Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Peggy, Your doses of both the antithyroid drug and beta blocker may be too high. After 4-6 weeks on the meds, your ATD dose is generally reduced and you're taken off the beta blocker or it's used as needed. But this isn't life-long therapy. You take the meds til you achieve remission. On average this is 6 months to a year, although we all have different disease courses. Some people achieve remission within a few weeks and for others it takes years. Dietary and lifestyle changes can help move the process along. What you will have is a life-long condition. That is, after you achieve remission you can have relapses of your disorder. However, the majority of patients who use ATDs end up achieving permanent remission. Once your meds are lowered, your symptoms of brain fog should be reduced. Brain fog is usually a symptom of hypoT, and that's why I suspect the meds as being a bit too high. Good luck, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Peggy, Your doses of both the antithyroid drug and beta blocker may be too high. After 4-6 weeks on the meds, your ATD dose is generally reduced and you're taken off the beta blocker or it's used as needed. But this isn't life-long therapy. You take the meds til you achieve remission. On average this is 6 months to a year, although we all have different disease courses. Some people achieve remission within a few weeks and for others it takes years. Dietary and lifestyle changes can help move the process along. What you will have is a life-long condition. That is, after you achieve remission you can have relapses of your disorder. However, the majority of patients who use ATDs end up achieving permanent remission. Once your meds are lowered, your symptoms of brain fog should be reduced. Brain fog is usually a symptom of hypoT, and that's why I suspect the meds as being a bit too high. Good luck, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Peggy, Your doses of both the antithyroid drug and beta blocker may be too high. After 4-6 weeks on the meds, your ATD dose is generally reduced and you're taken off the beta blocker or it's used as needed. But this isn't life-long therapy. You take the meds til you achieve remission. On average this is 6 months to a year, although we all have different disease courses. Some people achieve remission within a few weeks and for others it takes years. Dietary and lifestyle changes can help move the process along. What you will have is a life-long condition. That is, after you achieve remission you can have relapses of your disorder. However, the majority of patients who use ATDs end up achieving permanent remission. Once your meds are lowered, your symptoms of brain fog should be reduced. Brain fog is usually a symptom of hypoT, and that's why I suspect the meds as being a bit too high. Good luck, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Peggy, Welcome to the list. I have been on this list for a couple of weeks, but was diagnosed with Graves in November. I was on PTU for a short amount of time (I am allergic). I had RAI in January. I know I had some of the thinking one thing, doing another, but I don't remember when it stopped. You will find a good deal of information and support on this list - glad you are here! Amy Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Peggy, Welcome to the list. I have been on this list for a couple of weeks, but was diagnosed with Graves in November. I was on PTU for a short amount of time (I am allergic). I had RAI in January. I know I had some of the thinking one thing, doing another, but I don't remember when it stopped. You will find a good deal of information and support on this list - glad you are here! Amy Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Peggy, Welcome to the list. I have been on this list for a couple of weeks, but was diagnosed with Graves in November. I was on PTU for a short amount of time (I am allergic). I had RAI in January. I know I had some of the thinking one thing, doing another, but I don't remember when it stopped. You will find a good deal of information and support on this list - glad you are here! Amy Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Welcome Peggy! Your dose of Tapazole seems low to me...I was started on 40 mg/day when I was diagnosed, and it took about 10 days to 2 weeks before I started to feel all the symptoms start to fade. Others can help you more, but just to let you know, before I was diagnosed, my husband was very worried about me because every other sentence out of my mouth was, " Oh, I forgot " . And then, I'd get irrationally angry with him for assuming there was anything wrong with me. The brain fog was bad for me too...but once your treatment gets you stabilized, that should be much better. I am always amazed at how systemic this disease is. It affects all kinds of bodily parts..not just causing goiters and eye problems. Hair loss is common...my toenails are separating from the nail beds...there can be skin problems, weight loss and gain, always either cold or hot...it just blows me away how many systems this affects, but learning from all of these ladies has been such a source of comfort...anything you might find yourself dealing with can be explained and/or commiserated with. Take care and good luck with your midterms. The wise