Guest guest Posted December 5, 2002 Report Share Posted December 5, 2002 Hi , Your labs look pretty high to me, when I was my most hyper I wasn't yet having FT4 and FT3 done, unfortunately so have nothing to compare, but I think it's a good decision to start on the methimazole. You should start to feel better within about 4-5 weeks, sleeping better, etc. I think you are making all the right decisions. Just curious though, I haven't taken the lemon balm & bugleweed, but everyone talks about drops and you are speaking in teaspoons--are you sure what you're getting is the pure stuff? Terry > > Reply-To: graves_support > Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 05:02:41 -0000 > To: graves_support > Subject: Lab Results - > > I got part of my lab results from my naturopath over the telephone. > My FT4 is 5.49 (range 1.57 at the high end) and FT3 12.27 (with a > 4.20 at the high end). She said the lab told her the TSI results > are " pending " . Pending what, they did not say. > > I still don't have a handle on whether the lab tests show my Grave's > Disease to be severe or not. I have been feeling good some days and > other days I am fatigued. Some days, I have to take 180 mg of > Inderal to keep my heart rate down. Some days, I only take 120. > > I have been taking four teaspoons a day of Bugleweed/Lemon > Balm/Motherwort for the last two weeks and before that, I was taking > three teaspoons since September 7. It doesn't appear to be working > for me. That is disappointing. Some days, I am quite calm; other > days, I start to lose my temper over things that I had learned to > deal with many years ago. > > My employer offered me an opportunity to take an extended leave after > my naturopath had written that it would be beneficial. I have taken > them up on it. It will start December 16 and end January 27. I am > going to start taking the Methimazole on December 16, starting with > 30 mg a day. I will take one in the morning and two at night. (I am > not good at all at taking a dose midday.) > > Knowing that I will be off of work and able to deal immediately with > any side effects that may occur makes me feel a little better about > having to start on the medication. > > I have been told that taking the natural remedy along with the > methimazole can make it possible to take less medication and I have > also been told that one should not take both at the same time. I am > going to stop taking the tincture when I start the medication. If I > do experience side effects, I will know it is from the medication, > alone, and not from taking them together. > > I am looking forward to a time when I will be able to sleep through > the night, start exercising, again, and to thinking about something > besides the fact that I have a DISEASE. > > > > > > > ------------------------------------- > 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 do 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 December 6, 2002 Report Share Posted December 6, 2002 Hi , Your lab results are severely high, about what we see when new Graves' patients come into the emergency room. Symptoms, though, are more important than lab results. It's good that you're going to start methimazole, and 30 mg is an appropriate starting dose. With your needing 180 mg of propranolol to reduce your symptoms, I'd say that your symptoms would also be considered severe. The sooner you can start on the meds the better. As long as you're consistent with your alt remedies they shouldn't interfere with the methimazole. Try to rest and relax during your time off and incorporate some stress reduction techniques if you can. However, avoid strenuous exercise. The propranol is masking your cardiac symptoms so when you begin to improve you'll have to reduce it slowly. Take care, elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2002 Report Share Posted December 6, 2002 Hi, Terry, I actually made a mistake on the Free T3 SBCL - (I don't know what the " SBCL " means). The number is 1227 PG/DL (what is that?), not 12.27. The range is 230 to 420. That looks pretty high now that I have written it properly. You asked: Just curious though, I haven't taken the lemon balm & bugleweed, but everyone talks about drops and you are speaking in teaspoons--are you sure what you're getting is the pure stuff? No, I am not sure I am getting the pure stuff. When I ran out of tincture, one time, I ordered some from online. I had read that those ordered online are supposed to be weaker than the ones you get from a naturopath. I DID notice that the one from my naturopath and the one online tasted exactly the same, except the online was not as strong tasting. The online one I took in dropperfulls. I don't think I could ever know if it is " the pure stuff " unless I had it tested or if I met someone who is definitely taking it and I could compare them, somehow. I wouldn't know how to begin to find " the pure stuff " . Diagnosed August 20. Took natural remedy of bugleweed/lemon balm/motherwort for three months. Recent labs: FT4 5.49 (range 0.87 - 1.57). FT3 SBCL 1227 (range 230 to 420). TSI is pending. Going to start methimazole December 16 while taking an extended leave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2002 Report Share Posted December 6, 2002 Hello, Elaine That is interesting that you say that the numbers show " severely high " because it seems that my body and mind are not responding to the very high amounts of thyroid hormones. I thought that my lab results were going to come back showing me to be normal. I thought that I HAD gone into remission on the natural remedy. Interesting disease. You said to avoid " strenuous exercise " . I think I should probably know what that is, but since my body is not responding to the high levels of thyroid hormones, will I be able to tell, when I am taking methimazole, whether