Grave's disease

[mrnoodle]

I have it!

Anyone have any stories? I'm not too concerned -- I just have to take a thyroid pill for the rest of my life (it washes down nicely with the RA meds I have to take for the rest of my life). However, the pill has already made me lose 4 pounds in the last week and a half. Nice to have my metabolism back.

Apparently both the underperforming thyroid and the RA are autoimmune things. No one knows what causes either, but essentially the body decides to war with itself. It's not immunodeficiency; I rarely get sick. It's just that I like to produce antibodies to myself. Probably genetic.

My parents' house (where I'm living) is becoming more and more like a nursing home every day. You should see us sorting our pills in the morning, creaking around like old wooden ships.

It's okay. I'm still in a band. That's +2 charisma and +1 attack power. the illusion of relevancy is strong within me

[Griff]

I've got no tales. Good luck man.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

It's okay. I'm still in a band. That's +2 charisma and +1 attack power. the illusion of relevancy is strong within me

And you've got drugs which definitely adds star power.

[WabUfvot5]

I encountered somebody online who had this. She told me about how she'd gain and lose weight and go through hot and cold cycles. I'm not sure of anything beyond that however.

[skysidhe]

Someone at work has this and it is 'hyper' not 'hypo' ??

[cableguy]

I was diagnosed in the early 90's. Once it's regulated it can be managed. But, man, what a PAIN IN THE ASS this disease is. More later.......

[mrnoodle]

more later?! meh. I want to know now.

re:skysidhe -- My thyroid isn't making enough umm..thyroid juice. I guess that's hypo-

[skysidhe]

Thank you mrnoodle.

I just returned from my regular doctor. I got my thyroid medicine. yay! Only thing I am on and still quite healthy after that. I am such a 'go it natural' with herbs and such but this had me down so low so I truly understand how you felt..

I am determined to die a healthy old broad someday.

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

more later?! meh. I want to know now.

Well, alrighty then!

Early nineties, starting losing weight gradually. I was always arond 160lbs. Around that time I had started a job that was physically active, so I figured it was due to that. Then one day I started to notice my hard was beating REALLY fast. Resting was 120, active was approaching 170, but it wasn't pounding out of my chest. Appetite was incredible, I was eating 6 times a day and was always hungry. I love food, so I was enjoying that part of it. Then my Dad said I should ask my doctor just in case. Diagnosed with hyperactive Thyroid, so the drugs start. Don't remember the name,but I was taking 6 of these pills a day before the specialist said they weren;t working and I have Graves disease. So, radioactive iodine time - twice, to kill of the gland. In 1994 I bottomed out at around 130 pounds.
Now I'm on thyroid replacement pills forever.
Since, my dose had changed 4 times to regulate the hormone level. And, everytime it changes, it screws around with my muscles - my upper back muscles are REALLY tense, my feet REALLY hurt, sometimes I can't stand for more than 5 minutes, tendonitis flares up and I have to use a cane.

Other than that I feel normal, but sometimes don't have an appetite. Sucks, because I LOVE food. Weight topped out at 205, now I'm around 190. If I can get to 180, I'll be happy. My resting pulse is 64, active is around 110. Blood pressure and EKG are text book, as well as everything else blood and heart related.
SHeesh, what a ride, and it ain't over yet!
Only thing that really keeps my mind off of everything is music.

[charlene]

Originally Posted by mrnoodle

I have it!

Anyone have any stories? I'm not too concerned -- I just have to take a thyroid pill for the rest of my life

I have it, too!! And after more than ten years of taking a pill every morning, you'd think it would become automatic, but it doesn't--I still forget occasionally.

My story is similar to yours, mrnoodle. I started losing weight and muscle tone (couldn't even push myself up from a sitting position if my butt was lower than my knees), but blamed it on full time college and part time jobs, plus, I wasn't a spring chick any more. Unlike you, I really had no appetite and only ate because I figured I should do that occasionally.

I was finally diagnosed as 'hyper' and took the propylthyouracil for a while. Then I was hospitalized because my arm swelled up from my elbow to my fingertips for no apparent reason. The local hospital couldn't get my heart rate down, so they transferred me across the state to a Medical School, where I spent another 39 days, had the radioactive iodine, was overdosed with heart medicine, had an atypical near-death experience and was revived from CHF and they only charged me a hundred grand!

Life is definitely interesting!

*sends loving and healing energy to you and all who love you*
I do not know much about it, I am very sorry, wish I could help.

[cableguy]

rkzenrage, words of support mean a lot, thanks!

[skysidhe]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

*sends loving and healing energy to you and all who love you*
I do not know much about it, I am very sorry, wish I could help.

Thank you. Accepting all good vibes that happen to come my way.

I don't know much about it either. I am on my forth day of taking the replacement hormone. I am waiting patiently for them to be metabolized into my system.

It is amazing to see how common it is. Maybe it is this hurry up society and stress? who knows. I sure don't know why.