Re: frightening episode last night

June 13, 2003

Hi,

I am sure someone with more knowledge than me will step in and reply

to your message, but I think you need to see a doctor soon! At least

call your local hospital and talk to a nurse. Or call your endo and

talk to someone there. Phone calls are free, and you should be able

to talk to someone who can advise you.

I am sure it must be hard to see a doc when you don't have insurance,

but if your health is being compromised, especially your heart, it is

imperative that you seek medical attention.

I am sorry that you're going through a challenging time in your

life. This also could be contributing to how your health is now.

Stress is a big deal in regards to Graves. It is good that you are

doing things that are helping you get through this. Sometimes the

hardest part is just picking yourself up and living again. And you

should pat yourself on the back because you are doing the right

things.

I'll be sending positive thoughts your way!

.

diag 8/02; on 50 mg PTU; doing pretty good.

> dear fellow journeyers:

>

> I've been under a great deal of stress lately having been out of

work, ending a bad relationship, and having my GD become SO out of

control (tsh .007) Without health insurance, it's been very

difficult to get the medical support I need.

>

> But ... i've been very actively educating myself including diet,

getting a counselor to help me with the broken heart, and doing new

activities, such meditation, yoga, working-out at a gym, crewing on a

sailboat for the yacht races.

>

> Last night, after 3 hours at sea, I thought I felt GREAT!!!! What

a joyful experience it was. And after, we met at the yacht club, I

did not have anything alcoholic to drink, but did have a hamburger,

which is not a normal part of my diet. I left soon after eating

because I was feeling tired and very cold, and got into a hot bath in

the 5 mins it took me to get home.

>

> Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling

a bit short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon,

so in spite of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across

the street. That was at 9pm.

>

> The last thing I remember was having serious heart palps and racing

pulse, and dizziness, and then finding myself in the middle of the

field with the dog lying across me. i limped the half-block home

with a sore right knee, elbow, wrist, so apparently i passed out on

my right side. It was 11pm when i returned home.

>

> today i feel very weak but i'm able to eat and move about, although

stiffly. my heart rate is normal and steady.

>

> so ... was this a thyroid storm? could this be from the adrenal

insufficiency. could this have been from the food? I I'm wondering

should I expect more of the same, or if I can prevent this from

repeating. and obviously you might thinking why i dont' seek medical

advice ... it's because of the insurance and now i'm BROKE and if

there is a documented pre-existing condition, i can't get future

coverage anyway....

>

> any thoughts or shared experiences on what you think happened and

to prevent future experiences would be appreciated.

>

June 13, 2003

thanks ! i'm definitely open to all good thoughts and energy!!!!

Re: frightening episode last night

Hi,

I am sure someone with more knowledge than me will step in and reply

to your message, but I think you need to see a doctor soon! At least

call your local hospital and talk to a nurse. Or call your endo and

talk to someone there. Phone calls are free, and you should be able

to talk to someone who can advise you.

I am sure it must be hard to see a doc when you don't have insurance,

but if your health is being compromised, especially your heart, it is

imperative that you seek medical attention.

I am sorry that you're going through a challenging time in your

life. This also could be contributing to how your health is now.

Stress is a big deal in regards to Graves. It is good that you are

doing things that are helping you get through this. Sometimes the

hardest part is just picking yourself up and living again. And you

should pat yourself on the back because you are doing the right

things.

I'll be sending positive thoughts your way!

.

diag 8/02; on 50 mg PTU; doing pretty good.

> dear fellow journeyers:

>

> I've been under a great deal of stress lately having been out of

work, ending a bad relationship, and having my GD become SO out of

control (tsh .007) Without health insurance, it's been very

difficult to get the medical support I need.

>

> But ... i've been very actively educating myself including diet,

getting a counselor to help me with the broken heart, and doing new

activities, such meditation, yoga, working-out at a gym, crewing on a

sailboat for the yacht races.

>

> Last night, after 3 hours at sea, I thought I felt GREAT!!!! What

a joyful experience it was. And after, we met at the yacht club, I

did not have anything alcoholic to drink, but did have a hamburger,

which is not a normal part of my diet. I left soon after eating

because I was feeling tired and very cold, and got into a hot bath in

the 5 mins it took me to get home.

>

> Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling

a bit short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon,

so in spite of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across

the street. That was at 9pm.