ladies here will chime in with all the best advice. Ruthie Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Welcome Peggy! Your dose of Tapazole seems low to me...I was started on 40 mg/day when I was diagnosed, and it took about 10 days to 2 weeks before I started to feel all the symptoms start to fade. Others can help you more, but just to let you know, before I was diagnosed, my husband was very worried about me because every other sentence out of my mouth was, " Oh, I forgot " . And then, I'd get irrationally angry with him for assuming there was anything wrong with me. The brain fog was bad for me too...but once your treatment gets you stabilized, that should be much better. I am always amazed at how systemic this disease is. It affects all kinds of bodily parts..not just causing goiters and eye problems. Hair loss is common...my toenails are separating from the nail beds...there can be skin problems, weight loss and gain, always either cold or hot...it just blows me away how many systems this affects, but learning from all of these ladies has been such a source of comfort...anything you might find yourself dealing with can be explained and/or commiserated with. Take care and good luck with your midterms. The wise ladies here will chime in with all the best advice. Ruthie Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Welcome Peggy! Your dose of Tapazole seems low to me...I was started on 40 mg/day when I was diagnosed, and it took about 10 days to 2 weeks before I started to feel all the symptoms start to fade. Others can help you more, but just to let you know, before I was diagnosed, my husband was very worried about me because every other sentence out of my mouth was, " Oh, I forgot " . And then, I'd get irrationally angry with him for assuming there was anything wrong with me. The brain fog was bad for me too...but once your treatment gets you stabilized, that should be much better. I am always amazed at how systemic this disease is. It affects all kinds of bodily parts..not just causing goiters and eye problems. Hair loss is common...my toenails are separating from the nail beds...there can be skin problems, weight loss and gain, always either cold or hot...it just blows me away how many systems this affects, but learning from all of these ladies has been such a source of comfort...anything you might find yourself dealing with can be explained and/or commiserated with. Take care and good luck with your midterms. The wise ladies here will chime in with all the best advice. Ruthie Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Peggy, Welcome to the group. I am around the same age as you and was diagnosed with Graves about 3 months ago. I understand how you feel but you will find a good deal of support here in this group. As for the " confusion " I have the same thing, but as far as I am aware it it the Graves itself which causes the problem not the drugs, as when I am going through a good period I am fine. I too do bizarre things, but my worst problem I have at the moment is not being able to concentrate and forgetting things. I start talking about something and then realize I have forgotten the name of something. It can be quite embarrassing. I am sure that people think I have gone somewhere else in my mind, a crazy place maybe... but in fact I am actually desperately trying to think of a word. Anyways take care, Katy Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Peggy, Welcome to the group! Unfortunately, your doctor is right. It takes about 6 weeks after you first start ATDs for it to reach its full effect. Also, unfortunately, what you're describing are all typical Graves' symptoms. You can't even read my handwriting when I'm hyper, so I do everything on the computer! You just do really stupid things, and you can't help it. It's a horrible feeling, I know. My worst thing was I couldn't carry on a conversation all of a sudden. The words wouldn't come out, or I couldn't find the right words, or they got mixed up, etc. It really scared me that I had some kind of degenerative brain disease or something before I found out it was just the Graves'. I even thought at one point that I'd developed dyslexia somehow! I promise you it will go away when you get your levels straightened out. You've come to a good place. We've all been through what you're going through! Take care, Holly Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Peggy, Welcome to the group! Unfortunately, your doctor is right. It takes about 6 weeks after you first start ATDs for it to reach its full effect. Also, unfortunately, what you're describing are all typical Graves' symptoms. You can't even read my handwriting when I'm hyper, so I do everything on the computer! You just do really stupid things, and you can't help it. It's a horrible feeling, I know. My worst thing was I couldn't carry on a conversation all of a sudden. The words wouldn't come out, or I couldn't find the right words, or they got mixed up, etc. It really scared me that I had some kind of degenerative brain disease or something before I found out it was just the Graves'. I even thought at one point that I'd developed dyslexia somehow! I promise you it will go away when you get your levels straightened out. You've come to a good place. We've all been through what you're going through! Take