the exercise I am doing is too strenuous? I am looking forward to riding my bike. If I pedal in a leisurely fashion, would that be okay? Now, I am a little concerned that the severity of my disease is somehow being masked. The shortness of breath I had at the beginning has improved quite a bit, lately. All of this makes me wonder if the levels of thyroid hormones can fluctuate tremendously from day to day or even hour to hour. Do they? Thank you, Terry and Elaine, for your responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2002 Report Share Posted December 6, 2002 , I don't think you should wait. Starting it asap will help, not hinder your ability to function. It just seems to me, and I think Elaine validated my amateur opinion, that your levels are awfully high--you are playing with fire to wait any longer to start the MMI. It WILL make you start getting better, and by Dec. 16 you will have already seen some significant improvement in your symptoms, if you start it tomorrow! Terry > > > Diagnosed August 20. Took natural remedy of bugleweed/lemon > balm/motherwort for three months. Recent labs: FT4 5.49 (range > 0.87 - 1.57). FT3 SBCL 1227 (range 230 to 420). TSI is pending. > Going to start methimazole December 16 while taking an extended leave. > > > > ------------------------------------- > 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 do 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 December 6, 2002 Report Share Posted December 6, 2002 , Hi! I just wanted to tell you that I also tested for severe hyperthyroidism by the time I finally got diagnosed. I did'nt think I felt all that bad, except my hands kept shaking when I woke up in the morning. I think since this disease comes on gradually, that we learn to compensate for it or something. Anyway, I agree with Terry that you should try to get on the MMI as soon as possible. There's no reason to delay and it will make you feel better. In fact, I didn't realize how sick I " d been until I got better. It shouldn't interfere with your job at all. The only side effect I had from the meds was hives, but they didn't start until a few weeks into the therapy. Good luck and get that medication! Also, just because you're told that your disease is severe, keep your chin up....you can get it under control! Kristi Diagnosed Dec. 2001 Currently on maintenance dose of 5mg of Tap and feeling good Re: Lab Results - Hi, Terry, I actually made a mistake on the Free T3 SBCL - (I don't know what the " SBCL " means). The number is 1227 PG/DL (what is that?), not 12.27. The range is 230 to 420. That looks pretty high now that I have written it properly. You asked: Just curious though, I haven't taken the lemon balm & bugleweed, but everyone talks about drops and you are speaking in teaspoons--are you sure what you're getting is the pure stuff? No, I am not sure I am getting the pure stuff. When I ran out of tincture, one time, I ordered some from online. I had read that those ordered online are supposed to be weaker than the ones you get from a naturopath. I DID notice that the one from my naturopath and the one online tasted exactly the same, except the online was not as strong tasting. The online one I took in dropperfulls. I don't think I could ever know if it is " the pure stuff " unless I had it tested or if I met someone who is definitely taking it and I could compare them, somehow. I wouldn't know how to begin to find " the pure stuff " . Diagnosed August 20. Took natural remedy of bugleweed/lemon balm/motherwort for three months. Recent labs: FT4 5.49 (range 0.87 - 1.57). FT3 SBCL 1227 (range 230 to 420). TSI is pending. Going to start methimazole December 16 while taking an extended leave. ------------------------------------- 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 do 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 December 7, 2002 Report Share Posted December 7, 2002 Terry wrote: I don't think you should wait. Starting it asap will help, not hinder your ability to function. Coincidentally, I was starting to think that I should start, tomorrow, too. Now, I am wondering if I should continue to take 120 mg of the Inderal and for how long? Yikes, you would think after several months of reading these messages, the information would be in my brain, but it doesn't appear to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2002 Report Share Posted December 7, 2002 Kristi wrote: It shouldn't interfere with your job at all. The only side effect I had from the meds was hives, but they didn't start until a few weeks into the therapy. Good luck and get that medication! I already have 10 mg tablets of methimazole. I filled the prescription that the endo that I never want to see, again, gave to me. I am going to start it, tomorrow. I have been wavering back and forth about taking the time off from work and I have decided that I am going to. I had asked if it would be possible to rest when I needed to and subtract an hour or two from my sick leave, each time that I did. The Human Resources Officer and my supervisor indicated that I have to go home if I need to rest because of my heart. I think they are concerned that something awful would happen while I was at work, resting. Since my heart goes out of control every other day, I think it would be beneficial if I simply take advantage of the fact that I have almost three months in sick leave. If it becomes apparent during the month off that my heart is under control and I no longer need the opportunity to rest whenever I need to, I can always return to work. Kristi also wrote: Also, just because you're told that your disease is severe, keep your chin up....you can get it under control! Thank you for the encouraging words. 