Graves' Disease (PART 1 of 2)

Symptoms of Graves started when I was 15, got diagnosed when I was 21 (after 6 agonising years), on meds for four more years (lots of ups and downs - even more agonising), then had a total thyroidectomy.

I found the whole experience very difficult and frustrating, for numerous reasons, like: the very important developping age when I got this, where one would normally start to flourish instead of crumble; the very difficult symptoms to deal with, which rape all aspects of your life; the long wait for a diagnosis; the stunning lack of information from doctors; the powerlessness; the mindblowing duration of the disease; the neverending ups and downs; the uncertainty; the fact that you have very few people, if any, who can understand, nobody to really talk to. It's just one HUGE, frustrating rollercoaster ride.

I just needed to express all this shit, but words failed me. So I made this video. For all the Gravers out there, especially the ones with late diganosis, and all the hard cases of thyroid disease. I tried to convey what it was like, how long it took (it's a 20minute video!), all the strange feelings you get to experience, etc.

For more factual information about Graves' disease: In the description of part 2 of this video, you will find links to the best internet resources I've found over the years.

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[aphrosie66]

This video has me in tears because I identify with it so very much. xx

[Kzombie01]

@yorkiedog89 Surgery or Zapping the Thyroid should be your last option, if nothing else works.

[srlarochelle]

This is ME

[LouieG7777]

I had no idea how screwed up hyperthyroid can make you feel! My mom had it before me and I used to think that she was exaggerating. Now that I have it I understand her. My aunt had it for a while but after she took meds hers went back to normal and she doesn't have to take anything for it anymore. 

[chaoticmindy]

so pretty much this vidio explains how i feel hourly. kinda awesome

[NamekianPikkoro7]

@yorkiedog89 What happens during your heat intolerance episodes? I USUALLY feel very uncomfortable, like I'm being suffocated. However, twice it was so bad I got vertigo, very hard and rapid heart beats, extreme nausea and gastrointestinal pain, as well as shaking, sweating, and hyperventilating. Just wondering if others experience the same thing. Those two episodes only happened when I put the shower on too hot.

[yorkiedog89]

@Starvee44

hey i just got diganosed with graves disease, the worst part of this is the palpitations and the heat intolorence. my heart rate skyrockets, and its my thyroid doing the harm, am currently under the medication lopresor for my tachycardia, and tapazole an anti- thyroid until i figure out weather i want to have radio iodine treatment or surgery.

[pdmtcc]

Great job!!!!! Interesting and honest, patience and hope gets us through it.

[Banarnarz]

hEY STARVEE. THANK YOU

FOR THE VERY COOL VIDEO, I HAVE DUPLOBIA THAT EFFECTS MY VISION.DUE TO A LONG BOUT OF GRAVES DISEASE , I HAVE HAD 4 STRABISMIS SURGERYS AND 3 OBITAL DECOMPRESSION SURGERYS. MY EYES BOTHER ME DAILY FOR OVER FIVE YEARS I AM STILL VISUALLY IMPAIRED, [ TO BE CONT..]

[bark1986]

i've got graves since 2001 and i'm going into surgeryto have some removed . and because they can't tell how much of the thyroid has to be removed theyll give me a radioiodine treatment if necessary . and this disease can really bring you down .and can be life threatning if you dont take you meds.

good video greetzz