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Thursday, December 24, 2009

IT FINALLY CAME !!!!!

i got the letter from my insurance that they have approved my eyelid retraction surgery.
However, because my tsh levels are not normal ~~~~ I am no longer a candidate :(
The depression has been horrible the last 2 weeks with this new info.
I go back to the eye specialist over in Nashville in Jan to discuss my options.
The overall pain in my joints has not went away (like the dr hoped).
I see him again after Christmas~~ we will see where that goes :(

May your Christmas be Blessed with Christ's Love and Peace

Monday, December 14, 2009

I have been struggling with muscle pain for the last 3 weeks or so. I had some bloodwork done last Thursday and no results yet. One thing the dr is thinking ~~ a reaction to the Lipitor meds that i'm on. so i'm off those right now. The overall ache has decreased, however the pain in my major joints is more pronounced. My lower back into my hips, my writs, my shoulders hurt all the time. i am using otc meds right now for the pain. it was so bad a few days ago that i resorted to a pain pill.
I am also struggling with my eyes. My right eye is differently turning in causing double vision. Right not its not to bad. I can force the eye to more back to a 'normal' position. The eye dr -- told me on Thursday that I need to go back to the specialist in Nashville to see about orbital decompression being a necessity. The crux of the matter is . . . I can't have surgery until my thyroid is under control. It is not. I have been working with GP to regulate. Next week, I will be contacting the endo to aggressively monitor the changes.
I am still dealing with the depression. And i am struggling to have a "normal" Christmas.

Monday, December 7, 2009

I have finally managed to pull myself out of bed and up the stairs to the pc! I've been struggling with depression (since I've had the sinus infection). Sometimes I think that life just goes on.... Where am I? I don't feel like a part of it anymore. My husband has been wonderful in how he has picked up and carried this family. My children have adjusted to the changes and don't act like they need me anymore. I just get so lonely.
I am thinking about curing Graves Disease....... What will it take??
I believe in miracles, so here's my prayer
Lord, forgive me for not turning to you for comfort--I know that you are there waiting for me. Lord, forgive me for not glorifying you in all -- I know that every time I question why, how come, i am not acknowledging your greatness. Lord, please cure me from Graves Disease. Just touch my body and remove each and every antibody that is wrecking my body, your temple. I know that you are the great physician and can do all things. I ask for forgiveness and peace and healing in your son's name . .... JESUS CHRIST. Amen
If you are reading this post please pray this prayer for me. God is a God of miracles!

Friday, November 27, 2009

i am exhausted! And there is a new pain in my chest. It is dull and i will watch it.
my sinuses are getting better and my ears stopped draining. yippee !!
i just can't get enough sleep. I am bone weary and cold all the time. And am reexperiencing spells of dizziness. (I haven't had these in a few months.) I go back to GP in a few weeks and will be getting new cholesterol meds then, I will talk to him about the cold, tiredness, and dizziness and see it maybe these are med related or GD related??
No news on the eye surgery. I guess insurance gets to set the pace on this issue. I'm still unstable with TSH ~~ so I couldn't get it anyway. It is just depressing. I so badly want to see again enough to drive. I feel so helpless.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

I went to the dr on Monday, I had been in bed all weekend with body aches and cough. I found out that i have a sinus infection and that my ears were holding fluid and that I had a touch of bronchitis. After a few days of antibiotics and cough meds, I am feeling a whole world better.
I am getting ready of thanksgiving meal at my house tomorrow.

I am thankful of so many things....
my husband, who loves me dearly
my eldest, who is back for overseas
my daughter, who is on the brink of adulthood
my baby, who is no longer a baby at 10
my FIL, who loves my children greatly
my mom, who is battling cancer
my friends, who pray for me

I am not ready to be thankful for Graves Disease, Thyroid Eye Disease, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, High Cholesterol ~~~~ I'm working on this issue and turning it all over completely to God.

I pray that tomorrow goes well here at your houses.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

We made it back home. And it has taken me 3 full days to recover from the trip.
I am hoping to get dressed tomorrow!!
I hate Depression
I am so thankful for the people at Cedar Grove for picking up son for Awana's, it is the highlight of his week.
My eyes continue to itch and are very dry. I am using so much eye drops that I really should have invested in the company!! When they are really wet, they don't bother me as much (pain wise) however my vision is worse when the eyes are so wet. It is a true trade off :(
I hate Graves Disease

Saturday, November 14, 2009

I'm in Arkansas motel where DH and DS are watching Tennessee football. I am just glad to not be in a moving truck. The motion sickness has not been as bad this trip; but, I can still feel my tummy roll around. DD checked in with us and she seems to be doing ok at home. She is so grownup now that she is 18! hahaha

My right eye appears to be bulging :( I just noticed it this morning. It is not as bad as some of the pics on there. I will post A new pic when I get home. Also my eyes went from dry and itchy to running and itchy since this trip started. Maybe just anxiety????

I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in miracles. I just ask that whatever continues to happen in my life that I search out God's will for me. That even when I am ready to quit fighting that I find one more ounce (or even a gram) of strength.

Much thanks to all of you out there listening about my fight to win my life.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

i had bloodwork at 2 dr's. It wiped me out all day.

I am getting ready to make a trip to Arkansas to see my son. He returned from Afghanistan on Monday and hubby is bubbling over to see him. I want to see him too ~~ I just want him to come home to see me. The thought of 8 plus hours in a truck is horrible, the motion sickness, not having any dept perception, smell issues, the anxiety over everything . . . .
But i will push on and try to be sane!

Monday, November 9, 2009

I don't know what else to say. I am going tomorrow to get bloodwork done. Hopefully I might gain some answers or guidance. I tried talking to husband about depression... he just doesn't get it. i feel that we are falling apart and that he is tired of me and me being sick!! i know that all of that is probably in my head; but ~~~~

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

I think I am beginning to understand depression. It's an ugly beast that slinks up behind you while you are out there living your life. It has only one goal--to destroy your life. It is cruel in how it attacks you body and spirit.
My eyes continue to get worse. The lower lids are definitely retracting also. My eyes hurt all the time now. Nothing seems to relieve the pain, itchiness, dryness, blurry vision. And my dept perception has gotten worse!!
I have been sick now for over 1 year. I feel that the last 12 months of my life have been stolen from me and I am very scared that I don't have anything left inside of me to fight with.
Anyone out there who has overcome this horrible battle ?????
Or does everyone lose?????