>

> The last thing I remember was having serious heart palps and racing

pulse, and dizziness, and then finding myself in the middle of the

field with the dog lying across me. i limped the half-block home

with a sore right knee, elbow, wrist, so apparently i passed out on

my right side. It was 11pm when i returned home.

>

> today i feel very weak but i'm able to eat and move about, although

stiffly. my heart rate is normal and steady.

>

> so ... was this a thyroid storm? could this be from the adrenal

insufficiency. could this have been from the food? I I'm wondering

should I expect more of the same, or if I can prevent this from

repeating. and obviously you might thinking why i dont' seek medical

advice ... it's because of the insurance and now i'm BROKE and if

there is a documented pre-existing condition, i can't get future

coverage anyway....

>

> any thoughts or shared experiences on what you think happened and

to prevent future experiences would be appreciated.

>

June 13, 2003

Sorry but I am the type to lay it on the line. Support means telling the

truth, no matter if the person wants to hear it or not.

No, that was not a thyroid storm, but the next time it may be. Not all

patients survive a true storm, even if they are in the hospital when it

starts.

This does tell you things can no longer be put off.

Pre existing condition will not mean a lot if you are dead.

It sounds as if you are at true risk of permanent heart damage. If this has

happened or is happening , this damage can not be undone. That will mean no

more gym, hiking or sailing for the rest of your life.

The longer you wait, the greater your chances of thyroid eye disease also.

Do a Google search and look at a picture of the facial disfigurement that

can never be corrected back to pre Graves' appearance, though the vision

loss is the real problem in the years to come.

Graves' causes bone loss. This IS happening to you right now. The body uses

calcium from the bones faster than it can be replaced, in a last ditch

effort to keep more important systems functioning.

Find a GP that can treat you. Not that expensive. I did it and by the sounds

of it, you are much better off financially than I am. Priorities need to

change.

I say this from my heart. I do not want to honey coat things and try to make

you feel better, because that would be morally irresponsible in my opinion.

-Pam L -

3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU. Remission due to SLOW reduction of PTU

(despite an incompetent endo ! ), improved lifestyle, excellent nutrition,

herbs, and looking at the big picture.

Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to heal.

June 13, 2003

I have to agree with Pam

You need to go to a GP and get medical attention or you won't be

doing to much sailing, yoga or anything else for that matter.

You need to be placed on Beta Blockers for your heart and PTU or

TAP you have to do something.

Graves is not self-treatment because like Pam said, next time you

may have a thyroid storm.

you need medical attention if you cannot afford to pay all at once

some GP's let you pay a little at a time that is what I would do if

I were you.

If your dead then you have nothing no pre-existing condition and no

life period.

Graves is not something we can just deal with until we become

stable we don't become stable for some time even after treatment. But

we have to have treatment or suffer serious consequences.

All I can offer is to stress that you need to get help or you will end

up in the ER with Thyroid Storm its basically that simple.

Best of Luck

Alegra

June 13, 2003

Hi Lunde,

I know how you feel regarding the insurance issue---I have no

insurance either. As soon as I was told I may have this disease I

went to a county hospital and got info on how to go about getting

some help. It's been a long and frustrating process but I am telling

you-don't put it off any longer!

It does take longer to get going on treatment and appoinments without

insurance but you can and must seek help. I've had to go thru

acouple months of this and I finally get to see an endo soon and I

will be on my way and altho I've been frustrated beyond belief, I'm

so glad I did not put it off. You are in much worse danger than I,

with your heart pulps' and all.

Go and find out what your options are--if you are working or not-some

hospitals take sliding scale programs which let you pay in

installments{that's what I'm doing}.

I have the eye trouble and that's what got my butt in gear. You get

some medical help ASAP. In the meantime read up and take the self-

help approach while you wait for your treatment. Believe me, it

really helps. I was ignorant of this disease and now I feel I can at

least try to do things to help myself until I can finally get some

meds. I learned it all here and so will you.

Take care. Donna

> dear fellow journeyers:

>

> I've been under a great deal of stress lately having been out of

work, ending a bad relationship, and having my GD become SO out of

control (tsh .007) Without health insurance, it's been very

difficult to get the medical support I need.

>

> But ... i've been very actively educating myself including diet,

getting a counselor to help me with the broken heart, and doing new

activities, such meditation, yoga, working-out at a gym, crewing on a

sailboat for the yacht races.

