Re: Digest Number 1428

[Guest guest]

Thanks Donna and yes it just makes me so happy to see her doing that when she wansn't able to before and I think it must mean she is getting some better so I am really happy about this even if her swelling isn't going away. Thanks again Jona mom of na 2 poly

faces1999@... wrote: You go na!!!! Each little milestone is so inspiring, are they not? Especially for these very, very special kiddos!!!!!!Donna

[Guest guest]

Hello,

My name is Claudette Herron and I have PA and Fibromyalgia. I have had

Psoriasis since I was 18. I was diagnosed with " Arthritis " when I was 20, but I

really believe I had it as a child. I remember my grandmother rubbing my legs

and rocking me back and forth when my ankles and knees hurt so bad I would cry.

Until I was older I kept getting the response from doctors of " You are too young

to have Arthritis " . I finally was sent to a Rheumatologist in 1989 and was told

" Well, you don't have Rheumatoid Arthritis " . I felt as if everyone thought I

was making it up or exaggerating my pain. In 1991 I was finally sent to another

Rheumatologist who was my lifesaver. He looked at my x-rays and immediately

knew what was wrong. He explained to me about Psoriatic Arthritis and told me

what to expect. I've been on Methotrexate for 10 years and it helped at one

time, but I can't tell much difference anymore. It doesn't even control my

Psoriasis anymore. In 1999 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and was placed on

Guaifenesin, Pamelor and Zoloft. This actually made feel better generally. I

am able to sleep at night. Every once in a while I still get the restless leg

problem, but I take a muscle relaxer, which helps a lot. I was put on Vioxx

last year and this helped a lot with the pain. But because of having both

problems, I feel like I have the flu and someone took a baseball bat to me. I'm

exhausted from fighting pain and the doctors tell me to exercise. I try and

then my hips, knees and feet grind and pop until I quit and take some more pain

pills lay down with a heating pad and hope I'll feel better soon. I have 2

sausage toes, one on both feet. The toe next to my little toe. The left foot

started in 1990. It was tender to touch and even having just a sock on

irritated it. In 1991 I was diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma. I had two growths

removed and my toe went down to normal. It did it again on the same foot and

now in my right foot. But each time the sausage toe was a signal that the

growths were back. My new Rheumatologist wants to put me on Enbrel and take me

off the Methotrexate. But everything I have read here and talking to people on

it. I'm going to try it. I hope it works. Thanks for all the information.

[Guest guest]

Claudette,

I used to complain of flu like problems and the dreaded " beatten with

a bat " feelings. I had to stop methotrexate due to it irritating my

liver and have now been on Enbrel for a couple years. My psoriasis is

at it's worse but is relatively mild. Mostly scalp and a few small

spots on the back. There is a huge wait list for the Enbrel but it

really works great for me. My Rheumy said if we had problems getting

the Enbrel he would try Remicide if necessary to tide me over but so

far I've gotten my supply of Enbrel. You might want to check on your

insurance and see which meds they will cover. I had to do a lot of

extra paperwork to get the Enbrel approved. Found out the Doc told

them I had " poly-arthritis sero-negative with psoriasis " since at the

time Enbrel was not approved for PA.

I've had toes swollen stiff for months before but the Enbrel got them

back to moving. Personnally I would recomend that for PA to let the

meds " work from the inside out " before surgery. I remember seing two

different Ortho Docs and they had no clue. The first took a regular x-

ray of my shoulder and told me I must wear my bra too tight (At the

time I was wearing no bra cause the shoulder hurt too much). The

second took regular x-rays and said nothing, did an MRI on my wrist

which I could hardly use at the time. The MRI showed the tendon

swollen and wriggly like a worn out rubberband. He injected the wrist

twice over a couple weeks and said he didn't know why I was still

hurting. He even has psoriasis on his hands so supposedly knew

something about P. Knew nothing about PA, didn't know it existed. My

sister told me about PA and I told my local doc about it before she

sent me to that second Ortho Doc. After that she sent me to the

Rheumy. There were weeks I was in her office three times a week. It

has taken a few years but now I see the Rhemuy ever 4 months and the

local doc as necessary. Never thought I would get to this stage. I am

almost 43 and still at work so do no " exercise " except to live my

life. The house is a mess but I work on a small section of a room at

a time. I remember not being able to drive but now can drive 5 hours

to see my daughter if I plan the trip and watch myself.

