I have graves disease and was diagnosed 5 years ago. I have been off and on PTU since. I never saw a specialist or got any treatment. now 5 years later I finally got a specialist. unfortunately because no records are available about my episodes my doctor has taken me off PTU and is letting me get sick. I am generally confused and a little anxious about alot of the things going on in my body and would like a little help.
What is it exactly you want to know? Didn't your Doctor explain the basics of this illness?
As far as I know it's fairly easily treatable with hormonal treatments (thyroid inhibitors as far as I know).
This link has tons of great information.
healthscout.com/ency/68/489/m…
Best luck.
Graves' disease = (technichally , graves disease is a humorally mediated autoimmune disorder in which hyperthyroidism is induced by TSH receptor–stimulating antibodies and is also known as thyrotoxicosis, although in reality, this term means any toxic condition resulting from thyroid overactivity) = is a form of overactivity of the thyroid gland. it is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the immune system produces an antibody that interacts with the cells of the thyroid and stimulates them to secrete excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Insulin-dependent diabetes may also be an autoimmune condition and it's known there are links between autoimmune conditions. Graves' disease is linked to insulin-dependent diabetes and pernicious anaemia (another autoimmune condition), so when a person has one of these conditions they or members of their family may be at increased risk of developing another. There is also a genetic influence contributing to Graves' disease, so it may run in families. a very recognisable sign of graves' disease (although not everyone with the condition has it very badly) are problems with the eyes, especially bulging eyes and retracted (or pulled back) upper eyelids. This exposes the delicate surface of the eye (the conjunctiva), which can become swollen and inflamed. sometimes there's also double vision. There may also be a goitre (which is a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck) and swelling of the tissues over the front of the shins. Treatment of graves' disease aims to keep thyroid hormone levels in the normal range and prevent eye problems due to exposure of the delicate eye tissues, which may be very difficult. Treatment for the raised hormone levels may include drugs for immediate and then long-term control, surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland and radioactive iodine treatment (RAI). In recent years, efforts have been made to find a dose of RAI that will give a good cure rate for thyrotoxicosis without leading to underactivity (known as hypothyroidism). however, this has proved difficult and hypothyroidism remains a side-effect of the treatment (eventually, the body will pass much of the RAI out through urine. any remaining RAI will become nonradioactive). Steroids are also used in severe cases. it is possible that because you have no past history that your doctor may refer to, he has taken you off PTU – (propylthiouracil) – because in about 5% of cases, antithyroid drugs cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes, hives, and sometimes fever and joint pains. a much more serious potential side effect is a decrease in the white blood cells that are a part of the immune system – thereby resulting in a decrease in your resistance to infection. In very rare cases, these cells may disappear entirely (a condition called agranulocytosis) – which can be potentially fatal if there is a serious infection. You do not state whether you have any of these symptoms or if you have undergone any tests. however, your doctor must be aware of the possibility of any reaction that may present if you are removed from this medication and will keep you under observation.
As in all cases when more detailed medical information is required, you would be advised to consult your doctor.
I add a link with some details of this subject
mayoclinic.com/
health/graves-disease/DS00181
Hope this helps
matador 89