I was diagnosed with Graves in March 2009 and with TED in October of the same year. It has been a nightmare journey of a yo-yoing thyroid, steroids, radiotherapy, weight loss, weight gain, arrogant doctors and a whole cast of supplementary drugs. After weaning myself carefully off of steroids I experienced extreme fatigue with muscle stiffness and joint pain. Yet another hurdle. I have since been (mis)diagnosed with Fibromyalgia; symptoms have improved a lot after seeing an osteopath. Graves is so debilitating in general, and althought the doctors mean well they do not understand what causes it or how to make it go away. I firmly believe that throwing drugs at the problem is not always the answer. It's so very hard to stay positive and keep fighting but it's essential. Luckily I don't give up easily. Svetla Bankova is a graves sufferer and a mine of useful information. I recommend her website: http://www.gravesdiseasecure.com/thyroideyehealing.html
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Although my joints are aching terribly my last blood test results were very promising. My eyes are less swollen and the dryness is bearable if remember to put drops in regularly. Feeling hopeful for the New Year.
Looks as if heading towards remission at last. I am still having joint pains and my muscles are weak but I guess that is down to the small dose of meds that I am still taking. My eyes are almost back to normal - hardly any dryness. I am very grateful to this site for giving me the strength to be proactive during my treatment and not to take everthing the doctors told me as gospel. I intend to keep checking in even if remission is achieved. Thanks guys!
Due to come off Carbimazole completely at the end of Nov. Looks as if I really am in remission! I\'m feeling stronger - the vitamin D and calcium supplements seem to be working at last. My joints and muscles are so much better. I really thought I was going to be hobbling around like an octagenarian for the rest of my life. Maybe now I\'ll be able to do some moderate exercise and get rid of the extra pounds that are weighing me down. I\'m feeling more optimistic about the future. I consider myself lucky that it\'s only taken three years. My thoughts and best wishes go out to those still struggling: stick with it, have patience and listen to the good advice given by the people on this site and you will get there.
A bit of a setback. Back on Carbimazole and the seesaw of blood results. Sore/weak muscles and tiredness make it hard to keep going but reading about the trials and tribulations of other sufferers on this site helps to keep things in perspective. Trying to focus on the small wins.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to give me the benefit of their experience over the last few years.