To contact us Click HERE
Maine Ophthalmologists and Glaucoma Specialists commented on glaucoma risk and metabolic syndrome. Reporting in the July 2011 publication Ophthalmology, the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, researchers suggested that the risk of developing Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) may be increased if you suffer from Metabolic Syndrome. “We know that patients with diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension or high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol and triglycerides and obesity have elevated risks of developing open angle glaucoma,” noted Maine Glaucoma Specialist Samuel Solish, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, ME. “The fact that the researchers concluded that since approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population has metabolic syndrome and that both metabolic syndrome and open angle glaucoma increase in prevalence with age, and this suggests that as the U.S. population ages, the disease burden of OAG may increase in the coming years is not surprising," commented Glaucoma Specialist Robert Daly, M.D.
The authors performed statistical analysis to determine patients' risk of developing OAG in conjunction with individual and combined types of metabolic syndrome. Data were adjusted for social and demographic factors, systemic medical conditions and other ocular diseases. The adjusted data showed that subjects with diabetes alone had a 35% increased risk of developing OAG, and those with hypertension alone had a 17% increased risk. Those with diabetes and hypertension combined had a 48% risk. Those with hyperlipidemia alone had a 5% decreased risk. Obese subjects had a 14% increased risk. Patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension combined had a 26% increased risk and the risk of developing OAG were higher in African Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans than in Caucasians, the authors reported.
If you or someone you know is concerned about glaucoma, glaucoma risk or metabolic syndrome please feel free to schedule an appointment at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine by calling 888-374-2020, visiting www.eyecaremed.com or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice staffed by a team of eye care specialists in Portland, ME including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
28 Eylül 2012 Cuma
Maine Children’s Eye Problems, Health & Safety
To contact us Click HERE
“As we start a new school year in Maine, children’s eye problems, health and safety really move to the forefront of our thoughts,” commented Maine Ophthalmologist Jordan Sterrer, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, ME. Prevent Blindness America has designated September as Children’s Eye Health & Safety Awareness Month. Eye and vision problems affect one in twenty preschoolers and one in four school aged children. Parents should be aware that it is possible for their children to have a serious vision problem without even being aware of it. Infants should be screened for common eye problems during their regular pediatric appointments and vision testing should be conducted for all children starting at around three years of age. If there is a family history of eye problems or if an eye problem is apparent, it is important to bring it to the attention of and eye doctor so that they can advise the parents about when and how often their child’s eyes should be examined.
Among the conditions an eye doctor will look for are amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), color deficiency (color blindness) and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism).
"Aside from vision threatening conditions, eye screenings for children are important because vision changes can occur without you or your child noticing them," said Dr. Sterrer, M.D. “If your child is having trouble seeing the blackboard or the words in a book, learning, as well as participating in recreational activities can be impacted. While vision problems can interfere with school performance, it's important to distinguish them from learning disorders,” explained Dr. Sterrer.
“You also have to protect your child’s eyes from the danger of eye injuries. Be sure that the toys your child plays with are appropriate for his or her age and maturity level. Avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts. Participation in any type of sport also could endanger your child’s eyes, so make sure he or she wears appropriate protective eyewear,” said Dr. Sterrer.
To learn more about children’s eye problems, health and safety please feel free to call Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine at 888-374-2020, visit Eyecare Medical Group or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup.
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
Among the conditions an eye doctor will look for are amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), color deficiency (color blindness) and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism).
"Aside from vision threatening conditions, eye screenings for children are important because vision changes can occur without you or your child noticing them," said Dr. Sterrer, M.D. “If your child is having trouble seeing the blackboard or the words in a book, learning, as well as participating in recreational activities can be impacted. While vision problems can interfere with school performance, it's important to distinguish them from learning disorders,” explained Dr. Sterrer.
“You also have to protect your child’s eyes from the danger of eye injuries. Be sure that the toys your child plays with are appropriate for his or her age and maturity level. Avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts. Participation in any type of sport also could endanger your child’s eyes, so make sure he or she wears appropriate protective eyewear,” said Dr. Sterrer.
To learn more about children’s eye problems, health and safety please feel free to call Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine at 888-374-2020, visit Eyecare Medical Group or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup.
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
Find a Top Maine LASIK Surgeon
To contact us Click HERE
“Making the effort to find a top LASIK surgeon is well worth the time,” commented Maine LASIK Surgeon and Corneal Specialist Ravi Shah, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group in Portland. But what makes a top LASIK surgeon? For sure, top LASIK surgeons have the skill, expertise and experience to perform LASIK surgery in a safe, effective and predictable manner. But they also have some other characteristics that set them apart from the rest.
