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To blog or…

Why Blog?

Be curious, not judgmental.
— Wald Whitman

I attended the Digital Architecture Design Day conference today and was inspired by one of the keynote speakers Eric Schabell who talked about sharing thoughts and ideas to educate, inspire and ignite a conversation.

This got me thinking about how i’ve always felt a tendency to help and educate people with things i’ve learned and also have a (healthy) thurst for knowlegde and understanding and simply to write things down. But i never took the time to share my thoughts and ideas to enable this in a more structured way.

So the proof of the pudding is in the eating and i’m going to use the coming year for exploring blogging and see what comes out of that.

My blogs will mostly be about my work as an Architect at bol.com, my experience with basketball and training kids, living with the auto-imune disease called ‘graves disease‘ and what i’ve done to cope with it, movies, family and my second favorite sport crossfit.

So here goes.

Discussing Graves Disease with GPT4

In my previous blog I posted about my questions that I asked ChatGPT to anwer, which were very impressive. Since I got access to GPT4 I thought I’d do the same, so here’s the result based on the same questions (and some more)!

Can you explain graves disease to a 13 year old and keep in short?

Sure, I can explain Graves’ disease in a simple way!

Graves’ disease is a problem with the thyroid gland, which is a small organ in the neck that makes hormones that help control the body’s energy. When someone has Graves’ disease, their thyroid gland makes too much of these hormones, which can cause problems like a fast heartbeat, feeling hot or sweaty, and having trouble sleeping. It’s called Graves’ disease because it was named after the doctor who first discovered it.

What are the top 3 cause of graves disease?

The exact cause of Graves’ disease is not fully understood, but there are a few factors that are believed to contribute to its development. Here are three possible causes:

Genetics: People who have a family history of Graves’ disease are more likely to develop it themselves, suggesting that there may be a genetic component.
Autoimmune disorder: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much hormone.
Environmental triggers: There are some environmental factors that may trigger Graves’ disease, such as stress or infection, but more research is needed to fully understand their role in the development of the condition.

What happens if graves disease is not treated?

If Graves’ disease is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems. Here are a few examples:

Heart problems: Graves’ disease can cause the heart to beat too fast, which can lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart failure.
Eye problems: Some people with Graves’ disease develop eye problems, such as bulging eyes or double vision. In severe cases, this can lead to vision loss.
Thyroid storm: In rare cases, Graves’ disease can lead to a life-threatening condition called thyroid storm, which can cause fever, rapid heartbeat, and confusion.
Osteoporosis: Over time, having too much thyroid hormone in the body can cause the bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.

It’s important to seek treatment if you suspect you have Graves’ disease to prevent these complications from developing.

What if medication won’t solve the disease?

There are several treatment options for Graves’ disease, and medication is often the first line of treatment. However, in some cases, medication may not be enough to control the symptoms of the disease. In these situations, there are other options to consider:

Radioactive iodine therapy: This treatment involves taking a small amount of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and destroys the overactive thyroid cells. This can help to reduce the production of thyroid hormone.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. This can be an effective treatment for Graves’ disease, but it is usually only considered if other treatments have not been successful.
Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers are medications that can help to control some of the symptoms of Graves’ disease, such as rapid heartbeat and tremors. They do not treat the underlying cause of the disease, but they can provide relief from some of the symptoms.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

What percentage of people get cured by medication?

The success rate of medication in treating Graves’ disease can vary depending on the individual case. However, in many cases, medication can be very effective in controlling the symptoms of the disease and bringing the levels of thyroid hormone back to normal.

According to the American Thyroid Association, antithyroid drugs, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, can be effective in controlling hyperthyroidism in up to 90% of patients with Graves’ disease. However, it’s important to note that these medications do not cure the disease, and symptoms may return if the medication is stopped.

In some cases, medication may be used as a temporary treatment before other options, such as radioactive iodine therapy or surgery, are considered. Ultimately, the success of medication in treating Graves’ disease will depend on the individual case, and it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan.

How long can you keep taking medication?

The length of time that medication is taken for Graves’ disease can vary depending on the individual case. In some cases, medication may be used as a long-term treatment to control the symptoms of the disease. In other cases, medication may be used as a temporary treatment before other options, such as radioactive iodine therapy or surgery, are considered.

Antithyroid drugs, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, can be used for several months to several years to control hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease. In some cases, medication may be stopped after a period of time if the thyroid hormone levels have returned to normal.

It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs. Your healthcare provider can help you to determine how long medication should be taken and monitor your thyroid hormone levels to determine if the medication is effectively controlling the symptoms of the disease.

What are the risks in taking medication for the rest of your life?

If medication is used as a long-term treatment for Graves’ disease, there are some potential risks and side effects to consider. Some of the risks and side effects of taking medication for a prolonged period of time may include:

Liver damage: Antithyroid drugs can sometimes cause liver damage, especially if taken for a long period of time. Regular liver function tests may be needed to monitor for this potential side effect.
Decreased white blood cells: Antithyroid drugs can sometimes decrease the number of white blood cells in the body, which can increase the risk of infection.
Rash or hives: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to antithyroid drugs, which can cause a rash or hives.
Birth defects: Antithyroid drugs can potentially cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of medication with their healthcare provider.
Relapse of hyperthyroidism: In some cases, hyperthyroidism may return after medication is stopped, which may require further treatment.

It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks of medication as a long-term treatment option for Graves’ disease. Your healthcare provider can help you to monitor for potential side effects and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Can this type of medication cause a reduction in white blood cells?

Yes, antithyroid drugs used to treat Graves’ disease, such as methimazole or propylthiouracil (PTU), can sometimes cause a decrease in white blood cells. This condition is known as leukopenia and can increase the risk of infections. If you are taking antithyroid medication, your healthcare provider may monitor your white blood cell count through regular blood tests to ensure that it remains within a safe range. If your white blood cell count becomes too low, your healthcare provider may adjust your medication or recommend stopping treatment temporarily to allow your white blood cell count to recover. It’s important to report any symptoms of infection, such as fever or sore throat, to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

How effective is the radiocative iodine therapy?

Radioactive iodine therapy is a highly effective treatment option for Graves’ disease. The therapy involves taking a small dose of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and destroys the overactive thyroid cells that cause Graves’ disease. The treatment is usually administered in a single dose, and in most cases, it leads to a permanent cure for hyperthyroidism.

