Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

September 27, 2000

Hi

The problem is the endo doesn't think the symptoms are hyper - he tells me I'm

" just too anxious " about the surgery.

He refused to do more bloods a couple of days ago. I haven't had any since late

August were I was slightly hypo and

he put me on thyroxine - TRH - as well as PTU x 100mg per day. I stop taking the

TRH about 1 1/2 weeks ago when I

felt hyper.

Thanks

Caroline

Shen wrote:

> Caroline:

>

> 100mg of PTU is a maintenance dosage, and is considered very low. If your

> symptoms are so severe, I wonder why you are not taking a higher dosage to

> calm everything down. Did the endo say not to? The beta blockers can calm

> your heart down but you have to lower the hormones so that it doesn't keep

> happening (high metabolism).

>

> Good luck.

>

> At 11:15 PM 09/27/2000 +1000, you wrote:

> My endo is very concerned that I don't

> >fall pregnant on PTU, or at least on the amount I seem to need (100mg at

> present, which I don't think is enough).

>

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

> 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.

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

September 27, 2000

HI

Congratulations on your success. It sounds as if everything went smoothy for you

and baby (even if it meant constant

monitoring).

How long had you been treated for GD before your pregnancy and where you stable?

Cheers

Caroline

{USER_FIRSTNAME} {USER_LASTNAME} wrote:

> Hi Debbie, I too got pregnant while on PTU. I was on only 200 then down to

> 100 mgs though. I was surprised that you were on high doses. I was told

> that anything above 450 mg could have an effect on the fetus. I am

> presuming your GD was serious to warrant this. I react so well to the PTU

> that never required more that 400 mgs a day even when terribly hyper. I

> felt like a pin cushion while pregnant. Got bloodwork every month and had

> several sonograms. My baby was totally fine.. Thank God all worked out

> well for you also. With careful watching all is usually alright. Hope this

> is some reassurance for anyone wanting to have a baby with GD....... I.

> Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

> > >> >

> > >> > Hi Jody

> > >> >

> > >> > Thanks for the time you take to help me. I agree the attitude is not

> > >> > acceptable. I feel

> > >> > somewhat stuck though. I haven't found any support groups in

> Australia to

> > get

> > >> > info

> > >> > on a more 'user friendly' endo and the one I have has got a decent

> > reputation

> > >> > in the

> > >> > area I live in. He has about 50 to 60 GD patients (he tells me) and

> that's

> > not

> > >> > bad given

> > >> > I estimate there to be about 350 in all of Sydney.

> > >> >

> > >> > Tomorrow I'm going to see the naturopathic physician I saw in June,

> who has

> > >> > helped my

> > >> > symptoms with homeopathic meds. I've rested this morning and I'm off

> the

> > work

> > >> > shortly,

> > >> > so I hope to feel better today.

> > >> >

> > >> > I'm have GD and multi nodule goitre and am on PTU (50mg X 2 per day)

> +

> > >> > Thyroxin

> > >> > (T4) because my bloods 1 month ago showed me to be hypo. I stopped

> the

> > >> > thyroxin

> > >> > 1 week ago when I felt hyper. I felt so confused last night that I

> thought

> > I

> > >> > better take it

> > >> > again as the endo felt I was not hyper.

> > >> >

> > >> > I really don't know what to do right now. I'll pray about for awhile

> and

> > try

> > >> > to settle myself

> > >> > down. The answers usually come sooner or later.

> > >> >

> > >> > Take Care

> > >> > Caroline

> > >> >

> > >> > Jody Spitale wrote:

> > >> >

> > >> >> Hi Caroline,

> > >> >> I am so sorry you are feeling so terrible and now have your dr.

> treat you

> > >> >> this way. It is not acceptable for him to do that, you could either

> tell

> > >> >> him you want some answers to your questions, that your not

> controlling but

> > >> >> it is YOUR body or you could find another endo, one who truely has

> some

> > >> >> knowledge of this disease and its symptoms, one who will take the

> time to

> > >> >> sit down with you and help with all of this.

> > >> >> There are good endos out there that don't give lip service to though

> of us

> > >> >> with GD...I doubted it for a long time, but now I have one I truly

> like,

> > who

> > >> >> takes time, will return my long distance calls to answer questions

> > >> >> etc...just something to consider.

> > >> >>

> > >> >> When were you diagnosed again, brain farts this morning, and are you

> on

> > >> >> ATD's?

> > >> >>

> > >> >> Take care,

> > >> >> Jody

> > >> >>

> _________________________________________________________________________

> > >> >> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at

> http://www.hotmail.com.

> > >> >>

> > >> >> Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at

> > >> >> http://profiles.msn.com.

> > >> >>

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

> > >> >> 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.

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

> > >> >

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

> > >> > 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.

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

> > >> >

> > >>

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

> > >> 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.

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

> > >

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

> > > 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.

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

> > >

> >

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

> > 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.

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

> >

>

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

> 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.

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

September 27, 2000

Hi Caroline,

I was diagnosed 4 months after my third child in spring of 1997. I was

terribly hyper (T4 25 and T3 1164) and was put on metroprolol and PTU 450

mgs. After 3 weeks my numbers were halved and my dose was dropped to 300mg.

