Guest guest Posted June 18, 2001 Report Share Posted June 18, 2001 Welcome to our group. We are a loving and caring support group. We will be glad to help or answer questions. Why did you decline the pain med. Are you not having any pain? If not, consider yourself lucky. Find yourself a new doctor if you are not having any luck with this one. After all of the testing, I gather that he diagnosed you with fibro. Glad to have you with us and I hope that we can help and support you in anyway. Take care, Irene > . He did offer me some nice pain med > s..which I declined.. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2001 Report Share Posted June 19, 2001 Hi Irene, > > Why did you decline the pain med. Are you not > having any pain? If not, > consider yourself lucky. I declined it the pain meds, because I feel it I start taking them NOW what will happen in a few years?.. I hear of people that the meds stopped working. I would sooner wait as long as I can. There was some medication that my primary DR. suggested I take, think it is celelrux(hard to read her writing) but my ins won't ok it. so she is giving me something else that I pick up tomorrow, will let you know what that is. Not able to take aspirin /ibuprofen. Already on wellbutrin & buspar, also accupril(BP) & a water pill. Pain..girl I am in pain 24/7 only time I feel relief is in a swimming pool and I am afloat..have to drag me out. Getting up or down from a sitting position takes me a minute or two the pain is awful.I sort limp off till the worse passes..Driving or riding in a car is bad enough but to get OUT of that vehicle..ouchie. Yes that was his DX, my primary doctor was sure of it before she sent me to him. I have pain around my left eye that comes and goes..don't even want to think of the hip pain...rolling over in bed..well most of you know.. > arms,legs, hip, back , neck..face..and one that seems to start at my side and go into my left breast. > >Ta Ta Stormy (gj) > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2001 Report Share Posted June 19, 2001 Hi Irene, > > Why did you decline the pain med. Are you not > having any pain? If not, > consider yourself lucky. I declined it the pain meds, because I feel it I start taking them NOW what will happen in a few years?.. I hear of people that the meds stopped working. I would sooner wait as long as I can. There was some medication that my primary DR. suggested I take, think it is celelrux(hard to read her writing) but my ins won't ok it. so she is giving me something else that I pick up tomorrow, will let you know what that is. Not able to take aspirin /ibuprofen. Already on wellbutrin & buspar, also accupril(BP) & a water pill. Pain..girl I am in pain 24/7 only time I feel relief is in a swimming pool and I am afloat..have to drag me out. Getting up or down from a sitting position takes me a minute or two the pain is awful.I sort limp off till the worse passes..Driving or riding in a car is bad enough but to get OUT of that vehicle..ouchie. Yes that was his DX, my primary doctor was sure of it before she sent me to him. I have pain around my left eye that comes and goes..don't even want to think of the hip pain...rolling over in bed..well most of you know.. > arms,legs, hip, back , neck..face..and one that seems to start at my side and go into my left breast. > >Ta Ta Stormy (gj) > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2001 Report Share Posted June 19, 2001 Hi Irene, > > Why did you decline the pain med. Are you not > having any pain? If not, > consider yourself lucky. I declined it the pain meds, because I feel it I start taking them NOW what will happen in a few years?.. I hear of people that the meds stopped working. I would sooner wait as long as I can. There was some medication that my primary DR. suggested I take, think it is celelrux(hard to read her writing) but my ins won't ok it. so she is giving me something else that I pick up tomorrow, will let you know what that is. Not able to take aspirin /ibuprofen. Already on wellbutrin & buspar, also accupril(BP) & a water pill. Pain..girl I am in pain 24/7 only time I feel relief is in a swimming pool and I am afloat..have to drag me out. Getting up or down from a sitting position takes me a minute or two the pain is awful.I sort limp off till the worse passes..Driving or riding in a car is bad enough but to get OUT of that vehicle..ouchie. Yes that was his DX, my primary doctor was sure of it before she sent me to him. I have pain around my left eye that comes and goes..don't even want to think of the hip pain...rolling over in bed..well most of you know.. > arms,legs, hip, back , neck..face..and one that seems to start at my side and go into my left breast. > >Ta Ta Stormy (gj) > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2001 Report Share Posted June 19, 2001 If they stop working, Stormy, there will always be something else. I could not cope with life without pain medication. I have a bad upper respiratory infection. It has caused my pain to go ballistic. You hurt one place and soon the rest of the body get pain worse. I have been put to bed for three days and my husband would have a fit if he knew I was on the computer instead of in bed. But I wanted to see how y'all were doing. Take care, Irene > I declined it the pain meds, because I feel it I start > taking them NOW what will happen in a few years? > I hear of people that the meds stopped working. I > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2001 Report Share Posted June 20, 2001 My husband said something interesting to me today that I wondered is typical of fms or if something else is going on here. He said he feels numb all over, like he can feel the pressure when I touch him, but doesn't have the tactile sensation of being touched. He said it was like he was in a shell of a body but it wasn't