The effectiveness of the radioactive iodine therapy depends on several factors, including the size of the thyroid gland, the severity of the hyperthyroidism, and the dose of radioactive iodine administered. In general, the success rate of radioactive iodine therapy for Graves’ disease is around 80-90%, with most people experiencing a return to normal thyroid function within a few months of treatment.

However, it’s important to note that radioactive iodine therapy is not suitable for everyone. It may not be appropriate for pregnant women, those with certain types of thyroid cancer, or those with severe eye symptoms associated with Graves’ disease. Your healthcare provider can help determine if radioactive iodine therapy is the right treatment option for you based on your individual circumstances.

How big is the change of developing thyriod cancer after this therapy?

The risk of developing thyroid cancer after radioactive iodine therapy for Graves’ disease is generally very low. In fact, studies have shown that the risk of developing thyroid cancer after radioactive iodine therapy is not significantly higher than the risk in the general population.

However, it’s important to note that radioactive iodine therapy can cause changes in the thyroid gland that may be detected on imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans. These changes may include the development of small nodules or areas of increased activity in the thyroid gland. While most of these changes are benign and do not require treatment, in some cases, further evaluation may be needed to rule out the possibility of thyroid cancer.

If you have concerns about the risk of thyroid cancer after radioactive iodine therapy, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with more information about the potential risks and benefits of the treatment and help you make an informed decision about your treatment options.

Why are we treating the symptoms of graves disease with these treatments and not the cause?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. While the exact cause of Graves’ disease is not fully understood, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Currently, there is no known cure for Graves’ disease, and treatment focuses on managing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety. The goal of treatment is to restore normal thyroid function, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications.

There are several treatment options available for Graves’ disease, including antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery. Antithyroid medications work by blocking the production of thyroid hormone, while radioactive iodine therapy destroys the overactive thyroid cells that cause Graves’ disease. Surgery involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland to reduce thyroid hormone production.

While these treatments do not address the underlying cause of Graves’ disease, they can effectively manage the symptoms and improve quality of life for people with the condition. In some cases, symptoms may improve or resolve over time, even without treatment. Research is ongoing to better understand the underlying mechanisms of Graves’ disease and develop new treatments that target the root cause of the condition.

Can taking supplements help prevent or control graves disease? And if so, which ones are most effective?

There is no evidence to suggest that taking supplements can prevent or cure Graves’ disease. However, certain nutrients are important for overall thyroid health, and a well-balanced diet can help support overall health and well-being.

Iodine is an essential nutrient that is required for the production of thyroid hormones. However, excessive iodine intake can actually worsen the symptoms of Graves’ disease, as it can stimulate the thyroid gland to produce even more thyroid hormone. Therefore, it is important for people with Graves’ disease to avoid iodine supplements and foods that are high in iodine, such as seaweed and iodized salt.

Selenium is another nutrient that is important for thyroid function, as it helps to convert inactive thyroid hormone to its active form. Some studies have suggested that selenium supplements may help reduce the symptoms of Graves’ disease, but more research is needed to confirm this. It is important to note that selenium supplements can be toxic at high doses, so it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

In general, it is best to focus on getting nutrients from a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. If you have Graves’ disease, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes regular monitoring of thyroid function and appropriate management of symptoms.

What has less risk, taking medication for the rest of your life or taking the iodone treatment?

The decision to pursue medication or iodine treatment for Graves’ disease depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your symptoms, your age, your overall health, and your personal preferences.

Antithyroid medication can be effective in controlling the symptoms of Graves’ disease, but it typically requires lifelong treatment. There is a risk of side effects associated with these medications, and some people may experience a relapse of symptoms when they stop taking the medication.

Radioactive iodine treatment involves taking a dose of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and destroys the overactive thyroid cells. This treatment is generally well-tolerated and can be highly effective in controlling the symptoms of Graves’ disease. However, it can also result in an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), which requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy. There is also a risk of side effects associated with radioactive iodine treatment, such as nausea, dry mouth, and a temporary worsening of symptoms.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue medication or iodine treatment should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each option and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and preferences.

What is the most promising research being done for preventing graves disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, and while there is currently no known cure for the disease, research is ongoing to better understand the underlying causes and develop new treatments. Here are some promising areas of research for preventing Graves’ disease:

Genetics: Researchers are studying the genetic factors that contribute to Graves’ disease to better understand the disease’s underlying causes. This research may lead to the development of personalized treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a promising area of research for Graves’ disease, as it aims to target the immune system’s abnormal response to the thyroid gland. Researchers are exploring different forms of immunotherapy, including monoclonal antibodies, to prevent the immune system from attacking the thyroid gland.
Environmental factors: Researchers are studying the potential environmental factors that may trigger the development of Graves’ disease, such as exposure to certain chemicals or toxins. This research may lead to the development of strategies for reducing exposure to these triggers.
Microbiome: Researchers are exploring the relationship between the gut microbiome and the development of autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease. This research may lead to the development of new treatments that target the gut microbiome to prevent or manage Graves’ disease.

Overall, while there is no known way to prevent Graves’ disease, ongoing research is providing hope for new treatments and strategies for managing the disease.

Can you elaborate more on #4?

Certainly! The microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live in and on our bodies. There is growing evidence that the microbiome plays an important role in regulating the immune system and protecting against autoimmune diseases.

In the case of Graves’ disease, researchers have found that there are differences in the gut microbiome between people with the disease and healthy individuals. Specifically, people with Graves’ disease have been found to have lower levels of certain types of bacteria in their gut, which may contribute to the development of the disease.

Researchers are now exploring whether modifying the gut microbiome could be a potential treatment for Graves’ disease. For example, some studies have shown that probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for health, may help to improve the symptoms of Graves’ disease by restoring balance to the gut microbiome.

While this research is still in its early stages, it provides a promising avenue for developing new treatments for Graves’ disease that target the gut microbiome.

Conclusion

Generally speaking the answers are alike but GPT4 gives more nuanced answers. Especially regarding the question: “What are the risks in taking medication for the rest of your life? ” where ChatGPT says: “…but it is generally considered safe and effective for most people…“, GPT4 says: “If medication is used as a long-term treatment for Graves’ disease, there are some potential risks and side effects to consider”.

