Graves

[purple64]

Hi I'm new to this. Thought I had an overactive thyroid about 6 weeks ago second blood test showed I have Graves' disease. Have been referred to endocrine but no appointment until September. Anyone else out there with this? Some websites say you should keep a journal. Has anyone done this and is it useful?

[Raventhorpe]

Hi purple 64 it can be quite a shock when you are told you have graves.first thing gp's usually do is put you on propanol for palpitations and carbimazole while you wait to see endocrinologist. Usually you will stay on carbimazole if it suits you for 1yr to 18mths and then it's hoped you will go into remission, your levels will be checked regularly to see how you are doing and carbimazole dosage changed accordingly,o r sometimes they do block and replace therapy which is you take carbimazole to block out thyroid and then replace thyroid hormones with levothyroxine. I had graves desease for 20 yrs and had radio active iodine therapy 7yrs ago to knock my thyroid out completely which leaves you hypothyroid so you are on levothyroxine for the rest your life.there are quite a few of us on this forum who have graves and if you need any help or advice I'm sure we will do what we can to help you, there is no cure for graves as you have probably already been told this only managing the symptoms.my advice is to read up on everything you can about graves and treatment as being knowledgeable about your desease is very important and don't rely on doctors as they are not very well informed about this condition. Hope this information helps you

[purple64 in reply to Raventhorpe]

Thank you very much for that. I am on Carbimazole but couldn't be put on beta blockers as I am asthmatic. I have to say the Carbimazole seems to be doing something. Weight loss has slowed down, only get rapid heart when doing housework or walking. I have been researching online. I guess the sites like thyroid uk and thyroid foundation are the most reliable . I have found one called thyroid hugs which seems pretty helpful as well. Forgetting things is quite hard, never had a shopping list in my life now if I don't write it down there's no hope ! 😊

[Enrid1968]

In the same boat exactly the same boat. I feel awful.

[purple64 in reply to Enrid1968]

Do you get a metallic taste?

[Snoddyoddbod]

Hi purple64

I have Graves diagnosed in 2013!

Only found this forum a few months ago but it changed so much for me. People here are just awesome!!!! You can ask anything and get an honest answer. More than you get from a gp or endo.

[Tostig]

I keep a journal, for my sake. I have relapsing Graves, and it's comforting to be reminded that I've been here before and I do get through it!

[purple64]

I keep a journal as well. It helps with the frustration and also with remembering the symptoms. Have got first Endo appointment in September after 5 month wait!!