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Thyroid (Expert Forum)
Weight Gain w/ Graves?
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
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Weight Gain w/ Graves?
by Nori74, May 18, 2006 12:00AM
Hi Everyone,
I’m new to this site. I was diagnosed w/ Graves in ’99. Only bloodwork done to determine diagnosis. Went on and off PTU, but had an allergic reaction in ’01. Taken off meds and went into remission. TSH now .07 so I may be out of remission, but not sure. Trying to schedule appt w/ endo. I haven’t had symptoms in the past. Currently, here’s what I’m experiencing but not sure if assoc w/ Graves:
Weight gain – with no change to diet and no meds
Joint pain in fingers and toes
Fatigue
Depression
Suicidal thoughts
I also tend to heal poorly, but that just may be me regardless
The depression and suicidal thoughts might be assoc w/ the psychiatric disorder Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) that I was diagnosed w/ years ago.
I’m very concerned that they will want to do something drastic like RAI or surgery, b/c of the allergic reaction to PTU. Just thought I would put this out there to see if anyone else has experienced anything similar. I've also heard Lithium can be used as an alternative, but not sure.
Thank you!
Nori
I’m new to this site. I was diagnosed w/ Graves in ’99. Only bloodwork done to determine diagnosis. Went on and off PTU, but had an allergic reaction in ’01. Taken off meds and went into remission. TSH now .07 so I may be out of remission, but not sure. Trying to schedule appt w/ endo. I haven’t had symptoms in the past. Currently, here’s what I’m experiencing but not sure if assoc w/ Graves:
Weight gain – with no change to diet and no meds
Joint pain in fingers and toes
Fatigue
Depression
Suicidal thoughts
I also tend to heal poorly, but that just may be me regardless
The depression and suicidal thoughts might be assoc w/ the psychiatric disorder Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) that I was diagnosed w/ years ago.
I’m very concerned that they will want to do something drastic like RAI or surgery, b/c of the allergic reaction to PTU. Just thought I would put this out there to see if anyone else has experienced anything similar. I've also heard Lithium can be used as an alternative, but not sure.
Thank you!
Nori
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., May 18, 2006 12:00AM
, May 18, 2006 12:00AM
Lithium cannot be relied upon as an alternative in most cases -- we primarily use it to augment I-131 treatment in patients with rapid iodine turnover (ie 6h uptake >> 24h). I would treat you with I-131 if repeat labs prove persistent hyper - it is safe and effective -- check your eyes out first though.
Nothing wrong with RAI or surgery, they have saved lives. I did RAI 9 years ago.
Weight gain, fatigue, depression, all are classic symptoms of hypo and hyper, autoimmune disorders, as well as the immune system in general and many other health conditions. Although in many cases especially ones with levels in Lab range, I am beginning to believe these symptoms comes with the territory.
Trying different brands of ATDs might corrtect the allergic reaction situation, I understand that they are not all alike. But if they don't work either, don't keep yourself sick or chance of death because your reluctance to RAI or surgery.
Best of Health.
I was informed in '01 that b/c my white blood cells were depleted and I ended up in the hospital from PTU, I would never be able to take any of the meds b/c they are all in the same 'family'. If this is not the case (or if advances have been made in the last 5 years), I am very relieved.
I am surprised weight gain can be a symtpom of hyperthyroid activity. I guess everyone reacts differently.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Nori
Not every Hyper/Graves' loses weight, but rather complain about gaining. I did lose weight non-stop to the dangerous point and RAI was the quickest treatment to stop it, which was immediately after RAI. I have never gained the total weight loss back but I do watch what I eat most of the time and I am a veggie, however, I do have a sweet tooth :)
Good Luck!
The RAI was done in December 2005. I only had a small dose 7 millicules (I think they are called??) and had headaches every day for months. . . I was only on inderal for palpitations and no exercise for 3 months, so needless to say the weight piled on. I am now on Synthroid (after doc told me she wouldn't put me on Armour) 100 mcg and feel okay. I have a sluggish period about 3:00 every day, but I can exercise and weight is coming off. . . not quickly but I'm getting there. I also do acupuncture, which I wish I looked into before getting the RAI. Please do check out the website stopthethyroidmadness.com. I heard about it after the RAI. Just make sure you do your research. . .
Good luck.
Deedles
Did you ever try the PTU w/ benedryl the doctor suggested? I've heard PTU can help put you in remission, which I would prefer over RAI.
If you had it to do again, would you choose not to do the RAI when you did?
Again, thank you for your response!
Take care,
Nori
I just saw your comments and I appreciate the advice very much. I've always been skeptical about the Graves diagnosis, b/c it was based on bloodwork only. But maybe that's sufficient.
I will definitely obtain more lab work and ask for the tests you recommended. Luckily the only problems with my eyes are the fact that they are frequently dry.
Take care,
Nori
I didn't do the PTU with benadryl because I was at a stage where I was sooo frustrated with the lack of options and was feeling a little pressured to do it because my insurance was changing and wouldn't pay for it if I waited past year end.
I had taken PTU successfully about 5 or so years ago. I took it for a full year and went into remission. When that ended was when I developed the allergic reaction, and also had the same reaction to Tapazole. I had also been told "once you have a reaction to this medicine, you don't ever want to take it again". So it didn't make sense to me to take it even with benadryl. . so you won't feel the itching, but what else will it be doing to you!!!
I'm mixed about the RAI. . . I would have liked to explore alternative medicine a little more. I am doing acupuncture now, but am not sure how I will measure its benefit. My hope is now to take as little medicine as possible. .I am taking Synthroid 100 mgc as I think I said before, and feel okay. . .I guess you just have to live and learn and ask a lot of questions of your doctor. and do a lot of research.
Deedles
It is getting really scary, b/c I am now in pain. My fingers, toes, left shoulder and knees are hurting. (hurts even to open a water bottle, etc) It feels like what I would imagine arthritis would feel like. Came on suddenly about 3 weeks ago and is progressing to different areas. I have no idea if this is related to the low TSH. I'm on a waiting list to see an endo.
Nori