What is Graves Disease
Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative ex...
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On Methimazole and still have symptoms.
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I have been on Methimazole since April 2008. At first the medication seemed to work pretty good, I was on it for about 2 months. I had blood work done in early June and my dosage was to high and I was now hypo.
After the doc lowered my dosage I became hyper again and i've had two dosage changes since (increased) and they have not been able to stabilize my symptoms again( I sweat constantly, I'm hot all the time, my whole body shakes, rapid heart beat, insomnia, confusion, exhausted, memory problems, dry itchy skin, Anxiety, panic attacks, ) I feel horrible!!!!!!!! I have gained weight??? Is this normal when your hyper? I was 96 lbs when I was diagnosed. My normal weight is 115 to 120 lbs. I now weight 126lbs. I am thinking about trying the RAI but need information from those who have already been through it. Please I need help. I can't stand feeling like this anymore. Posted on 10/06/09, 09:10 am |
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Me again, Paula
Do you have any records of your labs/MMI dose at the beginning? It sure sounds like your doctor is making radical dose changes and that could be the cause of many of your symptoms - the symptoms sound pretty severe (believe me, I've been there, too). The sweating/heat intolerance, rapid heart beat, insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks are hyPER symptoms. The confusion, exhaustion, memory problems, dry/itchy skin, anxiety and panic attacks are hyPO symptoms. Obviously, some symptoms apply to both hyPER and hyPO> And, some people do gain weight when hyPER but it is more common when hyPO. Truly, until you stabilize on meds, you should be getting labs every 4 weeks - 6 weeks tops. And, your doc should be dosing you to achieve mid-range FT4, at least.....that is the level most of us feel best at. Slow and steady wins the Graves' race so you really want to monitor your levels/dose adjustments. You might want to call your doctor's office and ask that they mail hard copies of all of your labs - you are legally entitled to them. This way, you can share them with us, we can help you interpret them and you can get an idea of what to discuss with the doctor during your next appointment. It would be great if you could note your MMI dose/corresponding symptoms at the time of each lab. We'll help you get through this - we've all been there....it will get better!! 
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Hi Paula...could you post your last 3 labs along with your ranges and med doses...that way we can have a better idea of whats happening to you. Big Hugs...Kathy
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Hi! Could you post some labs so we could get a better picture? Like what dose were you put on at first and what were the next labs after being put on meds. Were you put on too high a dose then too low a dose maybe?
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When I read this I thought I was reading about myself just know you are not alone. It's one day at a time.
Get your labs they are important to keep track of. You will be in my prayers.
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I just found this site. First, let me say it is so good to talk to other people with Graves. Next, I have Graves and spent the last two years like you going back and forth, hyper to hypo and I don't think it is "normal" but I guess it goes with our condition. I did not have the big weight loss problem in the first place but have gained 15 lbs. since being on the meth pill. And I am suppose to be hyper?? I was always afraid of the surgery because once you have it - you absolutely will have a weight problem (heavier) for the rest of your life and you will have to take medication anyway. And I do not want that. Keep track of your TSH levels - make a chart. Make sure you go to a doctor you can talk to !
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Also keep track of the Free T3 and the Free T4.
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Hi, I had surgery in June because I had the same problems....over medicated, under medicated and feeling really bad for months at a time. Maybe I was overly sensitive to the meds or maybe they just screwed with them too much. I dont know but I do know that since the TT in june I have returned to my normal self and feel great.
I think its a myth about being heavier for life. If your meds are right for you than your weight wont change so drastically. I gained over 50lbs a few years back for no reason(should have been my first clue) then started dropping it like crazy (70lbs). Last year I was over medicated starting in Oct until the end of Feb/09 and gained back 40lbs. Since surgery I have actually lost almost 10 lbs by just feeling better and being able to get my butt up off the couch. I havent changed my eating habits at all. My levels have been great and I havent had a dose change at all in 4 months. My surgeon must have picked my magic dose the first time!!! I have wrote in my journal how I was feeling right after surgery and still continue to feel better everyday. Also the side effects of synthroid are was less than the anti thyroid drugs for me. I did stay on the ATDs for a year and a half with no signs of improvement. I feel that if one cant get stable on meds after some time that they do need to try something else. I am thankful that I did. I was scared of both RAI and surgery but researched for months and made my choice. So far I have no regrets. I knew that it couldnt possibly be worse than what I was going thru already. Positive mind set is a big factor in any choice. I wish you good luck with your choice and good health!!!
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