Six weeks later my dose was down to 100 mgs. In four months time I was

euthroid in levels but no readable TSH. I became pregnant because of a

crazy cycle in August of that year. The endo put me back up to 200 mgs for

the next 5 months. What totally annoyed me though was the endo was trying

to drop my levels to normal but that is normal for nonpregnnt women. When

you become pregnant you have more hormones which are proteins which elevate

the total thyroid levels. At one point my T4 dropped to 5 and T3 to 160 but

no TSH. So he insisted on still 200 mgs PTU. My FT4 was 0.5 and I was so

lethargic, cold and achy I finally convinced the endo to drop me to 100 mgs.

I had a rapid weight gain of 10 lbs. in one month also. He tried to blaming

it on my diet but I KNEW I was hypo. Be very careful of endos dropping your

levels too low in pregnancy. This too cause miscarriage and ahypo like

state in the baby. This can cause the baby to be large for gestational

size. All my children were big but my last came 4 weeks early and was 7 lb.

6 oz. She was on track to be 10 lbs. I also had unexplained bleeding from

31 weeks to 36 weeks when I delivered. I still insist till this day that I

was in a hypo state.

Oh, Elaine I was interested something you said earlier. I have had what

you might say euthroid thyroid hormone levels since 22 months ago and still

no TSH. I am at a point now for 7months where my levels are where I have

almost no symptoms of either hypo or hyper states. Yet the endos would say

I am subclinically hyper based on my TSH. Just a theory or could it be

that because I was hyper for several years without producing any TSH that

the portion of the brain may shrink? What takes the brain so long to

respond to the lower levels of hormone? Even being an RN I still have

trouble figuring this out. I have spoken to so many docs and no one seems

to be able to explain it in any way that makes sense. I had levels in the

lower range of normal for 13 months without even a trace of TSH but my anti

thyroid antibodies greatly increased. This whole thing has me stumped no

matter how much research I do.

Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

> > > >> >

> > > >> > Hi Jody

> > > >> >

> > > >> > Thanks for the time you take to help me. I agree the attitude is

not

> > > >> > acceptable. I feel

> > > >> > somewhat stuck though. I haven't found any support groups in

> > Australia to

> > > get

> > > >> > info

> > > >> > on a more 'user friendly' endo and the one I have has got a

decent

> > > reputation

> > > >> > in the

> > > >> > area I live in. He has about 50 to 60 GD patients (he tells me)

and

> > that's

> > > not

> > > >> > bad given

> > > >> > I estimate there to be about 350 in all of Sydney.

> > > >> >

> > > >> > Tomorrow I'm going to see the naturopathic physician I saw in

June,

> > who has

> > > >> > helped my

> > > >> > symptoms with homeopathic meds. I've rested this morning and I'm

off

> > the

> > > work

> > > >> > shortly,

> > > >> > so I hope to feel better today.

> > > >> >

> > > >> > I'm have GD and multi nodule goitre and am on PTU (50mg X 2 per

day)

> > +

> > > >> > Thyroxin

> > > >> > (T4) because my bloods 1 month ago showed me to be hypo. I

stopped

> > the

> > > >> > thyroxin

> > > >> > 1 week ago when I felt hyper. I felt so confused last night that

I

> > thought

> > > I

> > > >> > better take it

> > > >> > again as the endo felt I was not hyper.

> > > >> >

> > > >> > I really don't know what to do right now. I'll pray about for

awhile

> > and

> > > try

> > > >> > to settle myself

> > > >> > down. The answers usually come sooner or later.

> > > >> >

> > > >> > Take Care

> > > >> > Caroline

> > > >> >

> > > >> > Jody Spitale wrote:

> > > >> >

> > > >> >> Hi Caroline,

> > > >> >> I am so sorry you are feeling so terrible and now have your dr.

> > treat you

> > > >> >> this way. It is not acceptable for him to do that, you could

either

> > tell

> > > >> >> him you want some answers to your questions, that your not

> > controlling but

> > > >> >> it is YOUR body or you could find another endo, one who truely

has

> > some

> > > >> >> knowledge of this disease and its symptoms, one who will take

the

> > time to

> > > >> >> sit down with you and help with all of this.

> > > >> >> There are good endos out there that don't give lip service to

though

> > of us

> > > >> >> with GD...I doubted it for a long time, but now I have one I

truly

> > like,

> > > who

> > > >> >> takes time, will return my long distance calls to answer

questions

> > > >> >> etc...just something to consider.

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >> When were you diagnosed again, brain farts this morning, and are

you

> > on

> > > >> >> ATD's?

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >> Take care,

> > > >> >> Jody

> > > >> >>

> >

_________________________________________________________________________

> > > >> >> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at

> > http://www.hotmail.com.

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >> Share information about yourself, create your own public profile

at

> > > >> >> http://profiles.msn.com.

> > > >> >>

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

> > > >> >> 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.

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

> > > >> >

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

> > > >> > 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.

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

> > > >> >

> > > >>

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

> > > >> 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.

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

> > > >

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

> > > > 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.

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

> > > >

> > >

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

> > > 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.

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

> > >

> >

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

> > 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.

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

>

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

> 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.

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

>

September 27, 2000

Thanks for your post Debbie

I can't imagine feeling this sick for 5 years, so my heart goes out to you that

your Dr didn't treat you correctly

from the start and it took so long for the right combo of medication for you.

I had the same beta blocker (atenolol) and 900mg of PTU. Which I immediately

responded well to. But as the meds are

reduced, I am unstable. I've had 6 changes to the doses between late May and

early September.

Your post encourages me (as does 's) that with close monitoring a beautiful

healthy baby is a real possibility.

