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in reply to: Teens with Graves – Film project revitalized #1065320

Thanks Kimberly. Good luck with your support group, and please keep me posted.

I’ve thought of looking into Yahoo Groups, but haven’t done so yet. I’d also love to come to the conference, but I’ll be in school and don’t really have the funds to fly out (I go to school in NY!). I hope to make it to one someday though.

Thanks for the suggestions!

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in reply to: Looking for stories #1074651

Dear all,

Thank you for all your help on this project. It is still going on, though I am currently taking a break from it as I am studying abroad this semester. I hope to get back to work on it in the coming winter.

However, please feel free to still contact me with any interest/questions/ideas you may have. I’d love to hear from you!

Peace and health,

Jessica

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in reply to: Graves film #1072845

Thanks Paula, I sent you a message with some more information!

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in reply to: Looking for stories #1074647

Thank you for the responses I’ve already gotten! If you haven’t checked, I sent you all private messages, and will try to be in contact with you with some more concrete "questions" and whatnot ASAP!

However I’m still looking for more stories! I’d love to have as many "experiences" as possible to work with.

Please, if you’re not comfortable answering questions, I can get by wonderfully with just a personal, written (as short as you want) account of your overall/a particular experience with Graves. I’d rather have too many stories, than not enough to fill a short film ” title=”Sad” />

If you respond here with interest, expect a private message as a response!

Thanks, and best wishes to you all!!!

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in reply to: Comfort and Joy #1074966

I know its been mentioned, but MUSIC is very powerful for healing. Listen to everything and anything you like. Don’t worry about seasons or volume or what other people want to hear. Play it loud as you want and sing along. I sometimes sit in my bed and learn whole musicals by heart with just the CD and the little lyrics pamphlet. Then on really bad days, when I don’t even have the motivation to sing, hearing the songs is a comfort.

Don’t be afraid to listen to some sad songs too. It can hit a spot in you that just needs to know someone else is there.

One of my favorites: listening to Christmas music (usually Trans Siberian Orchestra) in the spring and summer when it’s bright and sunny outside. Its surprisingly uplifting.

Also, read some books, they can be fiction even! Unfortunately I had a lot of trouble concentrating during the worst of mine, so I couldn’t read anything without getting headaches and reading the same sentence 10 times. But if you have the concentration, immerse yourself in a book!

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in reply to: Touch #1074954

I’m sorry for your troubles, but it is encouraging to see a spouse trying to find a way to help, rather than these horror stories of people who just refuse to deal with their emotional partner. My boyfriend and I are not married yet, but we plan to after college. Just going through school together, my health is a major issue he has to deal with everyday. I always feel bad but I can’t always help it, especially when I’m in a "state" of not wanting to be around him for a while. He takes it all in stride and is there for me when I need him. But I know it will be something we’ll have to deal with throughout our lives together, especially when we have kids.

I wish you the best, and hope everything clears up, including your wife’s health. Know that while you may feel a bit helpless and "victimized" in this situation, simply wanting to be able to truly help her is a noble thing and proof of your love.

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in reply to: New here #1074743

Tara,

I’m glad you found this group. I’ve only been around for a few days, but I can already tell its a really good, supportive place.

It’s ridiculous how ignorant people are about Graves. When I was diagnosed a few years ago, we had so much trouble finding information on it. Everything just directed to info on hyperthyroidism. Which was helpful to a point. But like you said, Graves’ is NOT hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a symptom of Graves’. Some doctors even seem not to get that point, and its impossible to explain the distinction to people who think they know about Graves’ because they know about hyperthyroidism. In a conversation with my mom today, I mentioned that problem and she even said, after all this time, "You mean its not?" Graves’ is so much more, and we have to deal with so much more than just some high blood counts.

What you’re feeling is very real. Trust me, no one knows what your body is feeling better than YOU! Even if you don’t know why its doing these things. I pray that you get the best treatment. I too am on Tapazole and it worked really well. Give it time. Also, if the depression is really getting to you, try to seek help in that area too. It may be a "symptom" but it still needs to be addressed as what it is, depression. We’re here for you!

Jessica

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in reply to: Success rates for treatments #1074622

Lynne,

Sorry you’re having such a tough time. I really lucked out in that the Tapazole (medication) worked for me really well and fast. I still have to take it (4 years later) everyday, but it keeps things in check. Before we decided on meds though, here’s the plan of attack my doctor suggested:

Meds first, try them out, see what effect they can have. Make sure you’re in constant communication with your doctor if there are any negative side effects, and be sure you discuss what the expected side effects can be. I understand your fear with previous experiences, but maybe there is a certain med the doctor can suggest that is least likely to have those problems.

Next, radiation. I didn’t have to go this far, but I’ve heard, like you, that it does work. If you go hypo, you may have to go back to the meds stage to treat that, but it IS treatable. (Final option is surgery, which most people like to avoid. I pray for you that it doesn’t come to that.)

I don’t know if this helps, but if nothing else, know that you’re not alone in the decision you’re facing. Its hard, but the best thing is that you ARE getting treated, and you WILL get better! Till then (and after of course), we’re here for you.

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in reply to: just need to talk #1074636

you’re in my prayers. I’m sorry its been so hard for you. hopefully you can find some help and support on here.

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in reply to: Looking for stories #1074641

will do! hopefully I get some stories though!

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