US studies suggest that Graves Disease affects just 0.25% of the population. So thats 99.75% of the population then who have no idea what I’m on about. I’ve certainly found that most people give me a blank stare if I mention it and sympathy is fairly thin on the ground. And not that I’m seeking it but it would be something of a relevation if someone actually expressed concern or asked how I was feeling. I come from a family with a few genetic quirks so in actuality this disease is ‘not that big a deal’ in the context of some of the other things my family has withstood. But still….
Should I feel special?
May 17, 2008 · 5 Comments
Categories: graves disease
Tagged: feeling, graves disease, statistics
5 responses so far ↓
Sara // May 19, 2008 at 1:57 am |
I’m sorry you’re not feeling much sympathy and support. Graves’ disease (I have it too) IS a big deal even though most people don’t understand. I have found, though, that if you keep talking about it, you end up finding people who know what you’re talking out. My former landlord, my coworker’s husband, and my friend’s friend’s mom, for example, have Graves’.
Try not to feel discouraged!
ratl1309 // June 3, 2008 at 11:17 am |
Thanks Sara for your kind comment. I think I’m still in that denial, resentful stage so hopefully as time goes on and it’s being better managed and I’m not so symptomatic… I’ll deal with it all better.
Molly // June 9, 2008 at 9:04 pm |
I *just* got diagnosed with Graves’ disease, on the 31st of May. I totally understand where you’re coming from with not having very many people know what I’m talking about. In fact, I don’t even know of anyone blood-related to me that has thyroid issues. So everyone, family included, wants to know what it *means*.
Isn’t it fun that it’s also one of those problems where you get to take medication for a while with not much relief, just assuming that if you keep taking it eventually you’ll feel better?
lucidlupin // November 29, 2008 at 7:36 pm |
Hi – I know exactly what you mean – most people don’t have much idea – I feel a lot of people think/thought I’m faking or as you said re going to the docs – a hyperchondriac lol I too wondered and still do re my sanity but that’s probably justified anyway
some 5-6 years ago – tried couple of different meds and was also on beta blockers for a while and ended up taking Carbimazole for a while – then went into ‘remission’ for about 3 years… I kind of decided they had all made a big mistake as I was fine for ages… BUT I’ve now been feeling ill for about a year and it was put down to other things… time of life etc but no it’s back and I’m off to the endo next week – my symptoms this time round are worse – this weird rash up one leg, cannot do anything, can hardly breathe, lost my voice, can’t sleep but for me I never have had the weight loss… its all the opposite with me \Ive gone from being fit active and toned to gaining about 5 stone… despite not eating much – one thing I shall be taking up with the endo…..
I was dianosed with Graves (the name doesnt help does it?
Anyway I’ve gone on a bit but thought I’d just say hello and that I found your blog as I wondered if anyone else was keeping a ‘diary’ re having GD…. I expect I shall be back – want to see how you get on… off to read the reast and shut up now lol
ratl1309 // November 30, 2008 at 11:37 am |
Thanks lucidlupin. Your comment actaully motivated me to post so thanks for that!