Hi all – I prefer to not delete posts, if at all possible. However, please note that any therapies discussed on this board need to have credible, published research in an appropriate medical journal in order to support their use. Trying an unproven, alternative therapy without the supervision of a doctor (the author of the book mentioned has experience in the medical field, but is *not* a physician) can have very serious consequences.

Unlike some other Internet boards, which are basically free-for-all types of forums, this forum is hosted by the Graves' Disease and Thyroid Foundation, which is managed by a Board of Directors. Our board's policy is that any information shared via GDATF resources needs to come from “evidence-based medicine.” They do not want GDATF resources used to spread information on unproven therapies that could potentially cause harm.

Of course, in this case discussed in this thread, Rituximab had a poor outcome. But the administration of this drug was carefully managed by a physician and discontinued immediately when side effects occurred.

Hi Kim, I'm guessing you were referring to my post mentioning the other immunosuppressive drugs? I know this board is not supportive of mentioning alternative therapies so I try not to, but those drugs are supported by medical research mentioned in the book. So they are therapies one's doctor would have to administer and would find in credible journals. Should I simply refer people to the book or if I mention lesser known therapies must I post a study next to it each time? (Tone is hard to convey on the internet, I'm not being snarky but seriously asking)

@catstuart7 - No worries, it's just that any links/information posted on these boards needs to come from a *physician*-authored textbook, published, peer-reviewed medical journal, or a well-established medical organization (American Thyroid Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, National Institutes of Health, major universities, etc.).

The concern from our Board is that someone here could pick up information that did not specifically come from a physician resource, have a negative treatment outcome, and then come back to the GDATF saying it's our fault. Our Board members put their names out in the public to lend credibility to our organization – but this also means that we operate under tighter guidelines than other similar boards might.

Take care!

UPDATE 8/3
So I went to see the dr today and fully expected him to clear me and send me on my way. He said “I have good news for you. I spoke with a friend of mine who is an oncologist. She said the reaction you had to the medication can be controlled by pre meds.” He is sending me back to try this again at her oncology center in wheat ridge. Hopefully things will be better this time. I will let you know how things go this next time. Paying to the lord to help me through this with success.
Jennifer