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  • genuinruby
    Participant
    July 4, 2011 at 6:06 am
    Post count: 92
    #1017862

    Hi, just checking in at 9 months post total thyroidectomy. I feel it is important to let the ones who follow my footsteps know that life does get better with treatment. I am so glad to be be feeling so much better. I have learned that removing the thyroid does not mean an instant transformation to health and wellness. It takes time to heal from the ravages of Grave’s Disease. One Day at a Time. I am dissappointed that the weight that I gained while I was trying for remission with atd’s is still sticking around. But, honestly, I have focused my attention on feeling better day by day and haven’t devoted a lot of energy to it. I feel great. I am still dealing with a calicium deficency, but I feel it is minor compared to all I have been through. I am turning 50 years old at the end of the month and I know that I have a whole new life of feeling better ahead of me. I feel sad for the uneducated woman that I was in my early years, living with an illness that was not diagnosed untill I was in my mid-forties. I was embarrassed to talk to doctors about the symptons that I had, because, my previous attempts were met with raised eyebrows and whispers, and a perscription for an anti-depressant. So, I lived with it. Untill it got out of control, and the gynocologist finally noticed at my yearly check up and put me on the path to recovery. And, yet, my own stubborness, kept me from getting the surgery because I was so sure I would go into remission, and yet, I am thankful I took that time, because, I learned that remission was not going to happen for me and I have no regrets.

    A big THANK YOU….to ALL the people who take the time to volunteer on this board. To answer the same questions over and over, because as each new person knows…we have a lot of questions!!! I know it seems that people don’t stick around after recovery, but I am sure there are many like me who do stop in and read the latest posts. It is true, this is something I want to keep in my rear view mirror. God Bless you all on your journey.

    Ruby in Reno

    snelsen
    Participant
    July 4, 2011 at 10:24 am
    Post count: 1909
    #1061351

    Hi Ruby in Reno!
    I was thinking about you this morning, remembering all the stages you experienced with Graves’. You nailed it, it is so nice to take the time to check back in, let all of us know that you have walked the walk, had your surgery, and you are beginning to have your LIFE BACK! Your experience with Graves’ has been so typical. A woman having classic Graves’ symptoms, and instead of doing a simple thyroid panel, and taking a look at her neck, the patient is given an antii-depressant and/or an anti-anxiety drug. While the Graves’ rages on.

    It is the medical profession, as well as the general community, that needs to be educated in this disease. Fortunately, there has been increasing notice attention to Graves in the medical community. In the past year or two, there have been continuing ed programs about Graves’ for doctors. It can make a huge difference in awareness to share your (our) experience with undiagnosed Graves’, with everyone! You never know, the person you are talking to may have a relative, friend or neighbor, who have these symptoms.

    I am so glad you are nine months out, and doing well. It is wonderful for "graduates" of this site to check back in.
    Shirley in SEattle

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