Hi Tina ~ I hear and completely understand how frustrating it can be to find a diagnosis and then wonder what’s next! The symptoms of Graves can be intense and discouraging, but hang in there and be patient and kind with yourself. When I was first diagnosed in 2005 I simply took my medication and went into remission after a year, but I never fully understood or knew what the disease was about. I was re-diagnosed in 2012. This time around, I took more responsibility for educating myself on what it was, it’s implications, symptoms, effects, etc. This way, I was able to clearly communicate with my Endocrinologist and know what to expect. Find a doctor who is willing to do the necessary blood work and monitor your thyroid levels. Some of the most important things I needed to learn through this whole process that were crucial to how I dealt with my symptoms and process, were to be kind to myself, rest and sleep enough, get enough nurtition, get suport from others, be patient with myself, and to never give up!!! Give yourself down time, or step away from situations that stress you. I still experience symptoms, but I see this now as journey. One thing that was important for me was to not look back to find a cause, because there could be many that added up, but to continually look forward and be mindful of how I feel in the process. Keep the things that you love and that bring you joy, close to your heart, and lean on that for strength. Know that you are not alone, and that you don’t have go through the process alone. Don’t be discouraged, but hopeful, because now you have a diagnose and you have the tools to move forward in healing.
