Re: I feel like an idiot

[Guest guest]

Lori -

I am in a similar situation to yours. Just diagnosed (early on in disease). Took

awhile to diagnose because it was so early, the test results were conflicting.

My TSH is basically undetectable and I had elevated antibodies for GD. The first

time I was tested, the antibodies were normal, FT4 and FT3 were normal. A month

later when tested at the endo, I was tested again and had elevated antibodies

and the FT4 and FT3 were slightly above normal. I had minimal symptoms (rapid

heart rate, weight loss, aches). So, you could be subclinical since it's early

on in the disease. If T3 and T4 are normal now, they may not be in a month. I am

taking my time to decide what to do and in the meantime been reading and taking

supplements as described on 's www.ithyroid.com website. I have decided to

do thyroidectomy if I get worse, but now have been taking supplements for a

month and I actually feel better, so I'm in no hurry to have my thyroid removed.

My heart rate has decreased from 90's to 70-80. I can't really explain why. So

I'm going to wait mine out a bit and just monitor my levels in case something

changes. I also notice that my symptoms are worse before my period. I wonder if

there is an estrogen connection - I guess there is somewhat because postpartum

women are more likely to get GD. I, like you, wonder if this is something may

may run its course or go into a spontaneous remission. I think your decision to

do ATDs is a good one. You don't want to rush into anything permanent and ATDs

will at least buy you time to think. Good luck - post your results when you get

them - I'd be curious to know how they turn out. And whatever you do, don't feel

like an idiot. There are a lot of doctors who don't know a lot about this

disease.

(fellow early stage GD diagnosee)

I feel like an idiot

Hi everyone:

I am new to this group and have gotten a lot of great information from

everyone.

I have been in a whirlwind since my diagnosis and am confused.

I tested for the antibodies for Grave's and my TSH level is supressed.

However, my T4 level is normal and I just had a T3 test done. What if it

comes out normal. My endo is saying that I have Grave's Disease regardless

in the very early stages and will put me on the ATDS in two weeks.

When all this began I got a racing heart, palpitations ( and actually a

ventricular arrythmia which my cardiologist thinks is from the thyroid).

I have many of the symptoms, but wonder and question what is really up.

I have noticed the symptoms are much worse during my period!

Any advice or information any of you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Lori

Visit iWon.com - the Internet's largest guaranteed cash giveaway! Click

here now for your " Thank You " gift:

http://www.iwon.com/giftcenter/0,2612,,00.html?t_id=20157

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori,

Let us know when you get your results. It'll probably be high given your

symptoms, but even if it isn't you probably do want to consider ATD's to get

your symptoms in line. Were your antibody tests positive?

[Guest guest]

Yes my antibodies test was positive. Do the beta blockers make anyone else

feel wierd? I think they might actually add to the symptoms.

Lori

-- Original Message --

>Hi Lori,

>Let us know when you get your results. It'll probably be high given your

>

>symptoms, but even if it isn't you probably do want to consider ATD's to

>get

>your symptoms in line. Were your antibody tests positive?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Yes my antibodies test was positive. Do the beta blockers make

anyone else

> feel wierd? I think they might actually add to the symptoms.

>

> Lori

Lori,

I've been on inderal since last Sunday and I haven't gone through a

day yet without being lightheaded or dizzy or feeling as if I'm not

where I think I am. Because of that, my internist called me in for an

EKG, but everything was ok. He wants to give it another week and if

I'm still feeling the symptoms will call my endo. to lower the dosage.

Jani

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori,

I use to be on a Beta Blocker for high blood pressure in my late 20's and

early 30's...they slow the metabolism right down, depending on the dosage.

I didn't much like the feeling and it explained a lot of why I had to come

home from work and nap everyday back then. But they do help with the hyper

symtoms of GD and getting the heart rate to slow down is a must. I had to

have an Echo Cardiogram to see if my heart had enlarged as long periods of

the rapidly pounding heart can make it enlarge, just as exercise will build

and enlarge muscles. I was fortunate that my heart hadn't enlarged. The

Beta Blockers are a temporary thing, when the ATD's kick in you will be

weaned or taken off the Blockers.