>

> Last night, after 3 hours at sea, I thought I felt GREAT!!!! What

a joyful experience it was. And after, we met at the yacht club, I

did not have anything alcoholic to drink, but did have a hamburger,

which is not a normal part of my diet. I left soon after eating

because I was feeling tired and very cold, and got into a hot bath in

the 5 mins it took me to get home.

>

> Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling

a bit short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon,

so in spite of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across

the street. That was at 9pm.

>

> The last thing I remember was having serious heart palps and racing

pulse, and dizziness, and then finding myself in the middle of the

field with the dog lying across me. i limped the half-block home

with a sore right knee, elbow, wrist, so apparently i passed out on

my right side. It was 11pm when i returned home.

>

> today i feel very weak but i'm able to eat and move about, although

stiffly. my heart rate is normal and steady.

>

> so ... was this a thyroid storm? could this be from the adrenal

insufficiency. could this have been from the food? I I'm wondering

should I expect more of the same, or if I can prevent this from

repeating. and obviously you might thinking why i dont' seek medical

advice ... it's because of the insurance and now i'm BROKE and if

there is a documented pre-existing condition, i can't get future

coverage anyway....

>

> any thoughts or shared experiences on what you think happened and

to prevent future experiences would be appreciated.

>

June 13, 2003

thank you all for your responses -- i have taken them all seriously to heart ...

although i must admit that i'm starting to feel defeated, perhaps another effect

of my disease, or perhaps the constant struggle. i'm not certain i really want

to fight this anymore ... or more be careful to protect others from any possible

injury i might accidentally cause. so far i have warning symptoms and do not

drive ... but will i always have them? should i stop driving completely?

Re: Re: frightening episode last night

Sorry but I am the type to lay it on the line. Support means telling the

truth, no matter if the person wants to hear it or not.

No, that was not a thyroid storm, but the next time it may be. Not all

patients survive a true storm, even if they are in the hospital when it

starts.

This does tell you things can no longer be put off.

Pre existing condition will not mean a lot if you are dead.

It sounds as if you are at true risk of permanent heart damage. If this has

happened or is happening , this damage can not be undone. That will mean no

more gym, hiking or sailing for the rest of your life.

The longer you wait, the greater your chances of thyroid eye disease also.

Do a Google search and look at a picture of the facial disfigurement that

can never be corrected back to pre Graves' appearance, though the vision

loss is the real problem in the years to come.

Graves' causes bone loss. This IS happening to you right now. The body uses

calcium from the bones faster than it can be replaced, in a last ditch

effort to keep more important systems functioning.

Find a GP that can treat you. Not that expensive. I did it and by the sounds

of it, you are much better off financially than I am. Priorities need to

change.

I say this from my heart. I do not want to honey coat things and try to make

you feel better, because that would be morally irresponsible in my opinion.

-Pam L -

3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU. Remission due to SLOW reduction of PTU

(despite an incompetent endo ! ), improved lifestyle, excellent nutrition,

herbs, and looking at the big picture.

Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to heal.

June 13, 2003

Hi Lunde-

Passing out is how Graves' presented with me. I was getting towards the end

of a 5 mile run and I passed out in the street. It was very frightening and

I immediately went to the doctor. Unfortunately, it took another 6 mos. to

diagnose me and, although the passing out never happened again (I was afraid

to run anymore so I didn't), all other symptoms got much worse. What

happened to you sounds similar and doesn't sound like thyroid storm but, as

the others have said, next time it might be.

I don't know your situation but all emergency rooms are federally mandated

to treat all patients whether they can pay or not. That's not the best

choice if you do have some financial resources because emergency care is

very expensive. But if you don't have any resources, they have to treat you

even if you can't pay them. You must get treatment.

Take care,

dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

> dear fellow journeyers:

>

> I've been under a great deal of stress lately having been out of work,

ending a bad relationship, and having my GD become SO out of control (tsh

..007) Without health insurance, it's been very difficult to get the

medical support I need.

>

> But ... i've been very actively educating myself including diet, getting a

counselor to help me with the broken heart, and doing new activities, such

meditation, yoga, working-out at a gym, crewing on a sailboat for the yacht

races.

