Diagnosis results and question re meds.

Hello all,

I have a copy of the blood test I was diagnosed from, They are as follows

Serum TSH level 0.05 (0.3-5.0)

serum free T4 30.9 (10-18.7)

serum free T3 12.4 (2.5-5.5)

I saw the constultant (well registrar) last wednesday

So I am taking Carbimazole 40 for 4 weeks then reducing to 30 for 4 and then 20 for 4 before going back to consultant. I had a blood test today testing all the above plus some anitbody functions and 1 other I can't recall. I am also to have a scan in between times.

SO my question is I still feel pants and have been taking them for a week now, how long will it be before i start feeling well or will this not happen until they get the balance right etc? Any help advice or observations would be great many thanks

[greenginger]

Hi if you are hyper due to Graves then it will probably take months if not longer to start feeling well. Some people have to try RAI or sugery as the meds do not always work for everyone.

The doses given by your endo seem sensible. Keep a copy of all your blood results in a file and aim to see your endo at least every 3 -4 months.

To give you a clue I was diagnosed in May 2011 after feeling really rough for about 3 years. I was on carbimazole for over 2 years and came off in July this year. I am in remission but it may not last. I feel well but will never be 100% again.

This is not like a cold or a broken bone it is a condition for life and it is really hard to come to terms with that fact and many including myself struggled with it.

Some on here have had surgery or RAI and are now hypo or underactive and on levo thyroxine or similar instead (for life).

Just in case you were thinking of not taking the meds and treating it with holistic means, well I am sorry to say that you can't. Acupuncture and diet may help but it will not cure. I hope this helps and it is not meant to be negative just realistic.

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No that is very helpful thank you. Can't say I am happy to take meds but I accept it is necessary and I know surgery etc is possible. Once they decide what is the "cause" they will probably tell me more. I think he is leaning towards graves from his comments etc.

[tilly83]

Hi Susie,

Went on carb 40mg daily in Feb when T4 was at dizzy heights of nearly 70 and I had lost a stone. Worked with GP and endo to reduce drug according to monthly blood results. All going swimmingly so far, put on a stone (grrr, but never mind getting a grip now) bloods all OK and down to 2.5mg of drug. I still get monthly tests and thanks to this site know what I am looking for. They may try and just give you TSH results once T4 and T3 more normal but always ask for those and put on this site. I've just had B12, Calcium, D vits, and antibody test run this month..... If you go to Endo take someone with you who sits and takes notes.... think about your gut health - it can have bearing on thyroid and if you are menopausal this too can cause a shift. I am feeling fine, do not feel ill at all and just pleased I have had some say in my treatment and medical profession have really listened. Plus this site helps a lot. x

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I think my body is starting to get used to them, not feeling as bad as I have been. I have found taking them after breakfast is better. I am wondering if it is better to split the dose? Say 20 in morning and 20 in the evening? I am currently taking a full dose with breakfast. I will see what my bloods say. Have an appointment in 4 months with Endo which is fine, but her only gave me 3 months of instructions !! Going to see if they can move it forward, otherwise will stay on 20 for the extra time and see what happens ! I guess they may call me back if there is a problem or something obvious on the scan.