What is Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism (or "overactive thyroid gland") is the clinical syndrome caused by an excess of circulating free thyroxine (T4) or free triiodothyronine (T3), or both.
Major ...
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Eating disorder and Graves disease
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I have recently been diagnosed with Graves disease. I just turned 20, and I have been struggling with anorexia since I was 14.
Because my symptoms are so severe and my TSH levels so low, my doctor feels the best option for me would be radioactive iodine. I am 5ft 6 in, and at my happiest I was 110lbs. I am currently 102lbs, but a lot of that is because of the Graves. I guess I just need some reassurance. I am afraid that I am going to blow up like a balloon. If it weren't for the severe pain from my eyes ( I have exophthalmos) and the fact that my resting heart rate is 120bpm, I wouldn't seek treatment. I don't know what this is going to do to me, and I don't know if I'm emotionally stable enough to handle gaining weight. I'm seriously considering opting out of treatment completely. Posted on 06/25/09, 07:06 pm |
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At your age and with eye disease I wouldn't consider RAI.(makes it worse) Go on the Graves message board and look at Kerry who had surgery, along with Mandi. Some who had the RAI aren't doing too well and some had to have it repeated. How about trying meds? Tsh has nothing to do with severity. Antibodies lower the tsh. 
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First I suggest getting put on ATDs (antithyroid drugs) to lower down your thyroid levels, if you haven't already. Then as brans says, consider a TT rather than an RAI. I would suggest being on the ATDs for a good few months and see how that goes before making a huge decision which will affect the rest of your life.
If left untreated, Graves' Disease is a life threatening disease. Take care...
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Hi
Sorry to hear about all this. Did the drs say your eating disorder had anything to do w/ bring your Hyper T to a head. That kinda of stress on the body can cause disruptions in the system. If it is jst hyper T and not auto immune hyper T you should def try the anti thyroid drugs first. My understanding is sometimes Hyper T can be temporary but needs to be treated (b/c it could be dangerous untreated) I know a few people that have had Hyper T and stayed on the meds for a few yrs and its settled out w/ the meds and they are no longer on any meds. Def give them a try. I agree w/ everyone else too I wouldnt do RAI esp w/ any eye involvment. Good Luck feel better!!
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