Don't know if this answers your question though.

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[Guest guest]

Lori and Jani,

I am trying to remember here when I first started on them, I think my doc

had me take them at night for the first 2 weeks...those symptoms should

subside, but keep a close watch on and yes, definately call the endo if you

don't. Maybe what is happening is your body is trying to slow down have

being hyper for so long and it doesn't know how to react? I really don't

know though, so hopefully others will help you out!

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[Guest guest]

JANI:

HOW MUCH IS YOUR DOSAGE?

LORI

-- Original Message --

>

>> Yes my antibodies test was positive. Do the beta blockers make

>anyone else

>> feel wierd? I think they might actually add to the symptoms.

>>

>> Lori

>

>Lori,

>I've been on inderal since last Sunday and I haven't gone through a

>day yet without being lightheaded or dizzy or feeling as if I'm not

>where I think I am. Because of that, my internist called me in for an

>EKG, but everything was ok. He wants to give it another week and if

>I'm still feeling the symptoms will call my endo. to lower the dosage.

>

>Jani

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

>intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

> JANI:

> HOW MUCH IS YOUR DOSAGE?

>

> LORI

It's 80mg timed release. It says on the bottle to take it in the

morning at the same time each day. It is to slow my heart rate which

was over 100 resting. I'm also taking two 10mg Tapazole each morning

and, according to my Nursing Drug Book, it, too, can cause vertigo

and drowsiness. I feel better today than I have all week, so maybe my

body is adjusting.

Jani (wondering when the tapazole kicks in? It says 5 days in the

drug book!)

[Guest guest]

-- Original Message --

I have been taking the beta blockers for several weeks (nothing else) and

I think that it takes awhile to adjust to them. Enderal's side affects

are lightheadedness, numbness, etc.

>

>> JANI:

>> HOW MUCH IS YOUR DOSAGE?

>>

>> LORI

>

>It's 80mg timed release. It says on the bottle to take it in the

>morning at the same time each day. It is to slow my heart rate which

>was over 100 resting. I'm also taking two 10mg Tapazole each morning

>and, according to my Nursing Drug Book, it, too, can cause vertigo

>and drowsiness. I feel better today than I have all week, so maybe my

>body is adjusting.

>

>Jani (wondering when the tapazole kicks in? It says 5 days in the

>drug book!)

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

>intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've said a few times here, I couldn't take 'em, they turned me into a

zombie and made me unsafe at any speed. my theory is, since I have low blood

pressure, they made me an airhead.

terry

> From: LORIANDTOM@...

> Reply-To: graves_support

> Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001 08:31:15 -0400

> To: graves_support

> Subject: Re: I feel like an idiot

>

> Yes my antibodies test was positive. Do the beta blockers make anyone else

> feel wierd? I think they might actually add to the symptoms.

>

> Lori

>

> -- Original Message --

>

>> Hi Lori,

>> Let us know when you get your results. It'll probably be high given your

>>

>> symptoms, but even if it isn't you probably do want to consider ATD's to

>> get

>> your symptoms in line. Were your antibody tests positive?

>>

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

I'm no doc, but the 10 mg. tap seems way too low if your resting heart rate

is that high. They started me of on 30 mg. I think (if I remember right,

it's been some years).

Terry

>

> Reply-To: graves_support

> Date: Sun, 09 Sep 2001 16:18:16 -0000

> To: graves_support

> Subject: Re: I feel like an idiot

>

>

>> JANI:

>> HOW MUCH IS YOUR DOSAGE?

>>

>> LORI

>

> It's 80mg timed release. It says on the bottle to take it in the

> morning at the same time each day. It is to slow my heart rate which

> was over 100 resting. I'm also taking two 10mg Tapazole each morning

> and, according to my Nursing Drug Book, it, too, can cause vertigo

> and drowsiness. I feel better today than I have all week, so maybe my

> body is adjusting.

>

> Jani (wondering when the tapazole kicks in? It says 5 days in the

> drug book!)

>

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

> intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I'm no doc, but the 10 mg. tap seems way too low if your resting

heart rate

> is that high. They started me of on 30 mg. I think (if I remember

right,

> it's been some years).

