Stopping Block and Replace

[asiatic]

After 8 long years I have decided to try stopping BR ( 5mg. Carbimazole and 75 mcg. Levo ) to check for remission. Just come back from GP appoint. that unexpectedly went well ( usually try and avoid them for thyroid issues) I chose a GP trainer hoping he might know a bit more about AITD. Receptionist knew the appointment was for my Graves and GP had obviously read up on my background. He agreed that I reduce Carbimazole very slowly , cutting tablet in half for a 2,.5 mg. Dose and testing in 8 weeks with a full thyroid panel including fT3. Depending on results we would take it from there. I was so relieved it wasn’t the battle I had anticipated and wish it could be the same for others on the forum. I am curious where the next part of my thyroid journey leads. Wish me luck 🤞

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I’m so pleased you had a positive appointment asiatic. I wish you well in your trial to reduce the B &R. Do let us know how your ‘thyroid journey’ progresses! 🦋

[Billycasper]

Hi asiatic, I was also on block and replace for 18 months after a diagnosis of Graves’ disease in 2021. I was taking 20mg carbimazole and ended on 75mcg levo. My endocrinologist’s approach was to stop all medication at once which I was dubious of. It wasn’t a smooth ride early on and I suffered a bit with low thyroid symptoms for about 2 months with my TSH being around 4.5 at this point. I still had horrible palpitations (perhaps due to low thyroid) so he suggested the lowest dose of propranolol. This stopped the palpitations straight away but it was a few more months before I felt my thyroid levels had improved . I’m now back to good energy levels and even my eyebrows have grown back, although not as full as they used to be. My last blood tests in September 2023 (a year after I stopped all medication) were TSH 2.11 (0.35-5.5) and T4 10.4 (7.86-14.41) and I feel I’ve improved more since then. I wish you luck with stopping the medication but wanted to comment to let you know it might take a while for your body to adjust so don’t be too worried if there’s a settling down period. Best wishes for the future.

[asiatic in reply to Billycasper]

Thanks Billy. I had given up hope of ever having eyebrows again so good to know yours grew back

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I’m now optimally treated thyroid and vitamin wise… but alas I only dream of a full eyebrow arch!

[pennyannie]

Good Luck - I too am curious as to how this goes - and keep us in the loop :