The Thyroid That Wouldn't Go Away
How goes it with you? We are thrilled to have rain for the first time in...months? Hoping and praying that the terrible wildfires here in the southeast will finally be silenced. I'll take mud over dust any day of the week.
Well folks, it's going to be one of those not so creatively inspiring, cut to the chase posts. Sorry. Promise to get back to it after this. I'll make it quick and painless - like pulling off a bandaid.
For several years, I've had an autoimmune disorder known as Graves Disease. In 2015 I had the radioactive iodine treatment, which successfully shrank my thyroid and set my body on a course towards normal which is great. Except...
Shrunken thyroid retaliated. The treatment triggered a flare of another branch (?) of Graves known as Thyroid Eye Disease. Stupid thyroid.
I've pulled back from business and blogging and everything else because one major side effect has been double vision. No more driving. No TV or movies without wearing a super sexy eye patch. Wearing dark sunglasses helps somewhat when outside. Bright lights are a no-no. My triggers seem to be bright lights, peripheral vision and depth perception. I can read as long as I don't binge. (Yay!) I'm hanging with the dog and the fam...they call me Miss Daisy. 😕
Well folks, it's going to be one of those not so creatively inspiring, cut to the chase posts. Sorry. Promise to get back to it after this. I'll make it quick and painless - like pulling off a bandaid.
For several years, I've had an autoimmune disorder known as Graves Disease. In 2015 I had the radioactive iodine treatment, which successfully shrank my thyroid and set my body on a course towards normal which is great. Except...
Shrunken thyroid retaliated. The treatment triggered a flare of another branch (?) of Graves known as Thyroid Eye Disease. Stupid thyroid.
I've pulled back from business and blogging and everything else because one major side effect has been double vision. No more driving. No TV or movies without wearing a super sexy eye patch. Wearing dark sunglasses helps somewhat when outside. Bright lights are a no-no. My triggers seem to be bright lights, peripheral vision and depth perception. I can read as long as I don't binge. (Yay!) I'm hanging with the dog and the fam...they call me Miss Daisy. 😕
Good news is that it's not forever. There is an inflammation phase which lasts 2-3 years and then my eyes will begin to improve. There is some thought that having a total thyroidectomy can set the improvement phase in motion so I'll be having that done in a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed, folks.
Stupid thyroid.
Stupid thyroid.
Business News: I have closed up shop for the rest of the year (hopefully no longer) but if you'd like anything between now and the 9th, please give me a shout and I will try to make it happen. Of course, my Society 6 shop remains open for business.
And now for a laugh. Preparing for Thanksgiving was CRAZY! We all pitched in. Even Lucy, who takes naps whenever (and wherever) the mood strikes...
See you around! Enjoy the holidays. Eat some pie. I know I will.
Lori, I am so sorry. It must be so difficult, but you have such a wonderful spirit. You are truly an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the very best with your upcoming surgery. I have a friend who had her thyroid removed, and she is doing just fine, and says she has never felt better. I hope it will be the same for you.
Will be thinking of you, and sending positive thoughts your way.
STUPID THYROID!!!!
xo.
Thanks Lisa! I have pity parties, cannot tell a lie. But then I tell myself it could be a heck of a lot worse - and it certainly could.
DeleteOh man, stupid thyroid! grrrr! I am so sorry! Wishing you the speediest recovery...kisses to that beautiful pup!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patti! Stupid thyroid, indeed. Kisses delivered.
DeleteI'm so sorry you're going through this! I'm about 25 years on the other side of Graves Disease and I promise it will get better. Although I didn't have a Thyroidectomy, I did have the radioactive iodine and eventually eye surgery to correct the double vision. It's a process, but success is on the other side. Best of luck to you as you move toward healing!
ReplyDeleteOh, Lola. Thank you so much for commenting. I emailed you privately with tons of questions. Sorry. ;-)
DeleteSorry for the health issues, it makes me realize on bad days how lucky I and others without them are. Happy it is temporary. Best on the surgery, enjoy the down time and Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteAmen and amen, sister. Thank you so much!
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