[Sue_Conard]

#1069275

Hello Stephg: I’m not the person to answer your question, just wanted you to know that you’ve come to an exceptional board of facilitators that are so knowledgable!! I’m sure one of them will answer all your concerns. WELCOME!

[carla]

#1069276

My13 year old daughter was diagnosed with GD and TED in the first week of June this year and I asked my husband, a Medical Practioner, the same question. We live in Australia and the disease is running rife through this country. My husband said that our daughter is at higher risk to get it and if she got it, she could get very ill. Not to make you worry, but I am a firm believer in the idea that usually when you worry about something it doesn’t happen. It tends to be the things you don’t worry about that you end up getting. So if it were me, I would worry and that will stop it from infecting our daughter!!

[Bobbi]

#1069277

This issue is a complicated one. Our immune system is not automatically compromised simply because we "have" Graves. Our immune system has made a mistake: it has created an antibody to our own thyroid. But the rest of the immune system can be working just fine.

That said, if your Graves is not well-controlled, if it is currently making you ill, and weak, then you are more likely to be susceptible to the germs in the environment and should take greater precautions.

So the issue really is where you are in your treatment plan. Since most of you are new to the disease, and may currently be ill from it, then you need to be aware that you are likely to be more susceptible to swine flu or anything else that is running through the environment around you.

[stephg]

#1069278

Hi Guys-

Thanks so much for such efficient replies. Its the first time in my life ever writing on one of these boards ” title=”Smile” /> But as I was concerned it was my best option. All of your posts were of great use…esp that one from Bobbi! I am on neomercazole(carbimazole) 45mg at the moment which has really helped reduce my hyper symptoms (thank god we live in a day of modern medicine)!! Ok, so I think I know where I stand now which isnt too bad a stance. I have had my antibodies against thyroid tested the last few weeks and its very high. Also, my iron levels were very low so I am taking supplements too. I am hoping with the iron too this will help. My fear was more so the name ‘autoimmune disease’ and the papers are reporting this to be high risk. So as one final question? If my immune system was down, does this only give rise to the fact i will contract it easier or does this mean i would be most likely to have complications if contracted?? I hope this makes sense!!!

And thank you so much guys for replies etc. so good to have other ppl with same thing cos lord friends, family and bf dont have a clue what I do be on about.
Probably sick of listening to my woes and whinges:)

Steph xx

[stephg]

#1019109

Hi,

I am from Irleand. I have recently been diagnosed with Graves Disease. Oh the joys……..

I am just a little worried with the looming threat of N1H1 virus (swine flu) it is expected to hit Ireland in late August/ early September 09.
As graves is a problem with the immune system does this mean that my immune system would not be readily able to fight if off as well as the next person.
I am just asking you this because my immune is busy attacking my thyroid would it not be fit to fight such a virus???
As far as I am aware it is innevetible that I will contract swine flu. i dont mind those symtoms or suffering the flu…lord knows Ive experienced plenty im just worried about the complications for ‘apparent high risk’ patients….(if I am one) So I am hoping you can answer or somewhat clarify this for me. God such a worrier but would just like to have peace of mind over this and chill out

Thanks in advance for any help/info on this…..

[npatterson]

#1069279

The absolute best defense against any communicable disease is to wash your hands–FREQUENTLY! Soap and water is the best. Wash for the length of time it takes to sing "Old MacDonald", "Happy Birthday" or "Yankee Doodle" and rinse and dry. I don’t know the songs in Australia, but maybe "Happy Birthday" in international.

[Author]

Posts