Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative ex...
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Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Graves Disease. I have had multiple symptoms, bulging eyes, feels like someone is choking me, mood swings, unable to do simple tasks such as cleaning the house without feeling like a freight train ran me down. Looking to my left when driving is very difficult, so I take extreme care when driving. Blurred vision, etc. I am a bookkeeper so having these problems with my eyes is wearing on me. I don't feel my boss truly understands what I am going through and seems to feel that going to her natural path doctor is the answer.
Right now I am getting to the point where I wonder if I need to take time for me, but then I think of the medical bills and want to scream. I would greatly appreciate any input. I have seem my family doctor who has referred me to a thyroid specialist. I have had a CAT scan done of my eyes, MRI on my thyroid, went to an opthomologist for my eyes, who has suggested I see yet another doctor for steroid injections around the eyes. I have heard nothing from any of these testings and can't see the thyroid specialist until March 10th. Right now I am beside myself. Posted on 02/18/08, 10:02 am |
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I feel for you. First suggestion is to get the book Living Well With Graves Disease. It helps you to really understand what is going on with your body. Dont be too hard on yourself once they put you on medication and get your levels under control you will start to feel a bit more normal. It takes a bit of time to get your levels under control but once mine were under control I feel like I am back to myself again. I run my own business and found it very hard to do the first 4 months while they were trying this and that. But eventually I was OK. You will be too. 
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Hi MichP...Im sorry that your going through this. GD really sucks. I was diagnosed in Nov of 2007. My symptoms were similar to yours. I was put on Atenol for my heart and PTU for my thyroid. The PTU brought my thyroid levels back to normal which caused my heart to settle down and was able to go off the heart meds. This in turn helped with my eyes not getting worse. I still have the same problems with my sight that you do but Im feeling much better. The double vision is the worst. Looking to left is still a struggle for me as well. Ive chosen not to take the RAI for fear my eyes could get worse. Im hoping to go into remission and then have the decompression surgery. Leecame is right you really should get the book Living Well with Graves. Its very helpful in understanding whats going on with your body. Daily Strength is another source of valuable info. The people here are wonderful. Hang in there and keep asking questions. Ive learned that the docs dont always know whats best for you. It does get better
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Thank you leecame and dairytech. I will get the book you suggested and start reading. My sister pointed me to this website and I am so glad she did. I have been holding inside my emotions on all of this and now I feel like I have an outlet.
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You might really have to take time for you so to speak. When I was diagnosed the doctor gave me two weeks off work, and when I tried to go back (tried for two weeks)..it just didn't work. Either I went home from being too tired and feeling bad, or went home from a panic attack and someone had to come get me because I took valium, as the only way to calm me down. So now I'm off for a couple months until treatment is complete. If you need to, do it. Take care of you first. Health and wellbeing is more important
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MichP, We all empathize with what you are going through. March is a long ways off to wait to see an endocrinologist. Especially if your symptoms get worse.
I have been taking oral steroids ( Prednisone) for my eyes which seems to be keeping the swelling from getting worse. If your vision is worsening, see an opthalmologist as they are more specialized in diseases of the eye. Definitely do as much research and reading as you can. Not only will this ease some of your fears, it will help you to become more informed about graves disease and it's effects on the body. BIG HUG to you and please don't stress. We are all here to support you!! : )
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Hi and welcome! Maybe going to the naturalpath doc might help till you see an endo. Sometimes there are different supplements that might help you. Message Ih8graves, she chose the holistic approach and so far so good. This doesn't always work for everyone but if you need relief, it may be a good thing. As far as the eye thing, take dairy tech's advice. Good luck hon! Elaine Moore's book "Graves disease a practical guide" is good too.
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