Wow, Hopeful, sounds like we could have the same mother! I also have a sister who is a constant discouragement. "Just get off your butt and get a job, and that’ll make you feel better!" "When you have a symptom that I haven’t had yet, then I’ll listen to you!" "I have to get up and work everyday, even when I feel bad, and you don’t see me complaining."
After awhile if all sounds like "Blah Blah Blah Blah…" I was diagnosed in April, after 18 months of symptoms, and still am not being treated (other than beta blocker and diuretic). It is 5 weeks until my endo appointment. My muscles are totally gone. I can’t even carry in groceries, but my 14 year old helps. I had to go the ER last week for an anaphylactic reaction to something, they don’t know what, but said they thought the hyperthyroidism played a part. Their remedy was to take Benadryl every 4-6 hours for the next 5 weeks until my appointment. And of course, my family thinks I overreacted. My throat was almost swollen shut, I started violently vomiting, My pulse was 200, but of course, I was making a big deal out of nothing….. It is so frustrating! I had to drive myself the 15 miles to the hospital! And my family is educated on medical things, my sister is a nurse practicioner, my dad was a doctor, I am an RN.
So I really comiserate with you on the family thing! I do not live with my mother, but live 1 mile from her in a house that she owns, and pays utilities on. I have worked to develop a support system outside my family, through church and a Celebrate Recovery group, so I do have others to turn to, however, no one else suffering with Graves. I have really appreciated the information gained from this board, and have learned so much. I am proud to be a part of this community.
Hang in there Hopeful, I know how you feel, and just know it will not last forever. I believe you are well on your way. I look forward to beginning my own treatment, and learning from your experience.
