[Elle]

in reply to: Running and Graves #1073379

Bless you, Ski, for your comments. You’ve confirmed what I’ve been thinking I should do for months—talk to my GP and get another opinion.

Once I was diagnosed with Graves, I immediately got into databases and researched as much as I could: levels, treatment, symptoms, etc, etc, etc, and upon first meeting, I don’t think that my endocrinologist appreciated that I was keenly interested in my health. After the diagnosis, I peppered him with questions about different options and treatments, and he bluntly stated that he had been doing this for 40 years and he knew what he was doing. As a type-A individual, and since this was the first major health issue I’d encountered, I’d bring a list of questions to ask him at every appointment, and on more than one occasion he told me I just needed to calm down. I wasn’t out of control by any stretch: just prepared, interested and wanted to have as much information as possible. Early on when I asked him if I could start running eventually, he refused to answer and again told me to relax. I also suspect there may be some cultural issues at work here—in his original context, women are traditionally submissive, obedient, and don’t question the authority of male figures. (I am almost hesitant to bring that up as I hate to think that that plays a part in his diagnosis and treatment options….)

At one point he did want to take me off of the beta-blocker as my levels were staring to even, but one of the questions on my list was “why am I still getting occasional palpitations or what feels like flutterings?” So he told me to stay on the beta blocker. At that time, I was under an insane amount of stress (which I couldn’t relieve very effectively since I couldn’t run) as I was working full time and completing a graduate degree. (My theory has always been that my Graves was kick-started due to my stressful and relentless schedule—symptoms started 2 months into my graduate work.)

On one hand, I sometimes joke that his keeping me on propanalol is his way of trying to change my temperament and teach me to be submissive! On the other hand, if he suspects underlying heart issues, why hasn’t he told me? I’ve been with him for a year and a half. Overall, I’m very, very thankful that this was caught and I have excellent health insurance and a variety of professionals at my disposal. I can only imagine the suffering of those in other areas of the world where help isn’t as readily available.

I’ll make an appointment with my GP and see what she suggests (stress test?) and will also try to get referred to a physical therapist or sports medicine specialist.

I’m very encouraged about Everest. ” title=”Smile” />

Thank you!! Elle

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