My cross to bear

I have been dealing with TED for 5 1/2 years now. It has been a roller coaster of symptoms and emotion. My self esteem plummeted as did my relationship. I was scared! Yes, the vanity of it all ( I hate admitting but it was a factor), the fear of permanent damage and the unknown course it may take. I am an Architect, an artist, and a single mom of 2. This disease would affect all if these things! I tried everything to keep my disease from getting worse, from supplements to ocular radiation. The radiation seemed to work, the disease stopped progressing and it even reversed some. Eventually some of the swelling came back though. I've had three surgeries and will have a fourth on my left eye to lengthen the muscle so I can have more range of motion. I will be 50 in September and I hope to celebrate with that behind me! This is a scary disease and some things can become permanent. For me it's the dry eyes, light sensitivity ( I have to wear my sunglasses in the grocery store, some restaurants, etc), one eye being larger than the other and occasional pain and double vision when I wake up. All in all not as bad as it could be. I thought when it finally became "inactive" it would be back to normal. It isn't and as my Dr told me, that will be my cross to bear. I need glasses now full time, and when I'm tired my left eye will droop and burn. I no longer have a thyroid ( had RAI 10 years ago) and when my meds are off my eye symptoms get much worse. My ophthalmologist doesn't think it's related, but I know it is. Every time my eyes act up daily I get my levels checked and sure enough they are off. Avoiding dairy, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and potatoes are a must for me to feel good. Using my eye drops regularly throughout the day is a must. Applying a hot compress and pushing on my lashes to unclog the ducts daily is a must. Keeping my allergies at bay also a must. Everyone is different and through trial and error you find what works for you. All in all I'm very lucky. It can ALWAYS be worse!