Pointless excercise?

[Guest guest]

I don't see the point of continually being passed from one doctor to

another. It would make much more sense seeing the same one, it

appears we have no choice. Today's version of 'doctor' informed my

husband he had Graves disease...hello?...then went on to say he was

one of the 'unfortunate few' who has had this for a long time.

Really? " It usually just goes away after a while " ..yes..it did

(ish), but its come back again TWICE and worse each time. RAI was

given as an option AGAIN of which I prompty shot him down (verbally

in case you get the wrong idea lol)

I don't think he liked me very much. I was too vocal, I told him I

thought my husband should be seen more often than once every 3 months

and I wasn't happpy with the 'care' he had received so far. The next

appointment is 4 weeks, continue with the 400mg PTU and stop the beta

blockers. " It usually goes away in the end " ..the end of what I

asked..the end of his life? I don't think he liked me very

much..<grin>

Jemima

[Guest guest]

Hi Jemima. My deepest sympathies. My in-laws moved to the US from England

a few years ago and while they appreciate the NHS for the preventive

health care and basics, they're grateful to be out of there now that

they're dealing with more serious stuff. A few comments/questions:

Today's version of 'doctor' informed my

> husband he had Graves disease...hello?...then went on to say he was

> one of the 'unfortunate few' who has had this for a long time.

> Really? " It usually just goes away after a while " .

Is this dr. an endo? Actually, is he a dr. at all or did he find his

certification in a Cracker Jacks box? The only time it may be remotely

appropriate to make such a statement is in reference to thyroiditis, such

as post-partum thyroiditis which is usually treated with monitoring and

beta-blockers if needed. Since I assume your husband is not

post-partum...

Untreated hyperthyroidism is extremely dangerous. If you have the time

and energy to tilt at windmills you may want to lodge a formal complaint.

> thought my husband should be seen more often than once every 3

> months

Refresh my memory: Has your husband had any follow-up care since starting

PTU? Even my incompetent endo #2 ran a liver panel and blood count after

the first four weeks on ATDs. As long as the blood's there DH should also

have a FT4 and TSH.

appointment is 4 weeks, continue with the 400mg PTU and stop the

> beta

> blockers.

Good for the 4 weeks but bad about the beta-blockers. UNLESS he started

on a very low dose or has been gradually reducing. I'm not familiar with

bb's, standard doses etc., not having taken them, but they must not be

stopped cold-turkey. Which bb is he on and what dose?

400 is a pretty large dose to start at though not unheard. Chances are

he'll be able to drop to 300, possibly less depending on the results of

the bloodwork (you must base this on FT4 at the very least). After this

it's best to reduce in 50 mg. increments if possible.

Take care, Fay

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[Guest guest]

Whoa !!!!!!

Stopping beta blockers cold turkey is a known cause of heart attack or

thyroid storm.

Do a Google search for the brand name of your beta blocker please. See all

the WARNINGS.

-Pam L-

[Guest guest]

>continue with the 400mg PTU

Why ?

Based on what facts ?

-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.