I just received a diagnosis of Graves Disease. I'm a 61 year old male, physical fitness devotee, and was blindsided by the symptoms which seemed to be not too noticeable at first (thought I might have caught a bug), and then kind of just erupted. I'm hoping I have a mild form (no noticeable anxiety or depression, but I do seem to be in kind of a mental fog). But whatever it turns out to be, I'm very thankful that a forum like this exists that can help me to become an informed patient.

I wish all of you recovery and good health.

Hi Mark, I am roughly in the same boat. Turning 59 next week, have had a GD diagnosis for 1 month. I just began methimazole and haven't noticed any changes yet, but it takes awhile. I was also put on metoprolol, a beta blocker. I still try to exercise. My jogging is way off, I will jog a mile and then walk home, whereas I used to jog 4 miles, no problem. I swim on alternate days, still 1 kilometer in the pool, that hasn't changed, although I noticed that when I swam in the ocean earlier this summer, I didn't have the strength I used to, so I am sticking to the pool for the time being. My symptoms were weight loss, hoarseness and excessive thirst, which has moderated somewhat. I hope you start feeling better.

mark2512 - I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but am glad that you found us. The good news is that once you select a treatment option, you will see some relief from your symptoms over time.

This forum is a great resource; you can use the “Search Posts” feature in the top right-hand corner of the screen to look for posts on specific topics. Also, here is a link to the GDATF's free informational bulletins on various topics:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser's “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/patient-education/ [gdatf.org]

In particular, #29 might be of interest. It's called “Graves' Disease – a Man's Perspective.”

Take care – and please keep us posted on how you are doing!

cmac,

I wouldn't exercise until your thyroid levels are normalized. Being hyper causes muscles waste (which is why your muscles feel tired/ weak when exercising or you can't do as much as before). Your heart is a muscle too, so any exertion while hyper on your heart is dangerous. It stinks, I know. I too, love to work out, but I was unable to for many months while I was getting better. Almost 3 months post thyroidectomy now I am able to do a good solid 30 min. of hard cardio on the bike. My resting heart rate is back in the 60s (at one point it was 120 just walking down the hall!) and I'm doing better. Not 100%, but better. Take it easy while you're body is trying to heal.

Thank you adenure and cmac.

I had been training for a century bike ride when I first noticed my symptoms. When the day came for the century, I felt a little punk but figured I'd feel better as the day went on. At mile 75, I simply couldn't go another foot and sagged in.

Coincidentally I had a checkup the week before. Got the blood work as I was “recovering” from the ride, giving me my first indication of GD. The symptoms seemed to really flower after the century…hoarseness, fatigue, muscle aches, swollen ankles, weight loss.

I really miss exercise. But I'm taking it easy. My endocrinologist advises against it for now. I'm still hoping to participate in a charity ride from San Francisco to LA next June…but I realize that may not happen.

Thanks, Kimberly. Very helpful.

You are very welcome! By the way, since you are a biking enthusiast, you might be interested in the “Greater Than Graves'” project. The founder was diagnosed with Graves' during her senior year of college, and two rides have since been held to raise funds and awareness. Not sure what the future of the project will be in 2013, but I will keep everyone posted!

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser's “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://greaterthangraves.com/ [greaterthangraves.com]