[Bobbi]

#1062679

A "swollen" upper eyelid is not necessarily a sign that you should worry about worsening TED. I’m not sure what you mean by swollen, but the eyelids are truly sensitive to all manner of issues, and swelling can occur from an insect bite, from an allergen in the environment, or from some other cause that will have nothing to do with TED. "Soft tissue swelling" around the eyes is a listed symptom, true, but it is less "swelling" than it is a pushing out of the fatty pads that surround our eyes. And it doesn’t just affect the upper lid, usually. TED comes in many forms, but I would suggest that you use cold compresses, and see if the swelling doesn’t dissipate over a short period of time. There may be something entirely different going on in your case.

If the swelling persists, then you should see an opthamologist who can help you figure out what is going on.

[snelsen]

#1062680

Hi Julie,
As a card-carrying long time TED person, I can tell you from my experience, that I did not have swollen eyelids. As TED developed, it was vision changes, double vision, and swelling behind my eyes where I could not see it, but was manifested by my eyes protruding more.

Bobbi’s explanation of swelling reflects a better description of what it is. Colds and flu are rampant in this country right now. I did just had a really bad cold for the past 10 days, and I did notice that my whole face, plus eyelid was a bit swollen on the side I slept on when I got up in the morning.

It is easy to understand why this is a worry to you, for you have finally gotten your world back. I think you may find that it resolves during the day, and of course, a cold compress will help. You are doing all the right things, and you have a good eye doc who sounds familiar with TED. Don’t worry if you can’t get seen today, for you probably won’t get an "answer" even if you are seen. When we have Graves’, TED can occur anytime afterwards during our lifetime! Take it from one who REALLY knows! I developed TED almost 50 years after I had Graves’. TED happens to a very small percentage of us.
The best to you, do write back with an update.
Shirley

[Julie3588]

#1018097

Hello everyone,

I woke up this morning to find my right upper eyelid noticeably swollen, I actually did a double take in the mirror. I’m really starting to freak out because thus far I haven’t had any signs of TED. I just became stable on Synthroid after years of ATDs then finally RAI almost 2 years ago. I really thought I was out of the woods.

Can anyone tell me what their first signs of TED were? I’m going to call my ophthalmologist today and see what he thinks. He’s been monitoring me all this time for signs but so far hasn’t found anything, though this symptom seems like a red flag.

This has been a serious blow to my motivation. I’m just about to graduate college and was looking forward to starting my life in good health…

Thanks for all the love and support on this board.

-Julie

[Julie3588]

#1062681

So I the swelling and puffiness did go down throughout the day and has yet to return. (keeping my fingers crossed) I have officially stopped freaking out ” title=”Very Happy” />

I talked to my ophthalmologist and he said that it may be a sign of TED but it most likely isn’t and could have been caused by a blocked oil gland or allergy. He told me to keep an eye out for swelling around my entire eye, especially my lower lid and to call him if my symptoms persist or if there’s changes.

Thanks for your responses.

-Julie

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