Graves disease - recommend your physician

[Anonymous]

I just got results from thyroid antibody tests and my TRAB test came back high. The test was ordered by an opthamologist, so I need to see someone else who specializes in this. Any suggestions? Should I see an endocrinologist or a rheumatologist?

[Anonymous]

You should see an endocrinologist. You will most likely start a course of methimazole and then be given the option of thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine. Make sure to mention your ocular symptoms as the radioactive iodine can worsen them.

[Anonymous]

I had Graves for over 15 years before I eventually developed a very large nodule and had my thyroid removed.

My endocrinologist is Suzanne Rogacz (not sure if she’s taking new patients). I also saw Kevin Scott, an ophthalmologist/eye surgeon for a while, for Graves related eye issues.

My Graves was completely controlled with meds. I did not need surgery or radioactive iodine to control my levels.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I've identified an endocrinologist to call and make an appointment.

Out of curiosity, what were your TRAB levels when your Graves disease was active, and were your other thyroid results abnormal as well? My TSH and other antibody tests were in the normal range (although TSH was below 1, low normal). But given that an ophthalmologist suggested the test after my exam is enough to make me concerned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, I've identified an endocrinologist to call and make an appointment.

Out of curiosity, what were your TRAB levels when your Graves disease was active, and were your other thyroid results abnormal as well? My TSH and other antibody tests were in the normal range (although TSH was below 1, low normal). But given that an ophthalmologist suggested the test after my exam is enough to make me concerned.

Pp here. I don’t remember much discussion about my thyroid antibody levels, as we were always tracking my TSH. My TSH was undetectable when I was diagnosed, and I was diagnosed and we just happened to find it on a blood panel run by my OB. I was 25 years ole, wasn’t experiencing any symptoms that I was aware of, and we were just checking in on month 6 of trying to conceive. The endocrinologist started me on an anti thyroid med called PTU and I was literally pregnant within weeks. I had an ultrasound on my thyroid to check the size and check for nodules, and continued meds and monitoring. At one point, she thought one of my eyes was getting larger than the other, and sent me to the eye doc to be monitored for a while, but nothing ever came of that. My Graves was pretty easy to manage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, I've identified an endocrinologist to call and make an appointment.

Out of curiosity, what were your TRAB levels when your Graves disease was active, and were your other thyroid results abnormal as well? My TSH and other antibody tests were in the normal range (although TSH was below 1, low normal). But given that an ophthalmologist suggested the test after my exam is enough to make me concerned.

TRAB is good, but TSI is the most specific test for Graves. Some endocrinologists hesitate because it costs more and the sample often has to be sent out to specialty labs (Mayo Clinic). The results can take up to a week, but it is definitive for Graves. When I was first diagnosed my TSH was undetectable, but the change happened quickly. Just a few months prior my TSH was 1.1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, I've identified an endocrinologist to call and make an appointment.

Out of curiosity, what were your TRAB levels when your Graves disease was active, and were your other thyroid results abnormal as well? My TSH and other antibody tests were in the normal range (although TSH was below 1, low normal). But given that an ophthalmologist suggested the test after my exam is enough to make me concerned.

TRAB is good, but TSI is the most specific test for Graves. Some endocrinologists hesitate because it costs more and the sample often has to be sent out to specialty labs (Mayo Clinic). The results can take up to a week, but it is definitive for Graves. When I was first diagnosed my TSH was undetectable, but the change happened quickly. Just a few months prior my TSH was 1.1.

Interesting. I don't think this was included in the labs ordered. TgAb was, but that appears to be something else.

[Anonymous]

Jerold Share
Great endo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had Graves for over 15 years before I eventually developed a very large nodule and had my thyroid removed.

My endocrinologist is Suzanne Rogacz (not sure if she’s taking new patients). I also saw Kevin Scott, an ophthalmologist/eye surgeon for a while, for Graves related eye issues.

My Graves was completely controlled with meds. I did not need surgery or radioactive iodine to control my levels.

Old thread but PP if you're still around this site did you like Suzanne Rogacz? Did she ever pressure you at all to have it removed or was ok with you staying on meds? Thanks.