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 again, I haven't been on in a while but I have a lot on my mind that I'm not very sure about and I was hoping someone could help me out.
So, a few weeks ago I visited a different endocrinologist at Emory, and he was very helpful! My other doctor was very quiet and didn't really give us all of the information we had been looking for.
My parents and I have been talking about it, and we have agreed that it is time to do something about my Graves' disease. I have had Graves' disease for 4 years now, and it has been filled with ups and downs. Recently, however, things have not been going well. I can never sleep at night no matter how exhausted I am. I can eat nonstop one day, and then almost nothing the day after, and my weight has fluctuated greatly in the past couple of weeks. I have no energy and no motivation to do anything. I could go on, but I think you get my point. The doctor at Emory informed us all about RAI and thyroidectomy and which he preferred and why and etc.
We have opted not to do RAI because we do not feel comfortable with it since I am only 14 and it is usually done on adults rather than kids. So, we have decided it would be best to do the surgery. I have never gotten surgery before, and the thought of it scares me, so I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with it and what their thoughts are about it. I just want to be as informed as possible before making a big decision like this.
Sorry that this has turned into a ramble, I tend to type way more than necessary! I just want you all to know all the details about my situation I suppose. Thanks in advance!!
So, a few weeks ago I visited a different endocrinologist at Emory, and he was very helpful! My other doctor was very quiet and didn't really give us all of the information we had been looking for.
My parents and I have been talking about it, and we have agreed that it is time to do something about my Graves' disease. I have had Graves' disease for 4 years now, and it has been filled with ups and downs. Recently, however, things have not been going well. I can never sleep at night no matter how exhausted I am. I can eat nonstop one day, and then almost nothing the day after, and my weight has fluctuated greatly in the past couple of weeks. I have no energy and no motivation to do anything. I could go on, but I think you get my point. The doctor at Emory informed us all about RAI and thyroidectomy and which he preferred and why and etc.
We have opted not to do RAI because we do not feel comfortable with it since I am only 14 and it is usually done on adults rather than kids. So, we have decided it would be best to do the surgery. I have never gotten surgery before, and the thought of it scares me, so I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with it and what their thoughts are about it. I just want to be as informed as possible before making a big decision like this.
Sorry that this has turned into a ramble, I tend to type way more than necessary! I just want you all to know all the details about my situation I suppose. Thanks in advance!!
She has a Q&A board and some really great books (Graves' Disease: A Practical Guide) is a good one and you could get them from your library, perhaps at school or dowload too.
Please let us help you and your family too hun xo
I'm going to keep checking in on you :)
Do you watch your diet? You and your parents might want to refer to this section for help.
http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/graves-disease-general-info
Thyroid disease is not an easy fix. I have been at this for 35 years now, both as hypO and hypER.
{{{hugs}}}