Graves

[rkh3]

I was diagnosed with Graves two years ago and had the usual symptoms, including eye involvement, plus a feeling that there was something in my throat around my Adams apple and some ear pain. Well, have been on methimizole and tried coming off it, endo was hoping for remission, nope levels spiked and now I am scheduled for total thyroidecomy 5/25/12.  I am back on methimizole but symptoms returned, blood tests confirmed I am hyper again, about two months ago and endo has increased the med.  I am now on 10mg/day, up from 2.5, and although the diarrhea it better and pulse has slowed this darn feeling that something is in my throat persists. It is the same as when I was diagnosed, fairly consistent at the Adams apple, occasional pain to my left ear, throat feels "full", and raspy voice if I talk a lot.  Of course this has me worried.  The endo said all symptoms, when I questioned her a couple weeks ago about my throat, will persist with no timeline for resolution, could be six days, could be six weeks.........
I understand that the throat issues are common with Graves but they are really bothering me. Plus I have achyness across my upper back and upper arms, occasional leg weakness.
In addition my wife passed away three weeks ago from cancer, what a nightmare.  I am sure the stress is contributing.

[rkh3]

I thought Selenium helped hypothyroidism?  Wonder as to the mode of action, if it increases the thyroids efficiency then it would make my symptoms worse.

[Red_Star]

Selenium helps with thyroid inflammation so this may help with your throat symptoms.  Also, in 2011 a study demonstrated that selenium supplementation (200 mcg per day) can slow the progression of eye disease and improve quality of life in patients with Graves' disease with mild ocular involvement (Graves' ophthalmopathy).

In supplement form, the most bioavailable form of selenium is L selenomethionine.   The easiest way to reach 200mcg of selenium daily in the diet is to eat a few brazil nuts.  Each brazil nut contains 50 - 80mcg of selenium depending on the soil.

Stress increases the body's requirements for almost all nutrients although certain ones are particularly noted: A, C, E, B complex, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium, and amino acids.  Not enough magnesium may be adding to your existing throat symptoms (lump in throat is a common deficiency symptom) and the achiness of your muscles. Calcium contracts the muscles and magnesium relaxes the muscles.

[rkh3]

Another couple points I forgot, yup, memory has taken a hit as well.

I lost 25 lbs when I was first diagnosed two years ago.  Gained most of it back, but just lost 10 lbs over the last couple moths when I went hyper again, stress didn't help I am sure.  I am a 57 yr old male, 5'7" 130 lbs.
A radio active scan of the thyroid did not show any nodules, it is straight up Graves disease.

Think that is it.....

[rkh3]

Forgot to mention, I am due for blood work in two weeks and have an appt with my endo 4/23