[gm123]

#1059214

I was diagnosed with Grave’s this year but I can see that I’ve has the symptoms of it for years. When I was in high school the doctors said it was hyperthyrodism and took me off medication when levels were normal. He didnt continue monitoring me. Years later I end up in the hospital because of heart palpitations and shakiness. I was told my thyroid was overactive and when I went to the endo he told me I had Grave’s.

It’s always been hard for me to concentrate. Even more so now. I have to take exams to go to graduate school and I just feel like I can’t do it. My brain doesnt feel like it’s up to it. Now I am even wondering if I should go to grad school. Idk to what extent Grave’s will affect my classwork. Up until now I’ve been getting good grades…but I’ve never felt this way before. It seems like there is a mental fog that just won’t clear up.

I’m irritable, I can’t sleep well, in anxious…

Does anyone else have a similar situation?
If so, what do you find helps you through it?

[Kimberly]

#1173027

Hello – Having thyroid hormone levels that are out of balance can absolutely affect concentration. Hopefully, you have a doctor who is working with you to get your levels stabilized, which will make a huge difference.

In the meantime, you might find this bulletin on students and Graves’ to be helpful. It was more written for parents of young children, but it has some good study tips and also some info on the “Individuals With Disabilities Education Act”. Students who qualify can actually work with the school on an individualized plan that will help them. Plans can potentially include things like extra time for tests and assignments, which might be just what you need to get you over the “hump” until things start to stabilize.

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/patient-education/students-graves/

Take care!

[rapunzel]

#1173028

I have walked miles in your moccasins. I went through my BA, MA, and now my PhD with Graves. It developed two years into my BA. Grad school has been tough. Now, after a three-year bout with severe hypothyroidism, I’ve got mere weeks to finish writing my dissertation and my concentration is awful. Also, I’m plagued by self-doubt about my ability to do this, because I feel like Graves will pull the rug out from under me any minute.
Am I letting this stop me? Hell, no! I keep getting up, walking around, feeling my doubts, and then sitting down again and writing some more. I get up, make more coffee, call a friend for encouragement (often they just whine to me about their problems) and then sit down and write some more.

I’ll be your encouragement buddy, if you like. I promise you that you can do this. I’m doing it, little by slowly, and I might not meet my deadline, but I refuse to worry about this. Graves has taken a lot from me but it’s not getting my PhD!

Email me if you like. I would love to inspire you with my experience, strength, and hope because that will help me stay inspired, too — we can help each other.

Best,
Rapunzel

[snelsen]

#1173029

Rapunzel, you are one cool person! Along with so many others in this forum!
The very best to your with finishing up your dissertation. From my own experience, I think I can tell you that the orals are NOTHING, compared to the prior years. No matter who is on your committee, you know more about subject and design of your study than anyone assigned to your committee!

How ’bout registering for the Graves’ conference in San Diego the end of October? I think you’d enjoy it. I think everyone on the forum would really love it if logistics, timing and finances allow attending this great meeting.

Thank you for your comments about Jules Stein and your OD. Did you have diplopia (double vision) after your OD?
I have a very colorful history of TED. I know the incidence is moderately common, and i am not sure I could handle that again. I have already had strabismus surgery for terrible double vision. The result was wonderful.
My issue is closing my eyes. And it IS an issue at night.
Shirley

[PolishTym]

#1173030

I think a lot of us have had that fog, and it isn’t easy. Are there ways to minimize other mental tasks? Do you have times that you are stronger with your thinking? Maybe utilizing those times to prep for exams will help.

Sometimes we need time before jumping into graduate work when all the good things become aligned. I went into my master’s too quickly. I needed some time off from school. I worked after my master’s and entered my doctoral work after I was burned out from my job.

So don’t feel bad if you aren’t ready because of Graves’. There is always another year to go for it. Treating your Graves’ makes everything else easier.

[Author]

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