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

Long term medication versus Surgery

deleted_user
deleted_user
I've been taking PTU since November 2005 when I was diagnosed with Graves Disease when being 3 months pregnant. I had no obvious symptoms, I couldn't even tell my heart was racing. I only noticed that I felt very out of breath when I did exercise - but just put that down to being unfit!! My hormone levels were six times higher than they should be and I was put on a low dosage of 150g of PTU a day because of the pregnancy. I probably had undiagnosed Grave's Disease for many years, possibly even 7! My hormone levels instantly came down to an acceptable level and luckily I had no side effects with myself or my daughter. After the birth my endo increased my dosage to 200g a day, but told me I would have to think about having Iodine treatment or surgery in future. I've been recommended to have surgery because of the problems with radioactive iodine and children. If I come off the dosage, my levels instantly go back up. Does anyone know if I can just stay on this drug forever - are there any long-term side effects? I don't suffer from any bad side effects using it and would much prefer to continue taking it forever than go through surgery.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have Graves Disease a form of Hyperthyroidism. I opted out of RAI & Surgery and I am choosing to stay on the anti thyroid drugs . I guess it depends on the person and your endo. But mine said I can stay on the Methamazole for life i would jst have to go more often for labs. Congrats on your baby and I hope this helps
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have Graves Disease too and for now am on Methimazole and Inderal (beta blocker)...I have been taking Methimazole for 3-4 years now, and it has been a up and down process for me.

My doc says that once everything stabilizes, I can stop taking meds for a while to see how that works. I'm not sure when that's ever going to happen though, because my levels go up too..

I still prefer medication over radiation/surgery. Do more research to see what fits you the best, and good luck! :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was told I had Graves back in May 07 during my miscarriage. I started taking PTU at as high as 750mg a day. After I found out what was wrong with me everything made sense. In July I became pregnant again and was lowered to 200mg a day and amazing enough my levels normaled out at the end of Oct. I'm still taking my PTU but each month I've seen my Endo he has lowered it. This week he has lowered me to 50mg a day, levels still normal. I'm lucky that my liver and everything has been fine and I would like to stay taking PTU. My Endo says to me that I should always be on some dose of PTU just in case the Graves just changes it's mind one day I guess. Long term side effects I don't know, but there are long term side affect to surgery because well you have to take replacement thyroid drugs for the rest of your life. I believe it should be up to you to decide that, unless your life is in danger.
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