Ive posted before with my hyperthyroidism and toxic nodule. Im with my endo next week to see whether I should have radio iodine or surgical removal of half of it.
I wanted to post my blood test results from when it was discovered late August and the last lot of bloods - I am on 20 mgs of Carbimazole a day since this was discovered, although these only started around mid November and I wanted to see whether they had to check for Graves or Hashimoto's or any other advise that people might have for me - questions that I need to ask the endo and just general help in understanding it. Also how long can I stay on the carbimazole as they are telling me 3 months maximum.
Im thinking along the lines that I do not want radio iodine but surgical option is also something that I do not really want :{
It should say what I have written above, either the full name or the abbreviated version.
If your doctor has confirmation of Graves, then unless you swing from hyper to hypo I imagine TPO/TG won't be necessary, but if they are willing to do them then go ahead.
Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is not an antibody test, the antibody test is thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)
Thyroid autoantibodies (TXH821) - that is not telling you which antibodies were tested, why not ask for clarification, I've given you the names of all the thyroid antibody tests.
Please do not consider RAI treatment at this point in time.
Please get written confirmation of your diagnosis including the antibodies tested.
If with Graves, carbimazole is generally prescribed for 15 months.
This will give you time to read up about all the treatment options.
RAI which is toxic, and goes through your whole body.
There is a risk of your developing thyroid eye disease - this is just 1 of a probably 20 odd reasons NOT TO to go down this route.
Prof Toft an eminent endocrinologist has recently announced he is NOT referring any more of his patients forward for RAI - I think that says it all -
If you have Graves it is an autoimmune disease and as such it is for life -you thyroid is the victim of an autoimmune attack - it is not the cause.
Your thyroid is a major gland, it's there for a very god reason, life without a thyroid, even if you were allowed the correct hormones isn't necessarily a walk in the park.
I think you should take time to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and not be swayed by some endo just wanting to process you through the system as quickly as possible.
Elaine Moore Graves Disease A Practical Guide - there is also a website - this lady has this disease and has had RAI - ( USA )
Prof Toft - Thyroid hormone replacement - A Counterblast to Guidelines 2017 :
thank you very much for this penny annie, Im nearly positive that Im not doing radio-iodine. The reading you have suggested is very interesting. Many thanks for taking the time to respond.
Okey doke - in first instance you need a copy of the antibody blood test confirming you even have Graves Disease, then you can post it on here for verification.
There is no need to rush into any decision, and you do have options.
I read of people on carbimazole for years.
Some people are offered block and replace, and again this can go on for years.
During this time you are followed up and your dose modified, adjusted according to your symptoms and blood tests.
Some people go into remission.
Some people go into remission through diet and life style changes.
I read there are now trials for an antigen to the Graves antibody, so play for time, with careful monitoring.
Your body has probably been running fast so I'd get your vitamins and minerals checked, as detailed on this amazing website. When you have them, there are excellent people here who know what and how to supplement to optimum levels.
Should you need support at this endo appointment, take a copy of the Prof Toft's article from here, and simply ask for the doctor's opinion, and you could if necessary turn the question round, and ask of the endo if he would consider Rai himself, so soon after diagnosis, and before other less destructive measures had been considered for your treatment plan.
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