Thursday, October 29, 2009

I don't feel like I am reclaiming my life
I feel like my life is slippy away and becoming just another day in bed

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

I stayed in the bed until 11:00. Then I had to drag myself out and try to function like a human.
I am so exhausted, that even my bones feel tired.
My eyes have hurt all day.....
either too dry, too itchy, not enough focus, or crazy dept perception issues~~~just no relief.

Monday, October 26, 2009

I basically did stay in the bed all weekend!
i am so tried of this kind of life.......
Sick all the time, Sore and Hurting, No energy

Friday, October 23, 2009

My energy levels are already sliding back down! It just seems like my levels are not fluctuating as much as in the past. but they also are not getting as high as in the past.
I don't know what else to do.....
Started back on the anxiety meds again today.
And I am exhausted. I am ready to curl up in the bed for the weekend.........
My eyes bother me more and more each day. Emily thinks that left eyelid (on bottom) has started to retract also. All i know, is that I am back to wearing hats all the time because direct light hurts and had been giving me headaches again.
Anybody out there ???
I sure could use some encouragement :(

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Just a few things going on with me . . . .
1) My energy level seems to be slowly increasing.
2) My eyes are bothering me more daily~ they seem to get 'tired' by early afternoon.
3) I decided not to completely come off the anit-depressants~ just lowered the dose.
4) My emotions are more manageable, not as drastic minute-to-minute.
5) My body 'aches' by the end of the day.
6) I never feel rested. I am exhausted all the time.
7) I am considering starting the anxiety meds again~ I am on-edge almost daily now.
8) It is hard to carry on a conversation, I forget alot of things~ like words, thoughts....

Sunday, October 18, 2009

I have had a rough time, the last few weeks.
I wanted to share a short version of of dream that I had last night..........
I deamed about Jesus. And that He told me that He was with me and that He loved me and that I was not alone!!! Praises to His name!!!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

I got a call from the dr this morning. Endo said that I do need to up my thyroid meds. AND he said that is the reason that I have been so tired and bone weary. He also said that because my numbers are sooooo high that it might take up to 2 weeks to regulate!! UGHHH
I go back in 4 weeks to re-check levels. {My TSH level was stabilized at .5}
******No eye surgery because I am now considered in the "hot phase" and my eyes will change!
I am so depressed and upset!! But am so thankful that the dr didn't think that there was an underlying problem--like with pituitary gland or thymus gland.
The headaches are back in force, I have been battling them since Saturday afternoon. It seems like they are waves just washing over me.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Just got a call from the dr's nurse. They want me to come back in and have more bloodwook!
My TSH levels are etremely high. It is at 23. I'll get randy to take me over there this afternoon and find out what TSH levels were at last visit!
I am exhausted, but I had to wash my sheets and clean my bathroom. Those simple chores have my body ready to drop!!
***
Got a call from the nurse at the DR around 8am. She asked some q's about my meds and said that the dr was looking over the bloodwork and going to talk to another dr and then he will call me!! WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?????

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Just so tired, I laid around all day friday and saturday.
And on Sunday-- I didn't even get out of the bed!!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

I went to the dr today. I told him how my energy levels are just depleted. That I can't seem to function. We also discussed coming off the depression meds. I will have to wean off over the next 4-6 weeks. If symptoms come back, I am to go back up in dosage!!
DR also did more bloodwork. TSH levels, calcium, CBC, and I don't know what else. Dr told me that I am doing everything just right (my eating habits and walking) to help lower the cholesterol. He will test that in about 5 weeks.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

My energy levels seem to be returning, however, I still am very tired. Most days i barely function, I can't walk as much so I am working really hard on my food intake. Still no word on the eye surgery from the insurance.....

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I just want to cry!!
I am so overcome with exhaustion of trying to be well.
I took myself off the anxiety meds, because i felt better and i don't want to live a life having to take 6,7,8 or more pills daily. I have been off of the meds for about 2 weeks. The first days were fine, with a few "anxiety attacks" (I was so proud that I managed without the meds).
Now I am beginning to wonder if this intense tiredness is because of the meds getting out of my system or something new ?!.
Graves Disease sucks!!!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

UGGGHH
I don't think the day of rest and pampering worked!
I have been sick with my sinuses since then and have fought off one HUGE anxiety attack and a few smaller ones. Tomorrow I return to the days of "workin" on the fight of my life. The fight against what GD is doing to my body and my mind.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

I decided to pamper myself toady.....
With a facial, manicure and pedicure
With a deep conditioning treatment for my hair
With tweezing my brows
With whitening my teeth
With reading a great book
With no TV
I feel great today!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

I was so exhausted last night! I went to bed at 8:30!! I have learned to listen to my body and yet I still felt a little guilty about going to bed before my kids..... Today wasn't much better. I feel like a deflated balloon. I still managed to walk today- however I just "strolled" not really walking with the purpose to keep my heart rate up. w
I am not quiting the fight!!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Friday -- I went to the eye surgeon in Nashville. My eyes have stopped moving and my hormones have leveled off enough for surgery!! After checking my eyes, the dr recommended that I have the eyelid retraction surgery first and then do the orbital widening, with possible followup of eyelids again. Dr submitted my file to insurance to get approval. Hopefully it will not be long before we know something.
***I had a rough weekend, with the anxiety from going to the dr's and the traveling. I just crawled into bed and stayed there!!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

How to you differentiate between anxiety, depression, hormones, graves, stress????
This is still a challenge to me. At the beginning of GD, I couldn't even tell which end is up much less was I reacting to anxiety, stress or depression. Now I think that i am better ONLY because of GOD and my FAMILY. Now when I think I am at the end of myself......I tell myself that Jesus loves me!! I believe that GOD has a plan for me and my life and that makes it better.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

I am so much pain in my stomach and digestive track!!
I knew that I had to get moving and in between rain storms--I walked about 1/2 mile today.
I felt (emotionally) better. However, me scurrying up the gravel driveway, squeezing the cheeks, saying 'oh no oh no oh no' ; was quite a site for the birds.
Still loving the prayer part of my walk!
********I have just about finished my list of things that I have learned from GD & TED, I will be doing a special post when I finish.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

I have been side-lined!!! My sinuses have won this minor battle. Hopefully I will be able to bounce back soon.............

Saturday, September 12, 2009

GO Family!!!
Today my son, daughter and I picked up trash on my walk (just 1/2 mile). We got a whole bag of trash just off of one side. I am so proud of them. And it encouraged me to walk today when all I wanted to do is lay in bed.
****My sinuses seem to be a Little off today. My right eye (the one bulging) has watered up all day and it itches like the dickens. And my nose-- lets just say that breathing is little complicated.

