Treatment started

[Guest guest]

I finally did it today.

I went to my GP and told him that I was not going to have RAI and that I

wanted to take the ATD route.

He was rather surprised but I stressed that although I was sure that RAI

would sort out the thyroid problems I was convinced that I would suffer

after that. He said based on my belief that RAI was not good and ATD and

lifestyle changes were, that was good enough for him. We both believe in the

power of positive thought.

He was rather concerned that I was not seeing the specialist and trusting

him, because he was not as well-informed as the endo man and the lady in the

lead apron but I said between us we will just gather as much info as we can

and take it from there besides, the specialist charge 3 times more and I

have to pay for all of this.

So, based on what I have gathered from the helpful people on this list and

what I have gleaned from various web sites this is what I am going to do.

1. 10mg of Carbimazole twice a day (I think this is the active ingredient in

Tapazole, please correct me if I am wrong).

2. No smoking (I smoke, shoot me I deserve it!)

3. No alcohol

4. No caffeine

5. No sugar (but I never take the stuff anyway, I am diabetic)

6. 8 hours sleep a night

7. Blood test once a month, I get the test done independently 2 days before

I see him so the results are ready (this was a great tip!).

8. Check in with GP once a month to discuss blood test results.

I had blood taken today to test my liver functions (I had just T4 test last

week and the entire range of thyroid tests the previous week). The GP agreed

that we need to keep an eye on my liver functions.

I am still taking beta-blockers and will continue to do so for the

forseeable future. My blood pressure is a little low (100/60) but nothing

serious.

I have also started taking herbal medicine to strenghten my immune system. I

think it's eye of newt *g* and various plant roots whose names I cannot

pronounce.

I believe that my doctor is a little put out because I am the one who is

dictating exactly what, when and how things should be done. Or maybe it's

just because he is fasting today and feeling hungry and thirsty *g* but he

will get over it, it's my body.

I am convinced that eventually I will go into remission.

To reiterate, I have decided on this course of action based on advice, if

anybody has any more suggestions I am willing to try most anything.

Thanks all,

feeling a lot more positive now