Just a run down -- for information only

[Guest guest]

Graves in (since) 1991 (stress factor, husband's death)

On PTU for a bit more than a year, went into remission

Reoccurrence in about 1998, noticeable TED first indication

of problems, Graves confirmed by labs, put on PTU,

eventually underwent orbital radiation with short regimen of

prednisone, eyes are somewhat stable, no longer suffering

from double vision or noticeable swelling/staring, switched

to tapazole (severe stress involving possible loss of

medical health insurance in high cost medical locality also

occurring at that time)

Weaned from tapazole and prempro in 2001-2

Suspected slight increase in eye swelling in September 2003,

exhibiting tiredness, running high blood pressure, for the

first time in life am dealing with serious swelling of

ankles, feet and lower legs, lab tests during physical

showed zero TSH, T4 range was 4.2 to 12.0 and I was at 13.2.

Set up follow-up with endo, started weak dosing with

tapazole and went for additional labs. TSH was at 2.9 , T3

at 237 (230) and T3 at 85 (821-8) after slight medicating.

Currently taking one-half tapazole tablet on Tuesday and

other half on Saturday. Thinking of dropping one of the

halves. This week the ophthalmologist confirmed right eye

involvement/slightly swollen but released me for a year

unless I have personal complaints and think I should see

him. " Promised " cataracts after orbital radiation do

appear in the making. Monday I see endo and next week will

have follow up labs.

Triggers appear to be stress, each bout followed giving up

cigarettes for extended period, each bout followed emotional

stress probably exacerbated by giving up cigarettes <smile>.

Elaine