[Maryelled]

in reply to: Graves’ in “seniors” #1174666

Thanks, Bobbie. For sure. And, I am more than incidentally familiar with the experience of longer recovery time as we age. I must also factor into my healing process the other chronic illnesses that impact my ability to recover– Lyme disease, for example. But, you actually make my point. For those of us who are not “textbook” cases, those of us whose diagnoses must take into consideration many factors (including age), the pathway is much different, more complicated. If “facts” were always the answer, then I guess we’d all be diagnosed and treated more easily, quickly, accurately and restored to peak health. And, if that were the case, then I think those of us banging the drum for more research, more support for long term studies, etc. could stop the banging! Certainly we need guidelines, standards, best practices. But, facts do not always reflect larger truths, the “whole picture,” so to speak. It’s become just too easy for some doctors to attribute everything to aging. And, for others, it’s just too easy to attribute everything to hyperthyroidism. I feel that refusal to move from either extreme position is dangerous. It keeps us stuck, and closed off to possibilities, and often allows important health issues to become politicized ( diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease is a perfect example of this). Absolutism is never healthy. Bottom line for me is, after two years and four months of treatment with tapazole, I am feeling better. However, many symptoms persist; I have a complicated medical history–also facts– and there is no agreement on my actual diagnosis– all doctors claim that the “facts” support their particular diagnosis. That’s pretty unsettling.

[Maryelled]

in reply to: Graves’ in “seniors” #1174664

Thanks for sharing your experience, Amy. Yes,to everything you responded, and add to the list of “isms” that sometimes stand between patient and diagnosis, “information-ism” and “individual-ism.” You know, the eyes-glazing-over reaction when a patient asks questions that the doctor can’t or won’t answer, or the it’s-all-in-your-head responses when we don’t quite fit into the checklist of symptoms that pigeonhole diagnoses?
And, glory forbid, if we’re women of a certain age or experience; if we ask questions, and expect to be treated as individuals who do happen to know a little something more about our bodies’ peculiarities than the doctor; if we have learned self-advocacy skills and actually employ them, then we are labeled. For the sake of expedience, convenience and ego, not for the sake of our well-being. It is an injustice; one that limits access to appropriate treatment and possibilities for health.
I am grateful that most of my doctors do not fit this profile. However, the truth is that most of the “specialists” (endos.) I have encountered over the past two years have demonstrated a reluctance to move out of textbook mode. It’s sad, and hopefully, some will get the message and reevaluate their practices and perspectives as we take our bodies and our business ($) elsewhere.
Peace and gratitude,
Mary

[Maryelled]

in reply to: Graves’ in “seniors” #1174662

Many thanks for your welcome and reply and much gratitude for facilitating this forum.

I have read much about treatment over the past two years–some of the information good; some, not so much. Everything I have read, however good or not so good, does support the idea that hyperthyroidism in older folks may present differently and can be harder to diagnose because the symptoms and consequences are so similar to other health issues related to aging. Treatment plans may differ for the same reason. My frustration peaks when I explain symptoms and an MD responds, “Your levels are within normal bounds, so your symptoms can not be related to your thyroid. You are just getting older.” So, there’s the rub. If symptoms are discounted, how can one arrive at an accurate diagnosis?
At this point, it would appear that getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step.
I’m staying positive and full of hope that a fresh perspective from an actual thryroid specialist will help me move forward. Will keep you posted.
Again, grateful for your work and this forum.

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