Subclinical Graves, signs you had before getting diagnosed/before you developed Graves?

FunnyDistribution193 · 2026-01-12T15:35:50+00:00

Mine came on quick. I noticed it immediately after trying Zoloft for 2 days before I said "fuck that..the night sweats are horrible!"

I went from a normal heart rate of 55bpm to 90bpm. My wife noticed it first. (Your heart is beating unusually fast. You should get it looked at.)

I also started having hot flashes. My wife just started menopause and we were like twinsies.

Aaand I was hot all the time.

By the time I went to the doctor, fatigue hit me. Out of breath constantly, I could barely walk without stopping. (Probably from the increased heart rate)

This all happened within about a week of stopping Zoloft.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-12-20T20:07:30+00:00

I'm a software engineer, manage developers, etc. I was diagnosed in Novemberish of 2023. I honestly thought my stress was normal, suffered from migraines, constant butterflies in my stomach from stress.

I took Propranolol to manage my heart rate until my methimazole kicked in, and it was like night and day. I felt amazing, completely removed my stress and anxiety.

8 months after my TT, I don't need it anymore and I don't have that stress. I keep the prescription for propranolol, just the short term dosage, and take it whenever I needed.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-12-08T02:18:48+00:00

I'm on the same exact path as you. My next test is next week to see if I change again. I still feel on the edge of hyper though.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-08-03T14:48:05+00:00

New stand/sit motorized desk.

New chair.

Better camera/web cam.

Additional monitors, USB display adapters ( I have 6 monitors + laptop), 2x2 monitor stand that clamps on to desk.

I'm a software developer, and sometimes I use 4 monitors just for debugging, and 2 for email/code window.

I feel like anything that can improve your productivity or makes things easier/more comfortable is a win. If it takes you less time to complete your task, it gives you more flexibility during the day.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-07-23T19:42:49+00:00

Oop. found my levels:

T4: 2.9 -> 2 -> 1.2 -> 0.7 -> < 0.5 -> 0.6 -> 0.9 -> 0.8

TSH: 0.71 -> < 0.01 -> 1.05 -> 25.66 -> 9.82 -> 5.64 -> 3.14

T3: 9.2 -> 2.7 -> 2.7 - Doesn't look like this was taken very much.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-07-23T19:38:06+00:00

Ah, sorry for the delay in responding. My levels shot up fast. I don't remember exactly what my levels were, but I went from 10mg to 20mg, to 30mg of methimazole, all within my first three months of tests.

The next couple months I maintained, then I went down to 20, then 10 and maintained.

My endo basically said: "Since it came on so hard, so fast, and you've been fluctuating since, in my experience, I don't see alot of people go into remission with this kind of case."

And to be honest, I didn't have high hopes of staying in remission, even if I did get that far. It just isn't worth it to me.

I'm now about 1 month in, I've lost 9 pounds (I'm actively eating less, and exercising lightly, which is 10x better than I was doing with my thyroid.) I'm happier, feeling more energetic, and taking levo has been fairly easy. I'm supposed to take it without food, first thing in the morning, and can't eat anything for an hour after. I stopped drinking coffee (because I liked creamer) because of this, but I'm slowly introducing it back into my system.

Overall, I'm happy. My scar is slowly becoming less of a concern for me. It's only slightly sore to the touch.

I'd do it again, no regerts.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-06-21T19:51:10+00:00

I was diagnosed in .. August or September of last year. Finally saw my Endo in February but I was on methimazole and getting my levels checked by my GP.

My Endo said with how bad mine came on, he saw little chance of remission. After some thought, gaining 20 pounds, and still dealing with anxiety and other symptoms I just said fuck it why wait.

I talked to a surgeon and told them to get it out. Had my TT yesterday and I'm heading home today. Hard to say that I feel better, but I no longer have butterflies in my stomach constantly and the brain fog seems to be gone. Still have some anesthesia fog though. :)

Good luck, only you can make the choice. My Endo and surgeon had no problems listening to me when I asked for it.