My husband hasn't had his own child and he would be the most wonderful father

(he is to my 17 year old). God willing

it will happen for us.

Take Care

Caroline

Riley wrote:

> Caroline,

>

> I became pregnant on TAP, they immediately put me o PTU saying it was better

> for you then the TAP. When I started on the PTU during my pregnancy they

> started me on a dosage of 600 mg. per day, gradually within a couple of

> months I was on a dosage of 50 mg. per day. This was all during my

> pregnancy. The doctor who had me on the TAP also had me on cytomel, which

> was considered an old method of treating GD. I never did see any change on

> it. Before becoming pregnant I switched doctors, he immediately put me on

> Atenonol (spelling not correct), within 24 hrs. my heart rate dropped to 74.

> After years of being 120-140. They kept a close watch on me during my

> pregnancy and tested the baby after birth for thyroid disease. My baby was

> born the most beautiful thing in the world. After over 5 yrs. from being

> diagnosed I am in remission at this time. I was on a maintenance of 50 mg.

> for over 2-1/2 yrs. I still have up and down days, but most I feel fine.

> It took me a long time to realize there were things that somedays I couldn't

> do, and when tired to rest, and most important control the stress. And that

> I have managed only in recent months, and with Gods help I am learning. I

> feel my biggest mistake was not changing doctors when I saw no progress, I

> went to that doctor for over 5 yrs. and became sicker and sicker as the

> months went by. He was not an endo and said I really didn't need one, but he

> was a QUACK, the second doctor was a D.O. I now go to an endo. Now if I am

> not 100% comfortable, I change doctors. It only took me years to realize he

> was being paid by me and I should feel comfortable, not just trust his

> knowledge. We are all in this together, I pray you have better days ahead.

>

> Debbie

>

> ----------

> >

> >To: graves_supportegroups

> >Subject: Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

> >Date: Wed, Sep 27, 2000, 6:15 AM

> >

>

> > Thanks Terry

> >

> > I do feel uneasy and a bit rushed. I'm a bit to blame though. I want to try

> > to have a baby as soon as possible. I

> > got remarried last year and we planned to have a couple of babies. I had

> > two miscarriages, then found out I had was

> > hyper with GD (I do have a 17 year old son who is great and I feel

> > fortunate to have him - even when he does the

> > male teenage thing!). I'm over 39 years old and feel the time ticking on.

> > My endo is very concerned that I don't

> > fall pregnant on PTU, or at least on the amount I seem to need (100mg at

> > present, which I don't think is enough). Of

> > course we are being careful (who actually feels like *it* anyway!).

> >

> > So, I guess I'm in a bit of a hurry to get it all fixed up. I am coming to

> > feel that I need to have a bit more

> > patience. I have carefully considered all the options and I do believe that

> > surgery is the right one - but I'm

> > feeling hyper right now and I don't to put myself at risk.

> >

> > I'll get the bloods done ASAP and hopefully this will help me to sort it

> > out. I'll also let the endo know how I

> > felt/feel.

> >

> > Thanks again

> > Caroline

> >

> > Terry ding wrote:

> >

> >> Caroline,

> >>

> >> I've read all these posts, and I have only one piece of advice to add:

Don't

> >> rush into the surgery if you are feeling uncomfortable about things. If

they

> >> need to reschedule, and they are inconvenienced by that, it's their

problem,

> >> not yours.

> >>

> >> Take the time to sort it all out, demand answers to all the questions, make

> >> sure you don't get railroaded for some doctor's convenience! In the long

> >> run, waiting a few days, weeks or even months, until you are absolutely

sure

> >> of what's going on and have confidence that you are making the right

> >> decision, is not going to cause you any harm. Rushing into surgery if you

> >> are uneasy and maybe influenced negatively by the fluctuations of your

> >> thyroid may very well be harmful. Anyway, from what I'm reading here, you

> >> shouldn't have the surgery at all if your thyroid is so unstable right now.

> >>

> >> TerryP

> >>

> >> >

> >> > Reply-To: graves_supportegroups

> >> > Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 11:49:02 +1000

> >> > To: graves_supportegroups

> >> > Subject: Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

> >> >

> >> > Hi Jody

> >> >

> >> > Thanks for the time you take to help me. I agree the attitude is not

> >> > acceptable. I feel

> >> > somewhat stuck though. I haven't found any support groups in Australia

to

> get

> >> > info

> >> > on a more 'user friendly' endo and the one I have has got a decent

> reputation

> >> > in the

> >> > area I live in. He has about 50 to 60 GD patients (he tells me) and

that's

> not

> >> > bad given

> >> > I estimate there to be about 350 in all of Sydney.

> >> >

> >> > Tomorrow I'm going to see the naturopathic physician I saw in June, who

has

> >> > helped my

> >> > symptoms with homeopathic meds. I've rested this morning and I'm off the

> work

> >> > shortly,

> >> > so I hope to feel better today.

> >> >

> >> > I'm have GD and multi nodule goitre and am on PTU (50mg X 2 per day) +

> >> > Thyroxin

> >> > (T4) because my bloods 1 month ago showed me to be hypo. I stopped the

> >> > thyroxin

> >> > 1 week ago when I felt hyper. I felt so confused last night that I

thought

> I

> >> > better take it

> >> > again as the endo felt I was not hyper.

> >> >

> >> > I really don't know what to do right now. I'll pray about for awhile and

> try

> >> > to settle myself

> >> > down. The answers usually come sooner or later.