Top LASIK Surgeons are easy to trust because they are empathic-they hear and appreciate what you say and they connect with you and your personal goals.
Top LASIK Surgeons take care and time to consider every aspect of your eye health and vision during your evaluation and consultation.
Top LASIK Surgeons say NO! if you are not a good candidate.
Top LASIK Surgeons insist that you return for proper follow-up care even if YOU think you are doing just fine.
Top LASIK Surgeons want to hear your questions-and are happy to answer them in simple understandable language.
Top LASIK Surgeons fully discuss the risks, benefits, possible complications and side effects in a balanced manner.
Top LASIK Surgeons can be counted on to effectively manage your eye surgery when things are going perfectly as well and when things a bit off track.
Choosing a LASIK surgeon is the single most important decision you will make. Do the research and learn about your surgeon-then move forward with your decision. If you are not satisfied, schedule another consultation. At Eyecare Medical Group, our patients regularly tell us that our LASIK surgeons are “Top LASIK Surgeons”. You can find out for yourself by calling 888-374-2020 and scheduling a Free LASIK Evaluation!
To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you can call us at 888-374-2020, visit Eyecare Medical Group or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
Top LASIK Surgeons are easy to trust because they are empathic-they hear and appreciate what you say and they connect with you and your personal goals.
Top LASIK Surgeons take care and time to consider every aspect of your eye health and vision during your evaluation and consultation.
Top LASIK Surgeons say NO! if you are not a good candidate.
Top LASIK Surgeons insist that you return for proper follow-up care even if YOU think you are doing just fine.
Top LASIK Surgeons want to hear your questions-and are happy to answer them in simple understandable language.
Top LASIK Surgeons fully discuss the risks, benefits, possible complications and side effects in a balanced manner.
Top LASIK Surgeons can be counted on to effectively manage your eye surgery when things are going perfectly as well and when things a bit off track.
Choosing a LASIK surgeon is the single most important decision you will make. Do the research and learn about your surgeon-then move forward with your decision. If you are not satisfied, schedule another consultation. At Eyecare Medical Group, our patients regularly tell us that our LASIK surgeons are “Top LASIK Surgeons”. You can find out for yourself by calling 888-374-2020 and scheduling a Free LASIK Evaluation!
To learn more about Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you can call us at 888-374-2020, visit Eyecare Medical Group or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
Maine Surgeons on Cataracts & Macular Degeneration
To contact us Click HERE
Maine Cataract Surgeon Jordan Sterrer, M.D. responded to the question “What do cataracts and macular degeneration have in common?” “It is easy for patients to understand that cataracts and macular degeneration share at least one common risk factor-age. The development of a cataract and onset of age related macular degeneration (AMD) both increase in frequency and incidence with age and thus it is pretty common to have one, the other or both as we head through our 50’s, 60’s and 70’s,” explained Dr. Sterrer.
The question that many patients get confronted with is whether to have cataract surgery if they have macular degeneration. And if they do-will it make the AMD get worse and faster. The general consensus among cataract surgeons is that with proper preoperative diagnostic testing, examination and consultation patients who have Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and who develop a cataract are able to have cataract surgery after being counseled on what to expect with regard to overall vision improvements and lifestyle benefits. While AMD is not a reason to avoid cataract surgery, realistic expectations must be established by and between you and your cataract surgeon. Further, the most current and widely accepted studies on AMD progression after cataract surgery found that there was no difference in the frequency of the disease among patients who had cataract surgery as compared to those who did not.
If you or someone you know is concerned about or suffers from cataracts or macular degeneration please feel free to call Eyecare Medical Group at 888-374-2020, visit Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
The question that many patients get confronted with is whether to have cataract surgery if they have macular degeneration. And if they do-will it make the AMD get worse and faster. The general consensus among cataract surgeons is that with proper preoperative diagnostic testing, examination and consultation patients who have Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and who develop a cataract are able to have cataract surgery after being counseled on what to expect with regard to overall vision improvements and lifestyle benefits. While AMD is not a reason to avoid cataract surgery, realistic expectations must be established by and between you and your cataract surgeon. Further, the most current and widely accepted studies on AMD progression after cataract surgery found that there was no difference in the frequency of the disease among patients who had cataract surgery as compared to those who did not.
If you or someone you know is concerned about or suffers from cataracts or macular degeneration please feel free to call Eyecare Medical Group at 888-374-2020, visit Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
Maine Eye Doctor on Amblyopia
To contact us Click HERE
Maine eye doctor Jordan Sterrer, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group shared some thoughts about amblyopia or lazy eye. “Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is one of the most common causes of vision problems in children,” said Dr. Sterrer. He further explained, “Amblyopia is the loss of vision in an eye that is otherwise normal. Many people who are amblyopic do not know that they have the condition until they are older and have a vision test, because the vision in their “good” eye is normal and they do not identify themselves as having a vision problem.” Fortunately, Amblyopia is easily diagnosed through a routine vision screening and, when treated early enough, those who suffer from Amblyopia can generally recover almost normal vision.
