Graves' Disease Support Group

There is not to much you can do with out treatment. Years ago before Mr. Graves' And another doctor realized this was a disease people like us were put in mental institutes.
The best you can do is stay away from stressful situations and people. Even if that means not going to family functions and friends functions.
IF I felt a bad mood coming on I would go to my room or tell my family to go and leave me alone. My husband has taken many walks and sat outside a lot till I calm down. Some people who feel like screaming scream out "I love you, I can't help this". It does not always work.

My husband now gives speeches on living with some one with Graves' Disease . You can go to my website and read it. It is under "My Book". There are some other things there that may help you. Good luck and peace

http://gdcoffeebreak.weebly.com

Unfortunately, I agree there isn't much you can do until you're treated. But look forward to treatment!! It will help!!

Some things you can do is avoid caffeine, smoking, etc, any stimulants like that. Also, iodine is bad, so keep that down. If you like salt, buy the sea salt without iodine, McCormick makes one, right in the spice isle.

TALK TO YOUR BOYFRIEND WHEN YOU'RE CALM!! Let him know how you feel. Get him to research this disease, there's TONS of stuff about mood swings, fights, etc. Look through these boards. Some people have really opened up about this kind of thing. Number one thing to remember is: You aren't alone! Everyone one of us knows how you feel! And when you're losing control, just go be by yourself. Go lay down. And I know even that's hard. You probably want to stay in the fight and keep it going. It's not easy to calm down. All you can do is try.

BTW- why arent' you on treatment yet? Are you seeing a doc? Family doc can do all the blood tests and put you on the proper meds. If you lack insurance, the meds are pretty cheap I didn't have any insurance for a while. My PTU was like $15 a month. My Atenolol was about $10. So please try and get yourself medicated.

Good luck!!

To echo what MeeShell said, you are definitely not alone! We have all been there before and know exactly how you feel.

I would definitely encourage you to share with your boyfriend what you're going through. When you are in a calm state, let him know how difficult this disease is and how emotional it is to be suffering from it. Not only does the thyroid make your emotions crazy, but having the disease alone causes you to become depressed. Don't be afraid to ask him for support! Also, let us know if you need anything - we're always here on the forum to support!!!

In the meantime, please do try to get treated. Most insurance companies are able to cover the meds for the most part and you should be able to find a good endocrinologist in your area, hopefully! You should definitely be on PTU or MMI at this point, so please let us know how that goes once you get on it!

Everyone had good advice,it's true it's NOT your fault and it affects your brain, look up Graves disease and you'll find things on the mental status and Graves,show your boyfriend! It's NOT made up, it's documented.We have ALL suffered from it in one degree or another.Hope you can get on meds soon.

I agree with everyone else here. In a way its a tragedy. I went undiagnosed for about 2 years and suffered terribly with rages. I just didnt know it was part of a disease. I really thought I was going crazy. fortunately when I went on meds it disappeared in about 3 months and hasnt returned. Please get your doc to put you on the ATD's and talk with your partner. We also have a really good article on this please take the time to read it. Big Hugs...Kathy

http://home.rica.net/deecee/inform...

Here's another really good article

http://www.jfponline.com/Pages.asp...

You can find this and more really helpful material on the following link. This is info that we have found and posted for all to read. It helps sort out the crap that you will find on the net. Please take the time to read it. Big Hugs...Kathy

http://www.dailystrength.org/group...

I actually went through a very tired stage at the beginning. I acted more hypO than hypER. It was about two years later right before I went into the hospital with a suspected thyroid storm that I had those horrible Graves' Rages. Once I got put on meds, I did so much better.

{{{hugs}}}

Rage?? Are you serious? I think you answered your own question when you used that word. If you are to the point where you need anger management, I think lack of medication is not your only problem. Please seek help - not only for yourself but for those who love you. Life is so precious. I really believe in medication and therapy but you have to want to help yourself and get help. God bless !

Yes, there's such a thing called Graves' Rage. Back a long time ago many undiagnosed thyroid patients were hospitalized in the mental institutions. Graves' Disease was found by Robert Graves. Here's a link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graves'_disease

I still have mood swings alot and have been treated for about 4yrs. Back before I was diagnosed I would get moody with everyone and my bf thought the same thing. He didn't believe it was from grave's when I was diagnosed so we ended up breaking up. Good luck and take care.