I have been recently diagnosed of hyperthyroidism / Graves desease. Have been put on Carbimazole 15 mg daily. I read a few articles on the Internet and am confused. Saw some good easy replies here hence asking if anyone can help explain what do you check for in hyperthyroidism as in what your T3 and T4 levels should be and is there an advised diet which says keep away from these foods.
Not sure I understand what you are confused about. My doctors follow my TSH, Free T3 and Free T4, white count and liver function tests at regular intervals. At least once a year, they check my antibody levels. I was diagnosed in 2007 and placed on 10 mg of Methimazole. My FT3 and FT4 immediately came down into the normal range but my TSH remained at essentially 0 until I read a research paper about the benefits of adding Regular L-Carnitine to my treatment regimen. I got tested for Free and Total carnitine and I was deficient in this. I was also deficient in vitamin D (adequate vitamin D level is very important for hyperthyroid patients) so added this as well as Magnesium which I was low in. I am currently taking 2.5 mg of Methimizole 4 days a week and all my levels have been normal since 2012. My doc will probably wean me off soon but if I had to take this for the rest of my life, I would not mind. Diet - really important to avoid the artificial sweetener Aspartame. Some people feel better on a gluten free diet. A diet in fruits, vegetables and proteins is good.
Thank you
Hi Linda, I found your reply to Ronmozart very enlightening. Thank you! I was diagnosed with Graves Disease a year ago so I appreciate all the information I can get, especially from someone who has had the same experience!
Great points! Thank you for sharing.
One thing I'm confused about is that you would stay on Methimazole for the rest of your life. I didn't think it was possible since the medication is not good for your liver and immune system.
I probably will be taken off of it but even if I wasn't, I don't mind staying on it at this low dose. At this dose, the problems with liver function and CBC are usually not there. By the way, I have been on doses from 10 mg to 2.5 mg and have never had abnormal liver function tests or CBC. I was diagnosed in 2007 and that means never had a problem with those issues in 9 years of being on Methimazole.
Of course I'm praying for a remission, but in the meanwhile, blood testing and liver panels are required on a regular basis. I am presently on a very low dose and don't see another way out for me.
I am in between either Graves or post partum thyroiditis. My labs are just above. I am nursing and scared of the meds. How are they
It's my understanding that blood work which shows antibodies is proof of Graves Disease. If this is the case, medication is not the only choice of treatment but it is the one I chose. I don't think that is a choice if you are nursing. If on the other hand it is not Graves, is it possible to wait it out? I have been blessed so far in not suffering any ill due to the medication and my symptoms have improved as well. I wish I could have a better answer. Feel better soon.
For pregnant women or nursing mothers the medication they use is PTU (prophythiouracil).instead of Mehtimazole or Carbimazole.
Any side effexts and shld I try and wait and see if it goes away withoit meds
As far as side effects, I guess medications affect different people in different ways. All I know is that PTU is used in pregnant women because it is considered safer than Methimazole for the fetus. As far as waiting and seeing, you need to be careful about thyroid storm which is serious so I guess the answer to your question would depend on how you are feeling.
Yes, very important point to always consult your medical professionals!