>

> Last night, after 3 hours at sea, I thought I felt GREAT!!!! What a

joyful experience it was. And after, we met at the yacht club, I did not

have anything alcoholic to drink, but did have a hamburger, which is not a

normal part of my diet. I left soon after eating because I was feeling

tired and very cold, and got into a hot bath in the 5 mins it took me to get

home.

>

> Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling a bit

short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon, so in spite

of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across the street. That

was at 9pm.

>

> The last thing I remember was having serious heart palps and racing pulse,

and dizziness, and then finding myself in the middle of the field with the

dog lying across me. i limped the half-block home with a sore right knee,

elbow, wrist, so apparently i passed out on my right side. It was 11pm when

i returned home.

>

> today i feel very weak but i'm able to eat and move about, although

stiffly. my heart rate is normal and steady.

>

> so ... was this a thyroid storm? could this be from the adrenal

insufficiency. could this have been from the food? I I'm wondering should

I expect more of the same, or if I can prevent this from repeating. and

obviously you might thinking why i dont' seek medical advice ... it's

because of the insurance and now i'm BROKE and if there is a documented

pre-existing condition, i can't get future coverage anyway....

>

> any thoughts or shared experiences on what you think happened and to

prevent future experiences would be appreciated.

>

June 14, 2003

I would forget the counselor for the broken heart, and also the gym workout,

and spend the money on a doctor. Health care does not cost so dang much

that it can't be done without insurance. I hear people all the time that

say " I can't go to the dentist because I don't have dental insurance " , well

it cost's about $92.00 for a cleaning and check up, $132.00 if you get

bitewing x-rays. Almost all of us can afford that every six months, and to

top it off by flossing at home every day, you will cut down on any cavities

and gum disease. Think of all the ways we waste money and them complain

when we should of spent it more wisely, and why we don't have what the

neighbors have.

I don't have health insurance my self at this time, my husband is

unemployed, but I'm not going to let my health go. My prescriptions for

thyroid med's cost about $50.00 a month. Those are a priority on my

budgeting costs. Put your health and life into perspective and get your

self to the doctor. Most doctors don't ask for cash up front, and will

allow payment plan's when you talk to them about it ahead of time.

Jen M

Re: frightening episode last night

> Hi Lunde-

>

> Passing out is how Graves' presented with me. I was getting towards the

end

> of a 5 mile run and I passed out in the street. It was very frightening

and

> I immediately went to the doctor. Unfortunately, it took another 6 mos.

to

> diagnose me and, although the passing out never happened again (I was

afraid

> to run anymore so I didn't), all other symptoms got much worse. What

> happened to you sounds similar and doesn't sound like thyroid storm but,

as

> the others have said, next time it might be.

>

> I don't know your situation but all emergency rooms are federally mandated

> to treat all patients whether they can pay or not. That's not the best

> choice if you do have some financial resources because emergency care is

> very expensive. But if you don't have any resources, they have to treat

you

> even if you can't pay them. You must get treatment.

>

> Take care,

>

> dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

>

> > dear fellow journeyers:

> >

> > I've been under a great deal of stress lately having been out of work,

> ending a bad relationship, and having my GD become SO out of control (tsh

> .007) Without health insurance, it's been very difficult to get the

> medical support I need.

> >

> > But ... i've been very actively educating myself including diet, getting

a

> counselor to help me with the broken heart, and doing new activities, such

> meditation, yoga, working-out at a gym, crewing on a sailboat for the

yacht

> races.

> >

> > Last night, after 3 hours at sea, I thought I felt GREAT!!!! What a

> joyful experience it was. And after, we met at the yacht club, I did not

> have anything alcoholic to drink, but did have a hamburger, which is not a

> normal part of my diet. I left soon after eating because I was feeling

> tired and very cold, and got into a hot bath in the 5 mins it took me to

get

> home.

> >

> > Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling a

bit

> short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon, so in spite

> of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across the street.

That

> was at 9pm.

> >

> > The last thing I remember was having serious heart palps and racing

pulse,

> and dizziness, and then finding myself in the middle of the field with the

> dog lying across me. i limped the half-block home with a sore right knee,

> elbow, wrist, so apparently i passed out on my right side. It was 11pm

when

> i returned home.

> >

> > today i feel very weak but i'm able to eat and move about, although

> stiffly. my heart rate is normal and steady.