I guess I am trying to say that we all need to find the meds that

will work for us and do what we can to keep moving and doing. Pain

meds got me thru the worse (knock on wood) and I take each

hour/day/week as I can.

These thunderstorm afternoons are not helping any;-)

PatB

>

> Hello,

>

> My name is Claudette Herron and I have PA and Fibromyalgia. I have

had Psoriasis since I was 18. I was diagnosed with " Arthritis " when

I was 20, but I really believe I had it as a child. I remember my

grandmother rubbing my legs and rocking me back and forth when my

ankles and knees hurt so bad I would cry. Until I was older I kept

getting the response from doctors of " You are too young to have

Arthritis " . I finally was sent to a Rheumatologist in 1989 and was

told " Well, you don't have Rheumatoid Arthritis " . I felt as if

everyone thought I was making it up or exaggerating my pain. In 1991

I was finally sent to another Rheumatologist who was my lifesaver.

He looked at my x-rays and immediately knew what was wrong. He

explained to me about Psoriatic Arthritis and told me what to

expect. I've been on Methotrexate for 10 years and it helped at one

time, but I can't tell much difference anymore. It doesn't even

control my Psoriasis anymore. In 1999 I was diagnosed with

Fibromyalgia and was placed on Guaifenesin, Pamelor and Zoloft. This

actually made feel better generally. I am able to sleep at night.

Every once in a while I still get the restless leg problem, but I

take a muscle relaxer, which helps a lot. I was put on Vioxx last

year and this helped a lot with the pain. But because of having both

problems, I feel like I have the flu and someone took a baseball bat

to me. I'm exhausted from fighting pain and the doctors tell me to

exercise. I try and then my hips, knees and feet grind and pop until

I quit and take some more pain pills lay down with a heating pad and

hope I'll feel better soon. I have 2 sausage toes, one on both

feet. The toe next to my little toe. The left foot started in

1990. It was tender to touch and even having just a sock on

irritated it. In 1991 I was diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma. I had

two growths removed and my toe went down to normal. It did it again

on the same foot and now in my right foot. But each time the sausage

toe was a signal that the growths were back. My new Rheumatologist

wants to put me on Enbrel and take me off the Methotrexate. But

everything I have read here and talking to people on it. I'm going

to try it. I hope it works. Thanks for all the information.

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/3/2002 10:25:46 AM Eastern Standard Time, writes:

After

almost ten years it seems we are still the victims. Barnstable created the

situation and our problems and refuses to correct them out of even a moral or

compassionate gesture. Instead, they knowingly make self serving statements

while our family sleeps in our new home, our car!

Ken Moulton

I am so sorry about your situation and all of the other sufferers and victims who cannot get appropriate health care, much less redress. I wish I had the answers. Don't even have them for myself. I've been away from the stachybotrys and aspergillus for five years. Some symptoms of illness have lessened. Others seem worse. My eyes hurt and itch constantly, no matter what type of eye drops or antihistamines I take. I won't go on with the depressing details....

Joanne Ogburn

[Guest guest]

Hi! I've been reading all the new posts about spasms. Seems like it is such a common thing among people with achalasia. I know it sounds awful but it's nice to know that others suffer with the same things. All this time I thought I was crazy. I had been diagnosed with acid reflux for 7 years. I took every medication with no results and it seemed that every morning and a lot of evenings I would get very bad chest pain. When I finally did stumble upon a Dr. that found out what was wrong, he suggested my pains were esophageal spasms and not reflux at all. I must admit they have been much more severe since my surgery 6 weeks ago but, they seem to be diminishing in severity and duration now. I was given Procardia liquid capsules by my dr. and have used it once. Seemed to have worked.

Before that I tried warm water, ice water, and a heating pad ... nothing seemed to do the trick. They sure are painful and I would give anything to have some warning when they are coming. I can sympathize with you all.

