I am recently in remission from active graves, for the second time. If you achieved remission while on meds the first time, it is likely that you will again. The second time for me was not nearly as bad. Knew what to expect, didn't have as drastic weight loss, watched levels every 3-4 weeks. However, I caught it coming on early...and my levels were not horrible. I went on Methimazole this time instead of PTU.
Having issues with food / dyes and chemicals myself ( daily Hives) I am also quite hesitant to have RAI. (though it is still is being considered at this point) ....But am hesitant for some of the same reasons you mentioned. Please dont feel you need to Rush through having this procedure done. Once done....it is final, there is no going back. Make sure that your decision is on YOUR terms, and that you have all of the information needed to make an informed decision. How bad are your thyroid levels currently???

Thanks for your advise, Insomniac.

I had a long talk with my Endo. She was talking RAI and I asked if she ever had a Migraine patient (she didn't). I explained that with migraines that when they got really bad that I was often feeling suicidal and that if they got worse that it would likely push me over the edge.

I am seeing a migraine specialist this November and she agreed that RAI doesn't need to be done immediatly so she put me on Methimazole until we could discuss it with the other specialist.

I am feeling so much better emotionally. I can now see if the migraines decrease with the pills and I am no longer terrified. I feel I can trust this Endo.

Hi Enigma, so sorry you're suffering. I can totally relate. I too suffered with severe migraines that would keep me down for days. Didn't matter what I took, tylenol, advil, etc. nothing worked. I'd wake up with them. As soon as I sat up from sleep, bam! There it is AGAIN! Days and days on never ending pain. It felt like there was a vice on my head situated at each temple. This went on for a couple of years. I had to leave work for days. My poor family. I couldn't have the t.v. On the lowest of volume, couldn't talk to me cause it hurt. This was prior to my graves' diagnosis. Went to doctor after doctor. No one could help. I was desperate. So one day searching the net I came across a website that claimed amalgam fillings may be the culprit...I know...I thought well what the heck? Could it be? I was having other symptoms of an allergy to amalgam or metal whatever they put in them. In my desperation to try anything, I found a mercury-free dentist in my area www.iaomt.org and went ahead and had them removed. No kidding, at last, my migraines went away. No I don't know if it was just coincidental or what, but whatever, I no longer suffer. I was amazed and still am today that I no longer am suffering from that hell. The only other time I suffered after that was went I went through TED. So I just don't know what it was, but there was definitely marked improvement after I had those amalgams removed. My holistic dentist seemed to think I had an allergy to metal and that what was causing the migraines. Makes sense to me now since the grave's diagnosis, since we seem to be allergic to anything foreign in our systems. Hope this helps somewhat. Let me know, and take care xo

THanks, jjbrooks. I never heard of that before. It is definately something I'm going to look into now!