Hyperthyroidism Support Group

Hyperthyroidism (or "overactive thyroid gland") is the clinical syndrome featuring weight loss (often accompanied by a ravenous appetite), fatigue, weakness, hyperactivity, irritability, apathy, depression, polyuria, and sweating. Additional symptoms may include palpitations and arrhythmias (notably atrial fibrillation), dyspnea, loss of libido, nausea, vomiting, and...

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Endocrine System
/ Hyperthyroidism Support Group

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worldofblah4
worldofblah4
Went to the doctor and got diagnosed with hyperthyroidism possibly Graves disease. I have to go see an endocrinologist and get a thyroid scan. They might radiate the thyroid to kill it and then take synthyroid for the rest of my life....confused...any advice?
My levels are:
TSH
mmztcass
mmztcass
Hi:

This board is quirky, leave out the plus and minus signs and you should be able to post labs.

I've been on very teensy, weensy amount of MMI (Methimazole). I take approximately 1.5 mg a day. I've been taking it since 2003.

{{{hugs}}}
aviator
aviator
Hello,
You have three options to treat Graves disease: 1) Radioactive iodine 2) Anti-thyroid medication 3) Surgical removal of thyroid. It's wise to research each option and see which one works for you. Also, bring at least one other person with you to your appointments for support.

Another good website: Graves Disease and Thyroid Foundation
http://www.gdatf.org/ .It has good info and a forum.
worldofblah4
worldofblah4
Somehow my results did show, weird. My TSH was less than 0.01 (normal 0.35-5.50). My T4 free was 2.66 (normal 0.89-1.76) and my Thyroid peroxidase AB was 365.0 (normal less than 60)
Thanks for the replies, means a lot to me!
mmztcass
mmztcass
Hi:

The TPOab doesn't indicate if one has Graves' Disease or not. This antibody is seen in both Graves' Disease and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I would get these thyroid antibodies tests done: TSI and TRAb to find out if positive for GD.

If I were you, I'd be put on the ATD (antithyroid drug) first and then research all options for that is best for you.

I went with the ATD because of having several autoimmune diseases since GD is an autoimmune disease. Also I am proactive with staying on top of careful dosing and watching for all known triggers in the diet and environment so that my thyroid levels of the Free T3 and Free T4 doesn't rise. I also work on keeping the thyroid antibodies low and take an LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) to help keep the antibodies down.

{{{hugs}}}
mmztcass
mmztcass
P.S. A couple of good places to do thyroid research at:

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

and

http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/graves-disease-general-info

{{{hugs again}}}