Friday, September 11, 2009

I walked last night with my son because he wanted to "be a part of my health". We didn't go far but it was another 1/2 mile. And I was so sore today that I just wanted to quit walking. BUT I knew that with GOD on my side that I could finish the walk. I did the whole 1.8 miles. I am still sore and took a long hot bath to relax!!
*****My eyes seem to be getting better. The depth perception issues are not lasting all day now. It seems like it comes and goes....??? Anyone got answers?????

Thursday, September 10, 2009

OK. Thanks to DH -who used the tripometer to get an actual mile- I now know that I DIDN'T walk 2 miles yesterday...... :( For about 2 seconds I was sad and then I realized that I walked 1.8 miles! GO ME!!! Just think 2 weeks ago I couldn't walk to the mailbox!!
Praise be to the Father Above that continues to give me strength. Today during the pray-walk, I was so overcome with emotion for a friend. Please remember him in your prayers, he is in a real bad place and needs guidance to get out.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I walked 2 miles today!!! It felt GREAT! I prayer-walked the final mile or so and I have been so blessed. GOD IS GREAT!
I had to reschedule eye dr appointment in nashville for the 18th. Family and Friends please continue to pray that my eyes be in such a place that surgery is not necessary.
I have adjusted already to new eating style. Not to bad. Still searching for something to 'snack' on that taste good!!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Hubby is home today and I walked with him! He has been great at encouraging me and lifting me up! i am so thankful that he is in my life.
On another note-- my eating journal has been the best idea that someone gave me. It has allowed me to "see" what kinds of food that I was eating. I just know that I am getting better.
I already fell stronger.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

I walked again toady, and it didn't wear me out! I was able to do some chores around the house before the exhaustion hit! Praise God! I also took the prayer list from Cedar Grove with me and prayed for those lilsted. I truely have enjoyed this part of my walking growth.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

I walked again today. I also prayed for the families that lived where I walked. Talk about really bringing GOD closer!! Praise be to the LORD for HE alone strengthens me!
***Last night was a big challenge for me. I am a late night snacker-- Bad i know. I got up 3 times and went into the kitchen and got nothing. But on the 4th time, I thought I was going to die if i didn't eat something, anything. So I caved and ate a banana and a piece of wheat bread.
This is going to be the hardest part of eating healthy!!
****I cooked fish last night for the fist time ever and my family loved it. Hubby also said that he wanted to eat more of it! Yeah

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

My Soldier

Today is my oldest son's birthday. Chris is turning 21 in Afghanistan; please continue to keep him and his safety in your prayers.
YES !!!
I DID IT
I started walking today. I walked .93 miles at 36 minutes.
Got a call from lab-- not so good news.
Bad cholesterol is way over, good cholesterol is way way low. And triglycerides are high.
Dr is putting me on Lipitor-- check back in 3 months
I believe that I can beat this too!!

Monday, August 31, 2009

I have made THE decision. I will NOT be a prisoner any more!

I have let GD and TED overtake ME. I am claiming my life back.
I am starting a new month and a new chapter of this disease. I am going to fight with everything that I have. Because that is who I am!
I have gained over 50 pounds during the last year and with this huge weight gain has come depression, anxiety, intimacy issues, spiritual issues and even the fear of being around others.
I know that this is not the life that I want to have.
I am YELLING it out --- I will fight for my life, my husband, my children
No more laying down and accepting that this is just the way it is..... I WILL change the things that I can and I WILL rely FULLY on GOD to provide everything else.
Love to all---

Saturday, August 29, 2009

I know that it has been awhile... so i'll just do a quick update for now!
I had to have my gallbladder removed a few weeks ago. The hida test showed that it was only working at 16% of normal function. After the excess gas passed, I felt so much better. I have been able to do most of my "normal daily" routine. This is amazing since it has been over a year that I could say that!
We even went for a short hike into the mountains, my son loved the waterfalls. The dept perception in my eyesight is still way off and I had to use a walking stick and my husband at times. I did have one small anxiety attack when the canopy got so full that I couldn't see the trail. My wonderful husband talked me thru it!!
I have been cleared by endo and opto to see surgeon in nashville. I will call to schedule next week. I don't know what this surgery will bring. I have been told that 99 out of 100 get their dept perception back. I aim to be in that group!
We have been praying for God's will to work in our family and in my health. Please pray with us!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Why can't I have just ONE NORMAL DAY ??

Thursday, July 2, 2009

I am soooo tired and sooooo cold. And my eyes are soooo itchy and soooo sore.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I have rested and feel wonderful for the first time in a week! Even my eyes seem to be stabilizing with the blurriness only being in the right eye. Also my eyes are extremely dry and itchy. I heard from my son, he was still in route to Afghanistan, and he was very excited. I was very scared!!
Then I remembered that GOD is in control. HE is in control of my Graves, TED, anxiety .... HE is in control of the WAR that Chris is in ... HE is in control of the LEUKEMIA that my mom has ... HE is in CONTROL.
I go to the dr next week for more bloodwork and anxiety issues. I will discuss the extremely low energy that I am still having~~~~

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

We made it home!~~~ I am so tired and road weary. Will post more when I have rested more!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

We are off to pick up our son and take him to the airport. He is deploying with Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan today. My nerves have been much worse on this trip..... I am assuming that because my emotions are stretched thin that the meds can't keep up. Please keep all of us in your prayers!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

We made it to Arkansas. We had a good time with Chris yesterday. We drove around to a million car lots looking at trucks for Randy. My eyes are still amazing me, I can "see" things again. The blurriness is still there but I CAN SEE!!!!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

I am trying to load up the truck for a trip to Arkansas! My oldest son, Chris, is being deployed on Tuesday to Afghanistan. We are hoping to have some wonderful family time before he leaves. My nerves are worse today--All I can do is take another anxiety pill and pray and pray and pray. I eyes still seem to focusing better and i love that. I just wish the blurriness would go away.........

Thursday, June 18, 2009

I keep telling myself that I'm ok, I'm fine, I'm getting better, I can see.... In the hopes that I can convince my body that it is true. My meds seem to be working better. The downside to that is that I am having a lot of trouble focusing and following a conversation. My daughter pointed out to me that I've become a "fidget". That's not good around our house!! My eyesight seems to have stabilized. The blurriness is now more isolated in the bottom of the left eye. And I have been able to wear my regular glasses for a few days!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Late Friday afternoon, I received a call telling me that my mom was sick. I later found out that she has been diagnosed with Leukemia. We are waiting for bone marrow test results to know what course of treatment the drs will follow. Clara has already started on Chemo and other anti-cancer drugs and she has been given extra blood. She is very nauseous and scared. Please remember her in your prayers.