really his, and that just confirmed his feelings of being hollow and empty (which he had previously told me he felt emotionally, now it is physically, too). I told him that if he's numb everywhere then at least he's not in pain, right? His response was that he was at a steady dull ache that drowned out all other sensation. Any thoughts or comments will be welcome. Angie Madsen " I fought the stamps, and the stamps won! " e-mail me at madsens@... For a complete list of standard swap rules and current swap information, please see my new web site at http://socialstamper.tripod.com/swapcentral/ Re: newbie If they stop working, Stormy, there will always be something else. I could not cope with life without pain medication. I have a bad upper respiratory infection. It has caused my pain to go ballistic. You hurt one place and soon the rest of the body get pain worse. I have been put to bed for three days and my husband would have a fit if he knew I was on the computer instead of in bed. But I wanted to see how y'all were doing. Take care, Irene > I declined it the pain meds, because I feel it I start > taking them NOW what will happen in a few years? > I hear of people that the meds stopped working. I > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2001 Report Share Posted June 20, 2001 Angie, I have never felt numb all over, but occasionally, my hands will go numb, or most or all of an arm. When this happens, it's just like your husband says. I can feel the pressure, but not the sensation, like if you scratched me. It scared me over the week-end when I got on one of our horses that we are still training, and about five minutes later, my whole left arm went numb, and I couldn't tell how hard I was (or wasn't) pulling on the rein. It came back after a few minutes, but I was about ready to get off, because I felt that it could be dangerous. As for pain, my pain at times feels like it goes very deep into my bones. The only way I know to describe it when it gets like this is this: I have lousy veins when I have blood drawn, and occasionally a rocket scientist person will 'go digging' for my veins when they can't get a good draw. If you've ever had this happen, you know what I mean. There is no pain like it. Well, this is the same type of pain I feel on a bad day, from head to toe. This past Sunday I felt that way. When I was at church, for the first time, I recoiled when I thought someone was going to touch me, because I thought it would hurt. It didn't, of course, but that's how bad I felt. It didn't matter if I sat or stood. Later that afternoon, I tried to lay down, and that didn't work. I put my tennis on, and walked around the property a bit, and that didn't work. It wasn't until after choir practice at around 7:00 p.m. that I 'started' to feel better. I've had two good days in a row now, and I'm so thankful, it makes me want to sing! O.K., I will! My kids are used to it by now! When we moved here, our youngest son told his Sunday school teacher that he was part of the women's ensemble! She absolutely cracked up, and asked me what he meant by that. I was in the ladies ensemble, and he was so used to me practicing our next song, that he thought he was part of it too! Carol Re: newbie My husband said something interesting to me today that I wondered is typical of fms or if something else is going on here. He said he feels numb all over, like he can feel the pressure when I touch him, but doesn't have the tactile sensation of being touched. He said it was like he was in a shell of a body but it wasn't really his, and that just confirmed his feelings of being hollow and empty (which he had previously told me he felt emotionally, now it is physically, too). I told him that if he's numb everywhere then at least he's not in pain, right? His response was that he was at a steady dull ache that drowned out all other sensation. Any thoughts or comments will be welcome. Angie Madsen " I fought the stamps, and the stamps won! " e-mail me at madsens@... For a complete list of standard swap rules and current swap information, please see my new web site at http://socialstamper.tripod.com/swapcentral/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2001 Report Share Posted June 20, 2001 I have been put to bed for three days and my husband would have a fit if he knew I was on the computer instead of in bed. But I wanted to see how y'all were doing. Take care, Irene Irene, you are incorrigible!! Go to bed, hon, take care of yourself! We'll still be here when you get back. Hope you feel better soon! Darcy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2001 Report Share Posted October 28, 2001 KK, welcome to the group I think you'll find alot of great support here and meet alot of new friends ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2001 Report Share Posted October 28, 2001 KK, welcome to the group I think you'll find alot of great support here and meet alot of new friends ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2001 Report Share Posted October 28, 2001 KK, welcome to the group I think you'll find alot of great support here and meet alot of new friends ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2001 Report Share Posted October 29, 2001 Hi & welcome to the list. I look forward to getting to know you better. Diane --- Kendo wrote: > Hello! > > I just joined your list but I'm sure not a newbie to > fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in 1995 and I'm > pretty > sure I've had it since about 1991 or 92. > > At the moment I'm not on any meds for fibro - when I > was first diagnosed the dr (rheumatologist) had me > on > Zoloft and trazadone and flexeril and I was so dopey > and stupid I couldn't stand it. And he kept > increasing the dosage. > > I had a massage therapist that was trained to work > on > Fibro patients and she