Debbie in NJ

[Guest guest]

No, you have to buy it online. Our list mom sells it.

Traci

Message: 2

Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2004 07:53:56 -0700 (PDT)

From: Rose Tanjoco <kaleilokeonapua@...>

Subject: Re: Bath Bombs

Hi Traci,

I've never made bath bombs. Is citric acid something

you can buy at your local store? Like Walmart or a

pharmacy?

TIA

Rose

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I just joined the Hyperthyroidism group and received my first Digest, and I

immediately connected

with your posts. A few of you sound like you are not afraid to follow your own

mind against a

doctor's order ... that is basically where I am right now.

Wondering if you have any advice re my situation. I went for my physical 4/22

and my regular

doctor called to say my thyroid test results were not good (T4=2.45, TSH

serum=0.05) but all other

results were fine. He wanted to put me on thyroid medication i told him no, i

wanted to see a

specialist, that i would find my own specialist. on 5/31 i met with a female

endo and she seems

sincere enough but basically gave me no options outside of drugs, iodine or

surgery. the usual

schmeal. i told her there was no chance i would eat radioactive material or have

my thyroid

removed. She examined my throat had me swallow, i have no goitre, no swelling,

no bulging eyes,

the only real symptoms i do have are heart pounding and occasional sweating.

she checked my

reflexes, measured my eyes and had blood drawn to order a test\for TSI

antibodies. then she had

the nerve to write me a prescription with " 5 refils " for Metimazole before even

seeing the results

of the bloodwork. she didn't even want to talk to me about trying rebalance my

thyroid naturally.

she called me 6/3 to tell me the antibodies were present (TSI=285) and that i

should get the

prescription filled and start taking it immediately. She was very clear in

telling me that i " had "

to take meds, even though the meds that could damage my white and red blood

cells and my liver ???

i am scared to death. she said that i could take it " up to two years " with no

guarantee Grave's

would go into remission. for no guarantees of any progress at all she wanted me

to take on even

more serious health risks by taking a dangerous drug ... and on a hope and a

prayer.

i am a nervous wreck trying to figure out the right thing to do. My cousins are

worried for me

and think i should just take it, and think of it like taking birth control

pills. but in my heart

of hearts i think anti-thyroid meds are a bad idea. i am 48 and going through

menopause right now

anyway, and i have mitral valve prolapse (irregular heartbeat) so I have had

heart palpitations

all my life, but i have noticed the pounding more in the past year. i am used

to the hot flashes

and temperature fluctuations now and actually i thought the pounding and

sweating were menopause

symptoms until i saw the endo and she said NO. i have no other symptoms to

complain about.

Sadly, with this particular ailment, i've see many stories already of people who

had no choice

because their symptoms were severe and their doctors rushed them into RAI and

now they are sorry;

people who tried anti-thyroid drugs but they didn't help so they ended up in

surgery or taking

RAI anyway and becoming hypo. horror stories of trying to work out the correct

drug therapy to

feel good on a weekly basis, going to the doctor every other week. were it not

for the internet,

i would be lost here.

I am beginning to think i may as well learn to live with a pounding heart and

hot flashes. but

according to the endo if i don't take the meds i will eventually end up in

thyroid storm or i

could have a heart attack and that could be life threatening. now that i have

researched the drug

i know i could also wind up with a " other problems " just from taking Metimazole

and " still " end up

with Grave's if it doesn't work for me. if i didn't see many stories of unhappy

people and few

of happy well people who are in remission with no serious bodily harm after

taking antithyroid

medication I might feel better about it but after reading the plethora of

disheartening stories (i

have only been researching and reading since last Friday morning) i am now more

frightened of

Metimazole than I am of thyroid storm or even heart attack. that may not be

wise that is why i'm

still trying to do research. i would greatly appreciate any and all input the

group would have

for me. Wishing the best to you all.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Just a short feedback to you. Please visit the mailing

list and read up on previous messages that is posted

by listers of the group. You will find plenty of

advice and real life scenario of people taking

anti-thyroid med (both short term and long term), and

those who has either gone through surgery or RAI.

