[npatterson]

#1074234

pizzicatto

In answer to your last question: YOu are going to have Graves’ from now on. Your phrase of "will it take proper medication, proper diet and exercise" is perfect. One way to think of it is as if you had insulin-dependent diabetes. A diabetic can be fine, but they still need to monitor and take their insulin, and need to stay under the care of a competent physician, and they need support. We try really hard to provide the last part. Welcome aboard.

[elf]

#1074235

Hi Pizzaccatto,

First of all you’ve got two different things going on. One is Graves Disease that affects your thyroid and causes that sweating, fast heartbeat, maybe weight loss, and hand tremors. This can be corrected, there are three different treatments (drugs, radioactive iodine, ot removing your thyroid surgically).

The second thing is TED (Thyroid Eye Disease) that is a disease that will progress on its own. Before taking care of your eyes, the most important thing is for you to take care of the thyroid, to research and choose a treatment you are most comfortable with, out of those three.

The thyroid eye disease keeps the eyes changing and uncomfortable (dry, sandy, watery) for a while. While this process is going on, you will need to wait. The process will take from 6 to 18 months or so, and then the eyes will settle. They may not settle all the way back to where they were, "settling" means the eyes will stop moving or changing. This will be called "cold stage", or "the eyes burnt out". Then there are options to make you look better with surgery.

However, if your sight gets compromised during the "hot" stage, even then there are a couple of treatments available for the eyes (either external radiation or oral steroids).

It’s a lot of info to process, you might need to start researching and getting books about Graves Disease.

Finally, the disease is caused by a change in our auto-immune system, and that change will always stay with us. But the good thing is that it is manageable, with those three treatments.

[npatterson]

#1019811

Another post from the Welcome Board to the discussion board.

Newly Diagnosed Today with GD OPTHALMOPATHY
by pizzicatto on Wed Jan 21, 2009 11:21 pm

Dear All,

I am so glad I found this site. Thank you! It is nice to be with people who undertand and know how it is like to have this GD. I am from northern CA and I have just come home and met my new doctor today who diagnosed me with Graves’ Disease Opthalmopathy.

Prior to this meeting, I had the blood test done two months ago because I noticed the change in the size on my right eye (through the photos I printed out after a get-together with friends). It far too obvious that my right eye is more awake than my left eye. My left eye tends to be swollen time and again and feels tired and heavy. Both are constantly itchy, especially in the morning when I wake up and they feel dry. I know from years ago (I read in a medical book ) that some people’s eyes become more prominent due to thyroid problems. So, I thought about that reading while checking on myself in front of the mirror. Later, I shared my thoughts with my family doctor and she gladly wrote me an order for a blood exam . At first, she was reluctant and said my eyes looked the same in size but I told her that it was not the case, actually.

Today, my endocrinologist saw the set of photos I laid out together from September 2008 to January 2009. And he just said that yes, I got the GD Opthalmopathy. He is a nice guy, gentleman and quite light and easy. He made me feel that everything is going to be all right. He is just wonderful.

Anyhow, is there anyone of you here who is in the same shoes as I am in?

I am due for another set of blood test tomorrow. I am trying to take things~one thing at a time as I don’t want to worry much. At least now, I know what is bothering me.

P.S.
I have a hard time focusing due to this GD. At times I feel like am getting crossed eyed, too Also, I have insomia and uneven heartbeat which happens when I am stressed. And there are moments when I feel a bit sweaty. I feel kind of conscious about this one,especially when my spouse is trying to be passionate with me. I’d cut the chase and wipe off the tiny beats of sweat . Then, my mood for love is gone. Actually, dear husband was the first to notice this sweating. I thought it was because I may be menopausing for which my my oby-gyne opposed to. She said I am not at that stage yet. Anyhow, I just hope that when I start my medical treatment all these symptoms would fade and/or hopefully, go away (sigh).

One last question, if one is diagnosed with GD, can it be cured and be out of one’s system totally or does it remain in you and can just be controlled by proper medication, exercise and nutrition? Please enlighten me.

Thanks a bunch for listening!

Cordially,

PIZZICATTO

[Author]

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