care, Holly Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Peggy, Welcome to the group! Unfortunately, your doctor is right. It takes about 6 weeks after you first start ATDs for it to reach its full effect. Also, unfortunately, what you're describing are all typical Graves' symptoms. You can't even read my handwriting when I'm hyper, so I do everything on the computer! You just do really stupid things, and you can't help it. It's a horrible feeling, I know. My worst thing was I couldn't carry on a conversation all of a sudden. The words wouldn't come out, or I couldn't find the right words, or they got mixed up, etc. It really scared me that I had some kind of degenerative brain disease or something before I found out it was just the Graves'. I even thought at one point that I'd developed dyslexia somehow! I promise you it will go away when you get your levels straightened out. You've come to a good place. We've all been through what you're going through! Take care, Holly Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 I was on 5 mg twice a day to start as higher dosages made me really sick. They montiroed me once a week though and I responded quite well. Of course I weighed NOTHING at the time LOL. Anyway I was only on it for 1 1/2 and i've been med free since. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 > As for the " confusion " I have the same thing, but as far as I am aware it it > the Graves itself which causes the problem not the drugs, as when I am going > through a good period I am fine. I too do bizarre things, but my worst > problem I have at the moment is not being able to concentrate and forgetting > things. I start talking about something and then realize I have forgotten > the name of something. It can be quite embarrassing. I am sure that people > think I have gone somewhere else in my mind, a crazy place maybe... but in > fact I am actually desperately trying to think of a word. I go through the same thing. I'll be talking and can't come up with a word.. " thingy " has become my standard word to use in that situation now. *laugh* " , I need that big pointy thingy! " " You mean the meat fork? " " Yeah, that's it. " I also find myself saying the wrong word -- meaning " plane " and saying " planet " ... I do that frequently since we own a small Cessna. I've finally given up on " plane " and just call it " Charlie " .. figure that's something I can't screw up. If I'm speaking and get interrupted for even two seconds, I completely forget about what I was talking about -- mid-sentence. Frequently, I stumble over words and give the general impression that I'm slurring them or stuttering. But here's the really funny thing -- when I screw up a word, I can hear it and know it as plain as day. But swears that he never notices. I don't know if that's a Good Thing or a Bad Thing *. One time last week I was putting the milk away and opened the cabinet where I store our glasses & mugs instead of the fridge. Then I opened the freezer to put the cereal away. DUH. No clue why I did that. I've walked into a room only to forget why I walked in there. *laugh* Now, combine this with the fact that I've just joined my husband's volunteer fire department as a photographer. " .. move out of the way, I want to get a shot of that big red and yellow thingy over there. " " Which one? " " The one on the bumper! " " Oh.. you mean the Humat? " " Yeah, that thingy. " Oh -- they're gonna love me when they start training me on the equipment and I have to learn the words to describe a thousand new " thingies " . I'm expecting a call from my Doctor in the next couple of hours to see how my labs went yesterday. Hopefully he can start medicating me for the hypO state that I'm now in. I think my TSH has backed down some, but not enough as I'm really starting to get hypO symptoms, and my eyes are driving me NUTSO! I saw an opthamologist last week who spent quite a lot of time looking me over. She could find no actual evidence of Graves Eye Disease, and the 2mm protrusion that I had pre-RAI is gone now. Dunno if it was the RAI, or the Medrol & Prednizone, but I'm just happy that it's been reversed.. hopefully it stays that way. :-D Can't wait to get my new eyeglass prescription next week so I can toss the current ones out and actually SEE something again. --patti *A long time ago, I started using the phrase " Good Thing or Bad Thing " to refer to any given situation. Someone jokingly told me that I should trademark it, so from then on I've modified that phrase to " Good Thing or Bad Thing " to make an even bigger joke. :-D *~*~*~*~* Patti Spicer patti@... " Those who would give up freedom for security deserve neither " --Ben lin http://www.cyphergirl.com - My photography, cookbooks, thyroid info, and more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 > As for the " confusion " I have the same thing, but as far as I am aware it it > the Graves itself which causes the problem not the drugs, as when I am going > through a good period I am fine. I too do bizarre things, but my worst > problem I have at the moment is not being able to concentrate and forgetting > things. I start talking about something and then realize I have forgotten > the name of something. It can be quite embarrassing. I am sure that people > think I have gone somewhere else in my mind, a crazy place maybe... but in > fact I am actually desperately