Graves Eye Disease and Hyperthyroid

July 2015 Update

I'm happy to say that 2.5 years after thyroid surgery, all I do now is check in with my endocrinologist for scheduled lab work to see if any adjustments need to be made to my medication dose.  I just saw my doctor last week, and I'm happy to say my labs are back in the normal range now that I'm on .137mcg of Synthroid vs. .125mcg.  I'm feeling great, plenty of energy.  

In addition, my eye measurements changed slightly as well.  My eyes look normal, and at this time they actually receded slightly, to their lowest measure of protrusion at about 19mm.  I'm delighted!  

That's it......that's all for now.  Let me know how I can help.  Have a great day!

 

March 2015 Update

Hi everyone!

Yes, it's been awhile, but I haven't really had any new news to share.  I checked in with my eye specialist last week, and my eyes are doing fine.  Just a little dryness in my right eye, but otherwise A-ok.  

I also checked in with my endocrinologist Friday, and got my lab results back today.  As you can see below, compared to my last labs, my TSH has increased outside of the normal range.  As a result, and because I've been feeling a bit sluggish, and and experiencing some muscle fatigue, we discussed changing my dose of Synthroid from 125 mcg to 137 mcg, which I will begin tomorrow.  I'll get rechecked in two months, and let you know how it's going.  

 

Also, there is still debate within the AACE regarding the "normal" TSH range since the typical range used by most labs is .5 to 5.  I wrote about this on a previous blog post some time ago.  Here are two articles you may find useful.

The TSH Reference Range Wars and Endocrinologist say TSH Normal Range is 0.3 to 3

 

As always, please consult with your medical professional for your own personal medical advice and treatment.

Updated Thyroid Lab Results--Just Shy of 2-Year Thyroidectomy Mark

Hi everyone!

I haven't had a whole lot to talk about lately, which is a good thing!  However, I just had all of my labs checked.  It was time.  As you know I've been taking Synthroid since my thyroidectomy surgery and after one quick dose change early on following surgery, I've been on a .125 dose ever since.  

My lab results came in over the weekend, and they're still normal!  I'm not surprised considering how well I feel.  And yes, they've changed slightly since I last posted my labs, but still well within normal.  I'm never tired or sluggish, I have plenty of energy, and I've got a great sense of well-being.  All things I had lost for so long when I was really sick.

I still take prescription Vitamin D, one 50,000 IU pill per week.  My Vitamin D level is in the lower normal range.  My B12 is also in the normal range.  

I'll be posting a photo on the anniversary of my surgery, so check back in in a couple of weeks to see how my scar is healing.  

 

And a big thank you to so many of you who email me from time to time to check in and see how I'm doing.  Some of you go way back to the very beginning of this blog's inception.  I'm so grateful, and I always appreciate hearing from you.

Adjusting to Synthroid: Post-Thyroidectomy Surgery

It's been eight months since my thyroidectomy surgery.  My Synthroid dose has been adjusted once, from 150 to 125.  Just last week I saw my endocrinologist for the second time since surgery.  My labwork is in, and it's normal.  Here are my lab results.  I've put them in graph form so you can easily see the normal range (black) and my labs (red).

I welcomed the good news.  

Meanwhile, my Vitamin D continues to be low which means I'll continue taking prescription strength Vitamin D.  My calcium is also low, which means I will continue on Calcium supplentation.  

I see my doctor again in November for a recheck.  

For now, all seems well!

News, news, news!

You've all heard the saying "Have I got news for you!"  Well tonight's post is a triple treat, and then some.

Since you've arrived on my Graves' Disease blog, let's start with the medical update.  All good news.  

First, I'm feeling great.  Better than ever.  Lots of energy.  Frankly, I wish I'd had the thyroidectomy surgery much, much earlier.

Second, my scar looks exactly the same as it did in the last photo I published.  No new ones tonight.  It's itchy.  Still.  But that's ok.  Healing nicely.  My voice is ever-so-slightly hoarse but strong.  And am I using it!  

Third, I had my labs checked two weeks ago.  My dose of 150mcg of Synthroid was too high, I'm down to 125mcg.  I think that's the magic number.  We'll see in about six weeks.

Fourth, let's move on to my eyes.  My eye specialist at the Kellogg Eye Center at The University of Michigan told me yesterday he thinks my "active" phase of Graves Eye Disease is coming to and end.  Wouldn't that be something?  Elsewhere on 'eyesee' I talked about the active phase of Graves' Disease typically lasting 30 months.  For me, it's been about 90.  Yep, over 7 years.  My eyes are as symmetric as they've ever been.  There has been substantial improvement in the surface of my eye--hardly any corneal abrasion these days.  Warm compresses and my cool new moisture chamber eyewear have really helped.  Best of all, the "temporal flare," which is when the outer, upper eyelid is pulled up, is gone.  Normal!  Symmetry.  It's such a beautiful word.  I have no pain in my eyes.  It's unbelievable.  Lastly, my eyes have receded back to their normal range, about 21 and 22mm as measured.  Mind you, they are still moving, but he said things have never looked (ahem) better.  

Fifth, are you ready for this one?  I'm transitioning in the workplace having taken a buyout from my employer.  I have so many good memories, and I've met so many wonderful people along the way.  Some became my dearest friends.  Wish me luck.  I'm in the very early stages of working through what I want to do next.  I'm full of excitement and optimism.  

There you have it.  Lots of news, all wrapped in one post.  I'm been just a little busy so you got it all at once.  

I have so much to be thankful for.  I'm one lucky girl.