> >> >

> >> > Take Care

> >> > Caroline

> >> >

> >> > Jody Spitale wrote:

> >> >

> >> >> Hi Caroline,

> >> >> I am so sorry you are feeling so terrible and now have your dr. treat

you

> >> >> this way. It is not acceptable for him to do that, you could either

tell

> >> >> him you want some answers to your questions, that your not controlling

but

> >> >> it is YOUR body or you could find another endo, one who truely has some

> >> >> knowledge of this disease and its symptoms, one who will take the time

to

> >> >> sit down with you and help with all of this.

> >> >> There are good endos out there that don't give lip service to though of

us

> >> >> with GD...I doubted it for a long time, but now I have one I truly like,

> who

> >> >> takes time, will return my long distance calls to answer questions

> >> >> etc...just something to consider.

> >> >>

> >> >> When were you diagnosed again, brain farts this morning, and are you on

> >> >> ATD's?

> >> >>

> >> >> Take care,

> >> >> Jody

> >> >>

_________________________________________________________________________

> >> >> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at

http://www.hotmail.com.

> >> >>

> >> >> Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at

> >> >> http://profiles.msn.com.

> >> >>

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

> >> >> 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.

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

> >> >

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

> >> > 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.

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

> >> >

> >>

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

> >> 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.

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

> >

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

> > 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.

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

> >

>

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

> 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.

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

September 27, 2000

Caroline,

For the record, I officail found out the day after I turned 40 that I was

pregnant. We had tried for over 9 yrs. I also found out at the time I have

a condition that causes miscarriages. I went to a well known hospital and

they did lots of blood test. Something showed up and they told me you have

miscarriages and most women don't know they have them. It can be so early

on you just think you were a little late. They said there is no way of

knowing how many miscarriages you could even have. The doctors were very

surprised I had two daughters at home and hadn't taken fertility drugs.

My children were 10 and 12 when I found out I was pregnant. At the time my

D.O. had put me on the (atenolol) I had had a cluster headache for over six

weeks, he told me they aren't uncommon in GD patients. He said it would

help lower my heart rate and take care of the headache. Which it did!

Take care,

Debbie

----------

>

>To: graves_supportegroups

>Subject: Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

>Date: Wed, Sep 27, 2000, 7:44 PM

>

> Thanks for your post Debbie

>

> I can't imagine feeling this sick for 5 years, so my heart goes out to you

> that your Dr didn't treat you correctly

> from the start and it took so long for the right combo of medication for you.

>

> I had the same beta blocker (atenolol) and 900mg of PTU. Which I

> immediately responded well to. But as the meds are

> reduced, I am unstable. I've had 6 changes to the doses between late May

> and early September.

>

> Your post encourages me (as does 's) that with close monitoring a

> beautiful healthy baby is a real possibility.

> My husband hasn't had his own child and he would be the most wonderful

> father (he is to my 17 year old). God willing

> it will happen for us.

>

> Take Care

> Caroline

>

> Riley wrote:

>

>> Caroline,

>>

>> I became pregnant on TAP, they immediately put me o PTU saying it was better

>> for you then the TAP. When I started on the PTU during my pregnancy they

>> started me on a dosage of 600 mg. per day, gradually within a couple of

>> months I was on a dosage of 50 mg. per day. This was all during my

>> pregnancy. The doctor who had me on the TAP also had me on cytomel, which

>> was considered an old method of treating GD. I never did see any change on

>> it. Before becoming pregnant I switched doctors, he immediately put me on

>> Atenonol (spelling not correct), within 24 hrs. my heart rate dropped to 74.

>> After years of being 120-140. They kept a close watch on me during my

>> pregnancy and tested the baby after birth for thyroid disease. My baby was

>> born the most beautiful thing in the world. After over 5 yrs. from being

>> diagnosed I am in remission at this time. I was on a maintenance of 50 mg.

>> for over 2-1/2 yrs. I still have up and down days, but most I feel fine.

>> It took me a long time to realize there were things that somedays I couldn't

>> do, and when tired to rest, and most important control the stress. And that

>> I have managed only in recent months, and with Gods help I am learning. I

>> feel my biggest mistake was not changing doctors when I saw no progress, I

>> went to that doctor for over 5 yrs. and became sicker and sicker as the

>> months went by. He was not an endo and said I really didn't need one, but he

>> was a QUACK, the second doctor was a D.O. I now go to an endo. Now if I am

>> not 100% comfortable, I change doctors. It only took me years to realize he

>> was being paid by me and I should feel comfortable, not just trust his

>> knowledge. We are all in this together, I pray you have better days ahead.

>>

>> Debbie

>>

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

>> >

>> >To: graves_supportegroups

>> >Subject: Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

>> >Date: Wed, Sep 27, 2000, 6:15 AM

>> >

>>

>> > Thanks Terry

>> >

>> > I do feel uneasy and a bit rushed. I'm a bit to blame though. I want to try

>> > to have a baby as soon as possible. I

>> > got remarried last year and we planned to have a couple of babies. I had

>> > two miscarriages, then found out I had was

>> > hyper with GD (I do have a 17 year old son who is great and I feel

>> > fortunate to have him - even when he does the

>> > male teenage thing!). I'm over 39 years old and feel the time ticking on.

>> > My endo is very concerned that I don't

>> > fall pregnant on PTU, or at least on the amount I seem to need (100mg at

>> > present, which I don't think is enough). Of

>> > course we are being careful (who actually feels like *it* anyway!).