>

> Terry

It's 20 mg, since I take 2 10mg tablets each morning. That and the

inderal seems to have helped in the week since my resting pulse is

now 70.

Jani

[Guest guest]

Jani:

What was your normal pulse pre-Graves? My endo had me stop beta blockers

when I got down to 80, and he didn't want me to use them even if my pulse

when higher - he said that they were just for the initial period until the

ATDs started to kick in, and otherwise, could be dangerous to use for too

long.

At 11:30 PM 09/09/2001 +0000, you wrote:

>

>> I'm no doc, but the 10 mg. tap seems way too low if your resting

>heart rate

>> is that high. They started me of on 30 mg. I think (if I remember

>right,

>> it's been some years).

>>

>> Terry

>

>It's 20 mg, since I take 2 10mg tablets each morning. That and the

>inderal seems to have helped in the week since my resting pulse is

>now 70.

>

>Jani

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

glad to hear it!

Terry

>

> Reply-To: graves_support

> Date: Sun, 09 Sep 2001 23:30:13 -0000

> To: graves_support

> Subject: Re: I feel like an idiot

>

>

>> I'm no doc, but the 10 mg. tap seems way too low if your resting

> heart rate

>> is that high. They started me of on 30 mg. I think (if I remember

> right,

>> it's been some years).

>>

>> Terry

>

> It's 20 mg, since I take 2 10mg tablets each morning. That and the

> inderal seems to have helped in the week since my resting pulse is

> now 70.

>

> Jani

>

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

> intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi. I started the PTU yesterday and am tapering off of the propranol.

I feel pretty hyper though. Does anyone have any idea how long it takes

for the meds to work. I am also on a low dose I think- 50 mg 2 times a

day.

thanks

Lori

-- Original Message --

>Lori -

>

>I am in a similar situation to yours. Just diagnosed (early on in disease).

>Took awhile to diagnose because it was so early, the test results were

conflicting.

>My TSH is basically undetectable and I had elevated antibodies for GD.

The

>first time I was tested, the antibodies were normal, FT4 and FT3 were normal.

>A month later when tested at the endo, I was tested again and had elevated

>antibodies and the FT4 and FT3 were slightly above normal. I had minimal

>symptoms (rapid heart rate, weight loss, aches). So, you could be subclinical

>since it's early on in the disease. If T3 and T4 are normal now, they may

>not be in a month. I am taking my time to decide what to do and in the

meantime

>been reading and taking supplements as described on 's www.ithyroid.com

>website. I have decided to do thyroidectomy if I get worse, but now have

>been taking supplements for a month and I actually feel better, so I'm

in

>no hurry to have my thyroid removed. My heart rate has decreased from 90's

>to 70-8

>0. I can't really explain why. So I'm going to wait mine out a bit and

just

>monitor my levels in case something changes. I also notice that my symptoms

>are worse before my period. I wonder if there is an estrogen connection

>- I guess there is somewhat because postpartum women are more likely to

>get GD. I, like you, wonder if this is something may may run its course

>or go into a spontaneous remission. I think your decision to do ATDs is

>a good one. You don't want to rush into anything permanent and ATDs will

>at least buy you time to think. Good luck - post your results when you

get

>them - I'd be curious to know how they turn out. And whatever you do, don't

>feel like an idiot. There are a lot of doctors who don't know a lot about

>this disease.

>

> (fellow early stage GD diagnosee)

> I feel like an idiot

>

>

> Hi everyone:

>

> I am new to this group and have gotten a lot of great information from

>everyone.

> I have been in a whirlwind since my diagnosis and am confused.

>

> I tested for the antibodies for Grave's and my TSH level is supressed.

>

> However, my T4 level is normal and I just had a T3 test done. What if

>it

> comes out normal. My endo is saying that I have Grave's Disease regardless

> in the very early stages and will put me on the ATDS in two weeks.

>

> When all this began I got a racing heart, palpitations ( and actually

>a

> ventricular arrythmia which my cardiologist thinks is from the thyroid).

> I have many of the symptoms, but wonder and question what is really up.

> I have noticed the symptoms are much worse during my period!

