Hi:

Yes, unfortunately all this is 'normal' as one goes through recovery to heal from any thyroid issues. :-/

You have not said if you are on any meds, how much and how often and how long it has been with the meds.

Typically it takes 6 to 8 weeks to use up the extra stores of Iodine and then doses are adjusted to keep the thyroid levels of the Free T3 and the Free T4 within the mid to the upper third ranges of the normal lab reference ranges. From there on labs every four to six weeks all the while adjusting meds so one doesn't get over medicated and go hypO (weight gain).

Graves' Disease is set off by triggers such as to the diet of any exposure to artificial sweeteners, excess Iodine, etc. Environmental triggers such as cigarette/cigar smoke, perfumes, etc. (such as products used for personal and household) is another area.

Elaine Moore is one good source to go and read/research: elaine-moore.com

I took several months to recover and because I was over medicated (hypO) that took another 9 months to recover from that. For the past 13+ years I take a very wee dose of MMI (Methimazole) to keep me stabled. Because I have another autoimmune disorder I work to keep it as balanced as possible with the Graves' Disease.

Having patience for a lifetime autoimmune disorder - Graves' Disease is needed. Be your own advocate - read and do a lot of research.

{{{hugs}}}

I just wanted to send you love. I was also just diagnosed with graves plus graves ophthalmology .
I understAnd perfectly the hell you are going through and i just want to wish you a speedy recovery and the best of luck in whatever Treatment you choose.
Don't be too hard on your friends... they just can't possibly understand.
You can not entertain thoughts of suicide because your son needs you. Speak to your doctor about how you're feeling. Sending you hugs and strength.

Thank you both for replying,
I am on medication im on methimazole and propranolol. I'm still experiencing my "mood swings" I don't consider them mood swings anymore they aren't as bad I just feel so much deeper then I ever have before. I've been on my medication for 16 days and I can't seem to tell a difference I'm still weak, tired, and I ache all over.

16 days is not very long. After 6 to 8 weeks, extra stores of Iodine is used up and levels begins dropping.

Best thing to do is to be kind to self and understand the body is under a lot of stress from being ill. Take time to rest up as much as possible.

{{{hugs}}}

Hi
I too was recently diagnosed I don't believe the specialist and his treatments I have two other autoimmune diseases and diabetes. He is trying to force me to have RAI and telling me that I won't ever get better and he can't let me take the carbimizole for more than 18mths as it is too dangerous now my body has gone hypo and he said that is why he wanted me to have the treatment he gave me heart tablets too I threw them in the bin as soon as I got out of the hospital and the pain in my legs disappeared. I don't want to see the specialist anymore I have just cancelled my appointment it has affected my eyes according to him and the hospital are saying my eyes are not affected I got the bulging eyes and the pain in them my doctor kept telling me there was nothing wrong with me them the muscle started to disappear and he just told me weight loss would be good for me. Now the drugs have caused me to put on weight and he is abusing me for it I can't cope with the crap anymore I am going to do this my way now. Your BF doesn't understand because it is an autoimmune disease it really can't be seen just felt by you and the eyes can be but the pain etc from and autoimmune disease cannot be seen.

I was just recently diagnosed to. It sucks. I'm on medication and I'm suppose to go back to work this Thursday. This terrifies me because they are working 10 hour days and 7 days a week. I work in a factory and it's very stressful. I to am still tired and weak. I'm struggling to.

Hi fellow gravesters. I'm sorry to hear of all of the suffering. Tracking your blood test levels and keeping a journal of what they are and when you feel good may help. The beginning is tough. My suggestions are to help the inflammation in your body. Try to get some exercise, eat healthy and possible, get the sleep you need and find a doctor that will listen to you. This may be the hardest part. I was diagnosed 5 years ago. I take Methimazole. I'm having my thyroid removed next Tuesday because I can't keep my levels consistent. My body doesn't do well on either medications. Soon I will be Hypothyroid for life. I'm just hoping this will be a little easier to manage. Good luck to you ladies. I know how hard this can be.