> >

> > so ... was this a thyroid storm? could this be from the adrenal

> insufficiency. could this have been from the food? I I'm wondering

should

> I expect more of the same, or if I can prevent this from repeating. and

> obviously you might thinking why i dont' seek medical advice ... it's

> because of the insurance and now i'm BROKE and if there is a documented

> pre-existing condition, i can't get future coverage anyway....

> >

> > any thoughts or shared experiences on what you think happened and to

> prevent future experiences would be appreciated.

> >

>

> -------------------------------------

> 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.

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

>

June 14, 2003

God bless you - stay on top of your life and keep going. You have the right

attitude.

Roy Long - father of a Graves daughter.

Re: frightening episode last night

I would forget the counselor for the broken heart, and also the gym

workout,

and spend the money on a doctor. Health care does not cost so dang much

that it can't be done without insurance. I hear people all the time that

say " I can't go to the dentist because I don't have dental insurance " ,

well

it cost's about $92.00 for a cleaning and check up, $132.00 if you get

bitewing x-rays. Almost all of us can afford that every six months, and

to

top it off by flossing at home every day, you will cut down on any

cavities

and gum disease. Think of all the ways we waste money and them complain

when we should of spent it more wisely, and why we don't have what the

neighbors have.

I don't have health insurance my self at this time, my husband is

unemployed, but I'm not going to let my health go. My prescriptions for

thyroid med's cost about $50.00 a month. Those are a priority on my

budgeting costs. Put your health and life into perspective and get your

self to the doctor. Most doctors don't ask for cash up front, and will

allow payment plan's when you talk to them about it ahead of time.

Jen M

Re: frightening episode last night

> Hi Lunde-

>

> Passing out is how Graves' presented with me. I was getting towards the

end

> of a 5 mile run and I passed out in the street. It was very frightening

and

> I immediately went to the doctor. Unfortunately, it took another 6 mos.

to

> diagnose me and, although the passing out never happened again (I was

afraid

> to run anymore so I didn't), all other symptoms got much worse. What

> happened to you sounds similar and doesn't sound like thyroid storm but,

as

> the others have said, next time it might be.

>

> I don't know your situation but all emergency rooms are federally

mandated

> to treat all patients whether they can pay or not. That's not the best

> choice if you do have some financial resources because emergency care is

> very expensive. But if you don't have any resources, they have to treat

you

> even if you can't pay them. You must get treatment.

>

> Take care,

>

> dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

>

> > dear fellow journeyers:

> >

> > I've been under a great deal of stress lately having been out of work,

> ending a bad relationship, and having my GD become SO out of control

(tsh

> .007) Without health insurance, it's been very difficult to get the

> medical support I need.

> >

> > But ... i've been very actively educating myself including diet,

getting

a

> counselor to help me with the broken heart, and doing new activities,

such

> meditation, yoga, working-out at a gym, crewing on a sailboat for the

yacht

> races.

> >

> > Last night, after 3 hours at sea, I thought I felt GREAT!!!! What a

> joyful experience it was. And after, we met at the yacht club, I did

not

> have anything alcoholic to drink, but did have a hamburger, which is not

a

> normal part of my diet. I left soon after eating because I was feeling

> tired and very cold, and got into a hot bath in the 5 mins it took me to

get

> home.

> >

> > Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling a

bit

> short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon, so in

spite

> of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across the street.

That

> was at 9pm.

> >

> > The last thing I remember was having serious heart palps and racing

pulse,

> and dizziness, and then finding myself in the middle of the field with

the

> dog lying across me. i limped the half-block home with a sore right

knee,

> elbow, wrist, so apparently i passed out on my right side. It was 11pm

when

> i returned home.

> >

> > today i feel very weak but i'm able to eat and move about, although

> stiffly. my heart rate is normal and steady.

> >

> > so ... was this a thyroid storm? could this be from the adrenal

> insufficiency. could this have been from the food? I I'm wondering

should

> I expect more of the same, or if I can prevent this from repeating. and

> obviously you might thinking why i dont' seek medical advice ... it's

> because of the insurance and now i'm BROKE and if there is a documented

> pre-existing condition, i can't get future coverage anyway....

> >

> > any thoughts or shared experiences on what you think happened and to

> prevent future experiences would be appreciated.

> >

>

> -------------------------------------

> 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.

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

>

June 14, 2003

Thats why its important that you get help.

I understand you don't want to fight the disease none of us do that

is why we seek treatment so its not such a struggle and taxing on

others.

