Graves Disease remission - How do I get off Tapazole?

[Donna200]

I have been taking calcium / magnesium with Vit D for years now.
Had my Vit D level tested and as suspected it was low - have upped the Vit D to 3000 mg per day - totally fine per pharmacist.
I have been to see not only doctor but gastro specialist too. Of course all they want to do is put a scope into my stomach and have a look - I did do the barium xray and was advised that I have a sliding hiatal hernia and mild acid reflux. I took the suggest Proton Pump inhibitors - Panteloc & Prevacid - helped for a short period but then stomach really started to hurt. I don't have H-Pylori either. I have been trying to avoid the scope for 7 months now, and am hoping that the news about my Thyroid being in remission is going to explain the heartburn and indigestion - who knows? Did I mention I'm perimenopausal too.
Yup - lots of stuff going on -just not sure whats related since its all in the same body!

[Donna200]

Hi
Doctor suggested 3 months to get off Tapazole....I thought that was a bit too long.
Now she says that any effect of reducing Tapzole will show in 6 weeks and thats when I will get my blood checked again - if all is good, then she said I can just stop.
What a switch - 3 months to 6 weeks?

D

[GravesGirl73]

My doc once told me it takes about 2 months for your thyroid to show results from a different dosage. So I guess that is between 6 weeks and 3 months. I know my doc also said Tap can cause stomach upset and now that you say you have a hiatal hernia and acid reflux it could make it worse. He always told me to take it right before supper. Don't take it on an empty stomach. Have you had the same endo all these years on Tapazole?I'm surprised they let you stay on it that long. I do know someone on it for 30 years though.

[Donna200]

Hi,
I went to Endo and she now said that if blood tests are okay now - after 4 weeks I can come off med - I stopped the Tapazole on Saturday and went and had my blood tested yesterday Tues April 29/08. I know that results will be okay - but will know for sure by Friday. I am now wondering if it is possible to go Hypothyroid after having Graves disease? - I am feeling much better, but still having some heartburn symptoms and hypo symptoms - cold all the time, tired, forgetful - oh, that could be the over 40 thing.....
Take care.
D

Originally Posted by GravesGirl73

My doc once told me it takes about 2 months for your thyroid to show results from a different dosage. So I guess that is between 6 weeks and 3 months. I know my doc also said Tap can cause stomach upset and now that you say you have a hiatal hernia and acid reflux it could make it worse. He always told me to take it right before supper. Don't take it on an empty stomach. Have you had the same endo all these years on Tapazole?I'm surprised they let you stay on it that long. I do know someone on it for 30 years though.

[GravesGirl73]

yes it is possible that you could go hypo after Graves. What were your tpo antibodies at the beginning, did they do that test? Did the doc test your tsi to see if it's 80 percent or less, if it's still really up there you might go back hyper after a while of stopping meds. tsi needs to be low to be in remission, as far as I've heard. Mine started out at 109... after a year and a half on meds, don't know what it is now, will have it checked in June by my primary, endo says it's not necessary, he's into tsh mostly. Mine is fine now at 1.084 with my free t-4 at .99. Do you know your levels? My doc isn't talking about taking me off med though,he mentioned RAI today when I went, I'm like.. I don't think so! He didn't mention it again, but I know he will. How in the world did you get out of them talking you into RAI??