>> >

>> > So, I guess I'm in a bit of a hurry to get it all fixed up. I am coming to

>> > feel that I need to have a bit more

>> > patience. I have carefully considered all the options and I do believe that

>> > surgery is the right one - but I'm

>> > feeling hyper right now and I don't to put myself at risk.

>> >

>> > I'll get the bloods done ASAP and hopefully this will help me to sort it

>> > out. I'll also let the endo know how I

>> > felt/feel.

>> >

>> > Thanks again

>> > Caroline

>> >

>> > Terry ding wrote:

>> >

>> >> Caroline,

>> >>

>> >> I've read all these posts, and I have only one piece of advice to add:

Don't

>> >> rush into the surgery if you are feeling uncomfortable about things. If

they

>> >> need to reschedule, and they are inconvenienced by that, it's their

problem,

>> >> not yours.

>> >>

>> >> Take the time to sort it all out, demand answers to all the questions,

make

>> >> sure you don't get railroaded for some doctor's convenience! In the long

>> >> run, waiting a few days, weeks or even months, until you are absolutely

sure

>> >> of what's going on and have confidence that you are making the right

>> >> decision, is not going to cause you any harm. Rushing into surgery if you

>> >> are uneasy and maybe influenced negatively by the fluctuations of your

>> >> thyroid may very well be harmful. Anyway, from what I'm reading here, you

>> >> shouldn't have the surgery at all if your thyroid is so unstable right

now.

>> >>

>> >> TerryP

>> >>

>> >> >

>> >> > Reply-To: graves_supportegroups

>> >> > Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 11:49:02 +1000

>> >> > To: graves_supportegroups

>> >> > Subject: Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

>> >> >

>> >> > Hi Jody

>> >> >

>> >> > Thanks for the time you take to help me. I agree the attitude is not

>> >> > acceptable. I feel

>> >> > somewhat stuck though. I haven't found any support groups in Australia

to

>> get

>> >> > info

>> >> > on a more 'user friendly' endo and the one I have has got a decent

>> reputation

>> >> > in the

>> >> > area I live in. He has about 50 to 60 GD patients (he tells me) and

that's

>> not

>> >> > bad given

>> >> > I estimate there to be about 350 in all of Sydney.

>> >> >

>> >> > Tomorrow I'm going to see the naturopathic physician I saw in June, who

has

>> >> > helped my

>> >> > symptoms with homeopathic meds. I've rested this morning and I'm off the

>> work

>> >> > shortly,

>> >> > so I hope to feel better today.

>> >> >

>> >> > I'm have GD and multi nodule goitre and am on PTU (50mg X 2 per day) +

>> >> > Thyroxin

>> >> > (T4) because my bloods 1 month ago showed me to be hypo. I stopped the

>> >> > thyroxin

>> >> > 1 week ago when I felt hyper. I felt so confused last night that I

thought

>> I

>> >> > better take it

>> >> > again as the endo felt I was not hyper.

>> >> >

>> >> > I really don't know what to do right now. I'll pray about for awhile and

>> try

>> >> > to settle myself

>> >> > down. The answers usually come sooner or later.

>> >> >

>> >> > Take Care

>> >> > Caroline

>> >> >

>> >> > Jody Spitale wrote:

>> >> >

>> >> >> Hi Caroline,

>> >> >> I am so sorry you are feeling so terrible and now have your dr. treat

you

>> >> >> this way. It is not acceptable for him to do that, you could either

tell

>> >> >> him you want some answers to your questions, that your not controlling

but

>> >> >> it is YOUR body or you could find another endo, one who truely has some

>> >> >> knowledge of this disease and its symptoms, one who will take the time

to

>> >> >> sit down with you and help with all of this.

>> >> >> There are good endos out there that don't give lip service to though of

us

>> >> >> with GD...I doubted it for a long time, but now I have one I truly

like,

>> who

>> >> >> takes time, will return my long distance calls to answer questions

>> >> >> etc...just something to consider.

>> >> >>

>> >> >> When were you diagnosed again, brain farts this morning, and are you on

>> >> >> ATD's?

>> >> >>

>> >> >> Take care,

>> >> >> Jody

>> >> >>

_________________________________________________________________________

>> >> >> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at

http://www.hotmail.com.

>> >> >>

>> >> >> Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at

>> >> >> http://profiles.msn.com.

>> >> >>

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

>> >> >> 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.

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

>> >> >

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

>> >> > 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.

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

>> >> >

>> >>

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

>> >> 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.

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

>> >

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

>> > 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.

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

>> >

>>

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

>> 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.

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

>

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

> 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.

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

>

September 27, 2000

{Despite all that's known about thyroid function, there's still much

that is unknown.}

Elaine, I am still laughing. Now we too have " a thought for the day. "

Are you just under stating the case or being kind or is that

pituitary-thyroid-hypothalamic not making connections?

September 27, 2000

Dear

Thanks for filling me in. I never ceased to be amazed at the strength and

endurance of others - good on you . I

imagine it was scary at times during that pregnancy.

I have been wondering about what happens to the TSH. Mine is not detectable as

yet also. I guess I won't hold me

breath for that to be normal. I also wonder just how many are researching these

issues. I hope there are eventually

more answers for us.

Caroline

{USER_FIRSTNAME} {USER_LASTNAME} wrote:

> Hi Caroline,

> I was diagnosed 4 months after my third child in spring of 1997. I was

> terribly hyper (T4 25 and T3 1164) and was put on metroprolol and PTU 450

> mgs. After 3 weeks my numbers were halved and my dose was dropped to 300mg.

