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...
Okay, so after 6 weeks, I've had my labs again.
I have posted my entire lab workup from the time I as diagnosed in my first journal entry along with symptoms I had.
My last labs were:
11/04/2009
T3, Free 473 (range 230-420)
T4, Free 1.1 (range 0.8-1.8)
Endo decided to keep me at PTU 50 mg, daily in divided doses and taken off Propranolol completely. However, I have lowered my PTU to 37.5 mg daily in divided doses. Hair is falling out again and acne has returned. Energy level almost feels normal again.
TODAY's LABS (done on 12/18/09)
T3, Free 503 (range 230-420)
T4, Free 1.3 (range 0.8-1.8)
I am still taking 37.5mg in divided doses daily (I take 12.5 mg at 9:30 every am, and I take 25 mg at 6:30 pm every evening). I can honestly say that I almost feel normal. A few mood swings but nothing major. I have felt some palpitations but very little and not that often. I have also noticed that insomnia has returned (or so I think it has)... maybe I'm just staying up later since I'm just not so tired ALL the time anymore.
I have had more energy and feel like I am almost back to my normal self. I've been as active as I was prior to being diagnosed. I can go to the grocery store, go to the mall, or whatever now and I'm not exhausted after an hour. It's pretty nice. However, my Free T3 went up a little from my last labs. Can anyone suggest why this would be? Am I going hyper again? How do I bring that down? Should I be worried?
My biggest fear is having a thyroid storm again. Sometimes I worry alot about it and that kicks my insomnia back into gear.
Any advice is great!!! Thanks so much to all of you. Without you, I would have never survived this awful disease.
~Great big hugs!
I have posted my entire lab workup from the time I as diagnosed in my first journal entry along with symptoms I had.
My last labs were:
11/04/2009
T3, Free 473 (range 230-420)
T4, Free 1.1 (range 0.8-1.8)
Endo decided to keep me at PTU 50 mg, daily in divided doses and taken off Propranolol completely. However, I have lowered my PTU to 37.5 mg daily in divided doses. Hair is falling out again and acne has returned. Energy level almost feels normal again.
TODAY's LABS (done on 12/18/09)
T3, Free 503 (range 230-420)
T4, Free 1.3 (range 0.8-1.8)
I am still taking 37.5mg in divided doses daily (I take 12.5 mg at 9:30 every am, and I take 25 mg at 6:30 pm every evening). I can honestly say that I almost feel normal. A few mood swings but nothing major. I have felt some palpitations but very little and not that often. I have also noticed that insomnia has returned (or so I think it has)... maybe I'm just staying up later since I'm just not so tired ALL the time anymore.
I have had more energy and feel like I am almost back to my normal self. I've been as active as I was prior to being diagnosed. I can go to the grocery store, go to the mall, or whatever now and I'm not exhausted after an hour. It's pretty nice. However, my Free T3 went up a little from my last labs. Can anyone suggest why this would be? Am I going hyper again? How do I bring that down? Should I be worried?
My biggest fear is having a thyroid storm again. Sometimes I worry alot about it and that kicks my insomnia back into gear.
Any advice is great!!! Thanks so much to all of you. Without you, I would have never survived this awful disease.
~Great big hugs!
{{{hugs}}} :--)
Thanks so much! you are truly a blessing to this support group.
My blood pressure has the tendency to go low so I try to keep the beta blocker doses small. I also try not to let my heart rate go below 70.
What kind of Propranolol pills do you have and how many mg each pill is it?
{{{hugs}}} :-)
Yes, MM gives excellent advice but not everyone takes it - you obviously saw merit in her words and are now reaping the benefits.
You do want to work on bringing that FT3 down and, yes, a beta-blocker is one way to do it.
I remember your issues with the med but, maybe, just maybe a small dose would do the trick.
Your FT3 isn't horribly elevated but it should get into range. Things just might fall into place on their own, too.
Dietary triggers are a good place to look.
Hey - have you ever read "Thyroid for Dummies"?
I bought the book when first Dx'd in June 2007 and it went MIA until most recently.
I thumbed through it last night - there's lots of good info in there, including stuff about diet.....you just might want to get yourself a copy.
SO happy for you that you are taming your Graves' beast - yet another ATD success!!! WooooHooooo!!!
Happy Dances here!!!
Thanks again... I truly appreciate all the advice.
scorpiogirl:
When, if any time that your heart rate goes up or if you feel a bit hypER, is when it would be considered the ideal time to take the Propranolol.
{{{hugs}}} :--)
You also might want to try taking your propanlol before bed if it effects your BP to much or makes you dizzy. I have had to do it that way.
Also you will need to start a food diary and put how you feel a few hours after eating. THis will help you to find triggers in yrou diet.
Most people have toruble with MSG, artificail sweetments such as aspertame, and dairy. Finding wha is bothering you and eliminating them will help you to feel better.
I have to use Kosher salt. I tried to use sea salt but it was a no go for me LOL. You just have to find what it is your need to stay away from and make the changes that best fit you and your body.
I know it can be a challange some times, but it can be done and it will make you feel so much better.
I hope you get to feeling better
Angel
Angel: as for my diet... I pretty much know what to keep away from. I've learned that eating out sometimes triggers dizziness or some other symptoms so I avoid those places that I've had any incidences (usually chinese food). Since being diagnosed with this disease, I've pretty much made everything homemade and bland. I don't use salt at all. I don't even hardly use any spices... I just use garlic and fresh herbs with alot of things. I avoid dairy altogether and chocolate as well... prior to this I was a chocoaholic big time! :)
Anyhow, will keep ya posted and appreciate the advice...
HUGS