was helping but she moved > away. > > I've made a few lifestyle changes - took a different > job that was less stressful and have a great DH who > has taken over many of the household chores that > cause > me to flare up. > > Just recently I attended an info session by a local > chiropracter who has been having success with fibro > and I have an appt with him on Monday for an > evaluation. I took a bad fall in Sept and have been > flaring way more than usual since then and in " new " > places. > > I'm a teacher and have 3 more years after this until > I > can get full retirement and I really want to make it > until then. My hobbies are reading, gardening, and > quilting. > > Hope to learn a lot and to be able to share. > > KK > > ===== > KK - Princess of Almost Everything > > It is better to do and not promise than promise and > not do. > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2001 Report Share Posted October 29, 2001 Hi & welcome to the list. I look forward to getting to know you better. Diane --- Kendo wrote: > Hello! > > I just joined your list but I'm sure not a newbie to > fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in 1995 and I'm > pretty > sure I've had it since about 1991 or 92. > > At the moment I'm not on any meds for fibro - when I > was first diagnosed the dr (rheumatologist) had me > on > Zoloft and trazadone and flexeril and I was so dopey > and stupid I couldn't stand it. And he kept > increasing the dosage. > > I had a massage therapist that was trained to work > on > Fibro patients and she was helping but she moved > away. > > I've made a few lifestyle changes - took a different > job that was less stressful and have a great DH who > has taken over many of the household chores that > cause > me to flare up. > > Just recently I attended an info session by a local > chiropracter who has been having success with fibro > and I have an appt with him on Monday for an > evaluation. I took a bad fall in Sept and have been > flaring way more than usual since then and in " new " > places. > > I'm a teacher and have 3 more years after this until > I > can get full retirement and I really want to make it > until then. My hobbies are reading, gardening, and > quilting. > > Hope to learn a lot and to be able to share. > > KK > > ===== > KK - Princess of Almost Everything > > It is better to do and not promise than promise and > not do. > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2001 Report Share Posted October 29, 2001 Hi & welcome to the list. I look forward to getting to know you better. Diane --- Kendo wrote: > Hello! > > I just joined your list but I'm sure not a newbie to > fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in 1995 and I'm > pretty > sure I've had it since about 1991 or 92. > > At the moment I'm not on any meds for fibro - when I > was first diagnosed the dr (rheumatologist) had me > on > Zoloft and trazadone and flexeril and I was so dopey > and stupid I couldn't stand it. And he kept > increasing the dosage. > > I had a massage therapist that was trained to work > on > Fibro patients and she was helping but she moved > away. > > I've made a few lifestyle changes - took a different > job that was less stressful and have a great DH who > has taken over many of the household chores that > cause > me to flare up. > > Just recently I attended an info session by a local > chiropracter who has been having success with fibro > and I have an appt with him on Monday for an > evaluation. I took a bad fall in Sept and have been > flaring way more than usual since then and in " new " > places. > > I'm a teacher and have 3 more years after this until > I > can get full retirement and I really want to make it > until then. My hobbies are reading, gardening, and > quilting. > > Hope to learn a lot and to be able to share. > > KK > > ===== > KK - Princess of Almost Everything > > It is better to do and not promise than promise and > not do. > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I see a neuro-opthlamologist who specializes in Graves; while your opth. indicated that dry eyes indoors means that your eye problems are probably not related to hyperthyroidism, my opth. said exactly the opposite. He specifically mentioned that I would have more trouble indoors in the winter with dry heating systems because people with an underlying dry eye problem are more acutely affected by the dryness of heating systems. It does sound to me like you have some classic symptoms of eye involvement: that gritty, dry feeling and occassional runny eyes. I've had exactly the same. It is not uncommon for eye problems to emerge after RAI, especially (but not only) if you are now or have been a smoker. I'd recommend tracking down an eye doctor with experience in thyroid disease. Most people who develop eye involvement experience only mild symptoms. However, some of us go on to develop more significant problems. Sometimes I wonder how many hundreds and thousands of people who have minor eye involvement after RAI go unrecorded. My neighbor's mom had RAI forty years or so ago (she was one of her endo's first and most successful patients, she says). Her health is good, weight stable, hair nice and thick, etc, at 80! However, I noticed that she always carries eye drops. WHen I asked her about this, she said it was " the strangest thing " that she started having eye problems in her early forties and ever since, has had reallly dry eyes. Hmmmm . . . B Newbie > Hi there, > I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, > like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even > posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything > happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before > the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd > probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. > I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they > are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. > This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after > the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had > disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really > sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. > I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he > had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat > the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD > route. > Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since > Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. > The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not > allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, > it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm > outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye > problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who > gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if > anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's > not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be > appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I > feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems > strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would > value any input. Thanks so much. > > > > > > > ------------------------------------- > 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. > ---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I see a neuro-opthlamologist who specializes in Graves; while your opth. indicated that dry eyes indoors means that your eye problems are probably not related to hyperthyroidism, my opth. said exactly the opposite. He specifically mentioned that I would have more trouble indoors in the winter with dry heating systems because people with an underlying dry eye problem are more acutely affected by the dryness of heating systems. It does sound to me like you have some classic symptoms of eye involvement: that gritty, dry feeling and occassional runny eyes. I've had exactly the same. It is not uncommon for eye problems to emerge after RAI, especially (but not only) if you are now or have been a smoker. I'd recommend tracking down an eye doctor with experience in thyroid disease. Most people who develop eye involvement experience only mild symptoms. However, some of us go on to develop more significant problems. Sometimes I wonder how many hundreds and thousands of people who have minor eye involvement after RAI go unrecorded. My neighbor's mom had RAI forty years or so ago (she was one of her endo's first and most successful patients, she says). Her health is good, weight stable, hair nice and thick, etc, at 80! However, I noticed that she always carries eye drops. WHen I asked her about this, she said it was " the strangest thing " that she started having eye problems in her early forties and ever since, has had reallly dry eyes. Hmmmm . . . B Newbie > Hi there, > I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, > like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even > posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything > happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before > the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd > probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. > I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they > are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. > This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after > the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had > disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really > sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. > I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he > had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat > the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD > route. > Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since > Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. > The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not > allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, > it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm > outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye > problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who > gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if > anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's > not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be > appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I > feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems > strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would > value any input. Thanks so much. > > > > > > > ------------------------------------- > 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. > ---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Hi naturenut5: I also had trouble with the gritty feeling in the eyes. My endo sent me to an ophthalmologist (sp?) that treated gd patients. My understanding is that this is a common symptom. He gave me special lubricating drops for my eyes and it seemed to do the trick. I used them for a few months, then noticed my eyes weren't bothering me anymore and haven't had the problem since. I don't know if this is related to whether your replacement dosage is correct or not, but I'm sure someone in the group can chime in on that. While at the eye doc, he also measured my eyes to watch for signs of the eye problems with gd. I go back yearly for checks, and so far (knock on wood) no signs of changes in my eyes. Hope this helps some. Take care, Beverly Newbie Hi there, I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD route. Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would value any input. Thanks so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I've had the same symptoms as well. I haven't had RAI -- I'm on ATDs. I saw the opthamologist last week and he said everything was fine, but that the dry, gritty feeling and even the occasional runniness are symptoms of the graves' disease, and it doesn't necessarily mean that I will develop the eye disease. He said he would want to see me yearly while the disease is active (unless symptoms get worse), and then go back to every two years otherwise. He also gave me a list of eye drops to use to keep my eyes lubricated, and to wear glasses rather than my contacts as much as possible for now. So, I ordered new glasses -- my others were ten years old, and not exactly attractive anymore! I felt A LOT better after my appointment, as I was starting to freak about getting the eye disease! Holly Re: Newbie Hi naturenut5: I also had trouble with the gritty feeling in the eyes. My endo sent me to an ophthalmologist (sp?) that treated gd patients. My understanding is that this is a common symptom. He gave me special lubricating drops for my eyes and it seemed to do the trick. I used them for a few months, then noticed my eyes weren't bothering me anymore and haven't had the problem since. I don't know if this is related to whether your replacement dosage is correct or not, but I'm sure someone in the group can chime in on that. While at the eye doc, he also measured my eyes to watch for signs of the eye problems with gd. I go back yearly for checks, and so far (knock on wood) no signs of changes in my eyes. Hope this helps some. Take care, Beverly Newbie Hi there, I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD route. Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would value any input. Thanks so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I've had the same symptoms as well. I haven't had RAI -- I'm on ATDs. I saw the opthamologist last week and he said everything was fine, but that the dry, gritty feeling and even the occasional runniness are symptoms of the graves' disease, and it doesn't necessarily mean that I will develop the eye disease. He said he would want to see me yearly while the disease is active (unless symptoms get worse), and then go back to every two years otherwise. He also gave me a list of eye drops to use to keep my eyes lubricated, and to wear glasses rather than my contacts as much as possible for now. So, I ordered new glasses -- my others were ten years old, and not exactly attractive anymore! I felt A LOT better after my appointment, as I was starting to freak about getting the eye disease! Holly Re: Newbie Hi naturenut5: I also had trouble with the gritty feeling in the eyes. My endo sent me to an ophthalmologist (sp?) that treated gd patients. My understanding is that this is a common symptom. He gave me special lubricating drops for my eyes and it seemed to do the trick. I used them for a few months, then noticed my eyes weren't bothering me anymore and haven't had the problem since. I don't know if this is related to whether your replacement dosage is correct or not, but I'm sure someone in the group can chime in on that. While at the eye doc, he also measured my eyes to watch for signs of the eye problems with gd. I go back yearly for checks, and so far (knock on wood) no signs of changes in my eyes. Hope this helps some. Take care, Beverly Newbie Hi there, I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD route. Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would value any input. Thanks so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I've had the same symptoms as well. I haven't had RAI -- I'm on ATDs. I saw the opthamologist last week and he said everything was fine, but that the dry, gritty feeling and even the occasional runniness are symptoms of the graves' disease, and it doesn't necessarily mean that I will develop the eye disease. He said he would want to see me yearly while the disease is active (unless symptoms get worse), and then go back to every two years otherwise. He also gave me a list of eye drops to use to keep my eyes lubricated, and to wear glasses rather than my contacts as much as possible for now. So, I ordered new glasses -- my others were ten years old, and not exactly attractive anymore! I felt A LOT better after my appointment, as I was starting to freak about getting the eye disease! Holly Re: Newbie Hi naturenut5: I also had trouble with the gritty feeling in the eyes. My endo sent me to an ophthalmologist (sp?) that treated gd patients. My understanding is that this is a common symptom. He gave me special lubricating drops for my eyes and it seemed to do the trick. I used them for a few months, then noticed my eyes weren't bothering me anymore and haven't had the problem since. I don't know if this is related to whether your replacement dosage is correct or not, but I'm sure someone in the group can chime in on that. While at the eye doc, he also measured my eyes to watch for signs of the eye problems with gd. I go back yearly for checks, and so far (knock on wood) no signs of changes in my eyes. Hope this helps some. Take care, Beverly Newbie Hi there, I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD route. Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would value any input. Thanks so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Dear naturenut 5, I don't know anything about the voice difficulties, but the eye problems may be Graves'-related. You would do well to see a neuro- ophthalmologist, particularly one who is experienced at dealing with Graves' ophthalmopathy. > Hi there, > I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, > like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even > posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything > happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before > the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd > probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. > I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they > are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. > This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after > the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had > disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really > sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. > I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he > had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat > the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD > route. > Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since > Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. > The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not > allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, > it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm > outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye > problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who > gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if > anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's > not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be > appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I > feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems > strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would > value any input. Thanks so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Dear naturenut 5, I don't know anything about the voice difficulties, but the eye problems may be Graves'-related. You would do well to see a neuro- ophthalmologist, particularly one who is experienced at dealing with Graves' ophthalmopathy. > Hi there, > I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, > like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even > posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything > happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before > the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd > probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. > I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they > are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. > This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after > the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had > disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really > sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. > I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he > had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat > the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD > route. > Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since > Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. > The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not > allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, > it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm > outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye > problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who > gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if > anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's > not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be > appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I > feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems > strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would > value any input. Thanks so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Dear naturenut 5, I don't know anything about the voice difficulties, but the eye problems may be Graves'-related. You would do well to see a neuro- ophthalmologist, particularly one who is experienced at dealing with Graves' ophthalmopathy. > Hi there, > I signed up on this group last October, I believe, but have been busy, > like most people, and haven't posted. I can't remember if I even > posted a message about my history with Graves. Actually, everything > happened so quickly, that I only knew I had Graves for a week before > the " specialist " sent me for RAI. If I knew then, what I know now, I'd > probably decide against it, but there's not much I can do now. > I must say, my Graves symptoms are gone...or at least I think they > are. The reason for this message is to ask about my dry/gritty eyes. > This bothered me a bit before the RAI...and for about 6 weeks after > the treatment I felt great...seemed like all my problems had > disappeared. I was suffering for years before that, and was really > sick of every dr telling me it was Menopause. > I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he > had a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat > the Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD > route. > Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since > Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute. > The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's not > allergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's winter, > it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when I'm > outside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye > problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who > gave me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if > anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's > not like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be > appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I > feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems > strained. I know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would > value any input. Thanks so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Hi Naturnut, >>>I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he had >>>a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat the >>>Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD route. Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute.<<< It makes me so angry when some doctor tells someone RAI will *cure* graves disease. There is no cure for graves, remission yes, but no cure...as for *curing* symptoms RAI certainly does NOT cure symptoms, it only trades hyper ones for hypO symptoms which are much worse in my opinion. RAI can also cause or worsen and existing case of our eye disease...that doctor should know ALL of the repercussions before prescribing RAI. I hope this guy goes through RAI...maybe all doctors who deem RAI to be the *only* thing for us should have to take it first and be left to go hypO...things would change in a NY minute then. Sorry for the rant on you Nature, I just want to slap that doctor ;-) >>>The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's >>>notallergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's >>>winter,it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when >>>I'moutside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye >>>problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who gave >>>me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if >>>anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's not >>>like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be >>>appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I >>>feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems strained. I >>>know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would value any >>>input.<<< You need to find an ophthalmologist who knows and understand the graves or thyroid eye disease. I had an optometrist telling me for 3 years I did not have any signs for the GO. He was wrong, and instead of telling me he knew all about our eye disease and giving me false information, he should have been honest with me and told me to find an ophthalmologist. As a result he has lost the business of my whole family and some friends. Rather than being just an RAI relationship, it is more of a graves disease relationship, even people who don't have RAI do get the disease. When did you have the RAI? It continues to kill off the thyroid for a long time after, some say up to a year, others for up to 10 years. When you see this doctor, ask him to run a TSI antibody on you and see what those levels are. The higher the TSI antibodies the greater the risk for what your going through to be our unique eye disease. It is not something you want to delay, so please, call an ophthalmologist and make an appointment...just make sure he knows and understands the eye disease. Take care, and keep posting, Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Hi Naturnut, >>>I guess that's why I was so happy to be told by an internist that he had >>>a " cure " for all my symptoms. Because I'm 50, he said they treat the >>>Graves with RAI. If I was younger he would have gone the ATD route. Sorry for rambling on...but...my eyes have been dry/gritty since Christmas. Actually, they go from dry/gritty to runny the next minute.<<< It makes me so angry when some doctor tells someone RAI will *cure* graves disease. There is no cure for graves, remission yes, but no cure...as for *curing* symptoms RAI certainly does NOT cure symptoms, it only trades hyper ones for hypO symptoms which are much worse in my opinion. RAI can also cause or worsen and existing case of our eye disease...that doctor should know ALL of the repercussions before prescribing RAI. I hope this guy goes through RAI...maybe all doctors who deem RAI to be the *only* thing for us should have to take it first and be left to go hypO...things would change in a NY minute then. Sorry for the rant on you Nature, I just want to slap that doctor ;-) >>>The optometrist said everything is clear...no infection and it's >>>notallergies like my family dr says it is. He said because it's >>>winter,it's the dry air in the house. I tend to believe him because when >>>I'moutside in the cold air, my eyes don't bother me. Do you think my eye >>>problem can be related to the RAI treatment? I'm seeing the dr who gave >>>me the RAI on Thursday this week and would like to know what, if >>>anything, I can ask him about my eyes. He's five hours away, so it's not >>>like I can get in to see him any time I want Any help would be >>>appreciated. Oh, I forgot...my voice has also seemed to be affected. I >>>feel like I'm a young boy going through puberty...voice seems strained. I >>>know I've opened a can of worms here, but I really would value any >>>input.<<< You need to find an ophthalmologist who knows and understand the graves or thyroid eye disease. I had an optometrist telling me for 3 years I did not have any signs for the GO. He was wrong, and instead of telling me he knew all about our eye disease and giving me false information, he should have been honest with me and told me to find an ophthalmologist. As a result he has lost the business of my whole family and some friends. Rather than being just an RAI relationship, it is more of a graves disease relationship, even people who don't have RAI do get the disease. When did you have the RAI? It continues to kill off the thyroid for a long time after, some say up to a year, others for up to 10 years. When you see this doctor, ask him to run a TSI antibody on you and see what those levels are. The higher the TSI antibodies the greater the risk for what your going through to be our unique eye disease. It is not something you want to delay, so please, call an ophthalmologist and make an appointment...just make sure he knows and understands the eye disease. Take care, and keep posting, Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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