>

> Any advice or information any of you could give would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Lori

>

>

>

> Visit iWon.com - the Internet's largest guaranteed cash giveaway! Click

> here now for your " Thank You " gift:

> http://www.iwon.com/giftcenter/0,2612,,00.html?t_id=20157

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lori,

When I started my PTU I started on exactly the same dosage as you and

it took me about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to really start feeling better.

hang in there

Val

[Guest guest]

Thank-you! I am just so frustrated by this condition-I feel lik e I am

on a rollercoaster-hyper but tired, irritable etc.-and it's starting to

get to me. Patience is not my strong suit!

Lori

-- Original Message --

>Lori,

>

>When I started my PTU I started on exactly the same dosage as you and

>it took me about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to really start feeling better.

>

>hang in there

>

>Val

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

>intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

-- Original Message --

>Lori,

>

>From my experience at least, what's happening to you is totally

>normal.

>

>It can take some time for the PTU to kick in. I remember waiting

>anxiously (and hyperly) to feel better. I was also exhausted, but

>still hyper, still unable to sleep alot, but fatigued to the bone.

>

>Once the PTU finally started working, it wasn't an overnight thing

>though. It took me several months (like 2) before I felt like I was

>truly rested. I think my body experienced something like a healing

>crisis right at the onset of the PTU working. I sort of felt worse

>before I felt better. I remember too that I was very impatient, and

>sick of feeling so ill.

>

>Keep a very close eye on yourself in the next few months, and try to

>roll along with your body as it heals and mends itself.

>

>It sounds like you're doing great though!

>

>Val

>Thank-you. I cannot tell you how comforting to know that other ppeople

go through the same thing. With still taking propranol and the PTU would

a massage be ok do you think? I'm just wondereing what other type things

I can do to keep the relaxation up.

thanks

Lori

>

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

>intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori

I was started on both a beta blocker & PTU at the same time. I felt better

straight away, probably from the beta

blocker. Then I slowly got better and better over the next month. Though I never

felt great until I after had

surgery.

Cheers

Caroline

LORIANDTOM@... wrote:

> Hi. I started the PTU yesterday and am tapering off of the propranol.

> I feel pretty hyper though. Does anyone have any idea how long it takes

> for the meds to work. I am also on a low dose I think- 50 mg 2 times a

> day.

>

> thanks

> Lori

> -- Original Message --

>

> >Lori -

> >

> >I am in a similar situation to yours. Just diagnosed (early on in disease).

> >Took awhile to diagnose because it was so early, the test results were

> conflicting.

> >My TSH is basically undetectable and I had elevated antibodies for GD.

> The

> >first time I was tested, the antibodies were normal, FT4 and FT3 were normal.

> >A month later when tested at the endo, I was tested again and had elevated

> >antibodies and the FT4 and FT3 were slightly above normal. I had minimal

> >symptoms (rapid heart rate, weight loss, aches). So, you could be subclinical

> >since it's early on in the disease. If T3 and T4 are normal now, they may

> >not be in a month. I am taking my time to decide what to do and in the

> meantime

> >been reading and taking supplements as described on 's www.ithyroid.com

> >website. I have decided to do thyroidectomy if I get worse, but now have

> >been taking supplements for a month and I actually feel better, so I'm

> in

> >no hurry to have my thyroid removed. My heart rate has decreased from 90's

> >to 70-8

> >0. I can't really explain why. So I'm going to wait mine out a bit and

> just

> >monitor my levels in case something changes. I also notice that my symptoms

> >are worse before my period. I wonder if there is an estrogen connection

> >- I guess there is somewhat because postpartum women are more likely to

> >get GD. I, like you, wonder if this is something may may run its course

> >or go into a spontaneous remission. I think your decision to do ATDs is

> >a good one. You don't want to rush into anything permanent and ATDs will

> >at least buy you time to think. Good luck - post your results when you

> get

> >them - I'd be curious to know how they turn out. And whatever you do, don't

> >feel like an idiot. There are a lot of doctors who don't know a lot about

> >this disease.

