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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Jen8 07/03/2017

Hello :) I was diagnosed about a week ago. I am 26 years old and am a bit shell shocked. Not sure how serious this is and what the long term implications may be. My Endocrinologist has given 2 options for treatment - the Radioactive Iodine pill to destroy the thyroid or the Neo-Mercazol treatment for 18 months which could result in remission (50% chance). Would love to hear from people who have been through these treatments. Thanks.

mmztcass 07/03/2017

Hi:

I am on 14+ years on a 'wee' amount of Methimazole - 0.625 mg per day and doing fine. One can stay on the ATD (antithyroid drug) forever as long as liver numbers are okay and such.

I haven't hit remission yet, but do find that with having a thyroid autoimmune disorder, there can be 'hidden' dietary as well as environmental triggers setting our symptoms off. Such a common list can be found at:

http://www.livingwithgravesdisease.com/forums/forum/2-thyroid-101/

We have to learn to be proactive with thyroid health, learn how to read lab results and work with doctors to adjustments meds, etc.

{{{hugs}}}

Jen8 07/04/2017

Thank you for the reply. I will definitely have a look at the list. I am a smoker and know that I have to stop as it makes things worse. Good to hear that you can stay on the meds indefinitely without too much drama. Thank you :)

Wilton 07/05/2017

I've been on methimazola for 15 months now, it gets better in time. I had so much anxiety at first, shacking hand blood pressure high, felt like I was going crazy, because it really wasn't explain to me by my doctor. Graves disease is a autoimmune condition, I had a thyroid storm and was in ICU, so take your meds, be extra good to yourself. Read about calming your immune system down. There is a drug called LDN for autoimmune diseases, if I don't go I'm remission at 24 months I'll probably try it.

mcdevitt07 07/06/2017

I too have been on small amounts of methmazole since 2007. I have gone into remission many times and off of all medications and then stress flares it up again. If your current Dr. will not agree with this shop around for another Dr. Read as much as you can too.

LadyGidget 07/14/2017

A few of my docs pushed RAI but I don't agree with that method if our levels can be managed with medication. Read, read and read some more and don't be afraid to question your doc. They can suggest but, truly, it's up to you how you want to manage your disease. :) With meds, I reached normal levels pretty quickly and now take microdoses of 1.25 mg daily for 3 days of the week and .625 mg daily 4 days of the week. No remission yet since my antibodies were quite high but we'll see how it goes. I may eventually try LDN as well if I can't hit remission within a few years.

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