At least I know I’m not crazy (or do I?)!

A Personal Diary of Living with Graves Disease

This blog is primarily about my personal experience with Graves Disease but no doubt I’ll stray off topic from time to time. I encourage your comments and dialogue. R xo

5 Comments

5 responses so far ↓

  • R. // September 12, 2008 at 9:40 pm | Reply

    Hey just read your Blog….it could have been written by me. I have had Graves for about two years. I did have the “awesome” unexplained weight loss before diagnosis, and then the “horrifying” weight gain after starting meds. I mean 15 lbs in three weeks. Literally a pair of pants stopped fitting over-night. My endo. wants to do the radiation pill, but I am having eye issues as well so I am stalling. I am going to get a 2, 3rd and fourth opinion until I hear what I want! Hope your trainer helps! Good Luck!

  • Jola // September 14, 2008 at 7:05 am | Reply

    I had Graves’ disease and after much research decided to use acupuncture as treatment. After a year of daily acupuncture and weekly blood testing am now happy to say that I am cured. It was very hard to go against all my doctors’ and family’s scepticism but my Chinese doctor here in Orange proved to me over the years that his knowledge is extraordinary and I therefore decided to trust. Good luck with your journey :)

  • ratl1309 // September 14, 2008 at 8:38 am | Reply

    Thank you both for the info and comments.
    It’s really interesting to hear about the different approaches. I’ll be keen to hear more should you have any further news on your treatment paths.

    Thanks so much.

  • Heather // June 29, 2009 at 10:18 pm | Reply

    I’m so glad I found your on line diary. My Dr. seemed to know nothing about Graves disease. I’ve had some of the same strange symptoms. I went to my regular dr for swollen feet and ankles. (I didn’t think to mention the tremors, the crazy way my heart was now reacting to alcohol, the tingling and pain in my hands and arms) He listened to my heart and told me I needed to calm down and I said “that’s what the allergist said last week”. He put my right on the EKG, took blood and urine and called a few days later with the unconfirmed diagnoses. Our treatments are very different though. I took one radioactive pill and was basically quarantined for a couple days to keep from contaminating anyone. I’ve been taking 2 atenolol a day to keep my heart rate down. I have my levels checked every few months. I was 92 lbs in December. I’m 5′2 and have packed on 40 lbs in 6 months. The weight gain super sucks. I can’t even get into my sweats. I was also a “Super woman” type. I was very fit, strong and a cop. I’m still a cop but feel more like a sausage stuffed into my uniform. The pint of ice cream, bags of candy and all those cup cakes every night probably didn’t help. I’m now trying this diet thing. I’m crossing my fingers. I really hope your Graves and Cancer treatments (for you and your sister) go as well as possible.

    • ratl1309 // June 30, 2009 at 1:26 am | Reply

      Hi Heather and thanks for your note. I know all about the ‘feeling like a sausage’ thing! I’ve just finished chemo and the steroids have helped me pack on even more weight. A lot of it is water retention so hopefully I’ll get back to normal and will be able to pursue my fitness soon. Radiotherapy starting in a few weeks but in general I am doing well. My sister continues her battle. Last bloods I had checked my TSH was normal but I still have anti-bodies. Once I am over radiotherapy, I’ll be getting back on track with my endocrinologist and hopefully…get the damn thing taken out! Good luck with feeling better! R xo

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