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
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Oriental medicine

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I have been hesitant to share this, but it may help others. I had to stop PTU due to high liver function tests (LFT's), just when my symptoms were coming under control. My endo predicted the rapid return (within a week) of my horrible symptoms and a need to move rapidly toward surgery (I refuse to take the radiation, just a feeling about myself). I just happened to have my first appointment with a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, as I had decided to get all the help I could. That was 3 weeks ago. I have been having acupunture weekly, am taking chinese medicines (in the form of herbs), and eating a basically macrobiotic diet. I can't tell you how wonderful I feel! I even stopped taking my Inderal 3 days ago. My goiter is better on some days and worse on others. I will have my thyroid levels checked tomorrow and indeed see what the real picture is.
Surprisingly my endo is very supportive. He just wants what is best for me.
Just wanted to share.
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I think this is great info and wonderful that you're feeling so much better! The more info we can share, the better. I would SO much prefer non chemical meds and am working on finding a DOM myself. I am eager to see what your blood levels are, plz keep us posted!
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Thank you for sharing your success! I too take herbs. I also receive acupuncture and see a naturopath for nutrion/herbs, etc. This path has been a miracle for me. I didn't want RAI or surgery unless it was my very last resort. I wish you continued success and keep sharing your journey!
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I got my tests back today. My LFT's are normal, so the liver problems were indeed caused by the PTU. My thyroid tests.....Free T4 normal, Free T3 530, down from 945 (normal 240-420), and TSH still very low, although a touch high. Endo is willing to let me try Methimazole. I can't help but believe this improvement is due to the acupuncture and herbs/diet. I am still deciding, but I think I am inclined to continue with the Chinese route alone. Oh, by the way, I am nearly off my Inderal, too. I am taking only occasionally for slightly elevated heart rate.
Blessings all!
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I just wanted to share that I've been balancing herbs with methimazole. Now I'm at a place where I can go off methimazole entirely soon if I choose to. I have the same problem with liver enzymes and am taking an herb called TAPS that has brought my enzymes back to normal.

I'm excited that this is working for you!
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Thank you for the input,Erica. My delema is whether to use both the drugs and chinese treatment. I am wondering if I might recover more quickly with both, or if that will change how the chinese treatment is working. It is hard to be patient. With what you have said, I will rethink adding Methimazole. What does TAPS stand for? Is it an herbal combination?
Thank you, again, for your thoughts!
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Although I haven't tried herbal medicine yet (just waiting for things to calm down a bit), I have been doing acupuncture and took a mind-body class to try to help with the symptoms. I also have been working closely with a holistic nutritionist and trying to eat well and take the right supplements. I have decreased my methimazole from 20mg to 5mg since I was diagnosed in June and have not had any liver problems. My thyroid levels are normal for the first time. From my experience in the beginning an integrative approach (using both western medicine and alternative therapies) is a good way to go when the symptoms are severe with the hope of eventually using only alternative therapies if possible. I'm so glad that there are people here to share different approaches. Please keep sharing! :)
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Singersue-I'm so glad that your thyroid levels are normal! I also just read your kind message on my journal. Thanks for sharing about your friends :)

Nancy- I couldn't find on the bottle what TAPS stands for, but it's manufactured by Thorne Research. It has milk thistle, artichoke extract, turmeric extract, and picrorhzia kurroa extract (whatever that is!).

I stayed on the methimazole because the herbs were not working for me at first. It took quite a while to find the right herbs for me. So, I had to stay on methimazole to keep my thyroid normal.
deleted_user
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Erica, your T.A.P.S. is very interesting. It seems that every herb in the formula is a liver tonic. I know that in my case the Oriental MD has found much weakness in my liver, and much of what she has me doing is to support the healing of my liver. I have no idea whether all who suffer from Graves have weakness in their liver's, but you and I seem to. Thank you for sharing. I will obtain a supply of your TAPS. How did you find out about this formula?
Blessings,
Nancy
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deleted_user
Nancy, Last year I increased my dose of ptu and my enzymes dramatically increased. So, I went on a liver detox diet and started these herbs (from my naturalpath/acupuncturist).
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