Amblyopia is considered to be a developmental problem in the brain, caused when the nerve pathway from one eye to the brain does not develop during childhood. The part of the brain receiving images from the weaker eye does not develop its full vision potential because the brain becomes confused and ignores the image that the weaker eye sees.
Symptoms of amblyopia include:
· Problems with depth perception· Poor vision in only one eye Treatment for amblyopia can vary. Children who have a refractive error such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, will need glasses to correct the error. A patch is often placed on the normal eye to help retrain the amblyopic eye. The patch forces the brain to recognize the image from the eye with amblyopia instead of using the normal eye. Surgeries may be required to correct any eye muscle problems.
Children who are treated early can recover their vision almost completely although they may have problems with depth perception throughout their life. The older a person is when they are diagnosed with amblyopia and treatment begins, the less chance they have of recovering their vision.
To learn more about Amblyopia and children’s vision at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you can call us at 888-374-2020, visiting Eyecare Medical Group or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup.
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
Maine eye doctor Jordan Sterrer, M.D. of Eyecare Medical Group shared some thoughts about amblyopia or lazy eye. “Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is one of the most common causes of vision problems in children,” said Dr. Sterrer. He further explained, “Amblyopia is the loss of vision in an eye that is otherwise normal. Many people who are amblyopic do not know that they have the condition until they are older and have a vision test, because the vision in their “good” eye is normal and they do not identify themselves as having a vision problem.” Fortunately, Amblyopia is easily diagnosed through a routine vision screening and, when treated early enough, those who suffer from Amblyopia can generally recover almost normal vision. Amblyopia is considered to be a developmental problem in the brain, caused when the nerve pathway from one eye to the brain does not develop during childhood. The part of the brain receiving images from the weaker eye does not develop its full vision potential because the brain becomes confused and ignores the image that the weaker eye sees.
Symptoms of amblyopia include:
· Problems with depth perception· Poor vision in only one eye
Children who are treated early can recover their vision almost completely although they may have problems with depth perception throughout their life. The older a person is when they are diagnosed with amblyopia and treatment begins, the less chance they have of recovering their vision.
To learn more about Amblyopia and children’s vision at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland Maine you can call us at 888-374-2020, visiting Eyecare Medical Group or facebook.com/eyecaremedicalgroup.
Eyecare Medical Group is a leading ophthalmology practice in Portland, Maine staffed by a team of eye care specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained glaucoma specialists, retina specialists, cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants, (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Eyecare Medical Group is conveniently located for patients from throughout Maine including Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Bath, Berwick, Biddeford, Bridgeton, Brunswick, Cape Neddick, Casco Bay, Cumberland Center, Eliot, Freeport, Gardiner, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland, Springvale, Topsham, Waterville, Westbrook, Winslow, Wiscasset, Yarmouth, Portland, Skowhegan and York Maine.
27 Eylül 2012 Perşembe
Today is the day I start regaining my life back!
To contact us Click HERE
Today is August 20th, 2010 and seven hours ago I took a pill that contained Radioactive Iodine for the treatment of Graves Disease. So far so good! I am alive, I am not glowing, my computers hard drive did not get wiped out and nothing is melting when I touch it! lol lol!!! The process was quick, easy and painless. Now that I am confined to the house for a few days I thought what a perfect opportunity to write about my experience in dealing with Graves Disease. Hopefully in sharing my experience I can help others who are newly diagnosed or even those who are currently dealing with this nasty disease.
In June of 2006 I was diagnosed with Graves Disease at the age of 27. At first I did not realize how much this disease was going to affect my life. The doctor told me the diagnosis and he made it seem like no big deal, so I shrugged it off and thought to myself I will take medication and be fine! Boy was that a wrong assumption. Prior to my diagnosis I was in a nine year relationship that ended very badly. Several months after the breakup I started noticing weird symptoms going on in my body. I had a racing heart, hand tremors, insomnia, massive weight loss despite eating everything and anything, bone loss, sweating, I could not tolerate the heat and my insides felt like they were moving at 200 mph. I did not think anything of the symptoms and blamed the symptoms on the daily stresses of life and the breakup. Now as I look back I believe the stress triggered the Graves Disease. Auto Immune Diseases run in my family, so I am almost positive that counts as a factor to me having this disease. I continued to ignore the symptoms until I had a family member accuse me of being on drugs due to the rapid weight loss and due to the fact that I was making a lot of inappropriate decisions. My family scheduled a doctors appointment for me and now the start of my journey begins with this horrible disease. Upon being diagnosed I was put on Methimazole and worked with my endocrinologist over the next couple of months with my dosing. He had told me about the RAI treatment and surgery, but we decided to try the medication route first. Over the next couple of months I started feeling back to myself and being naive to the disease i decided to stop taking my medication without talking to my doctor. I stopped taking the medication because I felt good. I thought to myself I am cured now and I don't need this medicine anymore. BIG mistake on my part!
