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Graves disease and thyroid ablation

18 years ago

I had a visit with my doctor yesterday after being diagnosed with Graves in Dec. He told me that it was his plan all along to ablate the thyroid. My levels are almost perfect right now, funny I don't feel it. He also told me to stay on the meds hoping for remission would have bad side effects. So, I'd like to hear from anyone about Graves, ablation, etc.

Thank you,

Carla

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Comments (7)

socks
18 years ago
Carla, If you don't get any replies here you can check on the Health Board (not Garden Web).

I'm not familiar with Graves Disease, but apparently it's a thryoid situation, and I noticed they have a thyroid forum there, so maybe you'll find people who can help you. I have referred people there before because sometimes here you don't get any replies.

Good luck. Susan

Here is a link that might be useful: Health Boards
dreamgarden
18 years ago
I found this persons' book at the library (Sweet Poison). I stopped using artificial sweeteners after reading it. You may find the authors website helpful!

"Janet Starr Hull has a very diverse background with academic degrees and experience in geology, international geography, environmental science, fitness training and nutrition. She is an OSHA Certified Environmental Hazardous Waste Emergency Response Specialist and Toxicologist, a former firefighter and college professor.

In 1991, Dr. Hull had an unexpected change in career after she was diagnosed with âincurableâ Graveâs Disease. Through diligent research and her thorough understanding of toxicity, she later discovered her âGraveâs Diseaseâ was actually aspartame poisoning. She has since worked to inform consumers about the health dangers of artificial sweeteners."

An Aspartame Detoxification Program
www.janethull.com/about/index.php
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I had Graves' disease in the late 80's. (That's overactive thyroid - I lost weight while eating like a pig, which was nice, but my resting heart rate was 112 and I thought I was going nuts, which wasn't so nice.:) The doctors eventually used radioactive iodine to kill my thyroid, so now I'm in a similar situation to you, with an underactive thyroid. Your symptoms sound like your thyroid is definitely underactive, and you'll need a synthetic thyroid hormone, like Synthroid. Sounds like you needed to keep taking it for the Hashimoto's, with the symptoms you're having. It does take awhile to get the meds and dosage right, and it's never perfect, but it's pretty good. One thing to know about synthetic thyroid hormones is that they're not interchangeable. This is one case where you don't want to go with the generic, unless you started with the generic. (At least that was true 4-5 years ago when I last checked - not sure about now.) I do understand your concern with thyroid cancer, given that it's in your family and that Hashimoto's is associated with a higher risk for the cancer. I guess all you can do is to keep up with your treatment and keep in mind that if the worst happens and you do get thyroid cancer, it's one of the most treatable cancers. Very, very few people die of it, even after 30 years. Not that you want to get it, of course. Good luck. I know how awful it is to feel so tired all the time. Even with treatment, you'll have some of that, but you get used to it.
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carla17
Original Author
18 years ago
dreamgarden, thank you very much. I appreciate any info. I receive. I have had the ablation two weeks ago. I had no choice but anyway, thanks again.

Carla
dreamgarden
18 years ago
A friend of mine had this done a couple years ago. At first she had some issues regulating her TSH levels. She started out with one type and had to switch to another. A little tinkering and now she has it down. Says she is feeling much better.

Here is another link that might prove helpful.

Thyroid Drugs & Various Treatments for Thyroid Conditions
thyroid.about.com/od/thyroiddrugstreatments

Wishing you the best in health, etc!
catherinet
18 years ago
Hi Carla,
My SIL had graves and ablation in her teens. Just recently her 20+ year old son developed it too. I just wanted to remind you to keep this in mind if/when you have children. It can be hereditary.
Good luck to you.
bonniejean50_hotmail_com
15 years ago
Hi Carla. I have Graves Disease and have had ablation done. I waited about 5 yrs after diagnosis to have the procedure and had some serious problems because of the delay. Now I have Leukemia and although all of the doctors say there is no coralation, I still wonder and that's how I found your post. Anyway it took more than a year to get the correct dosage of Synthroid and even as recently as the first of this year had to have an adjustment. Regualar blood tests are very important. Good luck to you.
SSue
14 years ago
I was diagnosed with Graves in 2007. Had Thyroid oblation 5/2008. It took around a year to get the systhetic meds to an adequate dosage; however, still not feeling right I asked my doctor to run ALL Thyroid tests along with TSH, such as the reverse Ts, T3 and T4. I was short on T3 so the doctor added Cytomel twice a day. It is ashame that you have to ask for a complete panel. Don't think your in good hands, please do your own research. It is now 2012, and I feel decent; however there are secondary side affects that I will be seeing the doctor for such as slightly bulging eyes and thickness red skin over my shin area. So, again, I am researching. I inherited Graves from my father and it came on when I was 50 after my father passed (stress). Good Luck and Pray always! :)

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