So based on the ChatGPT chat you would conclude that it’s a safe bet, whereas GPT4 would still make you think twice.

I also asked the last 2 questions which are very interesting as a lot of our health has to do with our intake. So will look into that more, but in general this is both really fascinating and scary as this evolution of AI is incredibly fast and feels like a whole new world is opening. And where most people already have trouble with ‘normal’ technological advances, this will cause a whole new storm of discussion.

Discussing Graves Disease with ChatGPT

So, now that ChatGPT has entered our lives, I wanted to check if it can give me better answers than what I’ve been given so far. Short answer: yes. See my conversation..

Can you explain graves disease to a 13 year old and keep in short?

Sure! Graves’ disease is a condition where the body’s immune system makes a mistake and attacks the thyroid gland, which is a small gland in the neck that controls your body’s metabolism (how your body uses energy). This attack makes the thyroid gland produce too much thyroid hormone, which can cause problems like a fast heartbeat, weight loss, and feeling hot all the time. Doctors can treat Graves’ disease by giving medication to slow down the thyroid gland or by removing the thyroid gland through surgery.

What are the top 3 cause of graves disease?

The exact cause of Graves’ disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here are three possible contributing factors:

Genetics: People with a family history of Graves’ disease are more likely to develop the condition themselves, suggesting a genetic component to the disease.
Autoimmune disorders: Graves’ disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body. Other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, may increase the risk of developing Graves’ disease.
Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors may trigger Graves’ disease in people who are genetically susceptible. These factors include stress, smoking, and infections.

What happens if graves disease is not treated?

If Graves’ disease is not treated, the excess thyroid hormone in the body can lead to a number of serious health problems. Here are a few examples:

Heart problems: High levels of thyroid hormone can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, which can lead to heart palpitations, chest pain, and even heart failure.
Eye problems: Graves’ disease can cause eye problems such as bulging eyes (proptosis), eye irritation, and double vision.
Thyroid storm: In rare cases, untreated Graves’ disease can lead to a life-threatening condition called thyroid storm. This is a sudden and severe worsening of symptoms that can cause fever, high blood pressure, and even coma.
Bone problems: Over time, untreated Graves’ disease can lead to osteoporosis, which is a condition that weakens the bones and makes them more prone to fractures.

It is important to seek medical treatment if you suspect that you may have Graves’ disease or any other thyroid disorder. With proper treatment, most people with Graves’ disease are able to manage their symptoms effectively and live healthy, normal lives.

What if medication won’t solve the disease?

In most cases, medication is the first-line treatment for Graves’ disease, and it is effective for many people. However, there are some situations where medication may not be enough to control the disease. Here are a few examples:

Severe symptoms: In some cases, the symptoms of Graves’ disease may be very severe, and medication may not be able to control them. This is more likely to occur in people with very high levels of thyroid hormone or with severe eye problems.
Side effects or allergies to medication: Some people may experience side effects or allergic reactions to the medication used to treat Graves’ disease, which may make it difficult to continue taking the medication.
Radioactive iodine treatment: Radioactive iodine is a common treatment for Graves’ disease that involves taking a dose of radioactive iodine, which is taken up by the thyroid gland and destroys the thyroid tissue. This effectively treats the overactive thyroid, but it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Surgery: Surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) may be necessary in some cases of Graves’ disease, particularly if other treatments are not effective or if there are concerns about the development of thyroid cancer.

It is important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs and to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option.

What percentage of people get cured by medication?

The majority of people with Graves’ disease are able to manage their symptoms effectively with medication. Antithyroid medications such as methimazole and propylthiouracil are commonly used to treat Graves’ disease by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. According to some studies, up to 80% of people with Graves’ disease achieve remission (a state of normal thyroid function) with medication within 12-18 months of starting treatment.

However, it is important to note that medication does not cure Graves’ disease, but rather controls the symptoms by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. Some people may need to continue taking medication for the rest of their lives, while others may eventually be able to stop taking medication once the disease is in remission.

It is also worth noting that the success rate of medication treatment may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the disease, the age of the patient, and the presence of other medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for each individual.

How long can you keep taking medication?

The length of time that someone with Graves’ disease needs to take medication will vary depending on their individual situation. In many cases, medication is used to control the symptoms of the disease while the body naturally resolves the underlying autoimmune process. This process can take up to 12-18 months, and during this time, medication is typically continued to prevent symptoms from returning.

Once the disease is in remission and the thyroid hormone levels have returned to normal, the medication may be gradually tapered off and eventually discontinued. However, some people may need to continue taking medication for the rest of their lives to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels.

It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate length of treatment for Graves’ disease based on individual factors such as the severity of the disease, the response to medication, and the presence of other medical conditions. It is also important to continue monitoring thyroid hormone levels regularly after treatment to ensure that the disease remains in remission and to adjust treatment as needed.

What are the risks in taking medication for the rest of your life?

Taking medication for Graves’ disease for an extended period of time or even for the rest of one’s life may have some potential risks, but it is generally considered safe and effective for most people. Here are a few things to consider:

Side effects: Antithyroid medications used to treat Graves’ disease can have side effects, such as skin rash, nausea, and loss of taste. Rarely, these medications can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage or a decrease in white blood cells.
Interactions with other medications: Some medications may interact with antithyroid medications, which can affect the effectiveness of the medication or cause additional side effects.
Risk of relapse: In some cases, people who stop taking medication after achieving remission may experience a relapse of the disease. This may require restarting medication or exploring other treatment options.
Cost: Depending on where you live and your insurance coverage, the cost of medication for Graves’ disease may be a consideration.

Overall, the risks of taking medication for Graves’ disease are generally outweighed by the benefits of controlling symptoms and maintaining normal thyroid hormone levels. It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to monitor for any potential side effects and adjust treatment as needed.

Can this type of medication cause a reduction in white blood cells?

Yes, some medications used to treat Graves’ disease, particularly the antithyroid medications methimazole and propylthiouracil, can cause a reduction in white blood cells. This is known as agranulocytosis, which is a rare but serious side effect that can increase the risk of infection.

