Grave's Disease??

[WDWorBUST]

Anyone familiar with Grave's Disease?

Thanks!
Amanda

 

[minniecarousel]

I believe that one of my brothers has it. One of his eyes has a droopy lid, and the eye bulges just a bit. All of his blood tests were fine though. I think it can be aggravated by stress, which he is under, being out of work for over 6 months now. He's been told that it could get worse, diminish or just stay about the same. Apparantly, there is treatment for it, he's just not at that point yet.

 

[llij]

Yes, my DH has it. He was diagnosed 8 years ago shortly after our first daughter was born. He was pretty sick, lost weight, feverish, his heart raced, etc. and we couldn't figure it out. Finally, after a few doctor's visits, a simple blood test diagnosed it. He has been on tapazole since then and is fine. He went into remission for a few years and didn't need medication but after awhile he had to go back on it. He's in great shape today and doing well. He goes to the endocrinologist regularly for check ups to make sure everything is ok.

Hope this helps.

 

[Christine]

I do not have it but know that it is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland. Causes fairly bad hyperthyroidism and will mess up your eyes if untreated.

 

[CindyKansas]

I have/had it. I lost 50 pounds in 6 months and that was after eating anything and everything in sight. I developed symptoms in January of 95 and by June I was very ill. In June of 95 DH, DD and myself went to Yellowstone and I couldn't even walk up a slight hill without feeling like I was going to die. Lack of breath, heart beating rapidly, very unstable. I thought, jeez I'm out of shape. Also when I would write anything down you couldn't read it because I had the shakes so bad. The last straw was when I went to pour DH a PEPSI and I couldn't hold the can still because of trembling. He said "When we get home you are going to the Doctor". I went and he told me you have all of the signs of Graves Disease/Hyperthyroidsim. He sent me to a Endocrinologist and I had radiation therapy. Very simple. I currently take 150mcg of Levothroid daily. I have had my ups and downs. This past 12 months I have had to go in every 2 months and have my thyroid levels checked and my medication changed. It's been a very stressful year and yes stress is a factor. I did have to get glasses which I attribute to the Graves Disease. Any other questions just PM me.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I just found out that I may have it. My doctor is pretty sure....but we will know for sure once the blood tests come back. I just thought I was really out of shape after being pregnant and not doing much since I had the baby. What's frustrating to me is I was at the opthamologists on May 6th because of eye pain and a little blurriness. He told me that my eyes were just overly dry. Anyway.....thanks again. And if you don't feel right get to the doctor. It took me probably a month after deciding that I really needed to go to make an appointment.

Amanda