> >

> > (fellow early stage GD diagnosee)

> > I feel like an idiot

> >

> >

> > Hi everyone:

> >

> > I am new to this group and have gotten a lot of great information from

> >everyone.

> > I have been in a whirlwind since my diagnosis and am confused.

> >

> > I tested for the antibodies for Grave's and my TSH level is supressed.

> >

> > However, my T4 level is normal and I just had a T3 test done. What if

> >it

> > comes out normal. My endo is saying that I have Grave's Disease regardless

> > in the very early stages and will put me on the ATDS in two weeks.

> >

> > When all this began I got a racing heart, palpitations ( and actually

> >a

> > ventricular arrythmia which my cardiologist thinks is from the thyroid).

> > I have many of the symptoms, but wonder and question what is really up.

> > I have noticed the symptoms are much worse during my period!

> >

> > Any advice or information any of you could give would be greatly

appreciated.

> >

> > Lori

> >

> >

> >

> > Visit iWon.com - the Internet's largest guaranteed cash giveaway! Click

> > here now for your " Thank You " gift:

> > http://www.iwon.com/giftcenter/0,2612,,00.html?t_id=20157

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Val:

Did you say that you felt worse before you got better? How exactly? My

heart seems to bothering me more and wondered if it was part of the " health

crisis " you spoke of. Let me know.

Thanks

Lori

-- Original Message --

>Lori,

>

>I have always had massages and accupuncture all throughout every phase

of

>my GD. I just made sure that I had nothing else to do on massage day,

>and then after, went home and rested, trying to keep that relaxing

>feeling going as long as I could.

>

>Val

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

>intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lori,

This is kinda long, sorry

I am not sure if there is a scientific explanation, but it's my

belief that after months and maybe even years of the stress that being

hyper put on my body there was a sort of " backlash " as a result.

I had spent along time worrying that I was the cause of feeling so

poorly, and I drove myself harder and harder trying to keep going at

my frantic pace, in a way, trying to prove to myself that I was tough

and could take it. This was all before I was diagnosed...Well after I

was diagnosed, I realized that I had been sick and tired for a very

long time, and I thought, how could a body go and go like that through

months of illness and not have some repercussions.

After diagnosis, when I finally stopped moving, I gave myself some

breathing room and I was sicker for a time than I had ever felt

before. I spent the first few months post diagnosis hardly able to

move, I cried alot, I ached all over, my heart raced, skipped and I

actually had to stop working for awhile. It all sort of came crashing

down on me at once..It was both physical and emotional for me. I felt

sometimes so ill that I thought I was dying, I thought they had

misdiagnosed me and that I had something far worse.

Eventually as my symptoms stabilized and I began sleeping better, I

learned to take the pressure off of myself to be all these things that

I had been for so long...a hard worker, a bread winner, a woman that

could do everything and more..

That is what I spoke of as the " crisis " I think it was some a brief

period of time where I was actually being very very sick, something I

had never done or allowed myself to do before. I looked bad, I felt

bad, and people that had known me pre diagnosis, were like " wow, you

are really sick " I'm not sure if this makes sense but it was like

validating for me to be ill, and to own the illness, then I could

begin to heal.

After a few months, I actually started living my life again, and

healing, once I said to myself, I am sick but I am going to get

better, I began to change my life. I think that stress and GD go hand

in hand, and GD is so incredibly taxing on the mind and body that once

you realize that's what it is, that a persons body is going to " answer

back " by saying, YES!! You're sick! now work on me. My body was

screaming for me to pay attention to it and I had to learn to do so.

I don't know if that makes sense, that is only my experience but right

after diagnosis was a period of difficult and physically painful

transition for me, and yes, my sypmtoms got worse before they began to

get better. I hope that makes sense.

Val L.

[Guest guest]

-- Original Message --

Thank-you, that is helpful information because I am questioning the Doctor's-

if they know what the hell is wrong with me and if they are treating it

right. I ended up in the ER again- the arrythmia(skipping) was extra

bad-possibly

from tapering off the beta blockers some or who know's why, but the Endo

wanted me to ahve it checked out. I guess I am ok, but it is still skipping

and I can feel it and it makes me light headed and I feel like crap. I

spent all morning crying because like you I have career,and I'm a single

mom- and I try to do too much anyway. Now I can't. And I'm just so aware

at how crappy I feel. I am absolutely sick of it! Then I feel like I'm

weak becuase this thing is engulfing me and I feel so powerless to fix it.