Agranulocytosis typically occurs within the first few months of starting treatment, and it is important to monitor for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and mouth sores, which may indicate a decrease in white blood cells. If these symptoms occur, it is important to contact a healthcare professional immediately, as this can be a medical emergency.

Regular blood tests are typically performed while taking antithyroid medications to monitor thyroid hormone levels and to check for any changes in white blood cell count. If the white blood cell count drops significantly, treatment may need to be stopped or reduced, and alternative treatments may need to be explored.

It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional and to report any symptoms or concerns while taking medication for Graves’ disease.

How effective is the radiocative iodine therapy?

Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) is a common treatment option for Graves’ disease, particularly for people who do not respond well to medication or who have other medical conditions that make medication difficult. RAI involves taking a radioactive form of iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and causes damage to the cells that produce thyroid hormones, leading to a decrease in hormone production.

The effectiveness of RAI therapy for Graves’ disease is generally considered to be high. Studies have shown that RAI therapy can achieve remission in up to 80% of people with Graves’ disease, with a typical time to remission of 3 to 6 months.

However, it is important to note that RAI therapy does not work immediately, and it may take several weeks or months for thyroid hormone levels to return to normal. In some cases, people may need to continue taking medication for a period of time after RAI therapy to control symptoms.

It is also important to consider the potential risks and side effects of RAI therapy, which may include a temporary worsening of symptoms, damage to the salivary glands or other tissues, and an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer in the future.

Overall, the effectiveness of RAI therapy for Graves’ disease depends on individual factors such as the severity of the disease, the size of the thyroid gland, and the presence of other medical conditions. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of RAI therapy with a healthcare professional and to weigh all treatment options before making a decision.

How big is the change of developing thyriod cancer after this therapy?

The risk of developing thyroid cancer after radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) for Graves’ disease is generally considered to be low. However, it is important to note that RAI therapy may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer in the future, particularly in people who have a family history of thyroid cancer or who have received high doses of radiation.

According to the American Thyroid Association, the lifetime risk of developing thyroid cancer after RAI therapy for Graves’ disease is estimated to be between 1% and 5%. This risk may be higher in people who receive high doses of radiation, who have a family history of thyroid cancer, or who have preexisting nodules or other abnormalities in the thyroid gland.

It is important to note that the risk of developing thyroid cancer after RAI therapy is still considered to be low, and most people who undergo RAI therapy for Graves’ disease do not develop thyroid cancer. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of RAI therapy with a healthcare professional and to undergo regular follow-up monitoring to detect any changes in the thyroid gland.

Why are we treating the symptoms of graves disease with these treatments and not the cause?

The symptoms of Graves’ disease are caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, which is a result of the autoimmune attack on the gland. While the underlying cause of Graves’ disease is thought to be an autoimmune response, the specific triggers that lead to the development of the disease are not well understood.

Currently, there is no known cure for Graves’ disease, and treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and restoring thyroid hormone levels to normal. The available treatments for Graves’ disease, such as antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery, are all aimed at reducing thyroid hormone production and improving symptoms.

While it would be ideal to address the underlying cause of Graves’ disease, this is currently not possible with our current medical knowledge and technology. However, research is ongoing to better understand the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease and to develop new treatments that can address the root cause of the disease.

In the meantime, treating the symptoms of Graves’ disease is important to improve quality of life and prevent complications associated with untreated hyperthyroidism. It is also important to monitor thyroid hormone levels and to adjust treatment as needed to maintain normal hormone levels over time.

Can taking supplements help prevent or control graves disease? And if so, which ones are most effective?

There is no specific supplement or dietary intervention that has been proven to prevent or control Graves’ disease. However, some supplements and dietary changes may help support thyroid health and reduce inflammation, which may be beneficial for people with Graves’ disease.

For example, iodine is an important nutrient for thyroid function, and some studies have suggested that low iodine levels may increase the risk of developing Graves’ disease. However, it is important to note that excessive iodine intake can also be harmful and may worsen thyroid function in some cases, particularly in people with preexisting thyroid conditions.

Other supplements that may be beneficial for thyroid health and immune function include selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as some supplements may interact with medications or have side effects.

In general, a balanced and varied diet that includes a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can provide important nutrients and support overall health. Additionally, stress management techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep may also help support immune function and reduce inflammation.

It is important to note that while supplements and dietary changes may provide some benefits for people with Graves’ disease, they are not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used in conjunction with conventional medical care.

What has less risk, taking medication for the rest of your life or taking the iodone treatment?

Both medications and radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for Graves’ disease have their own benefits and risks, and the best treatment option for an individual depends on several factors, including the severity of the disease, the individual’s age and overall health, and personal preferences.

Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, work by reducing thyroid hormone production and can be effective in managing the symptoms of Graves’ disease. These medications are generally safe and well-tolerated, although they may cause side effects such as rash, joint pain, or liver problems in some people. Some people may also experience a relapse of hyperthyroidism after stopping medication.

RAI therapy involves taking a small dose of radioactive iodine, which is absorbed by the thyroid gland and destroys the overactive thyroid cells, resulting in a reduction in thyroid hormone production. RAI therapy is a well-established and effective treatment for Graves’ disease, with a success rate of about 90% in achieving normal thyroid hormone levels. However, RAI therapy may also have some potential risks, including a small risk of thyroid cancer, damage to the salivary glands, and worsening of eye symptoms in some people.

It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of both treatment options with a healthcare professional and to make an informed decision based on individual circumstances. In general, antithyroid medications may be a good option for people who prefer a non-invasive approach or who have mild to moderate Graves’ disease, while RAI therapy may be more appropriate for people with more severe disease or who have not responded well to medication.

Conclusion

Well, I’m impressed with the precise and complete answers. I know it’s based on existing knowledge but it gives very specific and direct answers which were hard to get from doctors. I thought taking medication was not a good idea based on what the doctors said, but apparently, based on the knowledge and research available through GPT, it is (with some minor risks).

Also glad that it keeps on indication to discuss this with the proper people, but based on this I might change my mind and take medication for the rest of my life, and not opt for the readioactive iodine therapy.

My Battle With Graves Disease, Part 15: Rollercoaster

It’s been a while since my last blog regarding my ‘battle’ with graves and it’s been sort of a rollercoaster with some highs and lows. So here’s an update.