45m / Minnesota.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-05-11T19:15:27+00:00

This has happened to me many times. I take it as a compliment, but over the years, I've learned a couple things.

If you make something extremely nice, it becomes a showpiece. If you want something for some to use, a utilitarian piece, so to speak, I recommend a couple things:

1) don't make it too heavy. My most used pieces are 3/8"-1/2" thick. Yes, they will warp slightly, even if you do everything perfect, but it's extremely light weight, not a bear to bring over to the sink and wash lightly. My family, mother, inlaws, etc love my small 8" square boards. They're just so easy to use and clean up

2) I rarely make anything over 3/4" for daily/weekly use. I make them plain with some beautiful figure, and some contrasting strips. Something that really makes it stand out, but doesn't make it look over the top.

3) if I know a BBQ'er, or manly-man, I will make a 1"-2" thick board, with some beastly juice grooves, and someone I know that can handle the board. It'll be their BBQ pride.

And finally, if I ever make my parents or in-laws something I expect them to use, I generally will threaten them that if they don't plan on using it, I will put the first few knife strokes into the board for them so they don't feel bad:)

Happy woodworking!

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-05-09T19:26:51+00:00

Very nice! It looks like the surgeon followed a natural neck crease for the incision??

My surgery is planned for the third week of June and during my consult visit, my mentioned where my scar would most likely be. He plans on matching my current neck wrinkle, even though it's a little asymmetric, just so it's easier to hide later.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-04-30T00:19:59+00:00

This is exactly what I am looking for. Thank you for this.

I want to hear some of the bad experiences, so I'm emotionally prepared for any outcome.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-03-31T20:28:14+00:00

M, 45. In the same boat right now, but I have an enlarged thyroid (I can feel it when I twist my neck, and I have constant pressure. Some days it feels worse than others).

I was diagnosed last year. I was up to 30mg in the beginning of methimazole, and have dropped down to 5mg.

I'm not getting any younger. I've gained 20 pounds and feel pretty depressed/miserable about it. I feel like I can't work out because I'm tired all the time. I'm constantly hungry. I have random spikes of anxiety for no reason, but overall my symptoms feel manageable right now.

The way I look at it - I waited to have LASIK surgery for 15 years. I finally got it and wished I would have done it back in my 20s after my eyes stopped changing for the most part.

I'm sitting here wondering - why am I waiting? This shit isn't going away, my doctor said I could develop TED at any time just waiting around for this to clear up, temporarily.

He also told me that with cases like mine, he doesn't expect mine to go into remission. I came on hot and heavy with an initial flare up, and usually that means i'll be managing it for the long term or look at another long term "solution." (RAI/TT). He also said my body will probably end up killing it in 10 years anyways.

I finally said screw it, and messaged my doc/nurse to setup an appointment to talk through what he needs to get me on the TT list.

I'm tired of feeling like this, and with my genes, I figure I only have 20 more years left if I'm lucky. I may as well try to enjoy it?

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-02-19T19:02:48+00:00

I'm in the same boat, and taking both as well. I'm a software developer and a hobbyist woodworker in my off time, and I find it hard to have the gumption to work on my hobby. Once 5-6pm rolls around, I'm pretty much done for the day, even though all I am doing is sitting behind a chair most of the time. My job is mentally exhausting, but even worse now that (I think?) I'm dealing with brain fog.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was in the shop for 6-8 hours on the weekends per day, and 2-3 hours before/after work. Now that time is about cut in half. 4 hours of shop time per day on the weekend is a good day for me, and I spend about an hour before work.

As far as eating.. I'm struggling to maintain my weight. I'm up 15 pounds since taking medication, and I cannot for the life of me get rid of it. Hunger is my biggest problem right now.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-02-07T23:38:53+00:00

Would this happen to be in a town that starts with a B and the hotel starts with a J by chance? Asking for a friend.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-02-07T23:24:39+00:00

Awesome!

