Graves' Disease Support Group

Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...

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Endocrine System
/ Graves' Disease Support Group

Any Ideas on where to turn?

KevM
KevM
When does treatment start again? I am entering my 40th year with thyroid trouble and currently am not being treated for anything thyroid wise. I am on Atenolol and aspirin daily for SVTs (Supraventricular tachyarrythmias). My current labs results are:



TSH - 0.016

T3 - 257

T4(free) - 1.68



I have been waiting since 6/02 when the results came back for my Doc to do anything. He did arrange a consult for a sleep study which should be wonderful since I am currently Hyper and sleeping like it. I love my hot flashes and tremors, the wonderful feeling of my hair walking accross my scalp. At what point are you supposed to question what the doc is going to do? This is hardly my first time hyperthyroid - that was in 1968, I was discharged from the Navy in 1981 with Graves and SVTs. I monitor myself for signs and go in periodically for check ups when I see the indicators - Right now my list of symptoms reads like:

Sweats/Hot Flashes

Tremors

Clammy skin

Palpitations (14 hour episode last Thurs)

Fatigue

No Sleep

No Sexual Interest

No weight control (Goes down and up willy nilly)

Supreme Space Cadet (memory doesn't work well)

Clumsy (I miss steps, Door Handles, etc)

Vision trouble

The litany goes on, and I am locked into my current treatment team due to my insurance...this is so frustrating. Anyone have any ideas?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Does your doctor even admit you have Graves Disease. With all your symptoms they should be doing more for you. Can you see an Endo doctor? You may just have to show up in their office with research you have done yourself. Contact the NGDF (National Graves Disease Foundation) on the web they may be able to help you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm not sure why you're waiting at all. There are ranges for 'normal' levels and you are out of those ranges--at least in your TSH, can't remember the other ones. I would start by getting a second opinion, a third if nothing is done. And start being aggressive with your treatment and research where your levels should be. Even if your levels were considered in the range of normal, your symptoms are not. Take action now so that you can start feeling better asap. Take care.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just read that you 'are locked in to your current treatment team.' Look into your options--drive somewhere else if you have to. If that doesn't work, do your own research and be adimant that something else is done. I once brought a tape recorder to an appt. because the endo wasn't taking me seriously--that got things going in high gear. They don't want to be sued either. I know that's an extreme, but I was angry at their lack of concern and wasn't about to let things get off track even further. You are a patient, but they are there to serve YOU. Take action.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Go Erica75- We have to be our own advocates!!!
I suggest you take more atenolol or change to propranolol this will stop most of you syptoms until you can get straightened out with ATD's or treatment. This is the longest I have heard of anyone going untreated. It can be a serious thing very damaging to your body...Get to the Endocronologist ASAP.