Graves Disease, Not Graves Dusease, Graves Disease.............

[Romona]

I have noticed for awhile that my right eye was protruding. I mentioned it at my last eye exam in Jan. My optometrist felt it was Graves disease. I asked her to send a letter to my endocrinologist. I saw the endo in Feb. She said it was Graves, but she wanted blood work. She sent me for a CT scan. I took my daughter to the optometrist and she had told me the CT scan showed Graves. I didn't think much of it. Three weeks later the endo called and wanted me to see a neuro opthamologist because she said it wasn't Graves and I needed it checked. My TSH, T-3, T-4 and anti bodies were normal. For two weeks I imagined the worst. I had my appointment yesterday, back to Graves Disease as a diagnosis. I don't care for my endocrinologist.

[Jean]

Well, that is interesting, Ramona, but what is it? Is it related to the kidney crap? If so, oh Goody, something else to look forward to.

[Rerun]

Don't you get sick of it.  AND why do we have to pay for the ones that are wrong?

[paris]

Hi Romona,  I kind of understand your frustration. Beth had a tumor on her thyroid and had them both removed. She was on synthroid for awhile but they say her labs (T3 and T4) are in the "normal"  range.  Yet, Beth lives with all the symptoms of low thyroid function (duh!).  The "normal" range needs to be reevaluated. Normal for one is not normal for another.   So when they tell you your labs are "normal",  I would ask them where on the normal range to you fall.  It does sound like Graves disease, but it should be this hard to diagnose.  I think doctors just like to test us to death.  We have been fighting the doctors with Beth's situation for several years.  She lives with constant fatigue, battles weight issues--everything that goes with low thyroid levels.    I hope someone can give you a definate answer and a course of action.   I'll be thinking of you. Let us know what happens next.   

[Romona]

I am doing well. I was at Sleep Clinic today and I had a great appointment. I have lost 26 pounds since February. I did have a medication change that I think made the difference. I was taken off Rocaltrol. A pharmacist friend told me that it may have been keeping me from losing weight. The funny thing is, I wasn't excerising as much as before. When I was going to the gym every day and walking on my breaks at work and an hour at night I was getting no where. I still try to walk thirty minutes a day, but I am busy with the kids and don't get evening walks in. I am watching my diet. I enrolled in a study, but had lost 20 pounds before I even started it. I still have a lot to lose, but I feel better about it all. I think Rocaltrol was effecting my blood sugar.