Can a person with Graves disease be able to take medicine all their life such as PTU?

Can a person with Graves disease (a very hyperactive thyroid) problem be able to take medicine all their life such as PTU or do they end up doing radioactive iodine treatment down the road anyway? I am 31 and I haven't been able to find an endocrinologist who won't go down this radioactive iodine treatment route before allowing me to take a medication called PTU.

I haven't had any kids yet and I really don't want to do this radioactive iodine treament at all. I am really not into destroying my glands only to turn hypothyroid and thenhave to take a medication called Synthroid fopr the rest of my life. Any comments or opinions.

The Graves is not good for your body either. It is hard to control. On the other hand, hypothyroid has been successfully treated for many years. You will have to take have to take either synthroid or dessicated bovine thyroid for the rest of your life. I think this option is better than no treatment at all.

There is a reason no doctor will prescribe the PTU. Perhaps there are too many side effects or it doesn't work well. Ask them to explain why they are reluctant to use this medication.

You need to resolve this condition soon.

Tags

　　Gynecomastia 　　Gum Disease 　　Gulf War Syndrome 　　Guillain-Barre Syndrome 　　Grief 　　Graves Disease 　　Gout 　　Gonorrhea 　　Goiter 　　Glaucoma 　　Glandular Fever 　　Giardia

Related information

Anyone out there with graves disease?

Graves disease can be treated with a simple, cheap, prescription medication. Please don't take any drastic, permanent steps like having radiation or having your thyroid cut out while you have...

Can you have Graves' disease if you don't have an overactive thyroid?

Graves disease is only one type of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease where the body produces antibodies that keep the thyroid gland producing thyroxin. If you have seen an endocrinologis...

I have Graves Disease. Should I take time off work?

I had to, since I was so far gone (90% capacity or something like that, most folks at 33-36%). The doc wanted me to take 6 weeks off from work (wrote a Dr.'s note too) but I got bored after 4...

Diet for graves disease?

...

Radioactive Iodine for Graves disease?

If you have RAI, you will 1) still have Grave's disease. RAI isn't a cure for Grave's disease, only for one symptom of Grave's disease! 2) you will be given hypothyroidism. ...

Did anybody with Graves disease suffer from depression?

I think the depression is probably unrelated to the Graves disease. I haven't seen any research showing a connection between the two. I'm not saying it isn't out there, just that I...

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease and given radioactive iodine to kill my thyroid.?

Grave's disease is an autoimmune disease. It is defined by the presence of antibodies attacking the body, not by hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is only one symptom of Grave's disease. Y...

What is Hyperthyroid and Graves Disease?

Hyperthyroidism / Graves' Disease / Overactive Thyroid Condition Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that can cause overactivity of the thyroid -- a condition known as hyperthyroidi...