[DianneW]

#1073946

Hi Rhonda,

It sure sounds like you’ve had more than your share of difficulties, but at least now you’re getting treatment for your Graves’! If all goes well the methimazole will start working and within 4-6 weeks you’ll start feeling much better. In the meantime, you can begin learning about RAI and surgery, or you might decide to stay on methimazole if your nodule turns out to be harmless. Nodules don’t seem to be that unusual among Graves’ patients, and I have only heard of one that was cancerous. Anyway, it’s great that you have a supportive husband, but still difficult to be hyper when you have little ones to care for. Let’s hope your meds start helping you very fast!

I wish I knew of a book to explain your illness to your child, but I don’t. Anyone? It would be nice to have one specific for Graves’ Disease, but I’m quite sure that doesn’t exist.

Your anxiety should level out when your thyroid levels settle down, in case you weren’t aware that was the cause. The cause of Graves’ Disease isn’t known, other than that there is a gene for autoimmunity and there also has to be a triggering event. Researchers aren’t certain what the various triggers are, but it’s still under study. Viruses, hormones, and severe stress are all suspect. Some people have associated the onset with accidents or other traumatic events in their lives. Basically it’s impossible to know, but I know many people who believe they know in their own case! (It’s not unusual for it to begin after the birth of a baby.)

We’re glad you found us.

[grekson]

#1073947

i too had some headaches and cerrtainly understand and sympethize with you.I hope you will feel better.

[DianneW]

#1019770

I’m posting this on behalf of RhondaG4, a new member, who sent this to me by private message in error. DianneW

Sent at: Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:21 am
From: RhondaG4

Hi everyone, I was told about 2 weeks ago I have Graves and a nodule. I had a baby almost 3 months early in June of 07. I had post eclmapsia and then I fell on my chin and right palm of my hand. After that I had a brain bleed and a SAH. 11 whole days after my crash c section. Thank God for doc in Denver, or Heaven and I wouldn’t be here now. And I didn’t even have to have Neuro surgery after the bleed!!

Only by luck..imagine feeling lucky…did we find the Graves. A FNP at my Neuro office here where I live did bloodwork because the headaches were getting so bad. He kinda forced the issue with my PA, and she sent me to the only Endo in town. He has started me on Methimazole for the time being, until he can scan in April and possiably do a biopsy on the nodule. The idea of biopsy, surgery, RI and only being able to hold my kids for 10 min a day…none of these bring warm fuzzy feelings. Heaven and I are very lucky to be alive. She was 2 lb 3 and a half ounces when born.

My husband is as supportive as can be. He has survived cancer 4 times, and had his jaw replaced by a leg bone. Heaven shouldn’t even be here, so say the experts. He works 3rd shift, and since I don’t drive yet due to the stroke, he is a very busy man. We have his, mine and our kids, my oldest being 21 yrs and youngest being 19 months. I feel like I’m missing her babyhood as she is my last. My kids are my world.

One of my questions is…does anyone know of a book to help explain to my 7 yr old Hope why mommy is so tired and sick…and the other is…has anyone ever experienced shoulder muscle seperation due to Graves? I’ve been in PT because of neck pain I thought was from the fall, but didn’t know about the Graves then and ohhh…gezzzz…the osteopenia then either. I’ve been on more steroids then anyone should be allowed due to headaches.

Has anyone had Graves after a SAH or am I just kinda a rare case? Am I alone and loosing my mind, or does anyone else feel the same way? I’m going back to PT for re eval and seeing an eye doc for a baseline just in case. My Endo hasen’t shared alot of info with me, guessing due to my anxiety and he doesn’t want to scare me just yet. Any help, references and support would be greatly appreiated. At least it is not all in my head totally!!!! Thanks for listening. Rhonda

[npatterson]

#1073948

Dear Rhonda,

You absolutely get this weeks’ prize for the most stuff going on in one life–all at the same time!
FNP’s can be wonderful. They check for many things, and you got diagnosed (with yet something else in your life).
You are not going crazy, but that is what I hear on the phone most of the time. Your brain is flooded with thyroid hormone, and the adrenaline puts you in "high alert" all the time. Our brains cannot function properly with all that adrenaline, and we get fuzzy, forgetful and frightened. Not to mention rude, brusque, and won’t listen. Just ask any spouse, or any Graves’ patient for that matter, We have all been there, and return to that state from time to time.
You bring up a good question about information on how to share this with our children. I know several excellent mental health folks, and I will run this by them. I know they will have some suggestions.
Take care of yourself,

[Author]

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