General Medicine

» tsgspenc - graves disease

I have a niece with graves disease,she is 22 years old, she has an daughter one year old now.My question is,there is times that she just blows up,act totaly out of control. My sister states it is her graves disease she has. The past three days she has had a very high bloodpressure with an high heart rate.The Dr.s state it is because she does not take her medication.But she states that the medication makes her feel wierd.She can be fine one min. then she is way out there.My question is,is this a normal thing for your girls with graves?

-- posted by tsgspenc

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» Elaine Moore - graves disease

In response to graves disease posted by tsgspenc:
Hi,
Before people are diagnosed they can have these symptoms, but if meds are used correctly these symptoms should be controlled. Your niece was probably given beta blockers like propranolol to help reduce blood pressure, heart rate and symptoms of anxiety. And she may have also been given antithyroid drugs to lower her thyroid hormone levels and help her immune system heal. With her thyroid levels lowered she would probably be less irritable.

It could also be that she's been treated with radioiodine and has levels that are too low.
Either way, with the right dose of anti-thyroid drugs or replacement hormone she would feel better. It could be that the dose of meds she was given was too high or too low. But it's important to take her meds. With her blood pressure rising and her emotions volatile she's at risk for complications which can be as severe as thyroid storm or stroke.
If she has internet capabilities ask her to email me. Best, Elaine

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» jadearth - Graves Diesease

I was wondering if any of you know if after you have a thyroid scan/uptake test and your doc. puts you on ptu if you should wait to try and get prego. or if you are okay to.

-- posted by jadearth

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» Elaine Moore - Graves Diesease

In response to Graves Diesease posted by jadearth:
Hi,
For pregnancy, it's recommended that your daily dose of PTU be 200 mg or less.
When you first start out on PTU the dose can be anywhere from 100-300 mg daily.
As soon as FT4 falls into the normal range, which typically takes about 6-8 weeks, the dose is lowered. At this time the usual maintenance dose is 50-150 mg daily.
I would wait for 6 weeks to make sure your FT4 is within the normal range and you're on a lower daily dose of PTU.
Best, Elaine

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