I have been on PTU (Prophythiouracil-another anti

thyroid med) for the past 2 years. The med suppresses

the symptoms by reducing the effective hormone in the

body. I am feeling good, and i hope that you would not

be unduly worried about the effects of the drug.

Most of us here takes some kind of anti-thyroid drug,

and i think that is the safest thing to do at this

moment of time to control the symptoms. In my humble

opinion, the best thing for you to do is to take the

med as directed by your doc, and in the mean time,

research for all sort of ways, to treat hyper. You

have plenty of time on your hand. Do not be worried,

the med are not doing any irreversible damage.

There should be some changes to your diet, food that

are high in iodine should be reduced. That would

include fish, seaweed, and other sea products ( I

still consume fish). Iodized salt or sea salt contains

iodine. And what else...., have lots of bananas, and

try not to drink too much of Reverse Osmosis Water -

or what they called Pure water as they have no

minerals in it.

Take care.

Best rgds,

Pang

--- " Ms. McCarey " <mccarey1230@...> wrote:

> Hello,

>

> I just joined the Hyperthyroidism group and received

> my first Digest, and I immediately connected

> with your posts. A few of you sound like you are

> not afraid to follow your own mind against a

> doctor's order ... that is basically where I am

> right now.

>

> Wondering if you have any advice re my situation. I

> went for my physical 4/22 and my regular

> doctor called to say my thyroid test results were

> not good (T4=2.45, TSH serum=0.05) but all other

> results were fine. He wanted to put me on thyroid

> medication i told him no, i wanted to see a

> specialist, that i would find my own specialist. on

> 5/31 i met with a female endo and she seems

> sincere enough but basically gave me no options

> outside of drugs, iodine or surgery. the usual

> schmeal. i told her there was no chance i would eat

> radioactive material or have my thyroid

> removed. She examined my throat had me swallow, i

> have no goitre, no swelling, no bulging eyes,

> the only real symptoms i do have are heart pounding

> and occasional sweating. she checked my

> reflexes, measured my eyes and had blood drawn to

> order a test\for TSI antibodies. then she had

> the nerve to write me a prescription with " 5 refils "

> for Metimazole before even seeing the results

> of the bloodwork. she didn't even want to talk to

> me about trying rebalance my thyroid naturally.

> she called me 6/3 to tell me the antibodies were

> present (TSI=285) and that i should get the

> prescription filled and start taking it immediately.

> She was very clear in telling me that i " had "

> to take meds, even though the meds that could damage

> my white and red blood cells and my liver ???

> i am scared to death. she said that i could take

> it " up to two years " with no guarantee Grave's

> would go into remission. for no guarantees of any

> progress at all she wanted me to take on even

> more serious health risks by taking a dangerous drug

> ... and on a hope and a prayer.

>

> i am a nervous wreck trying to figure out the right

> thing to do. My cousins are worried for me

> and think i should just take it, and think of it

> like taking birth control pills. but in my heart

> of hearts i think anti-thyroid meds are a bad idea.

> i am 48 and going through menopause right now

> anyway, and i have mitral valve prolapse (irregular

> heartbeat) so I have had heart palpitations

> all my life, but i have noticed the pounding more in

> the past year. i am used to the hot flashes

> and temperature fluctuations now and actually i

> thought the pounding and sweating were menopause

> symptoms until i saw the endo and she said NO. i

> have no other symptoms to complain about.

>

> Sadly, with this particular ailment, i've see many

> stories already of people who had no choice

> because their symptoms were severe and their doctors

> rushed them into RAI and now they are sorry;

> people who tried anti-thyroid drugs but they didn't

> help so they ended up in surgery or taking

> RAI anyway and becoming hypo. horror stories of

> trying to work out the correct drug therapy to

> feel good on a weekly basis, going to the doctor

> every other week. were it not for the internet,

> i would be lost here.

