Need help with graves disease--please - Thyroid UK

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Need help with graves disease--please

mharris profile image
4 Replies

I was diagnosed with graves a few years ago, but it was changed to hypothyroid. I've struggled ever since because I've been treated for hypo not graves.

I'm wondering what would happen to someone if they were prescribed naturally desiccated thyroid and they had graves. What kind of side effects would happen? Could they tolerate it? I know these are odd questions, but this is what's happened to me. Just curious if anyone has had this experience and could shed some light on it for me?

Also, if I indeed have graves, what are my options to fix it? Can I live an energetic and productive life?

I'm getting tested on Mon. What labs should I have done beyond the TSI and TraB?

Thanks!

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mharris
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SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

So how was your Graves initially treated? Did you have RAI? Or surgery?

Read up on home site about thyroid disease

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

After treatment many Graves patients end up hypo and needing thyroid replacement. Usually just T4 Levothyroxine, but you may need addition of some T3

Some patients can also have Hashimoto's as well

Important to test (as well as TSI and TRab)

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO and TG antibodies

Vitamin D

Folate

Ferritin

B12

If you can't get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after.

mharris profile image
mharris in reply to SlowDragon

I was never treated for graves, only diagnosed then quickly turned to treating hypothyroidism. I've tried taking many thyroid meds and they are making things worse!! Everyone keeps saying it's because I'm hypo--so more meds and more problems!

I have all the labs you mentioned accept tsi and trab, as those aren't done for hypothyroidism.

Do you have the education to look at these and give me some insight?

Thanks!

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to mharris

mharris,

It might help if you posted the actual results of your tests - including reference ranges.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to mharris

Sounds like the Graves was actually a mis-diagnosis and it was Hashimoto's.

Early hyper swings in Hashimoto's can mimic Graves.

Yes post all your results including ranges

Members can offer suggestions

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