54 years old. Diagnosed with Grave's 8-20-02. Going to start 30 mg methimazole, tomorrow, December 7. Taking 120 or 180 mg of Inderal. > , > Hi! I just wanted to tell you that I also tested for severe hyperthyroidism by the time I finally got diagnosed. I did'nt think I felt all that bad, except my hands kept shaking when I woke up in the morning. I think since this disease comes on gradually, that we learn to compensate for it or something. Anyway, I agree with Terry that you should try to get on the MMI as soon as possible. There's no reason to delay and it will make you feel better. In fact, I didn't realize how sick I " d been until I got better. > It shouldn't interfere with your job at all. The only side effect I had from the meds was hives, but they didn't start until a few weeks into the therapy. Good luck and get that medication! Also, just because you're told that your disease is severe, keep your chin up....you can get it under control! > Kristi > Diagnosed Dec. 2001 > Currently on maintenance dose of 5mg of Tap and feeling good > Re: Lab Results - > > > Hi, Terry, > > I actually made a mistake on the Free T3 SBCL - (I don't know what > the " SBCL " means). The number is 1227 PG/DL (what is that?), not > 12.27. The range is 230 to 420. That looks pretty high now that I > have written it properly. > > You asked: Just curious though, I haven't taken the lemon balm & > bugleweed, but everyone talks about drops and you are speaking in > teaspoons--are you sure what you're getting is the pure stuff? > > No, I am not sure I am getting the pure stuff. When I ran out of > tincture, one time, I ordered some from online. I had read that > those ordered online are supposed to be weaker than the ones you get > from a naturopath. I DID notice that the one from my naturopath and > the one online tasted exactly the same, except the online was not as > strong tasting. The online one I took in dropperfulls. > > I don't think I could ever know if it is " the pure stuff " unless I > had it tested or if I met someone who is definitely taking it and I > could compare them, somehow. I wouldn't know how to begin to > find " the pure stuff " . > > > Diagnosed August 20. Took natural remedy of bugleweed/lemon > balm/motherwort for three months. Recent labs: FT4 5.49 (range > 0.87 - 1.57). FT3 SBCL 1227 (range 230 to 420). TSI is pending. > Going to start methimazole December 16 while taking an extended leave. > > > > ------------------------------------- > 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 do 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 December 7, 2002 Report Share Posted December 7, 2002 Hi , If I recall you were taking 180 mg of a beta blocker to keep your symptoms in line. This indicates that your symptoms are severe. With your thyroid hormone levels being markedly elevated, and needing that much beta blocker, you have to avoid running, bike riding, aerobics etc. Yes, depending on your antibody levels your symptoms will wax and wane but once your levels have moved that high and your symptoms become severe, this progression will continue without ATDs to help reduce the amount of thyroid hormone your gland is producing. Take care, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2002 Report Share Posted December 7, 2002 Hi, the SBCL probably refers to the method used but or the manufacturer's testing kit, but I'm not familiar with it. Regardless, your levels are markedly elevated. I'm not sure why you need to wait til the 16th to start meds. The meds won't incapacitate you. The sooner you can start reducing your levels, the better. Take care, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2002 Report Share Posted December 7, 2002 Keep taking the beta blocker. you don't want to stop it abruptly. When your heart rate falls to less than 60 resting, you should be able to gradually reduce it, but first check with your doctor. Right now, it is masking many of your symptoms and lowering both your heart rate and blood pressure. It will take 6-8 weeks to see the maximum effets of the MMI although you should feel better within a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2002 Report Share Posted December 7, 2002 Keep taking the beta blocker. you don't want to stop it abruptly. When your heart rate falls to less than 60 resting, you should be able to gradually reduce it, but first check with your doctor. Right now, it is masking many of your symptoms and lowering both your heart rate and blood pressure. It will take 6-8 weeks to see the maximum effets of the MMI although you should feel better within a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2002 Report Share Posted December 7, 2002 Keep taking the beta blocker. you don't want to stop it abruptly. When your heart rate falls to less than 60 resting, you should be able to gradually reduce it, but first check with your doctor. Right now, it is masking many of your symptoms and lowering both your heart rate and blood pressure. It will take 6-8 weeks to see the maximum effets of the MMI although you should feel better within a week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2002 Report Share Posted December 7, 2002 Elaine, Did you really mean 60? I am very surprised, if you did. I would have assumed 80. Terry > From: daisyelaine@... > Reply-To: graves_support > Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2002 12:02:14 EST > To: graves_support > Subject: Re: Re: Lab Results - > > Keep taking the beta blocker. you don't want to stop it abruptly. When your > heart rate falls to less than 60 resting, you should be able to gradually > reduce it, but first check with your doctor. Right now, it is masking many of > your symptoms and lowering both your heart rate and blood pressure. It will > take 6-8 weeks to see the maximum effets of the MMI although you should feel > better within a week. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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