trying to think of a word. I go through the same thing. I'll be talking and can't come up with a word.. " thingy " has become my standard word to use in that situation now. *laugh* " , I need that big pointy thingy! " " You mean the meat fork? " " Yeah, that's it. " I also find myself saying the wrong word -- meaning " plane " and saying " planet " ... I do that frequently since we own a small Cessna. I've finally given up on " plane " and just call it " Charlie " .. figure that's something I can't screw up. If I'm speaking and get interrupted for even two seconds, I completely forget about what I was talking about -- mid-sentence. Frequently, I stumble over words and give the general impression that I'm slurring them or stuttering. But here's the really funny thing -- when I screw up a word, I can hear it and know it as plain as day. But swears that he never notices. I don't know if that's a Good Thing or a Bad Thing *. One time last week I was putting the milk away and opened the cabinet where I store our glasses & mugs instead of the fridge. Then I opened the freezer to put the cereal away. DUH. No clue why I did that. I've walked into a room only to forget why I walked in there. *laugh* Now, combine this with the fact that I've just joined my husband's volunteer fire department as a photographer. " .. move out of the way, I want to get a shot of that big red and yellow thingy over there. " " Which one? " " The one on the bumper! " " Oh.. you mean the Humat? " " Yeah, that thingy. " Oh -- they're gonna love me when they start training me on the equipment and I have to learn the words to describe a thousand new " thingies " . I'm expecting a call from my Doctor in the next couple of hours to see how my labs went yesterday. Hopefully he can start medicating me for the hypO state that I'm now in. I think my TSH has backed down some, but not enough as I'm really starting to get hypO symptoms, and my eyes are driving me NUTSO! I saw an opthamologist last week who spent quite a lot of time looking me over. She could find no actual evidence of Graves Eye Disease, and the 2mm protrusion that I had pre-RAI is gone now. Dunno if it was the RAI, or the Medrol & Prednizone, but I'm just happy that it's been reversed.. hopefully it stays that way. :-D Can't wait to get my new eyeglass prescription next week so I can toss the current ones out and actually SEE something again. --patti *A long time ago, I started using the phrase " Good Thing or Bad Thing " to refer to any given situation. Someone jokingly told me that I should trademark it, so from then on I've modified that phrase to " Good Thing or Bad Thing " to make an even bigger joke. :-D *~*~*~*~* Patti Spicer patti@... " Those who would give up freedom for security deserve neither " --Ben lin http://www.cyphergirl.com - My photography, cookbooks, thyroid info, and more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 > As for the " confusion " I have the same thing, but as far as I am aware it it > the Graves itself which causes the problem not the drugs, as when I am going > through a good period I am fine. I too do bizarre things, but my worst > problem I have at the moment is not being able to concentrate and forgetting > things. I start talking about something and then realize I have forgotten > the name of something. It can be quite embarrassing. I am sure that people > think I have gone somewhere else in my mind, a crazy place maybe... but in > fact I am actually desperately trying to think of a word. I go through the same thing. I'll be talking and can't come up with a word.. " thingy " has become my standard word to use in that situation now. *laugh* " , I need that big pointy thingy! " " You mean the meat fork? " " Yeah, that's it. " I also find myself saying the wrong word -- meaning " plane " and saying " planet " ... I do that frequently since we own a small Cessna. I've finally given up on " plane " and just call it " Charlie " .. figure that's something I can't screw up. If I'm speaking and get interrupted for even two seconds, I completely forget about what I was talking about -- mid-sentence. Frequently, I stumble over words and give the general impression that I'm slurring them or stuttering. But here's the really funny thing -- when I screw up a word, I can hear it and know it as plain as day. But swears that he never notices. I don't know if that's a Good Thing or a Bad Thing *. One time last week I was putting the milk away and opened the cabinet where I store our glasses & mugs instead of the fridge. Then I opened the freezer to put the cereal away. DUH. No clue why I did that. I've walked into a room only to forget why I walked in there. *laugh* Now, combine this with the fact that I've just joined my husband's volunteer fire department as a photographer. " .. move out of the way, I want to get a shot of that big red and yellow thingy over there. " " Which one? " " The one on the bumper! " " Oh.. you mean the Humat? " " Yeah, that thingy. " Oh -- they're gonna love me when they start training me on the equipment and I have to learn the words to describe a thousand new " thingies " . I'm expecting a call from my Doctor in the next couple of hours to see how my labs went yesterday. Hopefully he can start medicating me for the hypO state that I'm now in. I think my TSH has backed down some, but not enough as I'm