[Ski]

#1063378

Hi Moxley,

ATDs (methimazole or PTU) need to be managed, they aren’t simply given and then "they work perfectly," it requires someone who is paying attention to your levels throughout the process. That COULD be you, by the way. Get copies of all your lab results (those belong to YOU) ~ you may have to sign a HIPAA waiver in order to get them, but it’s worth it. Then get yourself educated on what’s going on exactly, and you can serve as a far better advocate for yourself. That way, even if you see a different doctor each visit, you can quickly brief them on your status and hopefully get better care.

A teaching hospital may not require you to have insurance. A state program may be available that will help you with the cost of meds, lab tests and appointments. I’m not an expert on what exists in each state, but you may well have access to some programs that could help. I think there are some who will be able to jump in on that part of your question.

You WILL get better, after you successfully navigate ATD treatment (or if you feel comfortable with it, one of the other treatment choices, either RAI or thyroidectomy) and get to normal, STABLE levels of thyroid hormone. Keep in mind that when your levels are normal, it signals only the BEGINNING of the healing process, which continues for a while after levels are stable. Small improvements, not large ones, are the norm.

It takes time, but please don’t give up on your nursing dream, it’s not necessary! Postponing for now is wise, and I’m glad you were able to find something else in the meantime, but you WILL heal and you will be able to return to normal activities. Once again, IT TAKES TIME, so while you’re going through the process, go easy on yourself, and make others go easy on you too.

I know it’s tough with kids (mine were 5 and 6 when I was diagnosed), but it CAN be done, they’re far more resilient than you think, and you’ll all get through this. Try to explain things to them in age appropriate ways, they can handle it far better than "keeping secrets." Secrets are scary for kids ~ what are you hiding? What could be so bad? They’re able to handle it much better if they have some information they KNOW is true, and you’ll be completely floored by their capacity for compassion, I promise you.

Stick around, you’ll get a lot of good information here, glad you found us!! ” title=”Very Happy” />

[moxley]

#1063379

Thanks Ski

I just reposted another topic only because I didn’t know the other one had posted. My computer is running a little slow today and I couldn’t find my post. So disregard the new topic.

[moxley]

#1018223

Hi, Im Moxley and I have had graves disease for about 2 years. I have all the same symptoms as I think everyone. My problem is I currently have no insurance that can help with my situation. I currently go to a local clinic, but no one knows how to address the concern. I get different doc every time i go in because most of them are retired and volunteering or doing there residency. They do know that my levels are up and of course prescribed a beta blocker and the PTU. I know they are only doing what they can for someone with no insurance, but they have never refered me to another clinic or someone who can help me. I am so tired of feeling the way I do. I have small children and I want to be able to take care of them. My moods are forever changing and I just turned 30yrs old. I get frustrated a lot and I feel like my dream of becoming a nurse are down the drain. I had to take a part-time job sitting at a desk (and I am thankful) verses working with people and taking care of them as a CNA, I cant lift because my hands get very weak and jittery when I try so before I endanger the life of someone else or myself I had to take a part -time clerica position. I use to be very active now my days are sluggish, and slow. I want to move in a steady pace, but I cant. I’ve tried exercising hoping to get my metabolism up but that’s not working.

Is there any help out there for someone like me? I thought about trying the mayo clinic I researched them, I think they still require you to have insurance.

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