If you worried about not driving and protecting others it is time

to book an appointment with an GP.

You need to be treated or you will get sicker and end up in thyroid

storm thats just the facts.

Alegra

June 14, 2003

Your absoulutly right Jen,

Lunde,

Even when I didn't have insurance I spent the money on a Dentist or

doctor if I needed to go. You just don't do luxuries and you go to

the dentist or doctor like Jen said, thats about right for a dentist

appointment for a cleaning thats what I remember paying I look at it

this way its either pay a little at a time or suffer. I choose to pay

a little at a time and most dentists and doctors will work with you

without insurance they did for me.

Also there is a place called Heathcheck.usa you can get your labs done

for 1/2 the price I will try and find the web site and post it.

There are ways Lunde to get help you have to want to help yourself and

Graves Disease is not something you can just let go and let god.

Because you will just not get better if you don't seek treatment. Ok

some cases do get better but its rare. Most have to be treated

especially with a TSH as low as yours I think you said, it was 0.07 or

something that is off the chart mine was 0.01 when I was diagnosed so

you have active full blown graves going on and you need to get help.

Call a GP on Monday and talk with them I'm sure they will help you and

work out a payment plan. You will be ok if you take the inititive for

your health. Lots of people I know don't have insurance and they

still go to doctors they just forgo the luxuries for a while.

Alegra

June 14, 2003

I had milder forms of your experience when I would either take hot

baths while I was hyper (maybe the increased circulation from the

heat affecting an already racing heart), and also when I tried to do

rigorous exercise before I was ready - I would heat up, get dizzy and

nauseous. You did so much that day, I wonder if it might be just too

much push on your poor body.

> dear fellow journeyers:

>

> Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling

a bit short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon,

so in spite of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across

the street. That was at 9pm.

>

June 14, 2003

thank you all for your thoughts and ideas. please know i'm trying so hard to

not let go and keep fighting.

I did go in for labs last fall and ended up with a 700.00 bill for just 4 tests

that i'm still trying to pay off. i have tried to get cheaper labs and even

used Canada for medications that are so expensive here. i really am trying ...

working so hard to help myself.

my plan is to get well enough (i.e. gym, yoga, grief counseling, etc) in order

to find someone who will hire me (oracle programmer) and get health insurance.

then try to get the medical help to find a physical balance. does this make

sense or am i putting up block for myself.

but to be totally honest, i am feeling so defeated ... what am i doing wrong

that i'm getting worse instead of better (or at least stabilized). sorry for

expressing less-than-enthusiastic emotions, but i'm just .... oh how to express

it ... tired!.

thanks again for your feedback ... its so helpful to hear others experiences ...

law

Re: frightening episode last night

I had milder forms of your experience when I would either take hot

baths while I was hyper (maybe the increased circulation from the

heat affecting an already racing heart), and also when I tried to do

rigorous exercise before I was ready - I would heat up, get dizzy and

nauseous. You did so much that day, I wonder if it might be just too

much push on your poor body.

> dear fellow journeyers:

>

> Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling

a bit short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon,

so in spite of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across

the street. That was at 9pm.

>

June 14, 2003

Hi Lunde-

For some, the active phase may pass if they take good care of themselves if

they have a mild case. Your instance no longer sounds mild. If you delay

treatment, and your Graves' does become more severe, you will end up having

fewer choices. Whereas, if you treat it right away, your chances of

remission are better.

If I had been treated when I initially started having symptoms, I believe I

would have reached remission. However, by the time I was diagnosed, I was

very weak and trembling (I couldn't have exercised if I wanted to-and I took

good care of myself), I had a waking HR of 150 (it went well over 200+ if I

even walked a block), I developed exophthalmus and I became became almost

psychotically angry and irrational.

By that time, they didn't give me any chance for remission and pushed for

immediate RAI. I wanted to try the ATDs so they let me for 6 mos. Even

though I felt fairly good, I was still pretty hyperthyroid on them (and it

was a large dose) so I reluctantly agreed to RAI. It's one of the worst

choices I ever made.

Anyhow, don't let yourself get to that point. How I wish I would have been

diagnosed earlier.

The others are right. This is the one most important thing going on in your

life. The other things take a backseat because if you can't get a handle on

this medically, it will affect everything else in your life now and in the

future.