Friday, June 12, 2009

It has been extremely rough this last week. I feel that I am stuck in the quicksand that is at the bottom of a huge hole that leads to a deep caven at the bottom of a 10 mile deep well! The Drs, Randy & I decided that NOW is NOT the time to do the allergy shots. I have way too many other health issues that are more pressing. We have worked very hard to make the bedroom as allergen free as possible and are slowly working on the whole house! Please continue to pray for me and my family.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Went to ENT yesterday for allergy testing. I wasn't too bad and it didn't hurt much.
I am allergic to short ragweed, english plantain, johnson grass, white oak tree, pecan tree, sycamore tree, candida albicans, cockroach, dog, dust mite, & house dust. I live in East Tennessee so there is NO way to remove myself completely from the outside allergens!
I am overwhelmed. I will be contacting insurance to see what is covered in the immune therapy that the ENT recommends. Basically getting shots twice a week for a few months and then moving them back to every few weeks until I reach a maintenance level--which could be a year. Then it takes 2-4 years to reach a level of desensitizing my body to those allergens. I am overwhelmed with sickness and disease and anxiety and vision issues and bloodwork and the crazy fact that I am allergic to something that my body produces---that's right the candida albicans is something in everyone and lucky me is allergic to it. The allergist told me that this allergy causes headaches, pain in your gums, teeth issues, lock jaw on top of colon problems!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The headache is not as bad today although my anxiety level is up... tomorrow I will see the ENT for allergy testing and will have him check sinus cavities (with the famous up the nose trick). If no sinus problems, Randy & I talked about being more pro-active in searching out help and/or treatment for my eye problems. I am going to go outside with Casey today to our pool. Randy bought me this huge umbrella that will block a lot of the sun, so Casey is hoping that he can stay in the water for more than 30 minutes.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Went to Eye Dr. He noticed that the right eye is worse and that the actual vision has changed. We talked about getting a new prescription; but I wasn't ready to do that, not at the rate my eyesight is changing. He will monitor me until my eyes stabilize and then off to the specialist I go for surgery. Dr thought that my symptoms were normal for TED (blurriness, double vision, light sensitive, dry, itchy and sometimes watery). He also gave me a lot of samples! yeah. That is 8 bucks a bottle X12 bottles that I don't have to spend right now. My eyes seem overly sensitive to the light today, probably because of dr exam. I am still struggling with the changes in meds. I told my family that I was going to make 2 signs, one that said "It is all about me" and the other one will say "Crazy mom in the house". hahahaha.

Monday, June 1, 2009

The headache is horrible.... It's been over 2 days. Nothing seems to touch it. I am going to the ENT on Thursday for allergy testing and will have him check. Will consider seeing the GP also -- maybe for more testing??? I am having a rough time adjusting to the new levels on my meds. Everything changed last Thursday, just slightly, and this might be the reason for the headache and disconnect I'm feeling. But last night I felt like my brain was going to split in two. Today that felling of disconnect hasn't been as bad- but I have had a MUCH smaller tolerance ((of everything)) to the horror of my summer-bound children and husband!!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

I know that it has been a long time since my last post... My eyes are getting worse. I have lost probably 70% of my vision in the last 10 days. And what vision I have is unreliable and blurry. I do have appointment next week with eye dr...we will see {hahahaha} what happens. I have been doing my yoga everyday. Most days without the video -- so I'm not real sure how correct my poses are. I enjoy the yoga, however I do not enjoy the treadmill. I have been trying to do 2 3min runs on the treadmill 3-4 times weekly and it is still kicking my butt. The GP told me that I need to realize that my body is still in recovery after the 2 surgeries and will probably be 2-3 months before I am back to my "old" self.

Monday, May 18, 2009

I finally got the courage to tell Randy about the new anxiety feelings that happen when I leave the house. I think that I was more embarrassed than anything! {{Which is crazy because he said that he noticed the changes in my mood/behavior}} Talking about the anxiety felt like a boulder lifted off of me but while I was talking to him it was really hard because I was scared of his reaction. I will be talking to the GP and Endo and seeing what develops. If anyone out there has suggestions please share......

Friday, May 15, 2009

The tremors are back with a vengeance! Before the meds they were slight in my hands and arms. Last night and today they are in the form of twitching in major muscle groups. The left side of my face twitched for 15 minutes before stopping. And about a hour later my right arm twitched so hard it probably would be called jerking-- and lasted 2-3 minutes. Then this morning it was also comical, my torso did shudder-like twitching for 1-2 minutes. {just picture an overweight lady shaking the sisters around--it must have looked funny to the fly on the wall} Put a call in to the Endo to see if this is a possible side effect from meds or do I need to bloodwork to check levels?????
Please continue to pray for me, it seems that my anxiety is starting to manifest in a very unusual way. I can't seem to be outside and away from my home for over 2 hours before an attack is triggered.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Mild headache today that I think is related to the blurriness in my vision. This headache "feels" different from any before the surgery. I have felt so good the last few days that I have started doing yoga on the Wii Fit. It feels great just to move a little! I am hoping that by the end on next week i can start adding some aerobic exercises to the routine. I feel that I am in a holding pattern. Just waiting on my meds to regulate within my body in the hopes that my eyes will finally stabilize. The appearance is not grotesque, it is something that I can live with. I can't live with the blurriness and the light sensitivity.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Had a GREAT day yesterday! I managed to go the grocery store with a friend with 2 small kids and only needed regular meds! Of course I had to take a nap afterwords--hahaha. I wore my sunglasses and hat in the BRIGHT store and the lights only hurt a little, it was more the blurry edges around everything that bothered me. I even made it to the ballfield last night to watch Casey. Of course, my body temp went crazy there and I needed a blanket when ALL the other people were in shorts and short sleeves!! I can't wait for the thyroid meds to regulate my body. {I think my son was a little embarrassed and I can understand where he is coming from because I was a little embarrassed myself so I ended up the truck for the last inning} My emotions seem to be evening out more and more every day-- I love that I am no longer a rollercoster! Well, maybe I still a baby rollercoaster.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day to ME!! My family bought me a new kodak printer. I have been trying to get it installed and everything, but now my eyes are watery and eyesight getting more blurry around the edges. No headache today and only slight bleeding from my nose. The ENT was right on when he said that I will be better by Monday/Tuesday. My emotions have been more erratic today, I had to double up on the meds. Once I can put this sinus surgery behind me, I really need to start focusing on my eyes and eyesight issues more. I am looking for eye dr in my area that understands GD and TED. If anyone has recommendations........