> Six weeks later my dose was down to 100 mgs. In four months time I was

> euthroid in levels but no readable TSH. I became pregnant because of a

> crazy cycle in August of that year. The endo put me back up to 200 mgs for

> the next 5 months. What totally annoyed me though was the endo was trying

> to drop my levels to normal but that is normal for nonpregnnt women. When

> you become pregnant you have more hormones which are proteins which elevate

> the total thyroid levels. At one point my T4 dropped to 5 and T3 to 160 but

> no TSH. So he insisted on still 200 mgs PTU. My FT4 was 0.5 and I was so

> lethargic, cold and achy I finally convinced the endo to drop me to 100 mgs.

> I had a rapid weight gain of 10 lbs. in one month also. He tried to blaming

> it on my diet but I KNEW I was hypo. Be very careful of endos dropping your

> levels too low in pregnancy. This too cause miscarriage and ahypo like

> state in the baby. This can cause the baby to be large for gestational

> size. All my children were big but my last came 4 weeks early and was 7 lb.

> 6 oz. She was on track to be 10 lbs. I also had unexplained bleeding from

> 31 weeks to 36 weeks when I delivered. I still insist till this day that I

> was in a hypo state.

> Oh, Elaine I was interested something you said earlier. I have had what

> you might say euthroid thyroid hormone levels since 22 months ago and still

> no TSH. I am at a point now for 7months where my levels are where I have

> almost no symptoms of either hypo or hyper states. Yet the endos would say

> I am subclinically hyper based on my TSH. Just a theory or could it be

> that because I was hyper for several years without producing any TSH that

> the portion of the brain may shrink? What takes the brain so long to

> respond to the lower levels of hormone? Even being an RN I still have

> trouble figuring this out. I have spoken to so many docs and no one seems

> to be able to explain it in any way that makes sense. I had levels in the

> lower range of normal for 13 months without even a trace of TSH but my anti

> thyroid antibodies greatly increased. This whole thing has me stumped no

> matter how much research I do.

> Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

> > > > >> >

> > > > >> > Hi Jody

> > > > >> >

> > > > >> > Thanks for the time you take to help me. I agree the attitude is

> not

> > > > >> > acceptable. I feel

> > > > >> > somewhat stuck though. I haven't found any support groups in

> > > Australia to

> > > > get

> > > > >> > info

> > > > >> > on a more 'user friendly' endo and the one I have has got a

> decent

> > > > reputation

> > > > >> > in the

> > > > >> > area I live in. He has about 50 to 60 GD patients (he tells me)

> and

> > > that's

> > > > not

> > > > >> > bad given

> > > > >> > I estimate there to be about 350 in all of Sydney.

> > > > >> >

> > > > >> > Tomorrow I'm going to see the naturopathic physician I saw in

> June,

> > > who has

> > > > >> > helped my

> > > > >> > symptoms with homeopathic meds. I've rested this morning and I'm

> off

> > > the

> > > > work

> > > > >> > shortly,

> > > > >> > so I hope to feel better today.

> > > > >> >

> > > > >> > I'm have GD and multi nodule goitre and am on PTU (50mg X 2 per

> day)

> > > +

> > > > >> > Thyroxin

> > > > >> > (T4) because my bloods 1 month ago showed me to be hypo. I

> stopped

> > > the

> > > > >> > thyroxin

> > > > >> > 1 week ago when I felt hyper. I felt so confused last night that

> I

> > > thought

> > > > I

> > > > >> > better take it

> > > > >> > again as the endo felt I was not hyper.

> > > > >> >

> > > > >> > I really don't know what to do right now. I'll pray about for

> awhile

> > > and

> > > > try

> > > > >> > to settle myself

> > > > >> > down. The answers usually come sooner or later.

> > > > >> >

> > > > >> > Take Care

> > > > >> > Caroline

> > > > >> >

> > > > >> > Jody Spitale wrote:

> > > > >> >

> > > > >> >> Hi Caroline,

> > > > >> >> I am so sorry you are feeling so terrible and now have your dr.

> > > treat you

> > > > >> >> this way. It is not acceptable for him to do that, you could

> either

> > > tell

> > > > >> >> him you want some answers to your questions, that your not

> > > controlling but

> > > > >> >> it is YOUR body or you could find another endo, one who truely

> has

> > > some

> > > > >> >> knowledge of this disease and its symptoms, one who will take

> the

> > > time to

> > > > >> >> sit down with you and help with all of this.

> > > > >> >> There are good endos out there that don't give lip service to

> though

> > > of us

> > > > >> >> with GD...I doubted it for a long time, but now I have one I

> truly

> > > like,

> > > > who

> > > > >> >> takes time, will return my long distance calls to answer

> questions

> > > > >> >> etc...just something to consider.

> > > > >> >>

> > > > >> >> When were you diagnosed again, brain farts this morning, and are

> you

> > > on

> > > > >> >> ATD's?

> > > > >> >>

> > > > >> >> Take care,

> > > > >> >> Jody

> > > > >> >>

> > >

> _________________________________________________________________________

> > > > >> >> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at

> > > http://www.hotmail.com.

> > > > >> >>

> > > > >> >> Share information about yourself, create your own public profile

> at

> > > > >> >> http://profiles.msn.com.

> > > > >> >>

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

> > > > >> >> 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.