Let me first show you 3 graphs of the last period with results of the bloodtests.

FT4

TSH

TRAK

Strictly looking at the numbers and range it seems everything is good (except for the last TRAK value which was a bit too much). But like many with Graves can attest, the numbers don’t always tell the whole story.

If you look at the FT4 values, it has been going up and around november this year I didn’t feel well. Same is for the TSH which has been declining for a while. At first I thought this might the result of taking a lower dosage of medication. I want from 5mg to 2,5mg around that time and it takes some time for your body to adjust. But the feeling of low energy, poor sleeping and my gut seemingly in overdrive (going for #2 at least 5 or 7 times a day) raised a lot of red flags.

So I contacted my doctor and decided to do another bloodtest to see how things are, which is 1 month after I felt poorly. My feeling was that I would get an even worse outcome seeing the way I felt. However, when the results came back I was positively surprised, the FT4 value went down and the decline of TSH was far less than anticipated.

She did ask the question if there were stressrelated issues going on. And well, actually, quite a lot: 1) selling our house, 2) geting things arranged for our new, to be constructed, house, 3) finding a new rental place for at least a year untill the new house is build, 4) my wife had sort of a burn-out related to meno-pause setting in, 5) hectic at work and 6) my father was diagnosed with throatcancer. So yeah, a bit of stress here and there to put it mildly.

As research shows, stress can cause havoc on your digestive system, which, in result, can cause you to feel really bad and low on energy. Fortunatly it has been going much better lately with all the house related issues out of the way and other things improving. The last 2 weeks I felt much better, which resulted in much better sleep and working out (Crossfit) went way better than the weeks before. Learning point for me is to better take care of my stress-levels, some is good, but this one snuck up on me a bit with many things happening after one another.

So for now I’m good, still on medication for at least 3 months, with the lowerst dosage possible. The question is, what then. I can’t take this medication for the rest of my life as there is a (small) risk of compromising the immune system. I have to stop, but then it almost feels like a countdown is starting and you never really know when it ends. The other alternative, the iodine-therapy, is still not sitting well with me. But I did come to the conclusion that if it happens again, I will take the nuclear route. For now it’s about better handling and managing stress-factors.

Luckily I am now on a 2 week holiday to get some well deserved rest and turn of my brain a bit and charging my innerbattery to get ready for the new year!

5 more ways to save water

In my previous blog I wrote about 10 ways to save water. Since it’s become an even bigger thing due to even more severe draughts all over the world I wanted to do a follow up.

For me the 2 biggest savings from the previous blog are

putting a bucket in the shower and after 2/3 showers the bucket is full and we can flush the toilet 2 times or water plans in the garden and
shorter showers (max 5 minutes)

But there are more ways to save water, so here are 5 more things you can do.

1. Upgrade your dishwasher

Older dishwashers can use up to 20 liters of water per usage, a really good one can do it with 9. I thought doing the dishes by hand was better and in some cases it is, but with a full load it’s just better to use a (good) dishwasher. This quote is something that is very valid for our situation:

How long are you running cold water down the drain while you’re waiting for it to get hot?

It takes about 40-60 seconds for the water to get hot so doing that will just waste too much water every time you need it, so using the dishwasher is just more efficient in most cases

2. Skip a shower for 1 day week

Although probably not something that comes first to mind but, depending where you live in the world, it might be an idea to skip the shower once a while. This article from Bustle gives some good advice on when to skip it, mostly oriented towards woman, but the advice to skip a shower if you haven’t sweat at all is something to take notice of.

3. Take cold(er) showers

I’m not a fan of cold showers but taking colder showers is not only good from an energy perspective, but you’ll probably take shorter showers as a result. To be honest, I did start some time ago but couldn’t keep going, I just like a warm shower too much, but I did lower the temperature of the shower.

4. Skip the carwash, do it at home

Taking your car through the carwash can use somewhere between 45 liters and 450 liters depending on the type of carwash. Not arguing the quality which is often better than at home, but handwashing your car with just 3 or 4 buckets (not the hose) of water is saving a lot of water.

Good to mention that a (unknown) percentage of carwashes recycle their water, so it’s not always that black and white. More over, they are better at taking care of the chemicals being used. Which means that if you do it at home, only use environmental friendly products

5. Use a Quooker (like system)

Quookers are faucet systems that come with a tank of hot boiling water. The tank is powered by electricity which is cheaper, especially if you have solar panels. The idea is that (like I mentioned at 1) you don’t have to keep the water running from your faucet untill it gets warm. With a Quooker system you get instant hot water, thus saving valuable water.

The downside is is that this option is costly, but there are probably other option which support a similair tank.

Final thought

Writing about this subject was really insightfull and I learned quite some things. It was also very easy to start saving water without giving up too much of my ‘creature comforts’. I intend to do some more research and see what more we can do. However, having 2 kids does not make things easier. I might just have to buy a timer to reduce their shower time. Anyways, hope to get to at least 20 ways to save water.

10 Ways To Save Water

Recently I watched a video from John Oliver regarding water shortage and it emphasized what I already knew and heard many times before, humans (especially in the West) waste a lot or precious resources – in this case water – without giving it too much thought.

I looked up how a typical western person uses its water and found the following graph:

There are other graphs but they all boil down to the same, we use a lot of water daily and most of it is used on showering and bathroom use.

If you’re interested in more data about water usage and stress on watersources, have a look at: https://ourworldindata.org/water-use-stress.

This was also a very interesting graph which basically says that due to the increase in worldpopulation there’s also a large increase in water usage:

So with all the watershortage, also caused by global warming and climate change, what are solutions? We can of course look at all the industries that use large amounts of water or talk about govermental policies or the price of water, but I rather focus (this time) on simple things that us individuals can do. Here are 10 things I am doing and still can do.

Nr 1: Brush your teeth before taking a shower

Let’s start simple, taking a shower uses the most amount of water. Brushing your teeth takes time (2-3 minutes), after which you still want to washup. On average people take about 8 minutes to shower, which means if you brush your teeth before (or after) you skip 3 minutes of showering, that’s almost 40% less time in the shower: saving 20 liters a day per person. Easy win.

