Opinions on Traveling with Hyperthyroidism

[DyceSTF]

I just wanted an opinion from you guys regarding my situation,

I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism from Grave's Disease about 2 months ago and I've been on ATD's (Methimazole) ever since. So far I've experienced somehwat mild relief from my symptoms (gained some weight back, appetite back to normal, no more bowel movements, eye's less bulgy) and overall my numbers are returning back to normal (T4, TSH etc.)

Yet, prior to all this, I had been planning to travel to Sydney, Australia for 7 - 10 months for a work vacation. I actually was organizing this trip for sometime, yet, had to put it on delay due to my timely diagnosis of Graves,

Do you guys think this a good idea to travel having such a condition, even though I am getting better?  I was advised from my doctor that I should be okay along as I have medical support and was watched over by a proper physician to monitor my status (Which means I'm going to have to buy private health insurance therefore more money. I will have enough meds to last me the entire trip, all I need are the check-ups). My Doc even offered to monitor my status by keeping in contact with him via fax, emails.
    Yet, despite all this I'm still concerned about what may happen while I'm traveling as I've heard and read stories of the unstableness of having a thyroid condition (even while on meds). The last thing I want to experience is a trip filled with anxiousness, fatigue, moodiness, brain fog all due to my thyroid. (and all of which I still experience to a degree)

If I could delay this trip until my thryoid condition has settled I would, but given my situation this will be the only opportunity for me to travel for that length of time,

Please any feedback, opinions, tips would be appreciated,

Tony

[cbread]

Hi Dyce,

I have been hyper for over a year and travel A LOT internationally for work and have experienced little trouble. (In fact I am off to Sydney tomorrow) the hardest thing is figuring out when to take your meds due to time changes...but use your best judgement. Take it easy the first couple of days and allow yourself time to rest. I get way more jet lag than I use to....Also I travel with eye drops as the flights really tend to flare my TED symptoms.  But other than that, you should be fine...just drink lots of water and try to sleep on the plane if you can.

For the record I have travelled internationally 8-10 times in the past year with little trouble.  Been on methimazole for 12 months.

[DyceSTF]

bump

[DyceSTF]

I plan to purchase Private Health insurance for the entire duration of my trip so I will be covered if I need additional meds/blood testing etc.

My only concern would be the instability of my thyroid and what symptoms it may cause while I'm there... should I assume that even while on meds I'll be experiencing constant fluctuations in symptoms or should I be content knowing that as long as I have proper coverage and medical guidance (endo watching over me) I should be okay.

I'm anticipating that I'll be or close to euthyroid before I leave (early May) and from there it'll just be a matter of maintaining my levels (TSH) while overseas,

Thanks for the responses

[skymax2000]

I've been on antithyroid for over one and half years. I should start bugging my doc about the liver thing but I feel so well most days I don't want to jinx it.

Personally, I would go because it's Australia, not a third world country. You'll have access to western medicine if needed. But I'm focusing on the fun and opportunity since I've never been and really want to go.

[DLA]

Wow.  Am amazed that your dr is letting you stay on the ATD's for that long.  They are very damaging to the liver.  I'm would be concerned about getting over there and suddenly your levels dropping again and not having enough meds.  It's a really bad disease and if your TSH goes too low then it can cause all kinds of heart damage and such.  Am sure you're aware of this.

Personally, I wouldn't do it, but you have to do what you have to do.  Good luck in whatever you choose.