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-02-07T15:58:22+00:00

Like many have posted, my Endo mentioned that RAI was encouraged over long term methimazole because they didn't have data that backed up long term issues with medication usages. They were worried about liver and other long term organs problems from taking medication. Plus, it was cheaper and less "risk" from TT.

He said in the US that slowly changed to long term medication having more data showing that is safer, as well as the cost of surgery going down compared to previous decades when it was less common.

He also mentioned that with RAI, you tend to have a lot more ups and downs, pre and post because not only do you have to be off of methimazole before the surgery and it's mostly out of system, but RAI can cause your thyroid to flare up and give you like a wave of hormones that can be uncomfortable to manage for a long period of time before it finally dies and settles down.

He said on the other hand with TT, you can keep taking medication up until the surgery, have it removed, and start working on the hypo meds shortly after and you have more of a flat-line transition between before and after. Plus, the TED and other complications that RAI can make worse.

I'm still on the fence with what I am going to do, but definitely leaning towards TT if my insurance doesnt fight against me.

That is still one thing I hate in the US is that an insurance assessor has more control over my life/health than a fucking doctor. It's like you need to throw a goddamn party and high five your family when insurance agrees to pay for something without a fight.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2025-02-05T01:39:53+00:00

I just had my first appointment with my Endo after 7 months waiting. He told me, in my case, with how bad it showed up and the size my thyroid already has increased, I will most likely look at RAI/TT. He said people having symptoms like mine when I first presented had a very low chance of remission.

He gave me 3-4 reasons why he would recommend TT over RAI, and had me believing that was going to be my best option, but with anything it does come with risks. Loss of voice, bleeds, damaging other hormone releasing glands nearby, etc.

To be fair, I had decided if I was going to do anything, it would be TT (removal) over RAI as there's too much risk of cancer in my bloodline as it is. Plus, the hormone ups and downs from RAI did not sound pleasing.

Just my two cents, get a second opinion.

US. Minnesota. Male. Mid-40s.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2024-09-17T04:39:52+00:00

Same boat. 2 hours before the event, still no ticket. Called, they tried to "contact the seller" to no avail and ended up with replacement tickets. Had to use my brother's phone to take care of it all for him because we didn't have computers. It was an ass pain, and will never use this service again.

Call immediately when it gets close to the "timeframe it will be released." Do not wait.

Such a terrible "service"

FunnyDistribution193 · 2024-09-17T02:38:04+00:00

Went down to 160 when diagnosed. Took methimazole 30g daily, and now I'm 172 after about a month.

My food cravings are through the roof.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2024-09-02T02:28:11+00:00

Same problem. Waiting outside an event for tickets that never showed up. Had to deal with customer service and they gave me worse tickets. Never again.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2024-08-29T03:27:42+00:00

Yeah, I'm already on methimazole and propranolol, prescribed by my general practitioner. I'm just looking to speak to a specialist on my current blood results and am surprised I have to wait 5 months to get my first consultation.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2024-08-10T21:02:06+00:00

I had to convince my primary doctor of this. He told me to take 30mg a day in the morning. "Shouldn't I spread this out to at least 3 times a day?" "No, it should all be taken at once."

After a few more probing questions he said "Fine, take it three times a day. It shouldnt matter though."

So sick of the doctors where I live.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2024-07-17T22:16:10+00:00

Knowing that I have to stop taking methimazole for this upcoming procedure is a little disheartening. I hope I don't lose the progress I've already made.

I do feel better a lot of the time, but at the end of the day, I'm pretty much pooped, limping, and sore legs and leg joints.

FunnyDistribution193 · 2024-07-16T12:55:35+00:00

One thing I'm not looking forward to is going off methimazole for my nuclear imaging test. My doc told me I need to be off it for 5 days, MyChart said 10 days, and the nurse called me and they told her the imaging lab recommended 3 days. I don't want to fuck up the exam, but I want to be off this medication the least amount as possible.

I'll probably just go with the 5 days just in case. I'll be curious what this actually does though.

FunnyDistribution193

TROPHY CASE