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...
Hi. I have not been on a Graves Disease board in forever, because I've been in remission for 20 years. I did block and replace therapy back in 1992 before anybody had ever heard of it. I had read about it while researching Graves Disease in the library (before most of us had computers!)
My endo was opposed to the idea, but it was getting a big success rate in Japan, so I convinced him to try it. It took a year, but it worked for me!
In case you don't know what B&R is, it's taking pro and anti-thyroid medication at the same time. The idea is to put your thyroid to sleep, and to let it rest and heal. I was on PTU and Synthroid at the same time.
You do have to be vigilant about taking all those pills at the prescribed time of day, and you do have to go in for blood work every two weeks to make sure your white blood cell count hasn't gone down. It's kind of a pain in the behind, but to me, well worth it.
I am now HYPOthyroid and on .75 synthroid a day. I don't even think about my Graves Disease anymore, except to have my TSH tested every six months.
I recently spoke to an endo who had no idea of what block and replace was. I'm wondering if anybody is doing it these days, and if not, why? It obviously works. I'm proof!
My endo was opposed to the idea, but it was getting a big success rate in Japan, so I convinced him to try it. It took a year, but it worked for me!
In case you don't know what B&R is, it's taking pro and anti-thyroid medication at the same time. The idea is to put your thyroid to sleep, and to let it rest and heal. I was on PTU and Synthroid at the same time.
You do have to be vigilant about taking all those pills at the prescribed time of day, and you do have to go in for blood work every two weeks to make sure your white blood cell count hasn't gone down. It's kind of a pain in the behind, but to me, well worth it.
I am now HYPOthyroid and on .75 synthroid a day. I don't even think about my Graves Disease anymore, except to have my TSH tested every six months.
I recently spoke to an endo who had no idea of what block and replace was. I'm wondering if anybody is doing it these days, and if not, why? It obviously works. I'm proof!
Yes, I am familiar with B/R Therapy. I am glad it has worked out well for you.
Most Endos (80%) work more with people who have diabetes rather than those with thyroid problems. Unfortunately like many of us have had to do, to go through a lot of Endos to find the 'right' one who will treat us properly.
Instead, I see a holistic internist/NMD who specializes in hormones. I see his Endo friend once per year.
I suggest you get your Free T3 and Free T4 tested in addition to the TSH. Going by the TSH alone, does not help us when we have either hypO or hypER symptoms and needing to adjust the meds with using the Free Ts.
{{{hugs}}} :-)
P.S. Have you tried the Top Thyroid Doctors list for a list of doctors in your area who may be familiar with the B/R Therapy?
{{{hugs}}}