Originally Posted by
Indymuscleguy
Great comment. I was diagnosed with Graves disease in 2007. The radioactive iodine that is used to kill the thyroid is somewhat a standard dose for everyone. I asked if I could get a moderate dose so that my T-3 and T-4 weren't shut completely down. The answer is no.
I had the following side effects while the thyroid was dying. Approximately 6 weeks post treatment, I developed a hypokalemic (low K+) incident where I lost all of my Potassium in a 24 hour period. I woke up paralyzed from the waist down. My K+ was 1.6, at levels of 2.0 or less, your heart can stop. Everyone was amazed I wasn't having chest pain and my EKG in the ER looked normal. The symptoms are painful legs, leg cramps, and back pain. However, most people will have chest pain.
The second side effect or related incident is Graves Opthalmia. This is where you develop tissue on the surface of the muscles that control eye movement. You also develop fluid behind the eyes, causing your eye ball pressure to increase and can cause blindness and glaucoma (?spell). I had to have a bi-lateral orbital decompression surgeries to reduce the pressure. I was 50% blind in the left eye and 10% in the right. I gained all my sight back but 10% in the left eye. I will also comment that the nerves that control your eyelids can be an issue. In total I have had 6 plastic surgeries to my eyes. Insurance will pay for the plastic surgeon to perform each procedure.
Contrary to the other post with regard to a physician never prescribing T-3, go to an endocrinologist! I cannot stress this enough. An endocrinologist will measure your T-3, T-4, and the ratio of T-7. 30% of T-4 converts to T-3, as a rule. I am on 175mcg of T4 and 15mcg of T3. I gained 20lbs but once I started the T3 & T4 I lost that in no time~!
Today...I am in good shape, however, be ready for TONS of bloodwork as it's taken me 2 years to get my T3 and T4 regulated.
Other opinions?
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