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

> > > > >> >

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

> > > > >> > 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.

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

> > > > >> >

> > > > >>

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

> > > > >> 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.

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

> > > > >

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

> > > > > 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.

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

> > > > >

> > > >

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

> > > > 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.

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

> > > >

> > >

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

> > > 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.

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

> >

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

> > 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.

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

> >

>

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

> 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.

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

September 27, 2000

Hi Debbie

Thanks for sharing your experience. A cluster headache for six weeks - my God

how did you cope with that. I'm a

raving idiot if a headache lasts more than a few hours. I hope I don't get a

marathon one like that - ever.

Well I have only tried for 2 years - I hope I don't to wait another 7 years.

Must have a surprise to you after so

long and being told about the illness causing the miscarriages.

Glad it worked out well for you.

Caroline

Riley wrote:

> Caroline,

>

> For the record, I officail found out the day after I turned 40 that I was

> pregnant. We had tried for over 9 yrs. I also found out at the time I have

> a condition that causes miscarriages. I went to a well known hospital and

> they did lots of blood test. Something showed up and they told me you have

> miscarriages and most women don't know they have them. It can be so early

> on you just think you were a little late. They said there is no way of

> knowing how many miscarriages you could even have. The doctors were very

> surprised I had two daughters at home and hadn't taken fertility drugs.

> My children were 10 and 12 when I found out I was pregnant. At the time my

> D.O. had put me on the (atenolol) I had had a cluster headache for over six

> weeks, he told me they aren't uncommon in GD patients. He said it would

> help lower my heart rate and take care of the headache. Which it did!

>

> Take care,

>

> Debbie

>

> ----------

> >

> >To: graves_supportegroups

> >Subject: Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

> >Date: Wed, Sep 27, 2000, 7:44 PM

> >

>

> > Thanks for your post Debbie

> >

> > I can't imagine feeling this sick for 5 years, so my heart goes out to you

> > that your Dr didn't treat you correctly

> > from the start and it took so long for the right combo of medication for

you.

> >

> > I had the same beta blocker (atenolol) and 900mg of PTU. Which I

> > immediately responded well to. But as the meds are

> > reduced, I am unstable. I've had 6 changes to the doses between late May

> > and early September.

> >

> > Your post encourages me (as does 's) that with close monitoring a

> > beautiful healthy baby is a real possibility.

> > My husband hasn't had his own child and he would be the most wonderful

> > father (he is to my 17 year old). God willing

> > it will happen for us.

> >

> > Take Care

> > Caroline

> >

> > Riley wrote:

> >

> >> Caroline,

> >>

> >> I became pregnant on TAP, they immediately put me o PTU saying it was

better

> >> for you then the TAP. When I started on the PTU during my pregnancy they

> >> started me on a dosage of 600 mg. per day, gradually within a couple of

> >> months I was on a dosage of 50 mg. per day. This was all during my

> >> pregnancy. The doctor who had me on the TAP also had me on cytomel, which

> >> was considered an old method of treating GD. I never did see any change on

> >> it. Before becoming pregnant I switched doctors, he immediately put me on

> >> Atenonol (spelling not correct), within 24 hrs. my heart rate dropped to

74.

> >> After years of being 120-140. They kept a close watch on me during my

> >> pregnancy and tested the baby after birth for thyroid disease. My baby was

> >> born the most beautiful thing in the world. After over 5 yrs. from being

> >> diagnosed I am in remission at this time. I was on a maintenance of 50 mg.

> >> for over 2-1/2 yrs. I still have up and down days, but most I feel fine.

> >> It took me a long time to realize there were things that somedays I

couldn't

> >> do, and when tired to rest, and most important control the stress. And

that

> >> I have managed only in recent months, and with Gods help I am learning. I

> >> feel my biggest mistake was not changing doctors when I saw no progress, I

> >> went to that doctor for over 5 yrs. and became sicker and sicker as the

> >> months went by. He was not an endo and said I really didn't need one, but

he

> >> was a QUACK, the second doctor was a D.O. I now go to an endo. Now if I am

> >> not 100% comfortable, I change doctors. It only took me years to realize

he

> >> was being paid by me and I should feel comfortable, not just trust his

> >> knowledge. We are all in this together, I pray you have better days ahead.

> >>

> >> Debbie

> >>

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

> >> >

> >> >To: graves_supportegroups

> >> >Subject: Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

> >> >Date: Wed, Sep 27, 2000, 6:15 AM

> >> >

> >>

> >> > Thanks Terry

> >> >

> >> > I do feel uneasy and a bit rushed. I'm a bit to blame though. I want to

try

> >> > to have a baby as soon as possible. I

> >> > got remarried last year and we planned to have a couple of babies. I had

> >> > two miscarriages, then found out I had was

> >> > hyper with GD (I do have a 17 year old son who is great and I feel

> >> > fortunate to have him - even when he does the

> >> > male teenage thing!). I'm over 39 years old and feel the time ticking on.

> >> > My endo is very concerned that I don't

> >> > fall pregnant on PTU, or at least on the amount I seem to need (100mg at

> >> > present, which I don't think is enough). Of

> >> > course we are being careful (who actually feels like *it* anyway!).

> >> >

> >> > So, I guess I'm in a bit of a hurry to get it all fixed up. I am coming

to

> >> > feel that I need to have a bit more

> >> > patience. I have carefully considered all the options and I do believe

that

> >> > surgery is the right one - but I'm

> >> > feeling hyper right now and I don't to put myself at risk.

