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...
Hi Everyone,
We put this together back in 2002, with the last update done in 2006. It was a popular tool to help with new members in our groups, and I hope it will be here too.
I'm going to post it, as is..and we can see how the formatting here displays it.
I am open to doing another update, when we see what's missing , given the time that's passed since we started it.
Will do a separate entry to keep things clear.
Pam
We put this together back in 2002, with the last update done in 2006. It was a popular tool to help with new members in our groups, and I hope it will be here too.
I'm going to post it, as is..and we can see how the formatting here displays it.
I am open to doing another update, when we see what's missing , given the time that's passed since we started it.
Will do a separate entry to keep things clear.
Pam
But I can tell you this. My brother (who died four and a half years ago) began suffering seizures for 10 years prior to his death. He was on everything (you name it, he tried it) and was also an alcoholic. He was also taking meds to control his seizures. Now seizure meds and illegal drugs should not be taken together at the same time.
By the time he was discovered dead at his 'new' house of barely three weeks, he likely had died of drug overdoses. His death certificate listed his seizures being a side effect to his death. But I always felt it was his drugs and alcohol that did him in on top of the seizure meds.
{{{hugs}}} :-(
I know.. don't need all the sugar, but sometimes a girls just gotta do what a girls gotta do.
Kathy,
I'm so glad you pointing me to what's new. Gosh, that's great there's a google books version of the eye book. Elaine wrote her "Graves' a Practical Guide " during the time I was part of a bigger Grave' group, so we had to get it "from the horses moth" back then. It was so exciting the day she said it was available for sale. Many of us got right on the phone and called the publisher for our copy. Great publisher too. They only print a book after it is ordered. I forget the exact term for that style of publishing, but they have things set up to work that way, and not waste paper..or trees. :)
When the eye book came out I was a week or so late, and it worked out for me to run by our huge bookstore, Powells, where when I'm on time like that I find their "store copy" mixed in the shelf of 1/2 dozen of the same books, but cheap. I think it was $5..grabbed and ran. Had to see my friends stories in print, and it's handy to have her books for reference. But then, I'm a book person. I even buy some of the bad thyroid books when they come out.. to see how really bad they are. Books good insulation too. LOL
Linda,
I'm so sorry to hear the story of your brother. Heart breaking.
(((hugs)))
Regarding Elaine's book, "Graves' a Practical Guide ", if your shopping for price, I've seen the cost vary on Amazon over time. So if there are only the more expensive copies and your needing to watch the pennies, aren't we all. you could check back later and likely find a better price used copy.
In addition, most public libraries do have copies. You my need to have your branch transfer it, but it should be there someplace. Our library system has a send by mail, when book becomes available program. cost is a whole $1. Just another option .
I'm adding your info for Canada lab records here, so I remember to include when I take time to organize the new welcome letter.
Pam
Here in Canada you can log on to the lab that processes the labs through there site. You have to apply online and then they send you a pin number through the mail. Once you have that you can access your lab results the next day.
When I was first diagnosed with Graves, this was definitely one of the more valued pieces of information that I found.
I wonder if this could be submitted as part of the store of information @ Wikipedia?
Mick
Found this today:
www.privatemdlabs.com. I get the TSH, FT3 and FT4 for $66.00.
(they give you a 15% coupon everytime you order).
How nice to see a fellow here. I've gained a lot from the male viewpoint in our groups over the years. You guys are such a valuable part of all this, I hope we can be of help, and that you stick around.
Thanks for the comment. Interesting idea about adding to a wiki...which one did you have in mind ? ( we have one just for Graves' too, but currently it's needs the webmasters attention..sigh.. a whole other subject ) and are you experienced with their software? Would I need a lesson or ten? ;)
So many of our Graves' groups repositories for info are aging out, with much missing. Thus my realizing we need things updated where possible , plus saved elsewhere. Daily Strength seems to be one good new option, as it's proven strong for a few years now, which is how I ended up as a newbie poster here currently.
Pam
This is better with Private MD than healthcheckusa.com. My insurance is so expensive that I may just do this on my own.
{{{hugs}}}
I agree. I was thrilled to find that posted today.
Gosh, at $66 everyone where it's available can get what they need, when they need it. Heck, for that price it's hardly worth dealing with the hassle involved getting things done in a timely manner through some doctors offices. Time off work is expensive too.
It would be a nice supplement for those ruled by their health insurance companies too.
As soon as anybody here gives this a whirl, please get back to us. But plan ahead. Often times the first time through this type of thing takes longer due to the initial set-up of your account.
2nd: My Graves is somewhat atypical, as I have the double vision (which varies re; time, etc.) and NO thyroid concomitant with it (though the Dr. wants me tested regularly, as it may follow). A Neuro Ophthomologist suggested i sleep with my head raised & that was like a miricle cure, WHEN I don't slip down during the night! I've also been referred to an Certified Orthoptist to measure my eyes for prism glasses & recheck to see if there have been changes.
My Ophtomologist also suggested i try Selinium Selinite, 100Mcgs 2X daily, which he heard about at a recent conference (A Dutch group had successful results with patients at my stage)
This is great! Thank you so much for taking the time to post this. I will try the eye exercises:) Even being thyroidless now, and my TED is slowly getting better, I want to try this and see if I can get some more relief:) thanks again! xoxo