Aa
what is the best course of action?
I saw an endocrinologist today who is almost certain that I have grave's disease. Blood tests over past two weeks indicated hyperthyroidism. I am having an ultrasound this week and a scan next week which doc says will confirm grave's.
Her treatment plan is to use radioactive iodine and then monitor blood levels. She doesn't feel thyroid meds are the way to go.
I would appreciate any input into how best to treat grave's.
One concern for me is that the doctor told me that things are going to get worse before they get better; brain chemistry could take 6 months to a year to stabilize; and I can count on gaining 10 pounds. (I am already 25 pds overweight)
Should I be taking meds instead of the radioactive treatment?
Her treatment plan is to use radioactive iodine and then monitor blood levels. She doesn't feel thyroid meds are the way to go.
I would appreciate any input into how best to treat grave's.
One concern for me is that the doctor told me that things are going to get worse before they get better; brain chemistry could take 6 months to a year to stabilize; and I can count on gaining 10 pounds. (I am already 25 pds overweight)
Should I be taking meds instead of the radioactive treatment?
You're doctor is only thinking traditionally on the way s/her was taught.. There are numerous things with all kinds of doctors you could dig into and see if something else makes more sense too.
Don't do something without knowing 100% - It could be very life alternating if you are putting your whole future into one persons hands that's only doing what a certain text book taught him
Don't do something without knowing 100% - It could be very life alternating if you are putting your whole future into one persons hands that's only doing what a certain text book taught him
yes I have to say - regardless... unless your are critically in a thyroid storm treatment with medication or even a second opinion would be best first before ablating things permanently...
Can I pry and get you to post the labs your doctor is viewing as solid RAI material treatment plans?
Very curious as I - graves myself that underwent the procedure too - could have had a different outcome IF I knew what I know now - to a degree.
Lets see those labs if possible.
Can I pry and get you to post the labs your doctor is viewing as solid RAI material treatment plans?
Very curious as I - graves myself that underwent the procedure too - could have had a different outcome IF I knew what I know now - to a degree.
Lets see those labs if possible.
yes, those are the options. unfortunately. unless you can get a promise from your doctor that your SYMPTOMS with be treated, and not your tsh, i would stick to the antithyroid meds. at least you have more control over what you take or don't take.
the ONLY problem i see with the antithyroid meds is that they are an actual medication. and medications might have side effects. whereas the synthroid, armour, or cytomel you would take after RAI is a hormone. hormones don't have side effects.
but, i suppose, if the antithyroid meds don't work out for you you could choose RAI later down the road.
the ONLY problem i see with the antithyroid meds is that they are an actual medication. and medications might have side effects. whereas the synthroid, armour, or cytomel you would take after RAI is a hormone. hormones don't have side effects.
but, i suppose, if the antithyroid meds don't work out for you you could choose RAI later down the road.
Hi Boedica
Thanks for the feedback. What options are there for grave's? As far as I have found it is only anti-thyroid meds or RAI. The endocrinologist told me that there are no alternative treatments that would be effective.
Thanks for the feedback. What options are there for grave's? As far as I have found it is only anti-thyroid meds or RAI. The endocrinologist told me that there are no alternative treatments that would be effective.
i have graves and was treated with RAI over 19 years ago. if i had known what the future would hold i never would have done the RAI. ever.
doctors tend to treat your TSH, not the actual level of thyroid hormone in your body. i have struggled with low thyroid hormone levels for the past 19 years because my TSH is "in range".
while i will admit that i nearly died from graves, and my unborn child DID die from it, i was grateful to have the help, i wish i had known what the options actually looked like long term.
good for you for asking questions before you get treatment.
doctors tend to treat your TSH, not the actual level of thyroid hormone in your body. i have struggled with low thyroid hormone levels for the past 19 years because my TSH is "in range".
while i will admit that i nearly died from graves, and my unborn child DID die from it, i was grateful to have the help, i wish i had known what the options actually looked like long term.
good for you for asking questions before you get treatment.
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