Hello, I am brand new to this group today and have had Graves for 18 years, most of which were spent controlling my disease thru exercise. I had hoped to pick up some new information from you all but it seems that I may actually be able to share some wisdom. Mine was Hyperthyroid, brought on pretty suddenly after the birth of my son. He had health issues that were puzzling so I spent a lot of time trying to problem solve, as the Docs were not very helpful. The stress of it all sent my levels soaring. After a few months on propylthiouracil, I became very sick with the flu which was very bad since the medication was destroying my white cell count. At some point after the flu, my levels dipped below normal so I was told to stop the medication. In the beginning, I was on and off the medication several times. I leveled out after a while and I was monitored every 6 months by my endocrinologist. I learned that the bouts of Hyperthyroidism were mainly caused by stress, so I found that exercise was paramount in keeping me feeling well. Over the years, I have had more hot flashes and palpitations than I care to remember but for the most part, I have felt relatively well. But I always felt that there were other issues going on that no one could pinpoint. Then about 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, and developed a whole host of new symptoms to add to my repertoire. But it wasn't until last December, after recovering from a second case of Lyme, discovered last summer, that I really began to suspect what might be causing some of my issues. I stopped eating all grains and sugar in December, and my joint pain and inflammation improved dramatically. Unfortunately, I had been drinking a whey protein shake as a meal replacement for breakfast and lunch, and I began experiencing severe sinus pressure and pain. I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and was prescribed antibiotics and steroids as my sinuses were swollen and my ears were full of fluid. After 10 days and no improvement, I wondered if it could be an allergic reaction to the shakes. I am convinced that that is what was happening, as after I stopped drinking them, I slowly improved. Unfortunately, 2 weeks later, I began to experience symptoms of Hyperthyroid. Which brings me to my wisdom. Upon doing some research about my Graves disease, I read that it can be caused by allergic reactions, specifically those related to sinus. I also read that persons suffering from Graves should not be eating Gluten or sugar, in addition to processed foods. I originally thought that my Autoimmune from the Lyme had caused all of the inflammation, but now I believe it may have just pronounced an already existing condition from the Graves. There, sorry so long but I wish that someone had told me this 18 years and 40 pounds ago. Yes, even with Hyperthyroid you can have trouble losing weight, especially if you are eating foods that cause inflammation. In December alone, I lost 16 pounds while eliminating these foods. I probably would have lost more last month if I hadn't become so ill from the allergic reaction. Sorry this has been so lengthy, if anyone else has any wisdom that they would like to share, it would be appreciated. Good luck to you all, and just remember when you are feeling so depressed that you can't face anyone or another day, ask for help in the form of anti anxiety/antidepressants. They helped me thru several difficult times. I used them to help me get back on my feet and then weened off of them by exercising. The exercising helps to alleviate stress and releases endorphins. Thanks for listening!

Hi tekdurk:

I understand what you are going through with the food triggers and such. I kept a small notebook to write all I consumed. Then I realized I was reacting to the processed foods that were loaded with chemicals and toxins. I had to go organic and non-GMO. I try to consume no more than a handful ingredients when eating an organic, processed food. I also had problems with many personal and household products. I had to find alternatives and organic to be safe to put on my skin/hair, etc. Doing laundry the 'green' way and making use of wool balls and white vinegar.

I have had GD for 16+ years now and take just a wee dose of MMI (Methimazole) to stay stabled. I also have RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) and I walk a 'fine' between the two to keep as balanced as possible. Remission hasn't happened yet for me because of the autoimmune diseases. But that's okay, I understand why my body is being so reactive and I do what I can to stay well.

{{{hugs}}}

Thank you for the reply. Yes, it seems very complicated. I see the point of writing the foods down, but often times, I still have reactions when I have eaten foods that I know are fine for me. I don't eat processed foods anymore and try to eat organic when possible, definitely Non GMO. I haven't gone organic with my laundry soap, not sure how that could effect me. What do you do with wool balls and white vinegar? Is that a homemade fabric softener? Do you ever get palpitations or go into aFib? Of all symptoms, those I find bother me the most. After my levels were elevated few weeks
ago, I started taking large doses of magnesium and B complex, along with exercise, and it seems to have helped. Thanks for the reply.

Hi tekdurk:

The wool balls is for the dryer and the white vinegar is for the liquid fabric softener. Also an unscented 'green' dryer sheet is used. I make my own laundry soap with using goat milk soap, washing soda, baking soda, 'green' non chlorine bleach, and borax (that one is an iffy). I also use several organic/natural laundry soaps from other companies such as: Organic Green Shield, Molly Suds, Charlie's Soap, Seventh Generation, Biokleen, etc.

I don't know if you are from the USA or not.

But any way the palps and the A-Fib usually happens with thyroid levels not in the 'right' places and reacting not necessarily to my diet, but sensitivities to many of the scents outside of the house out in the public places. Sometimes I hate going out knowing how I can react and get set off by these scents.

{{{hugs}}}