Nr 2: Use dampner on fosset

A simple way to save some water is to use a dampner or restrictor for you fossets. Adding a simple ring will restrict the amount of water you use, still enough for daily use, just takes a bit longer to fill a glass.

Nr 3: Use bucket to catch shower water

This one is arguably the easiest to implement, just put a bucket next to you when you shower and use that water for flusing your toilet. It depends if you have used soap or not but you can also use it to water your plants. And you will be surprised how fast the bucket fills.

Also use the bucket to catch water when turning on the shower, the water is usually still cold and it just flows away, why not use it more efficiently!

Nr 4: Time your showers

As mentioned at Nr. 1, people take up to to 8 minutes to shower. If you time that to 3-4 minutes you can save more than 25 liters (according to the graph). I know it feels really nice to take a long warm/hot shower, especially in the winter but that’s more from a comfort perspective, you don’t really need it.

Second benefit of timing your showers is a lower gas bill which will help a lot of people. Give up your creature comfort to save water and money.

Nr 5: Catch & use rainwater for garden

This one is also not that difficult, might be a bit of work getting a barrel and hooking it up to a rainpipe but just let if fill up when the rain is falling and use it in times of drought.

Nr 6: Catch & use rainwater for flushing toilets and more

An extension of Nr 5 is to use a system to catch rainwater and use that for more that just your garden. There are plenty of systems and providers out there who can install this. Some even include filtering options so you can use it for showering and/or dishwasher and/or washingmachine.

It is more expensive that some of the other options but it’s a good investment for prosperity.

Nr 7: Eat less meat

Everyone knows the agriculture sector is a large consumer of drinkable water but meat from large animals is really the topconsumer. Although I’m all in favor of eating a decent piece of meat now and then, it’s not that hard to do the math: eat less (cow) meat > less cows are needed > less water is used. The graph below illustrates this well.

You could extend this to cheese, pork, chicken and eggs. And I’m not saying to stop eating them, just reduce your intake and replace with other types of food. We replaced meat a few times a week with meat-replacements which are getting better like the beyond burger. However we are a fan of eggs and use them quite a lot, but every little bit helps.

Nr 8: No swimming pool

It really amazes me sometimes when there’s news about drought all over the news and then people just fill in their (mostly inflatable) swimming pools with drink water. I confess I have done that myself, but at least we only did it once and then made sure we 1) only filled it once and kept it clear and 2) used the water afterwards for the garden. We also have just got rid of the pool as our kids are getting too big for the size we had but have no intention of getting a replacement.

A small inflatable pool for small kids when it’s really hot is ok(ish) but it seems like people are getting bigger and bigger pools, and since there are more people getting these pools, the amount of water used for this purpose is also growing.

As far as I’m concerned (local) government should be able to enforce a (temporary) ban on pools in case of severe drought, with a big fine for a violation.

Nr. 9: “If it’s yellow….”

Don’t know where I heard this first but the saying was from a person in an area (I think the US) where they have a continues drought and it was like this: “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s green or brown let it drown”. If you haven’t guessed it’s about the nr 1 and nr 2 when visiting the loo 🙂

It may sound a bit filthy but the graph at the top shows us that 33 liters of water is used by flushing the toilet onm a daily basis. In a 4 person household that amounts to a lot of water (about 120 liters). We are following this credo more and more, especially in the evening (and sometimes night) and is not filthy or smelly at all (unless you ate asperges). Just try it and see if your waterbill is smaller next time.

Nr. 10 Only reproduce yourself

A bit of a controversial one, but this math is also not hard. The more people there are the more water is needed and consumed. Now the projection is that the world population will eventually stabilize and even decline at the end of the century. But it will grow untill that time, mostly in Africa and Asia where it’s projected that 80% of the worlds population will reside.

We’ve always had this in mind when getting kids, to only ‘reproduce’ ourselves and have no more than 2 kids. Luckily the overall growth of the population in the West is stabilizing but it’s my opinion that the world would be in a much better state with no more that 4-5 billion people. However since people in the West (where the U.S. is with out a doubt the top consumer) use most water per head of the population, getting them to use less (and overall give up more of their Western comfort) is difficult.

Conclusion

So lots of big and small things to do to save water from an individual perspective. We’ve implemented 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 (to various degrees), and are now looking to use rainwater in some way. But it’s really easy to use less water without giving up too much comfort. Give it a try!

My Battle With Graves Disease, Part 14: upside down

In my last blog I wrote about about being back on track, well, I’m still on track but according to the bloodvalues it’s the world turned upside down. Looking at the FT4 (below) you can see it’s very low, almost on the edge of being too low and moving to a slow working thyroid.

FT4

In the graph below you can see the TSH value going way over de topline and even marked with an ‘H’, high.

TSH

The good thing is this means the medication is working, but a bit too good. So in the beginning I started with 30mg of strumazol, then had to take double dosis because it’s didn’t take. Then I went back to 30mg, then 15 mg and I’m now on 10 mg on strumazol. Each change in dosis was done around 6 weeks apart.

Adjusting

Adjusting the dosis of medication for the most part went without a hitch. However the change from 15 to 10mg was a bit bumpy in the sense that my heartrate went a bit up, slept less. However other symptoms didn’t not show themselves and after a week or 2 things are slowly settling down.

In 2 weeks I have another checkup, I hope the values didn’t go up/down that much, meaning I would still be on too much medication. The goal is to go back to 5mg and stay on that dosis for a longer period as some research has shown that taking a low dosage over a longer period, and then stopping, had better effects than stopping sooner.

Apple Cider Vinegar?

I’m always trying to look up things to see what affects the thyroid and I came across a (quite popular) youtube videa about apple cider vinegar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeHl5Y7m1xM . I have to watch it again but the person in the video mentions the thyroid a few times as the cider will stimulate the thyroid. Now Graves-people don’t need stimulation of the thyroid, that’s the problem, but I think he means it in a different context.

But for now just trying to eat healthy and less frequent, doing crossfit workouts at 90-95%, trying to get enough sleep and take a stroll a few times a week to relax. Maybe a bit boring but it seems to work fine for me.

My Battle With Graves Disease, Part 13: back on track

Since my last post things have been going be the FT4 value was over 50 (when it’s supposed to be within the 9-25 range). The first check was good in the sense that the FT4 value was a bit above 25, which is down by a half. The other value which they usually check, the TSH value, was still negligible which is still a concern when it should be between 0.4 and 4.0 mU/l.

