OVER TO YOU: Diary of a (Hopefully) Former Hyperthyroid Sufferer |
SUBJECT: Hyperthyroidism |
A member's story as published in the Over To You column of THYROID FLYERTHIS IS AN EXTRACT OF THE ARTICLE. THE FULL ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THYROID AUSTRALIA ONLY. FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO JOIN THYROID AUSTRALIA CLICK HERE TO VISIT THYROID AUSTRALIA HOME Click on 'ABOUT US' |
I had experienced a range of symptoms including weight loss (pleased about this one!), faster heartbeat, tiredness and sore throat but was finally laid low by 5 days of vomiting uncontrollably which my usually astute GP could not explain, so I was admitted to hospital due to dehydration. The specialist in charge of the ward took one look at me and immediately observed my enlarged thyroid, so tested my hormone levels - with a T4 of 160 it was no wonder I was rather ill! I was re-hydrated on a drip for two days and given a high dosage of 12 tablets (60 mg) of Neo-Mercazole daily to reduce my overactive thyroid and Graves’ Disease symptoms, which was gradually decreased to 15 mg over a few weeks.
In retrospect I wonder about the impact of the stresses in my life at that time as I had recently moved from the country to a new job in the city, so trying to settle myself and my two teenagers into new schools, a new location and adjust to the demands of city living were all taking their toll.
My condition had stabilised and with medication of one Neo-Mercazole tablet (5 mg) daily I felt quite well and was free of symptoms with T3, T4 and TSH in the normal range, however my endocrinologist at my three monthly visits always raised the issue of a more permanent solution, due to my gland still being enlarged with an obvious bruit (noise in the gland due to more blood than normal rushing through it). I had some concerns about radioactive iodine treatment but felt it was the better of the two options as surgery is much more invasive, so in October 1999 I agreed to proceed and took my 12 millicurie dose of Iodine 131, with the necessary precautions of avoiding children and pregnant women for 2-3 weeks.
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In summary - it is great to be back in the normal range without medication for the past six months, although I had been fortunate not to have ongoing symptoms since I was placed on medication in 1995 and have felt quite well overall during this time. I can very much appreciate how people with hyperthyroidism struggle with the choices of ongoing medication, RAI or surgery but can only counsel that you get as much information as possible and talk to others about their experiences before you make your decision - good luck!
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