really starting to get hypO symptoms, and my eyes are driving me NUTSO! I saw an opthamologist last week who spent quite a lot of time looking me over. She could find no actual evidence of Graves Eye Disease, and the 2mm protrusion that I had pre-RAI is gone now. Dunno if it was the RAI, or the Medrol & Prednizone, but I'm just happy that it's been reversed.. hopefully it stays that way. :-D Can't wait to get my new eyeglass prescription next week so I can toss the current ones out and actually SEE something again. --patti *A long time ago, I started using the phrase " Good Thing or Bad Thing " to refer to any given situation. Someone jokingly told me that I should trademark it, so from then on I've modified that phrase to " Good Thing or Bad Thing " to make an even bigger joke. :-D *~*~*~*~* Patti Spicer patti@... " Those who would give up freedom for security deserve neither " --Ben lin http://www.cyphergirl.com - My photography, cookbooks, thyroid info, and more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Katy, The thing that you are describing, besides being common for so many of us, is also " normal " in the population but probably not ocuring as frequently as when we are hormonally challenged. Its called " tip of the tongue " phenomena (really! that's what the Linguists call it) In theory, its a breakdown of the speech production process. There is this little trick, known as priming. What seems to happen is that you try to recall a word and, if you don't get it, you think about what it sounds like, what it is associated with and maybe what consonants or vowels it starts with. Think about it really hard, and then let it go. Within a relatively short period of time you will probably recall the silly thing. This is supposed to work because if you think of something, say " dog " your brain has associated stuff with it. Like bone, dish, walk, poodle and you will think of these things as well. For most people the association with how it sounds works better. Probably because of the stage in speech production that the word is in when the glitch happens. I know that this doesn't help much if you are trying to carry on a conversation, especially a serious one. But it can help you to get rid of that annoyance that comes from not remembering. Laurel Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Katy, The thing that you are describing, besides being common for so many of us, is also " normal " in the population but probably not ocuring as frequently as when we are hormonally challenged. Its called " tip of the tongue " phenomena (really! that's what the Linguists call it) In theory, its a breakdown of the speech production process. There is this little trick, known as priming. What seems to happen is that you try to recall a word and, if you don't get it, you think about what it sounds like, what it is associated with and maybe what consonants or vowels it starts with. Think about it really hard, and then let it go. Within a relatively short period of time you will probably recall the silly thing. This is supposed to work because if you think of something, say " dog " your brain has associated stuff with it. Like bone, dish, walk, poodle and you will think of these things as well. For most people the association with how it sounds works better. Probably because of the stage in speech production that the word is in when the glitch happens. I know that this doesn't help much if you are trying to carry on a conversation, especially a serious one. But it can help you to get rid of that annoyance that comes from not remembering. Laurel Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Katy, The thing that you are describing, besides being common for so many of us, is also " normal " in the population but probably not ocuring as frequently as when we are hormonally challenged. Its called " tip of the tongue " phenomena (really! that's what the Linguists call it) In theory, its a breakdown of the speech production process. There is this little trick, known as priming. What seems to happen is that you try to recall a word and, if you don't get it, you think about what it sounds like, what it is associated with and maybe what consonants or vowels it starts with. Think about it really hard, and then let it go. Within a relatively short period of time you will probably recall the silly thing. This is supposed to work because if you think of something, say " dog " your brain has associated stuff with it. Like bone, dish, walk, poodle and you will think of these things as well. For most people the association with how it sounds works better. Probably because of the stage in speech production that the word is in when the glitch happens. I know that this doesn't help much if you are trying to carry on a conversation, especially a serious one. But it can help you to get rid of that annoyance that comes from not remembering. Laurel Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Hi Peggy, Welcome to this group, I'm glad you found us. >>>I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really >>>frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's >>>really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't >>>quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping >>>well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a >>>month. Is this the way this usually works?