>

> I am beginning to think i may as well learn to live

> with a pounding heart and hot flashes. but

> according to the endo if i don't take the meds i

> will eventually end up in thyroid storm or i

> could have a heart attack and that could be life

> threatening. now that i have researched the drug

> i know i could also wind up with a " other problems "

> just from taking Metimazole and " still " end up

> with Grave's if it doesn't work for me. if i didn't

> see many stories of unhappy people and few

> of happy well people who are in remission with no

> serious bodily harm after taking antithyroid

> medication I might feel better about it but after

> reading the plethora of disheartening stories (i

> have only been researching and reading since last

> Friday morning) i am now more frightened of

> Metimazole than I am of thyroid storm or even heart

> attack. that may not be wise that is why i'm

> still trying to do research. i would greatly

> appreciate any and all input the group would have

> for me. Wishing the best to you all.

>

>

>

Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/6/2005 11:47:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

mccarey1230@... writes:

i would greatly appreciate any and all input the group would have

for me.

Please go to our sister site, iThyroid.com, for info on how to address the

imbalance that causes thyroid disease through nutrition, supplements, and other

natural means. That said, most of us take ATDs while addressing these

imbalances, and they are usually safe and effective.

You seem to have a very mild case, and should do well with some ATDs

supplemented by our complementary approach. I had Graves disease, took the meds

but

also saw a Chinese acupuncturist, and was off the meds in about 3 months. I

insisted on weaning off the meds after I became slightly hypoT, against my

doctor's advice (he did eventually support my choice, however), and have been

fine

for almost 7 years.

So, follow your instincts, but don't be afraid of the medicine. Lots of

folks on this list have been on it for years, with no ill effects.

Good luck, and keep us posted,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hi

I would like to suggest that you might do much better taking the medication

rather than risk heart problems. I know the possible side effects are of

concern, but without it the possible risks are greater, I believe. Most people

have no problem at all with the anti thyroid medications. While you are

stabilizing, you can start making changes to help your thyroid recover. Once

you have stabilized you will be much more able to make the improvements in your

lifestyle necessary for healing. I wouldn't play with this - I think it

probably is quite important or you wouldn't be given the prescriptions.

Just a thought...

Kate

Re: Digest Number 1428

Hello,

I just joined the Hyperthyroidism group and received my first Digest, and I

immediately connected

with your posts. A few of you sound like you are not afraid to follow your

own mind against a

doctor's order ... that is basically where I am right now.

Wondering if you have any advice re my situation. I went for my physical

4/22 and my regular

doctor called to say my thyroid test results were not good (T4=2.45, TSH

serum=0.05) but all other

results were fine. He wanted to put me on thyroid medication i told him no, i

wanted to see a

specialist, that i would find my own specialist. on 5/31 i met with a female

endo and she seems

sincere enough but basically gave me no options outside of drugs, iodine or

surgery. the usual

schmeal. i told her there was no chance i would eat radioactive material or

have my thyroid

removed. She examined my throat had me swallow, i have no goitre, no

swelling, no bulging eyes,

the only real symptoms i do have are heart pounding and occasional sweating.

she checked my

reflexes, measured my eyes and had blood drawn to order a test\for TSI

antibodies. then she had

the nerve to write me a prescription with " 5 refils " for Metimazole before

even seeing the results

of the bloodwork. she didn't even want to talk to me about trying rebalance

my thyroid naturally.

she called me 6/3 to tell me the antibodies were present (TSI=285) and that i

should get the

prescription filled and start taking it immediately. She was very clear in

telling me that i " had "

to take meds, even though the meds that could damage my white and red blood

cells and my liver ???

i am scared to death. she said that i could take it " up to two years " with no

guarantee Grave's

would go into remission. for no guarantees of any progress at all she wanted

me to take on even

more serious health risks by taking a dangerous drug ... and on a hope and a

prayer.

i am a nervous wreck trying to figure out the right thing to do. My cousins

are worried for me

and think i should just take it, and think of it like taking birth control

pills. but in my heart

of hearts i think anti-thyroid meds are a bad idea. i am 48 and going through

menopause right now

anyway, and i have mitral valve prolapse (irregular heartbeat) so I have had

heart palpitations

all my life, but i have noticed the pounding more in the past year. i am used

to the hot flashes

and temperature fluctuations now and actually i thought the pounding and

sweating were menopause

symptoms until i saw the endo and she said NO. i have no other symptoms to

complain about.

