GRAVES DISEASE

Awareness Wristbands

These Graves' Disease Awareness Wristbands are made to remind people to get tested and understand what's happening with their bodies. Hypothyroidism has many different symptoms that affect our quality of life. It's important to get a proper diagnois and the correct treatment.
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Design your own Graves Disease Awareness Wristband

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About Graves Disease

Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease is a common cause.
Because thyroid hormones affect a number of different body systems, signs and symptoms associated with Graves' disease can be wide ranging and significantly influence your overall well-being.

Statistics

  • Graves disease is a type of hyperthyroidism; it is an autoimmune disorder that is genetic and estimated to affect one percent of the population.
  • Approximately 1 in 89 or 1.12% or 3 million people in USA have Graves Disease
  • Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.
  • Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. One woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.
  • Most thyroid cancers respond to treatment, although a small percentage can be very aggressive.
  • Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility.
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Personal Stories

I was not feeling well for sometime so I scheduled a appointment with our family doctor. My appointment was on my birthday, May 24. My doctor asked me what was going on. I was sitting on the exam table and he sat on a stool while I explained how bad I felt. I was not able to sleep. I felt like I was on a treadmill and could not get off. I was losing weight (10 pounds in a month), but I could eat the legs off the table. I said to him I can't be in menopause yet (I was 42). He sat there and looked at me and finally he said you are hyperthyroid, you have a lump on your throat. I was stunned and I had no idea of what he was talking about. He then explained I needed to have some test done right away. So, I had blood work done and several other test done. I remember coming home from work and checking my answering machine to find several messages to call my doctor's office immediately, my doctor needed to talk to me. When I called he told me I have Grave's Disease and I needed to see a specialist. Not the end.
I started having symptoms at 17 and was told by countless doctors that there was nothing wrong with me - a few even told my mom I was faking and to take me to a counselor. Finally diagnosed at 21, took meds for a while until the heart palpitations and eye issues became overwhelming, then had RAI. It was tough for the first year with levels and symptoms all over the place but I'm stable now unless I get really stressed. It's so nice to read other's stories and know that you are not alone, which is how most of us feel when we go so long being misdiagnosed and then are diagnosed with a disease we've never even heard of.

Graves Disease Support Organizations

Graves Disease and Thyroid Foundation

The Graves Disease and Thyroid Foundation is the leading source of help and hope for people with Graves disease and other thyroid related disorders. We provide education and support for patients, family members, caregivers, friends and healthcare professionals.

I Have Graves Disease

Personal posts relating people's experience with diagnosis and treatment as well as dealing with the loss of loved ones.

Surviving Graves Disease

Surviving Graves Disease is an open support group for Graves' Disease & Thyroid Eye Disease and their loved ones. Every week topics are posted which often include links to various research articles or web pages.
My Experience with Graves Disease: Relating Her Personal Experience