<<< Give the Tap some time to work. Even though it is blocking your thyroid from making more hormone, you still have an excess of thyroid hormone in your body that needs to get used up. When this is done, you will begin to see differences in your symptoms and how you feel. Your doctor sounds like he/she knows how to use the atd's (a blessing for you, honest!), it will take 4-6 weeks for all the excess to get used up and to see the differences. Some people do react quicker to atd use, so give yourself some time, things will get better. >>>But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams...<<< We call this brain fog and it is one of the most frustrating things about this disease, especially in the beginning. As you become euthyroid, your brain will start working again. My brain fog is so much worse when I am hypO. I use to break down in tears, would be looking at my car keys and couldn't remember what they were called, or walk in an out of a room several times before remembering what I was going in there for in the first place. The misspelling is also bad for me, thank God for spell check! I also transpose a lot of words when typing, I call it dyslexic typing and I use to type 90 wpm with no errors...ahhhh those were the days. It does get better though. I do suggest you look in the archives, somewhere around 2/11 and bring up the symptoms list I bumped back up into the group and print it out. You will now need to learn and watch for hypO symptoms and call your doctor at the first sign of them for new labs so your atd dose can be adjusted as needed to keep you from going hypo. There are also 2 excellent books that will be a great help to you, one is The Thyroid Solution by Dr. Ridha Arem; a good overall thyroid book and will explain much. The other is Graves Disease; A Practical Guide by Elaine , which will really jump start your learning about this disease and help you to become proactive in your treatment. The more you learn and know, the better you will feel. Being proactive is a must for us to get quality back in our lives. There is no quick fix or quick treatment for Graves Disease, it is going to take time, learn to relax, reduce stress (stress is a HUGE enemy for us)and be gentle with yourself. Hope some of this helps, Jody _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Thanks for the tip Laurel. I'll try it out and see if it improves my conversation technique... I have to say though that I am increasingly feeling as if my brain has vacated my skull leaving a mish mash of incoherent thought. In fact each thought is a wisp that drifts away from me just as I am about to grasp it.... making it hard to concentrate on anything. I have a deep suspicion that I am hypo currently. I should find out by the end of the day. Take care, Katy. Re: Just Diagnosed Katy, The thing that you are describing, besides being common for so many of us, is also " normal " in the population but probably not ocuring as frequently as when we are hormonally challenged. Its called " tip of the tongue " phenomena (really! that's what the Linguists call it) In theory, its a breakdown of the speech production process. There is this little trick, known as priming. What seems to happen is that you try to recall a word and, if you don't get it, you think about what it sounds like, what it is associated with and maybe what consonants or vowels it starts with. Think about it really hard, and then let it go. Within a relatively short period of time you will probably recall the silly thing. This is supposed to work because if you think of something, say " dog " your brain has associated stuff with it. Like bone, dish, walk, poodle and you will think of these things as well. For most people the association with how it sounds works better. Probably because of the stage in speech production that the word is in when the glitch happens. I know that this doesn't help much if you are trying to carry on a conversation, especially a serious one. But it can help you to get rid of that annoyance that comes from not remembering. Laurel Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Thanks for the tip Laurel. I'll try it out and see if it improves my conversation technique... I have to say though that I am increasingly feeling as if my brain has vacated my skull leaving a mish mash of incoherent thought. In fact each thought is a wisp that drifts away from me just as I am about to grasp it.... making it hard to concentrate on anything. I have a deep suspicion that I am hypo currently. I should find out by the end of the day. Take care, Katy. Re: Just Diagnosed Katy, The thing that you are describing, besides being common for so many of us, is also " normal " in the population but probably not ocuring as frequently as when we are hormonally challenged. Its called " tip of the tongue " phenomena (really! that's what the Linguists call it) In theory, its a breakdown of the speech production process. There is this little trick, known as priming. What seems to happen is that you try to recall a word and, if you don't get it, you think about what it sounds like, what it is associated with and maybe what consonants or vowels it starts with. Think about it really hard, and then let it go. Within a relatively short period of time you will probably recall the silly thing. This is supposed to work because if you think of