Sadly, with this particular ailment, i've see many stories already of people

who had no choice

because their symptoms were severe and their doctors rushed them into RAI and

now they are sorry;

people who tried anti-thyroid drugs but they didn't help so they ended up in

surgery or taking

RAI anyway and becoming hypo. horror stories of trying to work out the

correct drug therapy to

feel good on a weekly basis, going to the doctor every other week. were it

not for the internet,

i would be lost here.

I am beginning to think i may as well learn to live with a pounding heart and

hot flashes. but

according to the endo if i don't take the meds i will eventually end up in

thyroid storm or i

could have a heart attack and that could be life threatening. now that i have

researched the drug

i know i could also wind up with a " other problems " just from taking

Metimazole and " still " end up

with Grave's if it doesn't work for me. if i didn't see many stories of

unhappy people and few

of happy well people who are in remission with no serious bodily harm after

taking antithyroid

medication I might feel better about it but after reading the plethora of

disheartening stories (i

have only been researching and reading since last Friday morning) i am now

more frightened of

Metimazole than I am of thyroid storm or even heart attack. that may not be

wise that is why i'm

still trying to do research. i would greatly appreciate any and all input the

group would have

for me. Wishing the best to you all.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Please start on the medication. It WILL help you. Way more dangerous not

to take it. If you are watched close you should not have problems and can

stay on it for years if need be. It is very hard to think clearly when you

are so hyperthroid.

The reason you do not hear about the good stories is because most people

take their meds and even RAI and go on to lead a happy and healthy life.

They do not want to hang around here because it does get depressing. Those

with problems hang around to find help. Few stay to help others. President

H. Bush had RAI while he was president and did fine. That was over

13 years ago.

I am not recommending RAI but you do need to get things under control. If

you read any medication side effects it will scare you. They have to put

every imaginable side effect on there.

Keep reading and be informed. It takes a while for the meds to start

working but you do need them.

Best to you,

Tammy

Re: Digest Number 1428

Hello,

I just joined the Hyperthyroidism group and received my first Digest, and I

immediately connected

with your posts. A few of you sound like you are not afraid to follow your

own mind against a

doctor's order ... that is basically where I am right now.

Wondering if you have any advice re my situation. I went for my physical

4/22 and my regular

doctor called to say my thyroid test results were not good (T4=2.45, TSH

serum=0.05) but all other

results were fine. He wanted to put me on thyroid medication i told him no,

i wanted to see a

specialist, that i would find my own specialist. on 5/31 i met with a female

endo and she seems

sincere enough but basically gave me no options outside of drugs, iodine or

surgery. the usual

schmeal. i told her there was no chance i would eat radioactive material or

have my thyroid

removed. She examined my throat had me swallow, i have no goitre, no

swelling, no bulging eyes,

the only real symptoms i do have are heart pounding and occasional sweating.

she checked my

reflexes, measured my eyes and had blood drawn to order a test\for TSI

antibodies. then she had

the nerve to write me a prescription with " 5 refils " for Metimazole before

even seeing the results

of the bloodwork. she didn't even want to talk to me about trying rebalance

my thyroid naturally.

she called me 6/3 to tell me the antibodies were present (TSI=285) and that

i should get the

prescription filled and start taking it immediately. She was very clear in

telling me that i " had "

to take meds, even though the meds that could damage my white and red blood

cells and my liver ???

i am scared to death. she said that i could take it " up to two years " with

no guarantee Grave's

would go into remission. for no guarantees of any progress at all she

wanted me to take on even

more serious health risks by taking a dangerous drug ... and on a hope and

a prayer.

i am a nervous wreck trying to figure out the right thing to do. My cousins

are worried for me

and think i should just take it, and think of it like taking birth control

pills. but in my heart

of hearts i think anti-thyroid meds are a bad idea. i am 48 and going

through menopause right now

anyway, and i have mitral valve prolapse (irregular heartbeat) so I have had

heart palpitations

all my life, but i have noticed the pounding more in the past year. i am

used to the hot flashes

and temperature fluctuations now and actually i thought the pounding and

sweating were menopause

symptoms until i saw the endo and she said NO. i have no other symptoms to

complain about.

