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110220 tn?1309306861

Graves Disease/medication

I was recently diagnosed with Graves Disease.  No one in my immediate family has had thyroid issues.  I have experienced a tremendous amount of stress over the last year.  I have read that stress could be a factor with hyperthyroid.  While I wasn't thrilled when I learned of my disorder, I was relieved to know that I wasn't going crazy or I wasn't about to die. My resting heart rate 115, I couldn't write, I was nervous and jittery 24 hours a day.  I was sleeping 2 hours a night if I was lucky and my body was constantly on fire...The only positive thing was that I dropped 18 unwanted pounds with out trying.

After a few weeks of symptoms, I went to my doctor.  After several test, I was told that I had Graves disease and I began taking Inderal and methimazole.  The Inderal is a Godsend!  No more rapid beats and the nervousness is gone. I am able to sleep 7 hours a night most nights.   When will the thyroid medicine kick in where I won't need bet blockers?  

I am taking 2 tablets a day for thyroid (5mg). I am due back in a few weeks for a blood test.  Can anyone share there experience with methimazole.

Thanks!
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Avatar universal
well I just found out I have hyperthyroidism.. Im just a bit nervous about all of this
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110220 tn?1309306861
My dr indicated that apprx 80% of hyperthyroidism is a result of Graves disease.  The other 20% are caused by a few other issues with the Thyroid such as nodules.  I was hoping that I had a hyperthyroid period.  Graves disease sounds depressing and deadly.  I know that it isn't deadly and people live normal lives once under control.  
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Avatar universal
whats the difference between hyperthyroidism and graves disease.
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110220 tn?1309306861
Thanks for your response.  I had been on beta blockers for SVT  (toprol) and gained 20 pounds back in 2008.  I had an cardiac ablation and didn't have to take them anymore.  I hated the way I felt on toprol.  Now I'm on Inderal and I swear I have No side effects.  I know that it is working because my heart rate is now in the 70's and not 115 resting.  I have great energy now and I can write without my hand shaking.

I still get hot every now and then, but it is not as bad.  I was in such a bad way with symptoms, I welcomed any meds that would make me feel alive.  My doctor says that the beta blocker is short term until my thyroid is under control.  

Do you have any eye problems with your Thyroid condition.  That is my biggest fear.  

Where can I read up on T3'T4 and TSH levels? I read various threads and everyone knows there levels and where they should be.
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Avatar universal
BTW, I have been off the meds for almost a yr, but I believe I've had graves for several yrs, just went undiagnosed.
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Avatar universal
You have a positive attitude and that's always good. Most people freak out and think this means the worst and that their life will never get better when they come to these forums. Everyone is dfifferent and responds differently.

I am not the norm, I took myself off the beta blocker at 2 weeks, and stopped the methi at 3 weeks as I could feel my body heading hypo. Once your heart rate starts going low, pay attention!!! Everyone(including forum members on various boards) told me not to stop cold turkey, but I know my body better than anyone else and knew I was doing the right thing, which i was b/c my labs showed borderline hypo. On average it takes a couple of months for your T3 and T4 to become normal, but it can take several months for the TSH to return normal since the antibodies can skwe those results. It sounds like your meds are working favorably for you:)

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