Guest guest Posted May 19, 2003 Report Share Posted May 19, 2003 Hi Prue, and welcome! It's baffling to be diagnosed with Graves', as I discovered last Sept., but once you start on an anti-thyroid drug (ATD) you'll start feeling better. In fact, there are many people on this board who have achieved remission on the medication, or else hope to do so, so we would encourage you to try this solution rather than have your thyroid irradiated or removed. Graves' is very often diagnosed without a radioactive scan, using an antibody test. Perhaps someone else here can speak up about why a scan might be needed. In the meantime, though, your doctor can start you on a heart medication (usually a beta blocker) to slow your heart and reduce your blood pressure until you can start on the ATD. Things to avoid when you're hyperthyroid include stimulants (coffee, diet pills, the epinephrine in dentist's novocaine) and iodine, which is added to salt in the U.S., and also in sushi and other seafood. Plus, Graves' responds well to methods of stress reduction like yoga. There is also an eye component to Graves' that affects some people; it's made much worse by cigarette smoking. For myself, I can't even stand being around second-hand smoke. You've found a community with a huge amount of experience and knowledge so things should get easier. Best wishes, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2003 Report Share Posted May 19, 2003 Graves' is very often diagnosed without a radioactive scan, using an > antibody test. Perhaps someone else here can speak up about why a > scan might be needed. Hi Prue. Not much I can add to what said other than that if your doctor insists on a scan, request an ultrasound instead. You may want to call your insurance to check ahead that they'll accept an ultrasound as well as a scan. This may make your dr. more amenable. Also, this may be a good time in your life to get a bone scan. At 48 your GYN, GP, or endo can all prescribe it. GD, especially if it's been strong or undiagnosed for a while, can cause it. I'm one of the many who've done well on ATD's, in remission for going on 2 years after 14 months on Tap. Take care, Fay ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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