Harpy, I have to agree with Carito. Graves was my first experience with any sort of illness. I was a gymnast and cheerleader and worked out regularly but never overdid it. I ate well and had a speedy metabolism, but it obviously slowed down a bit in my 20’s. I didn’t drink much and never tried drugs or smoking. I had a stressful job that I hated, but other than that, I lived a responsible, health life. Not everyone who develops Graves did something wrong or unhealthy to deserve it. In fact, the few people I have met who have Graves have no other health issues other than stressful jobs, and there are plenty of people who have stressful jobs, families, lives, etc., who never develop Graves or any health issues. I’m all about taking responsibility for my actions and my health, but Graves reared its ugly head in my life without warning. I have no family history and my immediate family members have all recently tested negative for any thyroid issues.
Graves was a wake up call for me to get out of a crappy relationship and a horrible job, but it forced me to give up my exercise for several months and gave me all sorts of body issues that I hadn’t had before, so I don’t think it’s entirely accurate to say it should be a wake up call for people living unhealthy lives.
Of course, I respect “your opinion” but I respectfully disagree.