Sadly, with this particular ailment, i've see many stories already of people

who had no choice

because their symptoms were severe and their doctors rushed them into RAI

and now they are sorry;

people who tried anti-thyroid drugs but they didn't help so they ended up

in surgery or taking

RAI anyway and becoming hypo. horror stories of trying to work out the

correct drug therapy to

feel good on a weekly basis, going to the doctor every other week. were it

not for the internet,

i would be lost here.

I am beginning to think i may as well learn to live with a pounding heart

and hot flashes. but

according to the endo if i don't take the meds i will eventually end up in

thyroid storm or i

could have a heart attack and that could be life threatening. now that i

have researched the drug

i know i could also wind up with a " other problems " just from taking

Metimazole and " still " end up

with Grave's if it doesn't work for me. if i didn't see many stories of

unhappy people and few

of happy well people who are in remission with no serious bodily harm after

taking antithyroid

medication I might feel better about it but after reading the plethora of

disheartening stories (i

have only been researching and reading since last Friday morning) i am now

more frightened of

Metimazole than I am of thyroid storm or even heart attack. that may not be

wise that is why i'm

still trying to do research. i would greatly appreciate any and all input

the group would have

for me. Wishing the best to you all.

[Guest guest]

part of original post -

if i didn't see many stories of

unhappy people and few

of happy well people who are in remission with no serious bodily harm after

taking antithyroid

medication I might feel better about it

Hi,

I am sorry I didn't catch your name but I wanted to welcome you and tell you a

little bit about my experience so far. I am usually one of the most opposed to

taking prescription drugs type of people you can meet. I really didn't want to

take any drugs when I first got my diagnosis in Jan. I was having terrible

symptoms - racing heart, shaking hands, distorted thinking/anxiety etc.

Initially, my primary care provider only gave me Betablockers for the symptoms

till I could get into see an endo 5 weeks later. The endo did prescribe

antithyroid meds (PTU) and I did start taking them right away. I felt scared at

first like you do and read all about them and their side effects. I usually can

not tolerate most all prescriptions - I get horrible side effects to just about

everything I have ever had to take and usually have to stop whatever it is. I

have not had any bad side effects from the PTU and it has helped me

tremendously.

I hardly ever have shakes in my hands and when I do it is very mild, my heart

rate is down some and I am not exploding in fits of anxiety or anger like I was.

I am not back to normal as that can take a bit longer but I do feel I am on my

way there. I am imagining I am going to feel even better now that I got the

info from this group to take the meds more evenly spaced out in the day instead

of all at once and have just started that today.

I think that the members on this board who are suggesting you go ahead and try

the meds are probably giving you very good advice. The risks of not taking them

could be greater than taking them for right now. You can always try going off

them at a later date when you are more stabilized and see if you achieve a

remission. That is what I am hoping will happen for me. Please keep in mind it

will take a number of weeks or more to feel as if the meds are doing anything

because you have a lot of stored up thyroid hormone already produced in your

body that has to all get out before you will feel the blocking benefits of the

drug. I am so confident of the low risk of the drug in smaller doses that I am

even taking it while breastfeeding and some of it does get into breastmilk.

Let us know how you are doing and we will be here to support whatever you

choose. I know some members here have tried other alternative methods without

drugs and that is an option too. It is just that if you are having symptoms

that the doc is worried about a thyroid storm or damage to your heart you don't

want to mess around with that. I even had my way out there alternative

practioner weigh in with his opinion of me taking this drug - he used

kinesiosolgy testing - and he even agreed in my situation I should take it for

quite some time.

I really don't think it is common at all for it to damage your liver or effect

your blood count. You could ask for baseline tests of those before you start

taking it and then ask that they check them periodically for peace of mind.

Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps.

Sincerely,

Tucker