My Story
About three years ago I was a goldsmith at a small local jewelry store. I had begun to notice an unsteadiness (a small tremor) in my hands. This was the Christmas season, and well, you know how it is with food at this time of the year. I was overindulging in good food and not gaining my usual winter weight. I went to my family doctor, who didn't think anything was wrong but agreed to do some lab work. A few days later the office called and said my lab work was okay. By this time I didn't feel right and I told the receptionist. Not long after the doctor called and told me that I have a thyroid problem. After further testing I was diagnosed with Graves Disease.
My Steps
The point I want to make here is that I stood up for myself and didn't just accept the first phone call -- lucky for me as I was a very ill woman. I went through a lot of medical stuff and was on the mend when my eyes started to have a small tick in the lid. I made an eye doctor appointment, and she said I was fine. I once again stood up for myself and got my endocrinologist to refer me to an eye specialist. I got an appointment -- for many, many months away.
My new eye doctor told me I had thyroid eye disease. This is when the real battle began. First he told me that if I didn't quit smoking that there was not too much hope. I then knew that now was the time for me to have complete trust in this doctor. I quit smoking. I gained weight but thought I would deal with that later. I saw a guitar at a garage sale and thought, "Now that is something I could do with my hands." Everyone was telling me to knit.
Me Now
I have had lots of eye treatments, and I think I am turning the corner on that. I have lost 22 pounds. I play the guitar to center myself. I have been asked to become a partner in a small jewelry store that my friend opened about a year ago, and I hope to do it. I have a web site just for fun. Thanks for reading my story. It felt good to get it out.