I also started feeling better and the most important change was my heart which was way more relaxed. My weight also was stable and rising a bit, after loosing 6kg in 1 – 2 months. As a result I started sleeping better as well. We cut down the amount of medication in half so now I was back to 30mg of Strumazol (a.k.a Thiamazole).

Corona

Corona also started rearing it’s ugly head in our household and I was sick for 2 or 3 days but mostly my throat was really swollen which was really painfull. I was afraid that this would impact my auto-immune system in such a way that it might trigger Graves disease and that the medication wasn’t going to cut it. But after a week I started feeling better, still pretty tired which is a common symptom. Then started picking up Crossfit again but still had to be carefull, because I was still feeling the after-effect of Corona and still getting back from almost zero after the third episode of Graves-disease (which started in hindsight after the summer of 2021 and reached a critical point in December 2021).

Second Bloodcheck

The second check last week was good in the sense that the FT4 (see graph below) was even lower which, even on the low side which meant we could cut the medication in half again.

The TSH level (see graph below) was actually too high now, also a result of too much medication. The graph below is actually not accurate as values below 0.01 don’t show up as datapoints and there were some since December. The other effect was that my thyroid was actually a bit slow, which showed in the weight gain as I am now for the first time (ever?) over 100kg. Hopefully with less medication I can cut some of that weight.

Back on track (for now)

So all in all this was good news and as a result I’m now on 15mg of Strumazol, down by half. This also reflected how I felt and slept and also the workouts were getting better in terms of strength. In terms of conditioning I still have a way to go.

So in 6 weeks we’ll do another check and the goal is to cut the medication back to 5mg and take that for a longer time. I also have been reading up on the alternative (iodine-radiation therapy) and although it still feels weird to partly destroy a healthy organ (because it’s the auto-immune and the brain that causes Graves disease, not the thyroid itself) I think I’m getting around to accepting that if things still don’t work then that is the way to go as a next step and that i’ve done everything in my power to try to avoid that. Sometimes is just about accepting things and moving on.

Hoping to write new blog in about 6-8 weeks about the progress.

My Battle With Graves Disease, Part 12: hard choices

At the beginning of November last year I wrote a post about the fact that Graves disease was back (although technically it never left but was under control) and I started medication. The ‘numbers’ were not that bad so I thought I would have it under control quite fast.

Unfortunatly – as these things go – it wasn’t under control. I started feeling worse, slept worse, started loosing some weight and had that stressfull feeling. I have no idea why the medication didn’t take, neither did the doctor.

As you can see in the top graph below at the end that the dot just above the horizontal ’25’ line was the moment I started medication. A few weeks later we did another check and the numbers were again higher – around 35 – but it could be still be a downward trend, we just couldn’t see it because we didn’t have enough measurements. But I started feeling worse and at the end of the graph you can see it got really bad (<50 when normal value is between 14-25). So at that moment the advice was to double the amount of medication.

Below is the graph of the TSH value which was so low the last few measurements that it doesn’t even show up in the graph.

Again this was another disappoinment stacked on top of the others.

Foot Inflammation

Just before Christmas I was feeling some pain in my left foot, couldn’t stand on it in the beginning but after a while it went (almost) away so I thought nothing of it. However the next (Christmas) day it was back but way more intense. I again couldn’t stand on it but even in rest I had that shooting and throbbing pain. It was quite bad and had to take some Ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

In hindsight I had this almost exact issue the previous episode. That was during our vacation to France where it occured as well and I couldn’t walk for a few days. Don’t remember it being that bad. But even now, a week and a half after the height of the pain it still not completely away.

We read up on it and it indeed seems to be related to Graves diseasem here’s the paragraph from the link:

5. Foot pain and cramping
Muscle, joint and nerve pains are not usually stressed as primary symptoms of hypothyroidism, but after years of hearing from hypothyroid patients at Hypothyroid Mom, there is one thing that I am certain about. Full thyroid testing should be conducted on every single person that presents with chronic pain or fibromyalgia.
The number of people that write to Hypothyroid Mom about plantar fasciitis, the pain along the bottom of the foot especially the heel that shoots through them especially when they step out of bed in the morning, can’t be a mere coincidence. In the case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, the immune system can also attack the joints and muscles frequently in the feet and ankles. Like carpal tunnel syndrome, thyroid patients are also more vulnerable to develop tarsal tunnel syndrome.[9] Add to this the increased risk of developing gout [10], burning feet from painful neuropathy [11], and plantar fasciitis [12], and the incidence of foot pain in thyroid disease becomes very clear.

So mystery solved. I first thought it was about stressing the feet to much with a workout but with the timing it’s just no coincidence. I think i took about 2 ibuprofen a day the first week and then 1 before bedtime, just to subdue the inflammation. Good thing it almost gone but running, burpees or jumping rope still have to wait a bit

Hard choice

So, now that i’m in my third episode of Graves disease it’s time to consider the facts and choices. Not just about my own body but also what it does to the family. I can try other things to see if I can live without medication but always with Damocles’ sword over our heads that I get another episode and stress my body and family. And stress the body it is really what it does, your heart is pounding 24/7, you loose weight, loose muscle, it really takes a toll on your body.

The other tactic is to reduce my medication to the minimum and take that the rest of my live. However, with Graves disease, the thyriod will die out sooner than with ‘normal’ people. So there comes a time when things will go the other way and there’s no guarantee that you’ll notice it in time.

The third tactic, and one that is coming closer, is taking the iodine-radiation therapy to destroy part of the thyriod. This basically means that you can decide when your thyriod will (partly) die out in stead of waiting for it. The main problem I have with this is that it does not solve the problem of why the auto-immune system does what it does. But it does solve the problem of not having to worry about another episode and that can put the family and my relation at ease as well. Which is worth something.

So for now I’ll let the medication do it’s job to get into more tranquil water. But I’m also reading up more on the therapy and talk to some people who’ve already done it. However, tt sort of feels like a failure of not being in control of your body. And one of my main concerns is that you’ll be dependent on medication. I hate being dependent on things I can’t control but I guess that’s part of life.

My Battle With Graves Disease part 11: battle lost, war not over.