> >> >

> >> > I'll get the bloods done ASAP and hopefully this will help me to sort it

> >> > out. I'll also let the endo know how I

> >> > felt/feel.

> >> >

> >> > Thanks again

> >> > Caroline

> >> >

> >> > Terry ding wrote:

> >> >

> >> >> Caroline,

> >> >>

> >> >> I've read all these posts, and I have only one piece of advice to add:

> Don't

> >> >> rush into the surgery if you are feeling uncomfortable about things. If

> they

> >> >> need to reschedule, and they are inconvenienced by that, it's their

> problem,

> >> >> not yours.

> >> >>

> >> >> Take the time to sort it all out, demand answers to all the questions,

> make

> >> >> sure you don't get railroaded for some doctor's convenience! In the long

> >> >> run, waiting a few days, weeks or even months, until you are absolutely

> sure

> >> >> of what's going on and have confidence that you are making the right

> >> >> decision, is not going to cause you any harm. Rushing into surgery if

you

> >> >> are uneasy and maybe influenced negatively by the fluctuations of your

> >> >> thyroid may very well be harmful. Anyway, from what I'm reading here,

you

> >> >> shouldn't have the surgery at all if your thyroid is so unstable right

> now.

> >> >>

> >> >> TerryP

> >> >>

> >> >> >

> >> >> > Reply-To: graves_supportegroups

> >> >> > Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 11:49:02 +1000

> >> >> > To: graves_supportegroups

> >> >> > Subject: Re: Wouldn't you know it..(long)

> >> >> >

> >> >> > Hi Jody

> >> >> >

> >> >> > Thanks for the time you take to help me. I agree the attitude is not

> >> >> > acceptable. I feel

> >> >> > somewhat stuck though. I haven't found any support groups in

Australia

> to

> >> get

> >> >> > info

> >> >> > on a more 'user friendly' endo and the one I have has got a decent

> >> reputation

> >> >> > in the

> >> >> > area I live in. He has about 50 to 60 GD patients (he tells me) and

> that's

> >> not

> >> >> > bad given

> >> >> > I estimate there to be about 350 in all of Sydney.

> >> >> >

> >> >> > Tomorrow I'm going to see the naturopathic physician I saw in June,

who

> has

> >> >> > helped my

> >> >> > symptoms with homeopathic meds. I've rested this morning and I'm off

the

> >> work

> >> >> > shortly,

> >> >> > so I hope to feel better today.

> >> >> >

> >> >> > I'm have GD and multi nodule goitre and am on PTU (50mg X 2 per day) +

> >> >> > Thyroxin

> >> >> > (T4) because my bloods 1 month ago showed me to be hypo. I stopped the

> >> >> > thyroxin

> >> >> > 1 week ago when I felt hyper. I felt so confused last night that I

> thought

> >> I

> >> >> > better take it

> >> >> > again as the endo felt I was not hyper.

> >> >> >

> >> >> > I really don't know what to do right now. I'll pray about for awhile

and

> >> try

> >> >> > to settle myself

> >> >> > down. The answers usually come sooner or later.

> >> >> >

> >> >> > Take Care

> >> >> > Caroline

> >> >> >

> >> >> > Jody Spitale wrote:

> >> >> >

> >> >> >> Hi Caroline,

> >> >> >> I am so sorry you are feeling so terrible and now have your dr. treat

> you

> >> >> >> this way. It is not acceptable for him to do that, you could either

> tell

> >> >> >> him you want some answers to your questions, that your not

controlling

> but

> >> >> >> it is YOUR body or you could find another endo, one who truely has

some

> >> >> >> knowledge of this disease and its symptoms, one who will take the

time

> to

> >> >> >> sit down with you and help with all of this.

> >> >> >> There are good endos out there that don't give lip service to though

of

> us

> >> >> >> with GD...I doubted it for a long time, but now I have one I truly

> like,

> >> who

> >> >> >> takes time, will return my long distance calls to answer questions

> >> >> >> etc...just something to consider.

> >> >> >>

> >> >> >> When were you diagnosed again, brain farts this morning, and are you

on

> >> >> >> ATD's?

> >> >> >>

> >> >> >> Take care,

> >> >> >> Jody

> >> >> >>

> _________________________________________________________________________

> >> >> >> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at

> http://www.hotmail.com.

> >> >> >>

> >> >> >> Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at

> >> >> >> http://profiles.msn.com.

> >> >> >>

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

> >> >> >> 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.

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

> >> >> >

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

> >> >> > 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.

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

> >> >> >

> >> >>

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

> >> >> 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.

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

> >> >

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

> >> > 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.

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

> >> >

> >>

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

> >> 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.

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

> >

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

> > 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.

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

> >

>

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

> 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.

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

September 28, 2000

Regarding low TSH- I was diagnosed with Graves in Sept 97 after being sick

for one week with " flu-like " symptoms (sweaty, nausea, rapid-heart,

weight-loss,etc). My family doctor was able to recognize the symptoms as

Graves (TSH = 0.06) and started me on PTU.

After 3 months, I was feeling much better- T4 and T3 were near normal, but

the TSH was still 0.06. After 1 year, I was down to 1 pill per day, BUT

my TSH was still supressed. It took 1-1/2 years for my TSH to finally

recover (and I had only 1 week of symptoms!)

I read in an Endocrinology text book that in some cases, the TSH can be

depressed for over a year.

Barb

in remission since Jan 2000.

[some cut]