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...
My best friend has also been diagnosed with Graves - 6 months ago, and then I was diagnosed almost 2 months ago... we have ENOUGH in common I thought, but life gave us one more thing to experience together! She just saw her Endo today and he is keeping her at the dose she is on of MMI, however, he has told her that he doesn't believe that she will be one of the people that can go into Remission, and that she needs to make a choice between the RAI and Surgery. He said that being on the ATD's long term has too many side effects. This is disappointing, and I feel rather selfish saying that! But I really hoped that we would be able to go into remission together, that sounds cheesy, I know, but I am SO hopeful for myself, and I just wanted the same for her :(
I am very much the kind of person that explores every option for EVERYthing, and always strive for health, well-being, and natural remedies. My friend is very different from me in that way, and I was not truly confident that she would be able to follow this same path, but I hoped that my example - that is, kicking ass at going in to remission (this is my goal) would convince her to try.
I don't really know if I am looking for advice here, or just wanted to discuss this ... thanks!
I am very much the kind of person that explores every option for EVERYthing, and always strive for health, well-being, and natural remedies. My friend is very different from me in that way, and I was not truly confident that she would be able to follow this same path, but I hoped that my example - that is, kicking ass at going in to remission (this is my goal) would convince her to try.
I don't really know if I am looking for advice here, or just wanted to discuss this ... thanks!
Endo #2 was much better than the first, but not necessarily ideal. Still, I was able to be partially non-compliant, as it suited me, so long as I was careful not to miss so many doses of MMI that I would go hyper again. I started with him in Sept 2010 and went into the normal range by May 2011. I took my last dose of MMI in Dec 2012, actually stopping the meds immediately after my blood test, without the doctor's approval. After the fact, though, he said it was a good thing I stopped it.
I personally believe that it is getting my actual Free T4 and Free T3 higher within the normal range that has helped me go into remission, although my Free T3 has been below normal range in two of the last 4 blood tests I have had. My doctor has not been willing to prescribe thyroid supplements to me yet, though.
I believe you and your friend can go into remission, but I would encourage you to get copies of your own labs and post them here for others to help interpret and express their opinions about. Another good suggestion is to keep a daily log of your symptoms. I am able to take my own blood pressure and pulse and log that.
I'm not sure why the Endo said that she is unlikely to go into remission. Unfortunately, my friend isn't as proactive as I am and appears to be willing to go with his diagnosis and treatment plan, without questioning it. I am still hopefull that my experience and anticipated remission will inspire her, and be in time, before she makes a drastic move and it is too late.
Has anyone gone the complimentary route of Accupuncture? I've read lots on here about the different supplements and vitamins/minerals. I had started accupuncture, but then had an unexpected financial setback that has prevented my continued treatment, but I would really like to see how some have responded to accupuncture.
Thanks Ladies