If you will note, the original diagnoses was "Toxic Multi-Nodular Goiter". This was made
by the GP I was seeing at the time. You should also note that, to my knowledge, I was
not being treated for Graves' Disease. This was because by the time I found I had
Graves' Disease, I was on the verge of my thyroid dying from the radio-iodine treatment.
The only reason I found that I had Graves' Disease was because my niece had access to my
records and mentioned it to me. Not my GP, not my endo at the time, nor even the
surgeon I was seeing while searching for viable options, thought to tell me!
When she told me about the third week of February 1997, I decided
the only way I could be sure I was getting the right treatment was to research this
disease and the medications I was taking. Once I started the discovery process, I found
that "Wellbutrin" or "Bupropion" in my opionion, is the very worst medication to be
on when you are hyperthyroid. This medication not only mimics the problems associated
with hyperthyroidism, but it enhances them dramatically. When I should have started
feeling some relief in January 1997, the dosage of this medication was doubled. So,
even if there had been the chance of feeling a turn for the better, it was missed due
to this anti-depressant. And I suffered greatly - not to mention much longer than was
necessary.
You might find it interesting to note that not once was I given anything for my racing
heart and pulse. My resting pulse rate was 100. My blood pressure was up into
the 180's over 90's. I could barely walk from room to room without feeling my heart
pounding in my head. I asked on several occasions to at least have some tests done to
alleviate my concerns and make sure that my heart was OK. I wasn't even given a
physical. At age 44, a physical isn't out of line. In fact, a yearly physical including
an EKG is very much in line! I received nothing but blood work. Oh, and of course,
the old "gotta do the pap smear" thing!
When I finally insisted on having a complete physical the end of February 1997, not
only was it met with disdain, but the GP called me paranoid! I guess she wasn't too
pleased that I'd done my home work and took myself off the Wellbutrin. I made three
fantastic decisions that month! I got off the bad medicine, dumped the GP, and dumped
the endo who not only didn't bother to tell me I had Graves' Disease but who also
took absolutely no precautions to protect me from thyroid storm when I had the RAI
done. In fact, after the RAI, she told me "it wasn't necessary, but I could continue
taking the PTU for a couple weeks if I wanted". In fact I had only taken it for a week
before the RAI! I have often wondered if people such as these get their
licenses through the mail or from Sears! I honestly can't believe they actually go to
college! They don't seem to have enough knowledge to have earned the right to call
themselves physicians.
I guess it was just about this time that I decided that since, at that time, there were
so very few sites on the Internet that showed the reality of GD, that I might as well
go whole-hog and do it myself. So, I set about to learn how to write a couple pages. I
was just going to tell my story and warn people to watch for the signs and not wait
until it was out of control. The next thing I knew, a couple pages just weren't enough
to "tell it like it is" and I found myself writing update after update. It's been
mentioned that some of these "updates" are "a bit off the wall". But, if you want to
know the truth of the matter, the content of the updates are the reality of this
disease. When you read them in order by date, you get to ride the "Waves of Graves"
right along with me. Although, I did tone them down, the roller coaster ride still
shows.
I also tried to refrain from using the site simply to vent anger - and I was angered
and frustrated by the whole situation quite a bit. Although, when it came to "Enough Is
Enough", I'd been handed one more piece of physician horse hockey than I could handle.
These people just don't get it! Once again, I would like to wish this disease on those
who treat it like a "boo-boo" and act like it's just an inconvenience. I know that
if they had it, they sure would feel differently, act differently, and have one hell of
an awakening! Physician! Heal thyself? Ha! And ptpth ~ ptpth ~
OK! Time to get off the soapbox on physicians! :) I could, and probably should, write a
book about the things I've personally been through with Graves'. I've lived with it a
very long time, and it's affected every aspect of my life - for over 28 years. I truly
believe it first showed it's ugly head when I was pregnant with my son in 1970. And it's
helped to ruin some things that, if I'd been able to think clearly, could have been some
really great things in my life. But what I have instead are some rotton memories and the
chance to start my life over from the ground up. Oh well! After all I've been through,
and now that I've managed to adjust to the facts, I know I can manage it. I just wish
I hadn't lost all that time that I will never be able to get back. But at least I'm
hoping that I'm helping others to regain their lives sooner than they would if I weren't
"telling it like it is".
I guess I wlll close for now. My temporary job ended last week, and I plan to take a
week off and do a little catching up on my middle-age rest. :) I've lost another 4
pounds and am hoping to fit into something besides elephant pants before the weather
gets nice in Ner Yerk. We had some 70 degree days already and I can deal with that!
Snow is a four-letter word! :) John took the Vette out for its "Spring Cleaning" last
Friday! Ah! The first signs of Spring! :)
Hope y'all enjoy some of the other things I put together for this Anniversary
Celebration! I know they're silly! But, as I said in the very first place last year,
silly is what I do best! :)
The anniversary link has been transformed. Link to the New Stuff
Here! :)
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