Saturday, May 9, 2009

I almost forgot to share,,,, The tremors have lessen greatly in the past two weeks. They are barely noticeable!!! It seems that they are stronger at night and just before an anxiety attack!
I have now had this small headache for 2 days......ugggghh! I really pray that once my sinus is healed completely there will be NO headache. I am still trying to adjust to the new glasses. We went out to eat last night-- this is the first time that I have been in a restaurant since Dec.08! It was hard because of my eyes and the slight bleeding from my nose. Randy and Casey were having a good time and loving the food so I just sucked it up and kept wishing that that they would finish eating so that we could go!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Headache all day today. I tried the bath thing, the nap thing, the reading thing,,,,,,,so all i have left is the med thing. I think that this headache is a result of yesterday's visit to the ENT. Oh yeah-- the ENT told me that I should be feeling better by Monday or Tuesday!! I am so looking forward to that. Also got a call from the eyeglass place, my new sunglasses are ready!! Randy is going to pick them up after work today. I can't wait to have them. I can then be in my house without a hat all the time and maybe even be outside more!!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Visit ENT. He removed the packing and it hurt! I yelled out, I was then amazed at the size of that 'thing' shoved up my nose. The ENT vacuumed out the crusty {his word} and then did the fun camera trick. You know--show a 6 inch camera up your nose while you are awake and trying not to move!!??? Joking aside, it didn't hurt too bad. However; when he drilled open two small holes in the upper cavities so that they could drain... That hurt. Once I got home, I started to get a headache so i just went to sleep.
Side note:::::Even my non-observant husband noticed the huge difference in swelling around my eyes and nose!! I just wonder how much more swelling will go down and is it going to make my vision any better???

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I survived surgery!! I have basically slept and rested since Friday afternoon. The surgery was scheduled for 7am and we were home by 11am. It's crazy!! I go to ENT tomorrow to remove packing. The thing that Randy & I noticed right away was that the swelling under my eyes was gone. Then I noticed that my nose looked different! I had a ridge type bump at the bridge of my nose....not any more!! The ENT told Randy that he was surprised by how much infection that I still had since Feb and 3 rounds of antibiotics! We are praying that the headaches and dizziness are gone.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

I went to the Cardio dr today. The test showed that the structure of my heart was well developed and that maybe there was a slight thickening in the upper chamber. This could simply be a birth defect and no cause for alarm. However due to the pain and tightness in my heart, we cannot rule everything just yet. I will be having more testing after recovering from the sinus surgery tomorrow. Yeah!!! I am praying for the headaches and dizziness to go away.
I will also be looking for another Cardio dr!! I refuse to go to any dr that patronizes and belittles my symptoms!! I have ignored my health for many years and now that i realize how important my health is ..... I will not accept a dr that treats me as ignorant of MY BODY.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

i have spent the past 3 hours crying!!!! Emily has left for California and my emotions are out of control. I just took the second dose of the anxiety meds....I hope this helps. I go tomorrow for the results of the stress/echo test! Please keep her and her safety in your prayers!!

Monday, April 27, 2009

I had a major anxiety attack today. I wanted to go with a friend to the grocery store and all of the sudden my hands started to sweat and my heart started to race, then I started to get dizzy. My eyes even got so blurry i had to lose my glasses for most of the day. I had to tell her that I just couldn't go outside the house!! I took my meds, but it took most of the day to calm back down. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

I have had chest pains off and on all day. But i managed to be SUPERMOM... Emily has prom tonight and her dress needed to have a hem put in, so mom to the rescue. I just hope that nobody looks to close at it!!
When I woke this am, my eyes were more "gritty" than they have been in a long time. Emily and Randy both noticed that now the left eye seems bulging a bit. I have used so many drops today. UGGHH! I know that there is a reason....i just wish that I would know what it is. I am just so tired all the time. I can't wait for the meds to even out so that I will have some energy.
I'm still working on my list of 25 things that GD has done for me. I will finish it hopefully before surgery and get it posted!!

Friday, April 24, 2009

It has been a looooong week. Sorry I haven't posted. Even though I "feel" better, my pc is downstairs and the walk has caused my heart rate to rise, causing my anxiety to rise....SO I have basically slept and rested all week----except when going to Drs on Tuesday and Thursday!
On Tuesday---I went to Cardiologist to check heart due to squeezing type pain and the palpations I've been having. He put me on Zantac for a month because "statistically" I am not in a class of people that has heart problems. He scheduled a test for Thursday. Wait on starting exercise program until test results come back an we know everything is ok with my heart.
On Thursday---Randy took me to the Stress/Echo test yesterday, and we will know something on 4/30. It was crazy.. they told me 2-4 hours. I was in and out in 35 minutes. My chest hurts.
Saw Endo, he changed meds slightly--hopefully this dose will work better for me. Advised me to take Calcium supplement daily. Also Endo really didn't want me to have sinus surgery. He stated that sometimes it worked..and sometimes it didn't! I have to do it because I have to do everything I can to get rid of the headaches! I am working towards quality of life. With the headaches, I am in so much pain, I lay in bed for days or am so "doped" that i exist in my own little "doped up" world. He also measured my EYES.. He said that they are worse. Need to consider surgery SOON. {Hopefully after the sinus surgery my eyes will go into a COLD phase and I can get the necessary surgery. }
Saw GP, he gave me meds for depression and slightly changed the dose on the anxiety meds. He also examined rectum due to bleeding since surgery!! What a week. GP put me on suppository for 2 weeks, if not better then will send me to specialist!

Friday, April 17, 2009

God is a mighty God!
I just loved the NASA picture and it brought joy to me so I wanted to share it with you!
I am feeling better today. Last night I had some chest pains. I think that its the heart palpations coming back (I haven't had any since the surgery). I read that some people with GD get heart palpations! I will speak with GP next week about this symptom. I also want to know how long with my neck be numb??? Been a week since surgery, still no feeling above the incision....

Thursday, April 16, 2009

I am resting all day because my eyes hurt! Keeping them as "wet" as possible!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Randy & I went to ENT to discuss surgery and possibly moving date up. The headaches are intense and not much I can do for the pain. ENT thought that the surgery would relieve some of the swelling around my eye, maybe getting rid of the blurry vision. Dare I say it......HOPE.
New Surgery Date May 1st.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Will my eyes get better? Impossible to say. The dryness and excessive tearing comes with having an autoimmune disease (the antibodies exist in my body, just without their target). I have TED (Thyroid Eye Disease), and my eyelids are retracted, I am swollen on the underside, and my eyes themselves are slightly bulging. All of this is effecting my eyesight, it is slightly blurry and hard to focus.

