I am a 23 year old female, and I was diagnosed with Graves a year ago. This has been one of the most challenging things I have ever gone through. I had absolutely no energy to do anything. I just worked my full time job and go home and lie down. My emotions were all over the place. I was feeling very desperate and depressed. There were days I could barely move around because of how much my joints hurt. I was losing so much weight, I started to look unhealthy. I would walk up a flight of stairs and my heart would be beating out of my chest, not to mention the anxiety and heart palpitations. I saw no light at the end of the tunnel. Not to mention that I've seen about 4 different doctors for my graves, and let me just say it's frustating finding a good one. My family didn't really understand how horrible I felt, and when I would explain I don't think they really took me seriously. It was until one of my eyes started protruding that I feel they really started to understand I was sick. But it would hurt that I felt they did not validate my feelings. I was, and still am, living with my boyfriend. And he has been a blessing. I feel that after sticking with me through that horrible first year, we can overcome anything. I don't know how I could have dealt with this alone.

Last November, I decided to have a total thyrodectomy. I felt like there was nothing else to do. The iodine pill did not see like a good option to me. And the medicine had my numbers all over the place. I had to wait until January to have my surgery. There were days were I would question my decision. This mean I will forever have hypo. But at the same time, I would weigh in how horrible I've felt. And how I can't imagine going through that roller coaster most, even all, of my life. 

I had a great surgeon, and I was able to walk out that same day. My voice was the same, my scar was/is small. There were no complications. Right after surgery I felt a difference. My thyroid was swollen, but I had never really noticed how it much it affected my breathing while laying down until it wasn't there anymore. After 3 or 4 days, I started to feel energy. I was trying not to overdue myself but I felt that I had missed out on so much and was tired of just laying down so I started to slowly clean the room. After about a week and a half, I started going out of walks. Because I actually had the energy and wanted to do so. This was such an amazing feeling! I have kept walking and even jogging at least 5 days a week since then. And I'm so proud of myself! 

I still get worried that at any moment I might feel bad again, but in the meanwhile I am enjoying the energy I finally have. 

The reason for me sharing this with you all, is because I know while fighting this I had started to lose hope of ever feeling better again. I know how incredible hard, and how challenging it is. But I wanted you all to know, that there is hope. And that there is a light at the end of this tunnel. :)