T4 reduced to normal 15 (range 12 to 22) It was nearly 70. Rather than block and replace I'd now like to reduce Carbrimazole?

[tilly83]

Has anyone done this? Has it worked for them? Do GPs prefer to block and replace because it means they don't have to micromanage? Just want to know if this has been successful for anyone?

[greenginger]

Tilly

How long have you been on block and replace and what levels of carb and thyroxine were you on? What are your current blood results? This all has a bearing on when and how you can reduce your meds. For example I have been on carb for 2 years.

You should be under an endo not your GP if you have an overactive thryoid but to be honest the endos as a rule are no better and are just as lazy. Mine is supposed to see me every 3 months but it can be as long as 8 months between visits. Plus they never explain a thing.

Do let us know how you get on.

[tilly83 in reply to greenginger]

Hi Greenginger, have only been on carb for about seven weeks, so not yet at the block stage but thought as now normal and I feel fine it would be better to maintain. Those are my current blood results as of Tuesday....I have only seen an Endo once, next appointment due in May. Was a bit tearful at the time but feel a lot more in control now. I had to push for a scan on thyroid as last one done two years ago - when bloods OK but lost weight and running to loo a lot - found nodules, so asked and asked for another scan so I can see if there has been a change as this may affect decision I make. Endo thinks it seems to be try carb then go for nuclear option. I have radically changed diet - cut out wheat, cut out caffeine taken up yoga again and hoping this will help. I am also menopausal which probably triggered the whole thing off. Feel my body doesn't belong to me at the moment... how do you tackle this? x

[greenginger in reply to tilly83]

Ah I misread your post. I have been on carb for 2 years and still nowhere like I used to be. I am 43 and endo suggested I was perimenopausal. Blood tests say "NO". I think it is often an excuse used by them.

You are luckier than I in that I cannot get a neck scan.

7 weeks in is very very early and you will have months probably before the endo wants you off carb or stable enough for RAI. Goo dluck whatever happens.

[kashka]

Hi Tilly I was on block and replace for 18 months.Have been off it for 18 months now.I am doing well.Although i have to have a blood test tomorrow as have put a bit of wieght on so they just want to check i've not gone underactive.I am menopausal though so it could just be that for the weight gain.

I really recommend sticking it out with the block and replace treatment as i have felt very well.

Kashka

[tilly83]

Thanks Kashka, I have not been diagnosed with Graves, it is more toxic nodules so not sure there would be a remission from them. Am going for scan on Monday to see if this can show just what is going on underneath and may well help me make a decision. At present I feel well and would like to manage by reduction but if symptoms came back would do was GP says! I've put on 10lb in six weeks! But needed to....x