TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

 

The longer I struggle with Graves’ Disease, the lonelier my life becomes. To my family and friends, I want you to stay with me in the long run. Please do not tell me that circumstances will get better with time. A Graves’ patient is trying to deal with now! My thyroid disease does not make me a weak person. I do not need to hear that I spend too much time inside. My feelings are, “just stay away then”, because you are not helping me!

Removing the thyroid is not a story I need to hear. My Thyroid is still intact. Radioactive Iodine is another nasty horror story not on my agenda. Let’s just keep things simple for right now. In plain words, do not try and be the doctor. My doctor will give advice at appointments. I want to share the information when I am ready.

Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s are serious autoimmune diseases. With no explanation of how you get to this point, every day is a challenge. You see, this is about my health. Words of kindness are just what the doctor orders for people like me. Graves’ is not my conscious choice when trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I did not reach this point because of smoking, eating poorly, or not enough exercise. It is so easy for family and friends to voice their opinion. The reality is no one knows what they are talking about.

I have Graves’ Disease of the eyes. When my family and friends stare at me, I become so embarrassed. My left eye sometimes is larger than the other. This will give a bulging appearance. Hair loss is another one of my insecurities. Kind and helpful people are important in my journey to remission.  Please choose words of wisdom. Do not worry because I am not a contagious person. I have a disease that I want in remission. Your hug means more than anything you can say!

To my family and friends, please do not make promises that you cannot keep. When I ask for help, it’s because I really do need someone to assist me.  Driving to appointments leaves me feeling nervous. When a friend says, “why don’t you ask for help”, I become withdrawn. If you cancel on me the setback is damaging. I never know from day-to-day how I will feel. Please only offer what you are willing to follow through with.

Helping an individual with Graves’ Disease to delegate is tricky. I want people to listen to how I need things done. After all, if you are offering your help, the last thing I need is to get into a debate over the phone or in-person about my life and home. It’s temporary. I want to feel better, not become agitated by trivial things. Therefore, I am a list person. I have more control over the goals for the day.

To my family and friends, I love you. I really am sorry days exist that you cannot understand how I am feeling. The biggest piece of advice to all is a simple hug! Do you realize what greatness a hug can bring to someone in need? A simple hug can alleviate stress and fatigue. And on those days where you think I am so depressed; your smile and kind words will lift me up. I need some feel-good chemicals flowing through my body.

Strengthening my immunity is important. The real kicker here is it will cost you nothing to keep things simple with me. You can only guess how I am feeling, and that’s enough right now. My journey for a happy ending is still a work in progress. My family and friends are a part of that journey! I love you dearly!