Liang: RAI and pretibial myxedema

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/27/2003 4:51:23 PM Eastern Standard Time,

leon_lz@... writes:

> But, other choices should be considered after a reasonable long time

> use of ATD.

Granny has been on Tapazole continuously since 1979. Doris is in

remission after just over 4 years on Tapazole. Doctor's orders would have them

both thyroidless.

[Guest guest]

Liang,

I am not anti-RAI, but I see no reason why I should have RAI before I

try a course of ATDs and that is exactly what I am doing.

However, I really would like more information about RAI.

For one thing, my doctor told me directly that RAI will CURE my

pretibial myxedema problem and take it away completely. Have you read

anything about this? Have any of you? I have really bad pretib and my

itchy legs, once one of my best features, are not attractive.

I want to know if RAI reduces the occurrence of those little pretib

bumps and if it will take away itchiness. The pretib symptom is the

only one that I really care about with Graves. I have nothing else that

caused me any problems or worried me at all and, to me, it seems like

it is sometimes worse on ATDs, sometimes better.

I've already noticed that when my Meth is right the bumps are down and

the itchiness is gone but I've also noticed that the right dose is not

always obvious.

Just curious,

Jae

Diagnosed August 2003

currently 10 mg methimazole

Will consider RAI after 2 years

TED: subtle lid lag

[Guest guest]

Hi, Jae,

I am not anti-ATD. Actually, I would suggest whoever got the

diagnosis for Graves should go throught ATD first. To me,

conservative treatments should always be given as the first choice.

I am personally troubled by some endos that gave the RAI as the only

definitive treatment. I am also bothered by some people use some

fear instead of fact to anti-RAI.

Personally, I believe all current treatments for Graves stink,

however, conservative treatment makes more sense for most of people

to try first, if you can keep your thyroid, why get rid of it?

But, other choices should be considered after a reasonable long time

use of ATD. Of course, that is my personal opinion about choices of

treament.

I had very mild pretibial myxedema at the first onset of the Graves,

which disapperared during the treatment on ATD, even with relapse,

it did not show up again so I did not research for further info, so

it is hard for me to give you any suggestion.

You may drop elaine an email, she is very knowledgable in this field

though I might have different opinions on some of the aspect. Her

book is more subjective than the views held here.

You may also search medline to see the current treatment and

suggestions (I upload the file about searching for information). If

you ever need any help to get the full text article, you can always

to drop me an email.

Best wishes,

Liang

>

> Liang,

> I am not anti-RAI, but I see no reason why I should have RAI

before I

> try a course of ATDs and that is exactly what I am doing.

>

> However, I really would like more information about RAI.

>

> For one thing, my doctor told me directly that RAI will CURE my

> pretibial myxedema problem and take it away completely. Have you

read

> anything about this? Have any of you? I have really bad pretib

and my

> itchy legs, once one of my best features, are not attractive.

>

> I want to know if RAI reduces the occurrence of those little

pretib

> bumps and if it will take away itchiness. The pretib symptom is

the

> only one that I really care about with Graves. I have nothing else

that

> caused me any problems or worried me at all and, to me, it seems

like

> it is sometimes worse on ATDs, sometimes better.

>

> I've already noticed that when my Meth is right the bumps are down

and

> the itchiness is gone but I've also noticed that the right dose is

not

> always obvious.

>

> Just curious,

>

> Jae

>

> Diagnosed August 2003

> currently 10 mg methimazole

> Will consider RAI after 2 years

> TED: subtle lid lag

[Guest guest]

That is great! Good for Doris. My aunt did the similar thing!

However, individual case does not change the fact that quite larger

number of patients eventually did not achieve remission without

relapse after staying with ATD for long long time. How do you define

a reasonable long time, that is personal judgement.

It is still patient's choice what to do next after years of ATD. If

she or he decides to stay with ATD, this is one choice. If some goes

with RAI or surgery, I would think that would be reasonable too.

Those two methods offer patients to manage the disease from hypo

instead of from hyper, which is relatively easier.

Just do not like to scare people with some ideas not from facts

based on large studies. BTW, do not get me wrong, I also hate the

fact that some of the endos only present the other side of story and

deprived the patient the chance to try ATD first.

Best wishes,

Liang

> In a message dated 10/27/2003 4:51:23 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> leon_lz@y... writes:

>

>

> > But, other choices should be considered after a reasonable long

time

> > use of ATD.

>

> Granny has been on Tapazole continuously since 1979. Doris

is in

> remission after just over 4 years on Tapazole. Doctor's orders

would have them

> both thyroidless.

>

>

>