Will I get another autoimmune disease? Impossible to say. I am more likely to end up with a second autoimmune disease, by virtue of the fact that I have one already{ just look at statistics}. No way of knowing which it may be, or if I will get a second one at all. I am going to try real hard to be healthy and as stress free as possible.

Right now, I am focusing on recovering from the surgery, and from the hyperthyroidism. And trying not to think about upcoming sinus surgery!

Monday, April 13, 2009

I am thankful for the many prayers that have been said on my behalf. I went to dr to check calcium levels---mine were PERFECT! I am now on thyroid replacement meds for the rest of my life---and that's ok. I am tired, and sore (but I no longer look like Frankenstein). I am grateful for inlaws in helping with the kids. And to the many friends that have provided food for my family. I feel so blessed to have you wonderful people in my life. My emotions don't seem to be as erratic (maybe because of the pain meds?) and my eyesight is still blurry but not experiencing any double vision and the light still hurts them. I know that the thyroidectomy isn't supposed to make my eyes "better"......but one can hope, right?

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Friday Night Update

Talked to Randy again last night, he said that she was hanging in there. She had gotten up for a little bit and eaten and visited a bit, but then returned back to bed. He said that her pain in her throat was far worse than she had expected. She didnt expect to have so much difficulty swollowing.

I am going over there later today. So I will hopefully be able to see her and see how she is.

Keep praying for all of them.

Becky

Friday, April 10, 2009

Shes a comin home!

Good News! Michelle is on her way home! Randy said everything was going well. I am hoping to get over there and visit, maybe this afternoon or tomorrow...so I will let ya know more when I know more!!


Becky

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Good News!

Hi friends, Michelle's husband, Randy called around 4:30PM to tell me that Michelle had come through surgery and that all seemed to have went fantastically. He said with any luck she will be released to come home tomorrow morning. WOW! God is so good and I know that Hes completely embraced Michelle and her family for this. Please continue to pray for them, as the unknown is always more scarey than anything else. But God IS in control and WHEW! I know "I" am glad for this! I will update you as soon as I hear more.

Sincerely,
A friend
Becky

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Getting ready for surgery. Please continue to pray for me to heal swiftly, for my calcium levels to be ok and for the drs get the replacement meds right the first time! Thanks to all of you out there praying for me and my family.
ps--i am scared

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

ALL LIGHT HURTS!!! The intense pain has triggered the headaches. I had another eye "attack" around 1pm. I thought I might have a little person behind my eyeball making a campfire! I self medicated enough to basically pass out for 2-3 hours. When I woke, I stayed heavily medicated. I wanted to spend time with my family (even if i was in fog and later bouncing off the walls) before the surgery.

Monday, April 6, 2009

While getting dinner ready, Randy & Emily shared the sermon with me. Then Randy made a comment about the song Peace Like a River. Casey wanted to know what that meant. Emily explained that it is ever-flowing and ever-covering. Randy & i seemed to think that was a pretty good answer. Then it hit me, that everybody's perspective of the river is different. Just a few months ago I would have said, my river is all dried up. Just a few weeks ago I would have told you that my river was the rapids that bottomed out. Just a few days ago I would have told you that I am like the foamy water clinging to the muddy banks. TODAY- I will boldly proclaim that I have Peace because I belong to Jesus Christ and that my river is gentle, yet wide and deep. What a journey I have been on...........
What a good day, I had. Around 9pm, my eyes went on FIRE. The right one bulged out and both were red and itchy and swollen. And the pain was horrible. It was like being hit int eh eye crossed with someone pulling my eyeball out---yes, it was that bad. The "attack" lasted about 4 hours. Could this be related to using the eye ointment? Or my menstruation cycle? Or is this the beginning of the "hot" phase of TED??????

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Romans 8:38-39

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jeremiah 29:11-14

11For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
I had a really good day yesterday. Randy took the kids to morning service at Cedar Grove. I can't wait to rejoin the family once my eyes are better. Everywhere i have turned the last week or so I have felt the presence of God. In things like my son getting a "big person's "Bible (with tabs!) and then him reading most of John on the way home. When he came in with his dad and asked me my favorite verse i told him that right now i was relying on Jeremiah 29: 11-14 but I rally like Romans 8: 38-39. He flipped open to those verses and read them aloud to us. Casey so simply pointed out the I (the mommy) didn't make the plans , that God already knew my thyroid was going to be messed up and that or course nothing can change how i (mommy) love God. Casey and Em then talked about how mom needed to let go of control and let God be in charge. I have been blessed regardless of what the outcomes of the surgeries I am facing. My blessing a bigger than a mountain. Thanks be to God!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Dozzzed, rested and slept all day. Vision is getting worse. I am experiencing more double vision and a lot more blurriness. The acne in much worse. The white spots on my tongue are gone,however the roof of my mouth is still tender. The anxiety is much much worse--it seems to have a life of its own now. I have a count down for my thyroid surgery. I am praying that once this diseased organ is out of my body that i will have a chance to heal. To regain some quality of life.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

EXTRA EXTRA
I feel that have had lost my Independence!!! I have to rely on others to meet my needs. I HATE it! It is horrible to feel so confined. I can't even go to the store for acne cream--my face is so oily---gross!! I'm laying in bed with tears running down my checks because no one understands way I am so sad, upset, angry, withdrawn. Hell- I don't understand. i just want ME back. AM I ever coming back or do i have to always feel like this? the depression has crept into every corner of my life.
I tried to sit on the covered porch to enjoy the nice weather today. Even with my wrap-around sunglasses, i only made it about 15 minutes. before the light felt like it was stabbing my eyes. I am trying to find some way to tolerate the sun and lights because Casey wants me to go to his baseball scrimmage tonight. I just don't know it i can do it----with the drive (even 15 mins i get sick), then the walk to the bleachers (5-8 mins, will make me so dizzy and possible headache), plus the setting sun and the field lights (instant headache and anxiety attack). I have had to disappoint him so much these last few months because of these crazy symptoms--I am crying with desperation. I feel that I have lost my life..................

