Graves Disease complications?
473122
Graves disease is an overactive thyroid.  You can develop heart failure if left untreated.  It is serious.  Do not delay in getting treatment for it.  Mine was treated with radiation to the thyroid.  Ask your doc for a referral to an endocrinologist--a doctor who specializes in glandular problems.  Good luck!  By the way--I feel great!!
781012
No.  A goiter is a thickening/enlargement of the tyroid gland located in the front of the troat, just under your "adams apple".  A goiter can get quite large and very obvious.  A large neck can be a hereditary trait.  If you are really concerned, talk to your physician about having tyroid studies done, specifically TSH( tyroid stimulating hormone), TS1, TS2, and TS3, which are the thyroid stimilating hormones.
903601
Thyroid conditions run in families.  I know you didn't want me to say that, but ... just think, you inherited the family trait!  Now you REALLY fit into the family.  Welcome!
788861
Nathan, bud, I don't think it's Grave's but I do think it's something else.  I had Grave's and I had no fat on my body (looked anorexic), ate all the time, bounced off the walls, could not slow down, couldn't remember stuff, and had some anxiety.  I had fine tremors in the hands and my body was eating the thigh muscles for food, so when I walked down the stairs, my legs shook.  \n\nThat said, not all your symptoms add up to Grave's, so that's the good news.  The bad news is it sounds like Hashimoto's, the opposite of Grave's (and what I have now, coincidentally enough), and that requires a blood test.\n\nI was and am afraid of needles.  Blood tests ARE required for many diagnoses, so I have learned to deal with them - do not look at the needle, notify the phlebotomist you are a wuss and may cuss at her as she withdraws blood, keep up a running commentary about the walls or decor of the office as she withdraws it (stick in "Hmm, that hurts" when it does), and in general just do it, no matter how it must get done.\n\nIt's not good to have either illness and ignore it.  It does long term damage.  I sit here today with a heart that belongs to someone 10 years older since mine beat so rapidly for so long, so I am going to be a prime candidate for a heart attack as I age.  It's not worth it -- go to the doctor.\n\nGood luck!!
547222
Possibly a problem with the thyroid gland.
202023
This is a broad topic with a lot of variables depending on the particular nature of the source of the problem, your age, how much damage is present currently, as well as some presenting characteristics of your disorder.  So any average number might not be too helpful to you as YOUR condition may not be average at all.  \n\n"Estimation of mortality rates is affected by the same factors that make estimation of incidence difficult. In the series of 99 patients discussed above, the probability of surviving 24, 48, or 60 months was 83%, 72%, and 64%, respectively. Mean survival interval from onset in this group of patients was 47 months. Factors associated with poor outcome were the presence of pulmonary hypertension at the time of diagnosis and a final diagnosis of DIP or pulmonary vascular disease. Other smaller series also suggest that patients with DIP have a very poor prognosis, particularly infants. This is in marked contrast to adult ILD, in which DIP diagnosed histologically indicates steroid responsiveness and a better prognosis."  Quotation from the second reference.\n\nCheck out the references below for more information.  Print them out and discuss the parts that are not so clear, with your physician.  Most doctors are pleased that their patient is becoming well informed on their illness and will be happy to help.  Good luck.
162383
i agree with the poster above who said that goiters can come from a lack of iodine.  however, the poster hasn't given the full story.\n\na nodule in the thyroid can be many things:  it can be a part of a multi-nodular goiter, as the poster said.  it can also be a primary hyperthyroid disease (such as Graves disease) or part of a thyroiditis.\n\nor it could be cancer.\n\nso, just taking more seaweed and fish won't necessarily be the best treatment.  i would get the nodule checked out by ultrasound.  depending on how big it is, a head and neck surgeon may elect to watch it or to take out part or all of your thyroid.\n\ngood luck
1121766
The Thyroid Foundation says not to, as does Mary Shoman (an expert in the field):\n\n"Is goitre due to lack of iodine in our diet? Should I eat kelp to get rid of this goitre?\n\nANSWER:\nIodine deficiency is the most common cause of goitre in the world but NOT in this country. We have had iodized salt for two generations, and there are many other sources of iodine now in our diets so that, if anything, we are receiving more iodine than in most places in the world. There is no point whatsoever in adding more iodine to the diet and that includes kelp, a form of seaweed high in iodine often sold in health food stores. The problem is that too much iodine is just as dangerous as too little iodine. Excess iodine can also cause goitres and can either cause a low thyroid state, (hypothyroidism) or excess output of thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It also aggravates Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In Canada it is a mistake to ingest kelp."\n\nMary Shoman said:\n\n"While some herbalists and vitamin proponents recommend iodine tablets or kelp supplements (which are high in iodine) for people with thyroid problems, you need to be extremely careful about any decision to take iodine or kelp supplements if you are on thyroid hormone replacement therapy."\n\nRead more: http://thyroid.about.com/cs/drugdatabase/f/kelp.htm\n\nHope that helps!
356786
Not always!! In a few cases, hormonal imbalances can lead to sinusitis.\nDisease, unmanaged mental or physical stress, and hypothyroidism can cause hormone fluctuations in estrogen or low thyroid levels, occasionally leading to nasal membrane swelling and sinusitis.
