It has been a long time since I visited the bulletin board and posted a message. I was diagnosed in 2000, struggled with vision problems and was on PTU for over a year before having the radioiodine treatment. I am glad to say that I have been pretty stable for several years now.
The things I learned the most from this group are:
Keep a journal of your most bothersome symptoms.
Read up on Graves disease – the book list has some very good books.
Obtain as complete a medical history of your family as you can.
Write your questions and concerns down before seeing your doctor.
Take your journal, history and questions to each appointment and write down the instructions and answers the doctor gives you.
Nothing happens quickly except the disease – learn to be patient with the changes made to your treatment – it takes time to see the results.
Read and post to this bullietn board – support from family, friends, co-workers and the volunteers at NGDF were what helped me get through the worst of this disease.
Although I was not successful in starting a support group in my area, I have been able to provide information and help to newly diagnosed people my husband and I have worked with and people my eye doctor asked me to contact.
The articles and newsletters available to me as a member have also helped expand my knowledge. I even plan on showing some articles to my doctors.
I hope you all are able to find hope and support through your visits to NGDF and will be well on your way to feeling better soon.
Carolyn
