[Brenda_Carr]

#1019859

Hi,

I am looking to start a support group for thyroid disorders. I was diagnosed with Graves November 2007 and underwent radiation treatment. Now it is hypo to hyper to hypo to hyper…just trying to get me stablized. I have met quite a few people who have been diagnosed and treated with Graves in varies ways….but I’m really interested in starting a support group…once a month to share our experiences and help support each other understand the varies complications this illness causes and support each other back into a productive life style.

I am located in San Lorenzo California…surrounding cities would be Hayward, Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro, Fremont, Union City, Newark, San Francisco, Concord, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin…..

Please let me know if your interested….spouses are welcome….and encouraged to come as well….

Thanks

Brenda

[Mickey65]

#1074601

Wow, what a small world!

I used to live in San Lorenzo, CA. I moved to Texas 3 years ago from there. I used to live on Albion, right behind the Grand Auto on Lewelling & Hesperian. I miss it!

[cathycnm]

#1074602

Brenda – Have you thought of writing the area endos a letter announcing your group. Then follow up with a flyer or cards that they could give to patients who had Graves.

A couple years ago, I was ready to start a support group through the Osteoporosis Foundation. They send a manual on the process that those were the first steps. Then finding someone to donate space and identifying others who wanted to share the leadership responsibilities.

To be honest – I had a couple women who had started similar support groups say discouraging things. Not meaning to stop my efforts – just a good reality check into the amount of work it takes to start something like that here in this rural, western community. At that same time, my job was turning into more hours than I wanted and since I work in healthcare, it seemed maybe it was not going to create balance in my life to start that group. If there were 2 or 3 people willing to help – I would definately still like to do something like that. I say that not to discourage you – just to encourage you to get some others involved on the ground floor of getting it started. The endos may know of others who have had interest in starting groups, too. Good luck – what a gift that would be for your community.

[Bobbi]

#1074603

The NGDF provides help for individuals who would like to start a support group, so you may find some information on the home page. NGDF also provides training before conferences. But I think they want folks who have gone through the disease, and are now healthy: it is not necessarily good for someone who is still in the throes of hormone imbalance and illness to take on the running of a support group.

[Brenda_Carr]

#1074604

Hi Mickey,

Yes it is a small world. Grand Auto on Hesperian is now Kragen and Wheel Works….alot of changes here….

How do you like Texas?

Mickey65 wrote:Wow, what a small world!

I used to live in San Lorenzo, CA. I moved to Texas 3 years ago from there. I used to live on Albion, right behind the Grand Auto on Lewelling & Hesperian. I miss it!

[Brenda_Carr]

#1074605

Thanks Cathycnm,

I do appreciate the information. I have put together some flyers and am posting them around the area….I will contact the newspapers and see if I can get an ad in the classified….thanks so much….I truly welcome all feedback.

I have been pushed into retirement due to the Graves….my background is Human Development/Counseling and Resource Development. I have worked in the field for over 30 years, 10 in the military and 24 in public education…..it has been difficult for me not to work…I think it has been one of the hardest part of the disease.

Thank you again for taking the time to share…….

Have a wonderful evening….

Brenda

cathycnm wrote:Brenda – Have you thought of writing the area endos a letter announcing your group. Then follow up with a flyer or cards that they could give to patients who had Graves.

A couple years ago, I was ready to start a support group through the Osteoporosis Foundation. They send a manual on the process that those were the first steps. Then finding someone to donate space and identifying others who wanted to share the leadership responsibilities.

To be honest – I had a couple women who had started similar support groups say discouraging things. Not meaning to stop my efforts – just a good reality check into the amount of work it takes to start something like that here in this rural, western community. At that same time, my job was turning into more hours than I wanted and since I work in healthcare, it seemed maybe it was not going to create balance in my life to start that group. If there were 2 or 3 people willing to help – I would definately still like to do something like that. I say that not to discourage you – just to encourage you to get some others involved on the ground floor of getting it started. The endos may know of others who have had interest in starting groups, too. Good luck – what a gift that would be for your community.