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
I have been housebound since the beginning of the year.
And fighting colds, infections, and the flu since October 2008, my outside activities were limited. I almost didn't notice when I made the transition.....it makes me sad, I miss the old me, the one who would go and go and do and do.
Rested all day, too exhausted to move. no energy! Couldn't focus on the book I've been reading (2nd Chance by James Patterson). I would read 2-3 sentences and my eyes would blur and the words would "move" creating a double vision effect. I had to close my eyes "helping" my right eyelid to close by gently closing it and holding it there until my eyes felt rested and refreshed. This is getting ridiculous. I can't watch tv because the light hurts, i can't read because my eyes won't focus, i can't have a conversation because i can't follow it and i can't visit because i get sick in the car! I just cried and cried feeling like I am loosing my life piece by piece.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

I woke up in the middle of the night with a small yeast infection. I took some probiotic. (I quite taking these because I was afraid of a reaction between them and the anxiety meds. However, I decided a 3am that I needed the probiotic, because no yogurt in the house.
Woke this morning with the beginnings of a head cold. Started with Ziacam. After dosing 5 times during the day, I don't feel like the beginning of cold. More like the end of one!!
I had to take the Alprazolam around 6pm, too much interaction with husband and kids, and dinner, and bills, and baseball, and work, and house appraisal, and tv, friends calling, talking to son in AR, and next weekend, and spicy chili.......Or maybe just life?????

Monday, March 30, 2009

I set up a washing station at the main entrance of my home--the mud room. Of course I had to clean that room from top to bottom. I could not expect others to wash if my sink was dirty. I didn't finish. I will finish tomorrow!! This one little bitty room took me about 4 hours to clean, every time my heart raced- I rested. I finally felt like I was doing something besides sitting around or napping away my life. I took the alprazolam when I first noticed something "not right". What a difference. I feel better today than I have felt since October 08!! {I have been "sick" since Oct 08.} It was almost like my old self (before the GD), I knew that it wouldn't last. But i really enjoyed those hours when i could pretend that i existed as a whole person.
NOTE**Sinus Surgery scheduled for May 8th.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Slept late. I am always tired and exhausted, even with 8,10,12,14 hours sleep! Randy lead a Bible study for us today. I miss the fellowship of church, however, the lights give me a headache and cause me to be dizzy.
The tremors started and the anxiety hit like a brick slamming into a window. i feel like the broken window. Parts of myself are still there, but i can't reach the rest. My heart is racing...it feels that it it will explode any minute. My dh went and got me a blood pressure / heart monitor.
**Talked to Randy and kids about how GD is immune disease so we need to do everything we can to protect mom. This means everyone MUST wash their hands immediately when they come in. Also shoes need to be left at the door. And the most important---if you are SICK or think that you are SICK; you will not be ALLOWED in. Casey wants to make a sign for the doors. Emily said that she would help!! DH explained to the kids that they had to help also by cleaning the rooms and keeping them as germ free as possible.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

I made french toast & washed a few dishes and was wore out till noon! Then the tremors started and I began to feel "crazy". So I took alprazolam...in about 30 mins I went from yelling and barely moving to a felling of contentment (kind of like i just accomplished the best most greatest thing). Around 4- I started feeling edgy so I took a 2 hour nap. I'm trying hard not to take the meds to all day. It scares me that I am starting to feel that being "doped up" is the only way I can make it through the day.
NOTE**I have been checking my heart rate all day=consistently around 100 resting. Will get some kind of monitor so that i can go back to yoga and light walking. Also, going to get a different ointment for my eyes. I really need the thick gel that goes in at bedtime. My eyelids are not closing all the way so they are dry, itchy, and feel swollen. Hopefully this new stuff will help my eyes to feel better.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Slept most of the day. Exhausted beyond all. Eyes getting worse. Randy confirmed that believed that "a little change" was noticeable--more like swollen below eye, not bulging. Continueing to take pictures of eyes.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Visit with GP. The anxiety is out of control. I can't go through another day with these ranges of emotions and reactions. Prescribed Alprazolam .25mg , 3x daily. Seemed to think that the insomnia is related to the anxiety. Watching and will consider something different after surgery.
**I am soo tired. My headache feels like someone hitting me in the head with a hammer!!
Visit with Vascular Surgeon. He went over Graves Disease, suggested immediate and complete thyroid removal. Will my eyes get better? maybe-maybe not. Will my anxiety get better? maybe-maybe not. Will the depression lighten up? maybe-maybe not. Get the picture?
This horrible disease effects EVERY PERSON differently. The drs don't know what causes it and their only plan is to treat the symptoms so that the patient can have some sort of normal life. Also, stated that I should be healed enough to undergo sinus surgery in the 4-6 week range.
SURGERY ON APRIL 9TH.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Visit ENT. Strongly suggested having Sinus surgery ASAP (before thyroid). I just can't do this. I have to get this diseased organ out of my body -- so that I might get better. Also wants to do an allergy test [120-160 needle pricks, with time in office up to 4hrs ---yuck]. He thinks that the pan sinusitis could be caused by an allergy. And if that is the case then sometime after surgery, my sinuses will be fully impacted again. Bringing back the constant headaches and dizziness.
Visit ENT. Went over CT scan. Said that I needed surgery ASAP. Explained procedure & recovery. I told him about visit to vascular surgeon tomorrow, then I would make decision on what to do. (I am leaning towards the Thyroid removal first--then the sinuses)
Also called GP, asked for something to help with the anxiety. It is getting to where I can't control the emotions!@! ENT also said that I needed to be allergy tested on the chance that some kind of prolonged allergy caused the sinus problem.
**My eyes seem to be getting worse, my vision is getting worse and it is harder to focus. I also noticed that my Left eye seems to be bulging a bit more (I am still taking pictures to document these changes)
Results from CT scan. Mucosal thickening 6mm in right frontal, 4mm in left frontal, 3-4mm in ethmoid, 2mm in sphenoid, 8mm in right maxillary, 12mm in left maxillary. The ostiomeatal complex appears obstructed on the left and patent on right. The nasal septum is minimally deviated towards the right.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Did manage to get dressed today. First time in weeks. What a day. I can't seem to focus on the storyline in a book (I have read it before...). Barely sore in my muscles. Just the roof of my mouth tender. Very thankful of Inlaws for having Casey over, I don't think I could have made it through the day with his energy in the house!!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Sleep and more Sleep. Then I just rested most for the day. Exhausted physicality and mentally. When awake and aware -- I am feeling more lonely even though Randy is right there.
Note to self--I have found that a hot bath seems to de-stress me better than anything else.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

I feel better today. Still sore in arms and back. Not much pain and barely numbness. 3.
I am going to continue the MM that ENDO prescribed since I am getting better within the time frame he allowed-- but I will still watch symptoms.
However, I woke this morning with tiny white sores on the tip of my tongue and one the roof of my mouth... not sure where all this fits in??

