Exersizing and graves disease

[lisajo]

I used to mountain bike this past summer.  As soon as my levels changed in the thyroid test I couldn't mt bike any more.  I couldn't catch my breath and I was very hot and my feet went numb.  So I stopped.  My question is...is it in my head and I can bike I just think that I am going to have a heart attack and get heat exhaustion from the effort it now takes to get the energy up to ride.
Is my body now vulnerable to heart attacks and physical exhaustion because of the levels being off.  I kind of lost my focus on the question but I hope that graves disease doesn't keep me from being active.  Any advise from other graves people that once were active and now are afraid to push it?

[patient-x]

When I was hyper my doc said dont do stuff that makes my heart race, but nce levels ok he said I am no longer hyper (as tabs working) so can exercise.

Although I personally dont like the swets & heart racing when exerting so avoid...probably not good as keepimg me unfit.

[lisajo]

Well that gives me hope thanks

[tm514]

I loved the weight loss too, but I was so hyperthyroid, it was having a big impact on my life.  I have been able to lose 5-10 pounds over the past year or so, so it isn't impossible.  Let's just say I have no more trouble losing weight now than I did before - weight control has always been hard work for me.  I think if you are on synthroid and have well controlled levels, and are willing to eat right and exercise, you aren't necessarily any more likely to gain weight than if you had a properly functioning thyroid.  

[lisajo]

I am trying to decide what to do the second time around.  Do you have trouble contolling your weight now that you no longer have a thyroid and you have to take synthroid or what ever brand you have?
I love the fact that graves lets you lose weight without trying but of course you feel weak and jittery and fatigued all tjhe time.  I just know I will gain weight if I lose my thyroid.

Lisa

[tm514]

In my experience, once my Graves induced hyperthyroidism was controlled (I opted for anti thyroid drugs), I was able to resume my activities without issues.  However, when I was still hyperactive, with a rapid heartbeat and blood pressure, my doctor advised me to take it easy with exercise until my levels were controlled.  I eventually opted for total thyroidectomy and take replacement thyroid hormones.  I am even more active now than before I was diagnosed.

So in answer to your first question, I'd be careful about strenuous exercise until you get your thyroid levels evened out.  To answer your second question, Graves, treated properly, shouldn't keep you from being active.  

Good luck to you!