something, say " dog " your brain has associated stuff with it. Like bone, dish, walk, poodle and you will think of these things as well. For most people the association with how it sounds works better. Probably because of the stage in speech production that the word is in when the glitch happens. I know that this doesn't help much if you are trying to carry on a conversation, especially a serious one. But it can help you to get rid of that annoyance that comes from not remembering. Laurel Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Thanks for the tip Laurel. I'll try it out and see if it improves my conversation technique... I have to say though that I am increasingly feeling as if my brain has vacated my skull leaving a mish mash of incoherent thought. In fact each thought is a wisp that drifts away from me just as I am about to grasp it.... making it hard to concentrate on anything. I have a deep suspicion that I am hypo currently. I should find out by the end of the day. Take care, Katy. Re: Just Diagnosed Katy, The thing that you are describing, besides being common for so many of us, is also " normal " in the population but probably not ocuring as frequently as when we are hormonally challenged. Its called " tip of the tongue " phenomena (really! that's what the Linguists call it) In theory, its a breakdown of the speech production process. There is this little trick, known as priming. What seems to happen is that you try to recall a word and, if you don't get it, you think about what it sounds like, what it is associated with and maybe what consonants or vowels it starts with. Think about it really hard, and then let it go. Within a relatively short period of time you will probably recall the silly thing. This is supposed to work because if you think of something, say " dog " your brain has associated stuff with it. Like bone, dish, walk, poodle and you will think of these things as well. For most people the association with how it sounds works better. Probably because of the stage in speech production that the word is in when the glitch happens. I know that this doesn't help much if you are trying to carry on a conversation, especially a serious one. But it can help you to get rid of that annoyance that comes from not remembering. Laurel Just Diagnosed Hello. I'm new to the group. I'm 33, and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with Graves. I'm now on Tapezole (10mg twice a day) and Nadalol (20mg twice a day). I also am having some eye problems and will see an opthamologist about that next week. I'm glad to know that there's a reason for the crappy way I've been feeling, but I'm still saddened by the prospect of being on some sort of drug therapy for the rest of my life. I'm in school now and right in the middle of midterms, so I'm really frustrated by all of this. There's never a good time to be sick, but it's really affecting my schoolwork. I can tell the Tapezole dosage isn't quite right for me, becuase I'm still hot and irritable and not sleeping well, but my doctor won't increase the dosage until I've been on it for a month. Is this the way this usually works? But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my written exams... Anyone have any insight? Thanks so much! Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2002 Report Share Posted March 13, 2002 Peggy, I was put on a beta blocker (I think that's what they've got you on with your TAP even though I'm unfamiliar with the name) at first; I went through exactly the " dumb things " you're talking about until I went off the stuff. I tried to drive out of the garage with the door still closed, forgot to pick up my son, etc. etc. etc. I don't know for sure what caused this, but my suspicion has always been that for someone like me with low blood pressure (I'm often 90/60 or 100/70), the beta blockers are just the wrong thing to take. Anyway once I got off them, the state I was in changed from what I have always referred to as Zombie-like, to something approaching normal awareness. That said, there is, as many others have responded here, some mental acuity component of this disease--forgetting words seems to be the most common thread I've seen. Good luck, Terry > > Reply-To: graves_support > Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:29:13 -0000 > To: graves_support > Subject: Just Diagnosed > > > But I think the thing I'm most worried about at the moment is this: > I'm doing some really dumb things - forgetting to turn the stove on > when I'm trying to cook, or going out the front door when I mean to go > to my bedroom. I'm also noticing a change in my writing - sometimes > I'm thinking one word, but I write something completely different, or > spell something entirely wrong when I've never really had problems > spelling. I don't think this is a result of the Tapezole, but is it > normal for Graves? I asked my doctor about this and he said confusion > is common, but I wouldn't really call this confusion. Another > doctor I talked to said that I might just be having lapses in > concentration, but that doesn't feel true either. I'm thinking > clearly, but not always executing what I'm thinking. > I can only imagine the intersting things I'll come up with on my > written exams... > Anyone have any insight? > Thanks so much! > Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.