March - Grave's Disease

13 Million Americans have thydroid disorder, also known as Graves' disease. What's unfortunate is that only half of them are aware of it. Those that have Graves' disease accounts for 1/4 of 1% of the U.S. population. The leading cause of hyperthroidism, Graves' disease, represents a basic defect in the immune system. It causes production of immumoglobins (antibodies) which stimulate and attack the thyroid gland, causing growth of the gland and over production of thyroid hormone.

Graves' disease occurs in less than 1/4 of 1% of the U.S. population.
Graves' disease is more prevalent in females than males.
Graves' disease usually occurs in middle age but also occurs in children and elderly.
Graves' disease is not curable, but is completely treatable.

Often the cause is unknown. However, there seems to be a break down in the normal balance of the feedback mechanism between the pitutary gland that produces thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH). This results in an excessive amount of TSH which causes overproduction of thyroid hormones. Although not often, Graves' disease will occurs after the thyroid gland grow a benign tumor which also causes an overproduction of hormones. Occasionally, thyrotoxicosis starts after an emotional shock or prolonged period of anxiety which may sometimes occur at the onset of hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Graves' disease most frequently affects women (8:1 more than men) but also occurs in children and the elderly. Several elements comtribute to the development of Graves' disease. There is a genetic predisposition to autoimmune disordres. Infections and stress also play a part. Graves' disease often may have it's onset after a prolonged external stressor and in other instances, it may occur after a viral infection or pregnancy. Many times, however, the cause of Graves' disease is simply not known. It is NOT contagious but has been known to occur coincidentially between hubands and wives. Thus far, there has been no research that has identified a Graves' gene in DNA.

Patient history, laboratory test and physical examination form the basis for diagnosing Graves' disease. A careful patient will differentiate Graves' diease from other closely related diseases.

Often there is a slight swelling in the neck just below the adams apple because of enlarged thyroid gland. Other symptoms include:
Increased sweating
Fatigue
Nervousness and irritability
Restlessness
Hunger
Tachycardia (rapid heart beat)
Changes in libido (sex drive)
Diarrhea
Muscle weakness
Trembling hands
Heart intolerance
Exophtalmos (Bulging of the eyes)
Tremors
Depression
Enlarged thyroid gland
Artial fibrillation
Heart palpitations
Heart failure
Diplopia (blurred or doubled vision)
Hair changes
Increased frequency to stool
Eye complaints (such as redness and swelling)
Increased appetite
Decrease in menstrual cycle
Distracted attention span
Erratic behavior

Occasionally, the symptoms of Graves' disease become worse in a condition called, thyroid crisis, which can be brought on by acute anxiety, childbirth or an operation. Graves' can develop into a fatal condition with rapid heart beat, fever, and worsening of all symptoms which case urgent hospital treatments are required.

Exphtahalmos caused by protuberance is a more common symtom. This eye problem can become worse when treated and result in swelling of the eyelids and the tissue behind the eyeball. Treatment for this condition is required to prevent infection. Opthlmoplegia or paralysis of the nerves of the eye, which results in doubled vision (diplopia)is another complication. This is a condition that tends to improve on its on.

The more serious complications that cause major challenges to both the patient and the team of treating physicans when prolonged, untreated, or improperly treated. These complications include: weakened heart muscles leading to heart failure, osteoporosis, or possible severe emotional disorders.

Currently there are three possible standard ways of treating Graves' disease. Choice of treatment varies among physicians. However, the decision should be made the full knowledge and consent of the patient. The selection of treatment will include factors such as degree of illness, age, and personal preferences. Generally, from invasive to most invasive the treatments include:

1. Anti-thyroid drug used to inhibit production or conversion of the active thyroid hormone.

2. Radioactive iodine (I-131) ued to destroy all or part of the thyroid gland and render it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone.

3. Subtotal thyroidectomy, a procedure in which a surgeon removes most of the thyroid gland and renders it in capable of overproducing thyroid hormones. Drugs used to reduce thyroid activity are usually 20-30% effective. Drugs (beta blockers) may be prescribed to control the symptoms.

Radioactive iodine treatment results in about 90-95% remission rateof Graves' disease. However in few cases the treatment must be repeated. Radioactive iodine is simple and efective.

Subtotal thyroidectomy also results in about 90-95% remisssion rate. Ultimately most patient undergo the surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland or any active part of the nodule in the gland. Both surgery and radioactive iodine tend to result some years later in diminished production of the thyroid hormones.

There are a number of things you acn do to help assistyour body in the healing process. However, science suggest that here is no "natural" way to "cure" Graves' disease. For example, there are no specific foods that will cahnge your thyroid unction but those who eat healtier, more nutritionally dense foods have bodies that are better abale to fight off infections and further complications. Treatments like accupuncture, exercise, meditation, and various mind/body therapies can provide comfort and relief. Be sure to consult your physician when embarking on additional treatments and therapies.

Below are a list of some-at-home remidies to complications of GRaves' disease:Use eye patches at night if you lids can not close completely over your eyes. This will help keep your corneas from drying out.
Whenever your eye feel dry use ove the counter/prescription artificial tears.
Sleep with your head elevated to avoid having red, swollen eyes in the morning.
Protect your eyes from bright light, sunlight and wind by wearing sun glasses.

The National Graves' Disease Foundation is a lay organization that provides education and patient support. This is a great place to start collecting more information about Grave's disease. In the Support Section of this pagea you will find other place and where you can find nore information as well.

National Graves' Disease Foundation
P.O. Box 1969
Bevard, N.C. 28712
www.ngdf.org

National Graves' Disease Foundation
Downer's Grove, Illinois
For person living with Graves disease, family and friends
Diana Grows
(708) 848 - 1722

To leave a message on the corkboard about this issue or about anything else Click Here!

NOTE: This is not a complete list of what Graves information. I decided to look up information about Graves' disease after some one close to developed the disease. So,this is only a list of information that I know found. There's more info out there if you look for it. Let me know what you think and tell me what you do to help others with this disease or tell me if you are living withthis disease. E-mail me at CMJPlatformPlace@yahoo.com or leave a message on the corkboard.

---Catherine McPhearson-Jackson

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