[Brenda_Carr]

#1074606

Thanks Bobbi,

I will check the home page and see what information I can get to help. I truly appreciate the concern as the overall stress that comes along with facilitating can be overwhelming when your hormones are off. I am in contact with professionals on a regular basis…and have been looking for a support group in this area…but can not find one. As I find folks that are wanting to participate, I will also pay a professional counselor to facilitate the group.

Please feel confortable to provide me with any additional direction…..

Have a wonderful evening Bobbi…

Brenda

Bobbi wrote:The NGDF provides help for individuals who would like to start a support group, so you may find some information on the home page. NGDF also provides training before conferences. But I think they want folks who have gone through the disease, and are now healthy: it is not necessarily good for someone who is still in the throes of hormone imbalance and illness to take on the running of a support group.

[cathycnm]

#1074607

Brenda – There is nothing better for the soul (and the immune system) than finding "work" that uses our strengths and serves a higher purpose. I hope you will let us know how it is going. You go, girl! Cathy ” title=”Very Happy” />

[Mickey65]

#1074608

Hey Brenda –

So is the Target gone now across from Kragen?

The Rasputin’s Record store over there was my favorite haunt!

I used to go on a 4 mile walk every day around that area. That’s one of the things I miss the most about living out there.

Texas is okay – a big change from the Bay Area, but at least I finally was able to buy a house – something I would have never been able to do out there! I was living in those little apartments back there behind Kragen for 13 years!

[npatterson]

#1074609

Wow! It sounds like you are highly qualified to run a support group! The NGDF Support Groups have training, workbooks, etc. These are provided to you at no charge. IF you will e-mail me at "nancyngdf@bellsouth.net", I will send you the information. You sound as if you have done much of the work already. I can put you in touch with the former support group leader in Berkeley (one of our earliest support groups).

[Brenda_Carr]

#1074610

Target has just recently changed to Walmart….it actually has not opened yet, but they have completed the construction on the building….we also have a IN and OUT Burger in the parking lot….Bakers Square closed…..

Lots of changes…………..

I’m really glad you like Texas…I was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston in 1978, I went to medical school there………….

HUGS

Brenda

Mickey65 wrote:Hey Brenda –

So is the Target gone now across from Kragen?

The Rasputin’s Record store over there was my favorite haunt!

I used to go on a 4 mile walk every day around that area. That’s one of the things I miss the most about living out there.

Texas is okay – a big change from the Bay Area, but at least I finally was able to buy a house – something I would have never been able to do out there! I was living in those little apartments back there behind Kragen for 13 years!

[Brenda_Carr]

#1074611

Thank you Nancy…

I would love to get the materials. I will email you at your email address. I spoke with Sara from Berkely, very wonderful person….she has been so supportive and so informational…..I truly have appreciated all her help. I did speak to her about a support group and she shared that she would love to attend and help as much as possible.

Thank you again Nancy

HUGS

Brenda

Nancy Patterson wrote:Wow! It sounds like you are highly qualified to run a support group! The NGDF Support Groups have training, workbooks, etc. These are provided to you at no charge. IF you will e-mail me at "nancyngdf@bellsouth.net", I will send you the information. You sound as if you have done much of the work already. I can put you in touch with the former support group leader in Berkeley (one of our earliest support groups).

[blueribbon]

#1074612

Hi,
I would love to be a part of your support group. I was diagnosed November 2008 also, had radioiodine December 1st. Life is a bit of a struggle right now. It would be great to to know others that are going through a similar situation.

Cathy

[Marpo]

#1074613

Nancy will there be a training session soon for support leaders? I had just joined when you had the last one. I am sure others support leaders are interested also.

Elaine

[judy]

#1074614

Hello,
I would be interested in joining your support group..
Living with graves for 5 years we have ups an downs…
I was treated with RAI 2 times, and also had a thyroid storm
Please send info..

Judy

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