As mentioned in my previous blog I started noticing some symptoms related to Graves disease (hard pumping a bit harder, not sleeping to well), but I thought it was more due to stress and a bit of time off would be good. However, having gotten 2 more measurements, the results were not good. As in, Graves disease is rearing it’s ugly head again. The results were not that extreme as previously (see below), but bad enough so that after meeting with the doctor, I started with medication again.

This was a huge setback and very frustrating. Because, why did I put all this effort in eating healthy, especially gluten and cowdairy free, taking supplements, etc… Was it all really a waste of effort? All the money you put into to it and this is the result… Unfortunalty you can’t A/B test yourself, because it might have been worse if I didn’t do all those things.

Another aspect is the COVID-19 vaccination. Before the summer all my bloodvalues were good and seem to get stronger. Then I got my 2 vaccinations during the summer, and a few weeks later i started feeling some symptoms and the bloodvalues have been declining ever since. So is that a direct result? The doctor couldn’t really tell, they just don’t know, but acknowledged that it is a possibility since the vaccine trains the auto-immune system so it could have been a trigger. It could also be stress related, but it’s just too easy to blame something without actually knowing.

I was reluctant to meet with the doctor, not just because of the possible ‘I told you so’ but also because I still don’t want to take iodine treatment which destroyes part of your thyroid through radioactivity. Although it’s overall quite safe, it still feels weird to 1) take a radioactive pill to 2) destroy a good organ, because it’s the auto-immune system that’s acting up, not the thyroid. My hesitancy was supported by this research with the following summary:

Overall, patients with treated Graves’ disease had worse thyroid-related quality of life scores than the general population. Among the three treatment groups, patients who received radioactive iodine therapy had worse thyroid-specific quality of life scores than patients treated with antithyroid drugs or surgery, as measured by ThyPRO. The radioactive iodine therapy group had worse scores for goiter symptoms, hyperthyroid symptoms, tiredness, anxiety, depression, emotional susceptibility, impaired social life, impaired daily life, and impaired sex life than the antithyroid drug and surgery groups. In addition, the radioactive iodine therapy group had worse scores in hypothyroid symptoms, eye symptoms, and appearance than the antithyroid drug group. A similar pattern was found in general quality of life measures as assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire, with worse scores in radioactive iodine therapy group compared to the antithyroid drug or surgery groups.

So not a very attractive thing to look forward to. However, when meeting the doctor things went quite okay. She was understanding, acknowledged the posssibility that the vaccination could have triggered things and again, that they simply don’t know what the cause is of Graves. When I said I don’t want to do the rediation therapy, she explained the potential side-effects of the medication, which are rare (bonemarrow not making enough white bloodcells) and went along with a more extended titration therapy (reducing the amount of medicine to a minimum for a longer time).

She did mention that eventually the thyriod will ware out, sooner than with ‘normal’ people and then you would end up with hypothyroidism, which also requires medicine. But when this happens, differs per person. The radioation therapy ‘simply’ makes this moment come sooner. But for now, it’s taking a higher dose for 2 weeks and after than reduce it and see how my body reacts.

As you can image, a disappointing time and I have to deal with this mentally as well. However, I tend to look on the positive side, without the diet and supplements I think I would be worse off. Because i’m in pretty good shape for a 46 person…if I say so myself.

So I’ll write an update in a few weeks/months about how things went, for now i’m trying to come to terms with what feels like a ‘failure’, but is likely just a genetic pre-disposition to this type of auto-immune disease.

My Battle with Graves Disease, part 10: here we go again ?!

The months before my vacation in August were hectic and stressfull both at work and at home. As i mentioned in my previous blog we started looking for a house and i was looking for a new job, which i took. So i was really tired and very much looking forward to a vacation.

I also did not sleep well that much and during the vacation, almost right after an intense workout a got sick for a few days, fever like symptoms . Following that i also started feeling certain symptoms again, like being nervous, lost a bit of weight, tight chest, etc… Normally i would ascribed that to stress but in my case it could also be something else. So right after i got back from vacation i thought i’d do a checkup (bloodtest) of my thyroid values just to make sure nothing was wrong.

When i got the results my first thoughts were: “oh no, not again” and “was all this effort a waste of time and money?” Below are the results of TSH, FT4 and 1 extra check of the T3 requested by the doctor.

This what was scary, my TSH values were extremely low when i did the check on 26 august. The normal range is between 0,4 and 4.0. Although the FT4 (below) value was within range of 9-24 it was still rising compared to previous

So i called the docter myself as i wanted to see what they said. Because the FT4 is still in the right range, there was no panic (on their side) but it was cause for concern. They wanted me to do another bloodtest including a T3 test. The results ( 3 september) were, at least for me, even more reason for concern as the TSH was even lower and the FT4 higher (but still within range). However because the T3 value was OK, the agreement was to do another bloodtest in 6 weeks.

I also called the orhtomoleculair doctor i was seeing and wanted his input. Although he wanted to see what the results were of the second test, he did adviced me to double the dosage for gypsywort as it seems to have a natural effect on thyroid hormones.

So quite a big scare and especially on the day i saw the results my body really started acting up, most likely the result of a psychological effect from seeing the results. However, in the days after the results i slowly started feeling better and better. I did take it a bit easy in my workouts and tried to go to bed earlier. But i am now at a point where i feel quite OK, (almost) none of the symptoms are present anymore so i’m quite interested in seeing the results in a few weeks.

Impact of Stress

My personally believe is that stress has a bigger effect on me, or at least my auto-immune system, than i thought. You can find lots of resources for this. And taking away the stress of my current job, choosing a new job, vacation is a big reason why i’m feeling ok now. Don’t know for sure how much the doubling of the gypsywort dosage contributed, but i’ll take it.

So next step is to see how i can incorporate more stress-reducing activities like simple breathing excersice and longer walks. Another aspect is sports and for me, sport is stress reducing. But it can also cause a lot of stress on the body, especially when doing Crossfit which is often high intensity. So i will also start reducing the intensity a bit by not going all-out all the time, which i already started doing a more of lately.

To summarize, a long period of stress is what likely got me even more stressfull when seeing the result, but reducing the stress is what likely contributed to feeling OK now. I’ll let you know if 6 weeks what the results are.