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Thyroid (Expert Forum)
alternatives to RAI and surgery for 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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alternatives to RAI and surgery for graves
by salmanger, Jul 09, 2007 12:00AM
I am 58 with graves disease. Have been on carbizamole for 18 months reducing from 20mg to l0 mg. I am feeling really well with lots of energy except for stomach bloating and bouts of diarrhea. When diagnosd TSH O.1: T4 18: T3 10: now TSH 1.1: T4 15: T3 5.4: scale 0.5 - 4.7 for TSH 9 - 24 for T4 and 2.5 - 5.3 for T3. Tried to come off carbizamole few months ago but symptoms came back after a week. Blood pressure and pulse always low - 106/72/59 today - varies around these levels can bit lower or higher.
Can you think of anything else that could be causing my symptoms i.e could there be an underlying disorder that has triggered my immume system to create Graves. I`m relucatant to have RAI and then find out there is something else that could have been treated to reduce my symptoms. Do you know if mineral/vitamin deficiency causes immune problems/symptoms and can certain foods trigger symptoms?
Can you think of anything else that could be causing my symptoms i.e could there be an underlying disorder that has triggered my immume system to create Graves. I`m relucatant to have RAI and then find out there is something else that could have been treated to reduce my symptoms. Do you know if mineral/vitamin deficiency causes immune problems/symptoms and can certain foods trigger symptoms?
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Jul 10, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 10, 2007 12:00AM
Would consider testing for celiac sprue -- another autoimmune problem that could cause the GI symptoms. I doubt it's an adrenal issue as you felt lots of energy and the BP listed is normal for a healthy, active person.
But many people cannot achieve remission after tapering off anti-thyroid meds. I usually lower the dose to 2.5mg/day before stopping it altogether -- so a slower taper may help. I-131 is a back-up plan if the meds don't achieve remission.
But many people cannot achieve remission after tapering off anti-thyroid meds. I usually lower the dose to 2.5mg/day before stopping it altogether -- so a slower taper may help. I-131 is a back-up plan if the meds don't achieve remission.
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