up a little later that night. or switch to a.m. and go into work late? don't have to worry until march now. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

KIM

[Smilerdeb]

Your welcome Kimm......it does really make sense as once I took my thyroxin in the morning and went for bloods 2 hours later and my levels were through the roof.
I was retested a day later and the FT4 had dropped 5 points!
So I have never been to have bloods done AFTER the thyroxin since.

[Marpo1]

I have learned to take my meds before bed around 10:30pm.  This way I don't have to wait to eat and it does not interfere with blood test or anything else.  I take my vitamins in the am, so if I have to have a test I can skip them.  It works for me anyway.

[graveswoman]

thanks
I am still taking 1 pill 3 times a day, i think i have figured out a time plan but of course only works on the regular days that i get up for work etc... on the weekends and off days I get all messed up.

thanks for the advice, Kim