Friday, March 20, 2009

CT scan today at Summitt.
Not as much pain today and it seems more focused in my arms, hands and lower back. It feels like my arms going numb.??. Still fell disconnected from everyone.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Visit Endo. He thinks that I can not tolerate all the meds I am on. Took me off the antibiotics, steroids & nose spray to see if the muscle pain fades or goes away. My emotions are uncontrollable at this point. I will be happy and within a second be so depressed that death seems to be a release. Then in a blink I become melancholy. This is insane! Talked with Endo about how GD symptoms appear different in each person. I am in the 3-5%. Go figure that I am different and unique (hahahahaha).

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

I am much worse!!! I can barley move because my muscles hurt so bad. I can feel the numbness and pain as it moves through my body. I cried most of the time today...or I slept.
By lunch, the pain encircled my throat and moved into my shoulders. By dinner, the pain was into my arms and down my back. By bedtime, the pain had moved into my elbows, arms and hips. The PAIN is like someone BEATING on ALL my muscles at the same time. To go with all that the gas is enough for a station!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Started to feel "outside" of myself again today. My eyese felt like they were on fire when I tried to use the OTC eye drops, so I quit using them! I have had more gas in the last 2 days than probably my whole life (i know, i know---gross!) And yet, smaller and more frequent bms.
Around 8pm experienced another anxiety attack. My toungue felt so swollen that I thought I was going to die!! I felt like someone had been choking my neck . That is the best way to describe the way that my throat aches.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

My eyes are more sensitive today! It has been a long time since I have been able to wear my contacts, but today it hurt to wear my glasses. The light reflecting off the lens felt like a knife touching my eye. So-- I walked around the house with sunglasses over my glasses. Talk about looking like a nerd. When my headache got worse; I just took a nap. I seem to be taking a lot of naps. And on top the the eyesight issues . . . My taste is OFF, everything tastes bitter!!!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Bloodwork results came in mail. T3 6.69, T4 1.81. Not sure what this means. Just that my numbers are high. Will continue to search for answers.
Visit GP. He wants to oversee and wants me to have all the DRs send him reports. (not sure what to think about this??) Stated that the vascular surgeon is one of the best and he would use him. Still having the headaches. If need more, he will call in script. Suggested a psychologist who will help with the depression.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Call from ENDO. It will not hurt my eyes to take the steroids. However, it might help my thyroid function.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Concerned about the steroids prescribed....call ENDO office and asked if they would make my eyes worse?????
Visit ENT. Diagonised with an active infection and prescribed Avelox and Methypredisolone. He checked my sinus cavities (with a camera on a loooooooong wand!) and confirmed the MRI (2/3) that I still have chronic pan sinusitis. Ordered a CT scan in 10 days hoping that this stronger combonation of antibotics and steroids will break up sinuses. Discussed surgery options-- he believes that I need this ASAP if not cleared up. UGGGH.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Menstration Cycle. 3/9-14
Started Probotiac-- Acidophilus.
Visit ENDO. Confirmed Graves Disease. Leaned toward surgery because my eyes are involved. Suggested to hold off on the upcoming sinus surgery, because thyroid is #1 priority for my overall health. Prescribed Methimozole. Referred to Vascular Surgeon. Come back in 2 weeks post-op or as needed with other health concerns.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Developed Head & Chest Cold with Irritable Bowel.----OTC

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Visit Eye Surgeon (Nashville). He checked and measured my eyes. Considered not sever. Prescribed Pataday eye drops for morning use. And OTC for day (soothe xp) and evening (Gen-Tal) for bedtime use. Call back in 2 weeks if no change. Visit if eye problems worsen. Stressed no smoking to me---try to not even be around 2nd hand smoke!!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Call from GP. Thyroid Uptake showed Graves Disease. Referred to Endocrinologist.
Test showed 18.4% at 6 hrs and 21.5% at 24 hrs.

Monday, March 2, 2009

STOPPED SMOKING
Visit Optho. Confirmed Thyroid problem after looking at my eyes. Called Summitt Ancillary to look at my MRI (2/3) for eye problems. Eyes now worse. Referred to Eye Surgeon. Told to stop smoking immediately---it will make my eyes worse and can lead to "bug" eyes or blindness due to double vision.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Visit with GP. no change in sinuses. Referred to Ear Nose Throat (ENT). My eyes are very itchy. They seem to have a film over them and I am having trouble focusing . Referred to Opthomologist

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Thyroid Uptake at Fort Sanders Diagnostic Center. Someone could have told me that I had to come back in 6 hours and then in 24!!!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Visit with GYN. Intercourse painful and mild bleeding. Had annual exam with Pap Smear. Could find no abnormalities. Discussed how stress and other health issues effects my body. Come back if problems worsen.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Developed yeast infection. Used OTC

Friday, February 13, 2009

Visit with GP. He went over MRI and examined my thyroid because it looked enlarged. Ordered more bloodwork and a thyroid uptake test. Situational dizzy and constant headache.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Menstruation Cycle. 2/12-17
I am tracking this because of the way that my body is reacting to the surges of hormones during this time. My hope is to be able to "see" which days might be harder for me. Meaning higher levels of anxiety, more depression, more disconnection.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Call from GP-- MRI showed chronic pan sinusitis. Called in script for Augumention and Predisone. I was terrified when the caller ID showed dr's office. My heart began racing and all I could think was cancer, cancer, cancer. I think I was crying before she could even explain the results completely. I had to hang up and whoop for joy!! I can handle this, I thought. I can do this. NO CANCER!!! I was so happy, I called husband and then had to call dr back for an explanation. Vanessa (dr assistant) enjoyed my response. She said that not everyday someone is happy to have chronic pan sinusitis---When I told her that all I have thought about for weeks was cancer, she completely understood my joy!
Had MRI. Still to dizzy to drive. I have had to rely on friends to get to the doctors, and to run errands, it has been horrible. I do not like being so dependant on others.
Being in the MRI machine caused me to be nauseated. Almost missed the trash can!! Thankfully the friend driving me was very understanding and she calmed me down in the waiting room before getting in the car. Then she was wonderful driving, slow and steady.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Went to GP! He was great! I still have a headache and am dizzy all the time. Pretty much little of no movement for 2 weeks!! And not enough aspirin to even touch the headache. Whenever I am able to think clearly, I realize how scared I am--thinking cancer, cancer, cancer....
Did bloodwork and scheduled a MRI.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Around 9:20 am, while getting a glass of juice before we left the house for church I passed out. I was unconscious for 3-5 minutes. My 9 year old found me on the kitchen floor. It was pretty scary because it took 10-15 minutes to be able to form words. I was dizzy and nauseated and covered in sweat. I was terrified---I thought that I was having a heart attack and dieing!!Decided to find a GP on Monday. I didn't have a regular doctor. Whenever I got sick, I just went to the walk-in clinic!!