I am guessing the symptoms are worse because I am nearing my period- I have

two good weeks and two bad weeks. But at least I know I am not the only

one to question the diagnosis- it's complicated I'm antsy, yet I'm exhausted,

my pulse races yet it will slow down, tired, but can't sleep.....I feel

like I can't trust the Doctor's or myself. I just hope this gets better.

Thanks again

Lori

Lori,>

>This is kinda long, sorry

>I am not sure if there is a scientific explanation, but it's my

>belief that after months and maybe even years of the stress that being

>hyper put on my body there was a sort of " backlash " as a result.

>

>I had spent along time worrying that I was the cause of feeling so

>poorly, and I drove myself harder and harder trying to keep going at

>my frantic pace, in a way, trying to prove to myself that I was tough

>and could take it. This was all before I was diagnosed...Well after I

>was diagnosed, I realized that I had been sick and tired for a very

>long time, and I thought, how could a body go and go like that through

>months of illness and not have some repercussions.

>

>After diagnosis, when I finally stopped moving, I gave myself some

>breathing room and I was sicker for a time than I had ever felt

>before. I spent the first few months post diagnosis hardly able to

>move, I cried alot, I ached all over, my heart raced, skipped and I

>actually had to stop working for awhile. It all sort of came crashing

>down on me at once..It was both physical and emotional for me. I felt

>sometimes so ill that I thought I was dying, I thought they had

>misdiagnosed me and that I had something far worse.

>

>Eventually as my symptoms stabilized and I began sleeping better, I

>learned to take the pressure off of myself to be all these things that

>I had been for so long...a hard worker, a bread winner, a woman that

>could do everything and more..

>

>That is what I spoke of as the " crisis " I think it was some a brief

>period of time where I was actually being very very sick, something I

>had never done or allowed myself to do before. I looked bad, I felt

>bad, and people that had known me pre diagnosis, were like " wow, you

>are really sick " I'm not sure if this makes sense but it was like

>validating for me to be ill, and to own the illness, then I could

>begin to heal.

>

>After a few months, I actually started living my life again, and

>healing, once I said to myself, I am sick but I am going to get

>better, I began to change my life. I think that stress and GD go hand

>in hand, and GD is so incredibly taxing on the mind and body that once

>you realize that's what it is, that a persons body is going to " answer

>back " by saying, YES!! You're sick! now work on me. My body was

>screaming for me to pay attention to it and I had to learn to do so.

>

>I don't know if that makes sense, that is only my experience but right

>after diagnosis was a period of difficult and physically painful

>transition for me, and yes, my sypmtoms got worse before they began to

>get better. I hope that makes sense.

>

>Val L.

>

>

>

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

> And I'm just so aware at how crappy I feel. I am absolutely sick of

> it! Then I feel like I'm weak becuase this thing is engulfing me

> and I feel so powerless to fix it.

That's what I was trying to say. It seems to swallow a person up

before they can get a feeling of getting ahead. And if you're like me

at all and are used to being in control of your life down to the

letter, then it's tough to let something reign over you. And all I can

say is, some part of you has to let go.

> I am guessing the symptoms are worse because I am nearing my period- I have

> two good weeks and two bad weeks. But at least I know I am not the only

> one to question the diagnosis- it's complicated I'm antsy, yet I'm exhausted,

> my pulse races yet it will slow down, tired, but can't sleep.....I feel

> like I can't trust the Doctor's or myself. I just hope this gets better.

That's also what I was sort of trying to say. It's very complicated,

like you are exhausted but you can't sleep etc and so on. I promise

it does get better! Keep an eye on yourself and soon things will

come into focus, once you begin to stabilize I know you will be able

to handle this a lot better. In the meantime, don't beat yourself up,

just do the best you can. Do some deep breathing as you lie down to

rest at night, try to clear your mind, try to experience a little

peace in each day until the worst of this passes. You will make it.

Val L.