Hi Elaine,
I was meaning to update you on my hives and then I saw Ashley's post and it nudged me to do it.
You may remember that I had started getting hives about 6 months after my graves disease diagnosis. initially it was thought that I was allergic to tapazole, but that wasn't the case. I controlled the hives by taking a 5mg reactine every 48 hours. During this time my FT3 was just slightly high. After a series of Applied Kinesiology treatments and a small increase in tapazole my FT3 is finally in range.As soon as the FT3 dropped into range the hives are starting to dissipate. The hives still come but I have doubled the time between antihistamine doses. I do follow a gluten free diet but it had no effect on the hives. The endrocrinologist and allergist think the hives are a product of a flare up and perhaps indicate the presence of blocking antibodies. However the blood work was clear. ( Apparently notoriously in accurate though).
Just thought I would update you as I know it is an unusual case and may help others.
As a side note more good news, the Opthamologist feels the Ted is stable and may ( fingers crossed) even be starting to recover , as my diplpoia has improved slightly.
Also for other people just being diagnosed I want to emphasis that despite Graves and a fairly severe case of TED I feel fine, am continuing my strenuous exercise program(Crossfit) and haven't really been hindered by the disease.( A few activities- skiing, swimming, biking) have required an adjustment in eye wear. I have been under treatment from a naturopath and my chiropractor(AK therapy) which I credit to feeling so well.
I realize that because I am still on 6.25 mg I am far from remission and there will be more ups and downs- I really don't feel well when hypo so not looking forward to that, but hopeful that I have a good team to help me.