Just Diagnosed with Graves

[316believer]

I was just diagnosed with Graves. I was also diagnosed with Osteoporosis, Vitamin B12 and D deficiency at the same time. I have seen my Endo, confirmed with the Radioactive Iodine Uptake, labs and had a bone density today. I didn't really understand how dangerous Graves is until I researched. I wonder if any of you would answer some questions for me. I am very achy all over (but only late in the day), is this normal? Also I wonder if the beta blockers might be causing this.

My Endo wants to treat aggressively since I have had this for a while. Everything I have read is not favorable for the RAI. I have done some research but can't find any in depth comparisons on RAI versus surgery. I don't want to make the wrong decision by making it to quick.
Help and experience is greatly appreciated!

[GravesGirl73]

Hi and welcome!
Do you have copies of your labs? How bad are they? Why can't you try meds? Graves makes you a little dippy at first, don't make important decisions, and if you've had it awhile, forget it. I'm against RAI too and have been on meds a year and a half. I'm hoping for remission, it can't happen if you have your thyroid nuked,and then you trade hyper for hypo, which if you read all these posts(predominately hypo) is no picnic... you can switch docs if he pushes too much, first find out if the docs first line of treatment is Tapazole, or if they have patients on it. Some endos don't know that much about Graves,and all it's complexities,just don't be pushed into something you feel is not for you.
p.s how old are you?Most women are deficient in vitamin D, also b-12 deficiency is seen in autoimmune disorders like Graves disease. If you can absorb it you can take it orally, or there's always shots of it. As far as osteoporosis, this can be caused by Graves if left untreated for a long time, or be hereditary, or because of diet, smoking etc..
as far as the achy feeling, this seems to go along with thyroid disease. I think if the levels are too high or low, this should go away somewhat after staying in normal levels awhile.

[HoneysuckleWine]

Do Not Have The Radioactive Iodine Treatment!! It Is Permanent! It Will Leave You Hypo And Hypo Is Not Easy To Treat! Read, Research, Ask Questions, And Only Believe People Who Have Been Through It!

[316believer]

Hi GravesGirl73!
Thanks so much for answering. I am 40 and always been healthy as a horse! I didn't even know anything was wrong until I went for a routine physical and my labs came back low for T3 (or T4) I am to new at this. They repeated and verified levels, sent me to an Endo who redid everything including a thryoid scan and bone density. He asked me how long I had been sick, but honestly I just chalked up every single symptom I had to something simple (hyper? to much Diet Dr Pepper, anxiety? I changed jobs, eyes strained, I sit behind a computer for a living, bone pain and achy, end of day and beginning of getting older). Boy was I naiive! He looked at my levels, interviewed me and said he wanted to repeat the labs again (apparently they're bad, but again I am new to this and did not get a copy) After reading everyone's story and researching these posts, I see that I not only need to know them, understand them but I need a copy to keep!!! Live and learn I guess.
You are so right that Graves makes you dippy. I can't be sure of anything anymore, I have to really think about it. I can't remember anything either. I am grateful that you all are out there talking about your experiences. Since I have never had anything like this happen, it means a lot to know what to expect and that others have been through it.
Thanks!

[316believer]

Thanks MissHoneysuckle! I will definitely take your advice too! I will try the meds that you all talk about.

Did you post your hyper story? I am interested in reading everyone's. It seems to help to know that there are others who are going through this.