hyperthyroidism in the long run

[rachelk]

last may i was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to graves disease. my symptoms included:

trouble sleeping
fatigue
weight loss (approx. 15 pounds in 3 weeks with no change to lifestyle)
increased bowel movements
elevated heart rate
trembling hands...

by the time a doctor gave me a prescription for tapazole and propanolol, a lot of my symptoms had gone away. i took the meds for about 2 months before stopping. my mother, who also has graves disease, wants me to continue the medication, but i'm reluctant. from all i've been told and researched there is a high likelihood of the hyperthyroidism recurring, even with the proper medication. so, this is my convoluted way of asking:

1. is hyperthyroidism defined by its symptoms? meaning, if my symptoms have decreased, am i somewhat better? (i know, i know, get bloodwork done...)
2. what are the long term effects associated with hyperthyroidism? and, excluding thyroid storm, are there ways of counteracting these effects that don't require medicines?

i'm not against medication, but if there are other alternatives, i'd rather try those first. thanks.

[cass000]

i am 26 years old and i have been to the doctors probably for the last 7 years with different symptoms of graves. today i went in and told them thats what i have but i'm also not so sure i really want treatment.  I think I have been living with it for years and i am just scared it will cause weight gain to treat when i have been able to eat whatever i want and never gain any weight. i am used to the sweating i just dont buy light coloured shirts that are tight on the arm pits, my work hours let me stay up late and sleep in, my heart rate pounding at night is annnoying along with how itchy my shins are but i think i would rather have that then gain weight, sounds terrible but its true. i have not had my results back but the ekg was at 128 and then down to 107 after a few deep breaths. I feel normal and lead a pretty fun life, i might be a little high strung but i am also shy so i think it evens it self out. i hear this can cause difficulttly getting pregnant which is my only real concern?  

[E35a]

I have never tried not taking the meds. All the web sites I've been on that talk about Graves, have emphasized the importance of taking the meds. My diet has changed alot since my Graves has come out of remission. I eat nuts -almonds, peanuts,cashews, walnuts ( I get the mixed nuts), chocolate(yay), raisin bran, blue berries (for joint pain),fruits and vegetables, and beans. From what I have read, people who have Graves disease should avoid alot of dairy.We have too much calcium in our bodies and not enough magnesium to counter balance the magnesium. I recently bought mineral supplements to take ,but I felt worse after I took them. I don't know if I took the wrong dose or what it was. That is the tricky part about supplementing the different "metal" minerals that we need. So until I know for sure what I am missing I just eat the foods that give me these metal minerals. There are also herbs that help the symptoms of Graves disease. I am not sure that they cure it. Also, try to do things that relieve stress. Every web site I read talks about yoga.Also one web site talked about keeping your throat covered when you go out in the cold. It was a Chinese medicine web site. It also said that we don't get enough of oxygen because of the way we breathe. I guess that is why yoga is suggested. It suggested to practice deep breathing.But again, please try and get some medicine. Your husband will be a happier person when he sees what a difference the medicine makes in you. ( you won't be as grumpy).

E35a

[AR-10]

You can't just buy drugs from a website and treat yourself.

You need to be treated by a doctor. Thyroid disease is expensive. If you have no insurance, do you have access to a free clinic?

Maybe you could talk to social services and get some advice or guidance from them on how to get the health care you need.

To rachelk;

Get bloodwork done. The fact that you are feeling better is nice, but it doesn't mean the problem is gone. Maybe you are in remission. Maybe you aren't.

Hyperthyroidism CAN damage your heart, and do lots of other bad things if you leave it untreated.

There may be things you can take to avoid perscription drugs if your Hyper phase is dormant, but there is no "natural" cure, and if you need meds, you need meds.

Grave's Disease can wax and wain in severity, but it does not go away.  

[bibby78579]

I have the same problem, graves disease is in me family. i went an had blood work done and now i have hyperthroidism, my symptem are the same. But i dont have any health insurance. I am ready to buy the drugs from a wedsite, but i'm not sure of the- mg's. I just feel lost, and my husdand dosent understand.

[ifupleze]

You already said it.  Bloodwork is the best way to keep track of thyroid disorders.  Hyperthyroidism can cause damage to the heart and other organs, bone damage, etc.  Just look on the internet and you will find many symptoms and the damage that can be done without meds.