Graves' Disease Support Group
Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...
I am a 16 year old female who was told last saturday through the E.R that I have Graves Disease. I just started meds and dont really know if they are working or not. The Dr. told me it would take a month for it to full work. I only have one main complaint. My throat feels like a knife is stuck in it. This is due to my Thyroid being swollen. I cant help but to feel bad all over and lost all motivation. I used to be happy go lucky but I have gotten used to that. I just am so glad i have found a group that has other people with this disease. I want to learn about this through you guys. It is kind of fustrating that people dont know about it in my school though.
It is possible that you have Graves but since your thyroid is painful, they need to run some tests and see if you have thyroiditis , which may eventually resolve.
I think what the doctors do not explain is that you don't have thyroid disease - you have an immune system disease. They are going to run more tests to see what the problem is.
Meds can take forever to work, don't be discouraged. It takes much longer than a month. It took me 2 years to regulate my thyroid.
The most important thing you can do right now is make sure you are reducing stress and getting plenty of rest and eating healthy.
Thyroid dysfunction throws all hormones off so you are going to have mood swings.
This will get better too.
The doctors are likely going to offer you surgery or radioactive iodine ablation if it is true Graves.
Right now it is not know for sure .
Be sure to discuss non-surgical options with your parents and your doctors .
You immune system may calm down on its own.
Hugs
I am sorry you've had problems as well.
I am on 13+ years of taking real small dose of MMI (Methimazole). I currently take 1.25 mg per day. I started off with 40 mg per day. Anyone can take an ATD (antithyroid drug) for as long as they can with no liver issues and such. Then I make sure to keep my Free Ts at the mid to the upper third range to feel my best there at and not feel symptoms of hypO/hypER.
Here at the board we teach how to interpret lab readings (hopefully tests were done on the Free T3, Free T4, TSH, with lab antibodies tests such as the TSI and TRAb to determine Graves' Disease).
Also look at what triggers thyroid disease such as diet and environment. To keep my thyroid as balance as possible and antibodies low, I avoid eating processed foods that have GMO as well as other chemicals and toxins. I try to eat organic and look for my personal and household products to be as free as possible.
You can look over such list at this other thyroid board I moderate at:
http://www.livingwithgravesdisease.com/forums/forum/2-thyroid-101/
{{{hugs}}}