Take care,

dx & RAI 1987 (at age 24)

> thank you all for your thoughts and ideas. please know i'm trying so hard

to not let go and keep fighting.

>

> I did go in for labs last fall and ended up with a 700.00 bill for just 4

tests that i'm still trying to pay off. i have tried to get cheaper labs

and even used Canada for medications that are so expensive here. i really

am trying ... working so hard to help myself.

>

> my plan is to get well enough (i.e. gym, yoga, grief counseling, etc) in

order to find someone who will hire me (oracle programmer) and get health

insurance. then try to get the medical help to find a physical balance.

does this make sense or am i putting up block for myself.

>

> but to be totally honest, i am feeling so defeated ... what am i doing

wrong that i'm getting worse instead of better (or at least stabilized).

sorry for expressing less-than-enthusiastic emotions, but i'm just .... oh

how to express it ... tired!.

>

> thanks again for your feedback ... its so helpful to hear others

experiences ...

>

> law

> Re: frightening episode last night

>

> I had milder forms of your experience when I would either take hot

> baths while I was hyper (maybe the increased circulation from the

> heat affecting an already racing heart), and also when I tried to do

> rigorous exercise before I was ready - I would heat up, get dizzy and

> nauseous. You did so much that day, I wonder if it might be just too

> much push on your poor body.

>

> > dear fellow journeyers:

> >

>

> > Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling

> a bit short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon,

> so in spite of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across

> the street. That was at 9pm.

> >

>

June 14, 2003

Perhaps if you shared the results of those tests here, they might give us a

bit of a glimpse of your state--at least, what it was last fall. The more

info, the better.

Terry

>

> Reply-To: graves_support

> Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2003 16:34:20 -0700

> To: <graves_support >

> Subject: Re: Re: frightening episode last night

>

> thank you all for your thoughts and ideas. please know i'm trying so hard to

> not let go and keep fighting.

>

> I did go in for labs last fall and ended up with a 700.00 bill for just 4

> tests that i'm still trying to pay off. i have tried to get cheaper labs and

> even used Canada for medications that are so expensive here. i really am

> trying ... working so hard to help myself.

>

> my plan is to get well enough (i.e. gym, yoga, grief counseling, etc) in order

> to find someone who will hire me (oracle programmer) and get health insurance.

> then try to get the medical help to find a physical balance. does this make

> sense or am i putting up block for myself.

>

> but to be totally honest, i am feeling so defeated ... what am i doing wrong

> that i'm getting worse instead of better (or at least stabilized). sorry for

> expressing less-than-enthusiastic emotions, but i'm just .... oh how to

> express it ... tired!.

>

> thanks again for your feedback ... its so helpful to hear others experiences

> ...

>

> law

> Re: frightening episode last night

>

> I had milder forms of your experience when I would either take hot

> baths while I was hyper (maybe the increased circulation from the

> heat affecting an already racing heart), and also when I tried to do

> rigorous exercise before I was ready - I would heat up, get dizzy and

> nauseous. You did so much that day, I wonder if it might be just too

> much push on your poor body.

>

>> dear fellow journeyers:

>>

>

>> Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling

> a bit short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon,

> so in spite of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across

> the street. That was at 9pm.

>>

>

June 15, 2003

i had too tsh tests: 12-?-02 (.001)

01-14-03 (.007)

Re: frightening episode last night

>

> I had milder forms of your experience when I would either take hot

> baths while I was hyper (maybe the increased circulation from the

> heat affecting an already racing heart), and also when I tried to do

> rigorous exercise before I was ready - I would heat up, get dizzy and

> nauseous. You did so much that day, I wonder if it might be just too

> much push on your poor body.

>

>> dear fellow journeyers:

>>

>

>> Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling

> a bit short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon,

> so in spite of these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across

> the street. That was at 9pm.

