Graves disease

[Becky]

((((((DDH)))))) Oh man....that sucks! Can you get a second opinion, particularly about the heart rate thing? I certainly wouldn't give up riding either!

I don't have much advice or good "feel better" words for you, but know that I'm thinking of and praying for you.

[Thorn]

Oh {{{Donna}}}...no words of wisdom, just compassion.

I'd be crying, too (Graves does wreak havoc on emotions, too). Of course, I'd probably be screaming and jumping up and down at the same time.

I second the second opinion. If it were me (and I'm a Graves in remission, too and dread getting into this situation), I'd go on the drugs while I wait for the second opinion. Start reading, and start building up the list of questions.

What are the odds of a second remission? (You know the odds weren't very good for the first remission and you beat that one!) Time to start reading, researching and applying that frustration to learning as much as you can while you wait for the second opinion appointment.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Donna))))))) Sending good thoughts your way.

[ehirsch83]

Hey Donna,
Very sorry to hear about this!
What I do have to say is that having your thyroid removed and radioactive iodine isn't bad at all! I am 25 now and was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 19. I had my thyroid removed and then radioactive iodine therapy. I take synthroid every day and my weight balanced out(I gained about 15 lbs before they realized what was wrong with me). I do tend to get sick easier then most(but I also have a tendancy to be too busy and wear myself down) but besides that I feel great. Being on synthroid gives me enough energy to work 40+ hours a week, go to school, and get in around 15 hours a week on the bike.

I hate to say it, but you might be better off just getting rid of the thyroid and knowing that you will become stabilized on synthroid.

hugs to you for all of what you are dealing with!

[LBTC]

Calm, healing butterflies headed to you, Donna, and hugs, too.

I know how it feels to have a diagnosis that doesn't quite fit, to not be able to do the things I wanted to, and to have gained weight and all the issues that go with that. My success story happened after I started seeing a naturopathic practitioner who does electrodermal screening (and an integrated massage therapist and an acupuncturist). Working with them I went from barely being able to walk the dogs around the block a year ago, to time trial racing and metric century rides this year. If you're interested, I can PM you more detail and can ask her to find a similar practitioner in your area.

Western medicine or alternative, I like the idea of a second opinion, and doing a lot of research on your own. Oh, and if you feel like crying - go ahead and cry...and picture the tears and pain flying away on butterfly wings.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Blueberry]

I don't have any advice to offer except to say that sucks.

(((((DDH)))))))

I think i'd get a 2nd opinion - 120 sounds low for a heart rate to be exercising. Is that short term or long term?

CA

[mimitabby]

I don't have any advice to offer except to say that sucks.

(((((DDH)))))))

I think i'd get a 2nd opinion - 120 sounds low for a heart rate to be exercising. Is that short term or long term?

CA

I'd get a second opinion. I mean it.