386589
he may be having a disease nammed "Thyrotoxicosis" therefore just get appointment from physician and get checked his plasma harmonal levels of T3 and T4.\n(inshallah) hope that outcome will be good
137985
I did a little research and most of the sites I found recommended limited contact for three days, not just one.  Not only did it mention limited contact, but other things like eating and hygeine.  Check these out:\n\nhttp://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/raiprep.html\nhttp://www.endocrinologist.com/Radioactive.html\nhttp://www.thyca.org/rai.htm\n\nLook for the "precautions" section.
880599
I think it's D. Whatever it is please educate me on it. I happen to have issues with my thyroid, steming from being insulin resistent. Seems that the thyroid controls many hormones and once they are out of whack there is no telling what can happen. It's been fun to say the least.
414444
Try here for answers to all the above.....\nhttp://www.thyroid.org/patients/faqs.html
456401
HI. My son was diagnosed with MODY 3.  You are right there is not a lot of comprehensive information.  What i can tell you is what my late husband experienced, but it's not pleasant.  My son is currenly 13 years old, I don't expect him to show symptoms until he is 16, but we keep him checked.  My husband was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 24, he had it unbeknownst to him since he was about 17, he did not do the greatest job taking care of it, he had multiple eye surgerys and was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 31.  He was on dialysis for 3 years and died on his 35th birthday. It is a very tragic tale, and I am going to do everything I can to keep my son from going that same route.  My late husband was not a drinker, not a smoker and not over weight, but his diabetes was very progressive and aggressive. All I ask is that you PLEASE take this very seriously and take care of yourself.  If you want to chat more on this..I'd love to hear from you.
617803
I had a total thyroidectomy and the parathyroids came out too (they were stuck to all the scar tissue on my thyroid from all my RAI treatments)  So..my body is totally dependent on calcium and vitamin D supplements.  I take 50 mcg Calcitriol (vit D) and 2000mg OsCal daily.  My levels are monitored every 3 mos but since having a baby, my body has changed quite a bit.  I've had 3 hypercalcemic crisis' since that time, all landing me in the ER and a nice 2 day hospital visit (10 days after birth of my daughter) with calcium levels of 16 each time (normal being 9) between having a baby, losing a lot of weight quickly (IBS) and being dehyrdated when ill I've had my share!  I'm seeing a really good endocrinologist who is supposedly the calcium expert and has run extensive testing on me.  If you live in the NY metro area, email me at mooseny35@yahoo.com and I will gladly provide you with his info.
876629
Hi Daisy\n\nHere are some answers and some ideas to start the healing process.\n\nHyperthyroidism\n\nDefinition\nHyperthyroidism is a health condition caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. \n\nThe thyroid is one of your body's "master" glands, meaning that it influences and regulates overall metabolism and the overall health of most of the cells in your body, including helping to form protein RNA (the building blocks of life) for every cell and to increase oxygen consumption by most cells. Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid gland consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe (trachea). \n\nSymptoms\nSymptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heartbeat, enlarged thyroid (goiter), moist skin, trembling or tremors, erratic pulse pressure levels (too high or too low), fatigue, anxiety, weight loss, bulging eyes, excessive sweating, increased appetite, low tolerance to heat, diarrhea, chest pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. In older people with hyperthyroidism, however, the opposite of the above symptoms can occur. Overall, hyperthyroidism is much rare than hypothyroidism (under active thyroid function). \n\nHyperthyroidism may be associated with and often is called Graves' disease, a condition characterized by an enlarged thyroid, bulging eyes bulge, rash and swelling in front of the lower leg. \n\nCause\nAbnormal immune response is believed be a possible cause of hypothyroidism. The exact cause is not known, but certain antibodies from the immune system will launch an assault on the thyroid, disturbing hormone production. Lumps or tumors that form on the thyroid also disrupt hormone production. Temporary hyperthyroidism can be caused by infection or inflammation, and certain prescription drugs. \n\nHyperthyroidism is less common than Hypothyroidism, yet for both diseases, women appear to be more susceptible than men. Be aware that a malfunctioning thyroid may be the cause of recurring illnesses. \n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nNatural Cures\n\nDiet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet, emphasizing foods that naturally suppress excess thyroid hormone production. Such foods include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, rutabagas, spinach, turnips, soybeans, peaches, and pears. Eliminate dairy products, over consumption of wheat products, coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks. \n\nHydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. I suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments.\n\nHomeopathy: The homeopathic remedy Thyroidium is very helpful in assisting in proper thyroid regulation.\n\nJuice Therapy: Drink carrot, celery, spinach, and parsley juice; or juice made from a combination of cabbage, watercress, and spinach.\n\nNutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can help regulate thyroid function: vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, choline, trace minerals, iodine, kelp, and thyroid glandulars.\n\nAlternative Professional Care\nIf your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating hyperthyroidism: Acupuncture, Biofeedback Training, Homeopathy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine\n\nBest of health to you\n\nCheers
316608
I had Graves Disease for 3 years - It sounds like the doctor still need to get you regulated, with the proper dosage of Levoxyl or Synthyroid. I still get my blood tested every 2 or 3 months. Check out this web site http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/graves-disease/DS00181 for additional info!! You may also have trouble when you are taking your meds. You need to take it on an empty stomach at least 2 hours before your last meal or least an hour before you eat a meal..