>>

>

June 15, 2003

Hello Lunde;Are you not taking any kind of medication at all for your thyroid

condition???!!!Have you previously been prescribed any?No possibility of trying

to get the Dr to refill for a month till you can afford togo?Im just thinking

all the things your doing for yourself education,diet etc.are good, but a person

with active thyroid disease Has to take medication,no wonder you feel so bad.you

have one option go to a Dr.Do whatever you have to beg, borrow, or steal.but you

have to get the money and go to the Dr.This disease is almost impossible to

control if your taking your meds and doing everything right.and if you dont stay

on top of it well.......No offence intended but if you can afford gyms, yoga and

counselors you must have some sort of resources that can be put towards what

should be #1 on your list next to air and water.Your Health,nothing else matters

till you are taking care of that.Because without it you will not have a job,

relationship or even a life.and yes it will probably happen again unless you

start taking care of yourself.No one else can do it for you ,you have to do it

for yourself.I found that the sicker I was the worse my relationships and luck

and life in general were.Something for you to think about get well and

everyother part of your life gets at least a little better. good luck Cheryl

frightening episode last night

dear fellow journeyers:

I've been under a great deal of stress lately having been out of work, ending

a bad relationship, and having my GD become SO out of control (tsh .007)

Without health insurance, it's been very difficult to get the medical support I

need.

But ... i've been very actively educating myself including diet, getting a

counselor to help me with the broken heart, and doing new activities, such

meditation, yoga, working-out at a gym, crewing on a sailboat for the yacht

races.

Last night, after 3 hours at sea, I thought I felt GREAT!!!! What a joyful

experience it was. And after, we met at the yacht club, I did not have anything

alcoholic to drink, but did have a hamburger, which is not a normal part of my

diet. I left soon after eating because I was feeling tired and very cold, and

got into a hot bath in the 5 mins it took me to get home.

Well, after the bath, my heart started racing and I started feeling a bit

short of breath, but the dog had been cooped up all afternoon, so in spite of

these symptoms, I stupidly took him to the park across the street. That was at

9pm.

The last thing I remember was having serious heart palps and racing pulse, and

dizziness, and then finding myself in the middle of the field with the dog lying

across me. i limped the half-block home with a sore right knee, elbow, wrist,

so apparently i passed out on my right side. It was 11pm when i returned home.

today i feel very weak but i'm able to eat and move about, although stiffly.

my heart rate is normal and steady.

so ... was this a thyroid storm? could this be from the adrenal

insufficiency. could this have been from the food? I I'm wondering should I

expect more of the same, or if I can prevent this from repeating. and obviously

you might thinking why i dont' seek medical advice ... it's because of the

insurance and now i'm BROKE and if there is a documented pre-existing condition,

i can't get future coverage anyway....

any thoughts or shared experiences on what you think happened and to prevent

future experiences would be appreciated.

June 15, 2003

hi Cheryl:

i was diagnosis with gd in 1985 after an autoaccident. I was on ptu/tapazol for

18 months before becoming hypothyroid. i'd been on .1mg for 15 years with good

results.

as i progressed into perimenopause, i started to show signs of hypothyroidism,

although my tsh remained within the .3 to 5 range so my gp thought it was the

menopause, not the gd. by 2001 i was SO extremely fatigued that I took a

sabbatical from work thinking (and being told by my gp) that I had just been

working too hard. my fatigue grew worse instead, and in dec2002/Jan 2003, my

tsh was at .001, I was having heart palps chest pain, and overwhelming fatigue,

trembling, etc. the doctor put me on antidepressants, but left my thyroid med

the same. By march i started with a new endo who just used the tsh esult of

..007, and changed my t4 to .75mg and added t3. Additionally, my hormone doctor

took me off the Estrostep and put me on a nuvo ring for estrogen/progesterone..

and i was removed from the antidepressant.

by march although my energy levels had risen, i'd lost 17 lbs, bp 116/98 and

started with the palps, trembles, etc. i called the damned endo who recommended

that i stay on his recommended regime for another 6 weeks. I did. by the end

of april I'd lost another 11 lbs, was constantly trembling and starting

experiencing dizziness. the endo never returned my calls; he was fired; i took

myself off the t3.

For the month of May I lost another 5-8 lbs and was quite ill, however i was

also being stalked by the former man-in-my-life. so most of my symptoms I

accounted to that. After court and permanent restraining orders, the hang-up

calls stopped, the police who many are my friends watch out for me, and i'm

starting to feel safe again.

So for june, i gained some weight, added some muscle mass, concentrated on

eating and eating higher protein and more iron-rich foods, concentrated on the

yoga, joined a meditation group and tried to bring more joy and fun into my

life. Then last thursday happened.... and not only is my confidence shaken, but

i'm really struggling with internal exhaustion.

From: Cheryl

To: graves_support

Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2003 3:16 PM

Subject: Re: frightening episode last night