[graves_mom]

in reply to: Need Advice #1066059

Does anyone know if there is evidence that prolonged GD causes learning deficiencies. My daughter was uncontrolled for 5-6 years. We finally had her thyroid removed. Although the emotional issues have improved (just about disappeared), she is still having difficulties in college (academically). She also has type 1 diabetes which was out of control until her thyroid was removed. Anyone have any info?

Thanks!

[graves_mom]

in reply to: Daughter Just Diagnosed #1071900

Hi Becky,

My daughter was diagnoised at age 14. The doctor had been watching her enlarged thyroid for two years. After she was diagnois I read up on the disease and realized all the bad behavior we had been dealing with was actually symptoms. I would often have to re-read the information. It is easy to forget that she is dealing with a hormone/chemical imbalance because she looks fine.

There were a lot of ups and downs and we kept hoping she would get better by the next appointment. In retrospect, I wish we had looked for a more aggressive treatment early on. But we relied on the doctor who didn’t pursue more treatment. We are heading for surgery now (5 years later) and have our fingers crossed. One specialist we consulted stated that practice never has a patient on meds for more than two years. Doctors, like everyone else, have opinions based on their experience, but not necessarily based on all experiences. If things aren’t going well, get a second opinion.

My advice would be to have your daughter see a therapist that is familiar with Grave’s Disease. I once read (it was probably on this site) that if you go to see a psychiatrict because you think your crazy, the first thing they check is your thyroid, because it mimics mental heath disease. It will help her deal with some of her uncontrolled emotions (if she has them). I don’t think everyone gets the psychological issues, but a little therapy never hurt anyone. We are currently seeing a family therapist because my daughter has developed anger and depression. If we had caught it earlier, I’m sure it would have been better.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Diane

[graves_mom]

in reply to: How can I be more supportive? #1074358

Thanks for all your responses to my original post.

We are scheduled for surgery on May 4. If I wasn’t so desperate, I’d be more worried. The endo/thyroid specialist recommended surgery over RAI because of the size of her thyroid. They are doing a partial removal and was shocked when the surgeon told us that there is a chance of regrowth to cause another full blown graves disease again!! Yikes.

She has been med compliant since Feb so many of the symptoms have been better. We began family counseling which seems to be helping. She has a lot of anger towards me, but I guess that is par for the course. Someone needs to be blamed.

Has anyone out there heard of this regrowth? And what can we expect after surgery?

Graves Mom

[graves_mom]

in reply to: How can I be more supportive? #1074348

Hi Bobbi,

Thanks for the reply. I don’t believe she has been compliant with her meds. I don’t think it is intentional, I think between pills 3x daily and the diabetes regiment, she is not capable of complying. I also found it interesting through other postings about stress causing the symptoms to increase. Beginning college I am sure was greatly stressful. Is there medications that can deal with the psychological symptoms to get her through until the graves can be dealt with in a permanent way or will that just muddy the water. Right now she keeps threatening to move out even though she is not capable of caring for herself. I have not been able to get her in to see a psychiatrist. They schedule appointments 4-5 weeks out and her life is so volitale, she cannot plan that far out.

Sorry for sounding so desperate, but I am.

Graves Mom

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