In November of 2007 I went to the dentist and he was getting ready to put me under a local anesthesia. Well needless to say this did not happen because my blood pressure was 180/100. Being that my blood pressure was so high I was told to speak with my doctor immediately. I told the doctor I stopped taking my medication. He attributed the high blood pressure to the Graves Disease and not having the disease under control. Being that I stopped the medication he told me that most likely my symptoms were going to get worse and that I did more harm to my body by stopping the medication. He was right!!!! I started taking my medication again and over the next couple of months I felt worse then ever. I ended up going out on disability for a couple of months because it was so hard for me to function on a daily basis both mentally and physically. Over the next year I continued the ups and downs of the disease and was still naive to the fact that I had a life long disease. I did not want to accept that fact that I had something wrong with me. I was not diligent enough in keeping myself knowledgeable about the disease until October of 2008. I was at work sitting in a meeting and all of the sudden I had ringing in my ears, felt dizzy, lethargic, hot and my upper body got bright red. I left work and stopped to see my aunt who is a nurse. My gut was telling me to have her check my blood pressure. Sure enough my gut was right my blood pressure was around 200/110 she told me I needed to go to the emergency room immediately. When I walked into the emergency room and told the nurses my blood pressure reading they looked at me like I had three heads because at 29 years old I should not have blood pressure that high. They took me back and ran a bunch of test on me to ensure I was not having a heart attack or a stroke. They gave me medication to bring my blood pressure down. They believed the high blood pressure was due to the Graves Disease. However I was a little skeptical that it was related to the Graves Disease being that at this point in time my levels were in normal range. Anyways they put me on a blood pressure medication called Exforge and a beta blocker called Lopressor. Overall It was a traumatic experience for me due to the fact that they said I could have had a heart attack or even a stroke. Bingo! This was my eye opener that this disease is a lot more serious then what I believed it to be. It was now time to take this seriously and get my butt in gear in learning as much as I can about the disease and getting the disease under control. After a few weeks of being on the beta blocker it put me on the floor literally. The beta blocker had me so depressed that all I did was go to work, come home and lay on the floor and cry. Needless to say I contacted my doctor and he said I could ween myself off the medication. I felt a million times better once it was out of my body. Over the next couple of months i was feeling ok, but not great. Still continuing to takeMethimazole and Exforge and my levels are in normal range.
Then it happens again in February and March of 2009 I was rushed to the hospital for high blood pressure. They ran a slew of tests on me to rule out any other conditions that might be causing the high blood pressure other then the Graves Disease, which now at this point they are telling me they are not so sure it is the Graves causing the high blood pressure. After being in the hospital for 5 days the answer I received from the doctors were that they were "Baffled" and they don't know why I have high blood pressure. They told me to continue taking the Methimazole and Exforge, but raised the dosage. Anyways not the answer I was looking for. By this time I was so frustrated with everything that I just gave up. Over the next year and a half I started working on a major project at work. I took a break from dealing with my medical issues since majority of my time was occupied with work. Probably not the best thing to do, but I did continue to take my medication and see my doctor regularly. My levels continue to come back within normal range, but I would feel great for a couple of months. Then I would start feeling crappy for a couple of months and adjust my medication. This continued to be a vicious cycle of feeling great and crappy. I am now to the point where I have had enough and I don't feel like the Thyroid medication is working for me. In fact I believe its making me feel worse regardless of my levels being within normal range.
Right now I am experiencing extreme anxiety, fatigue, shortness of breath, tightness in my chest, joint pain and my emotions and moods are out of control. I saw my doctor on August 5th, 2010 she told me its time to look at the next treatment option. She feels its not good to be on Thyroid medication for more then 3-5 years due to the long term affects of the drug. Although this is a debatable. She said surgery maybe to risky due to my blood pressure problems, so the last resort is the Radioactive Iodine treatment (RAI). We discussed the RAI option and at this point in my life I feel like this is the right thing for me. On August 17th & 18th I had a thyroid scan and uptake and today August 20th I was given the Radioactive Iodine pill. I am trying to have a positive outlook from this point forward. I know this is not a cure for Graves, I know I need to be patient as my body goes through this change and I know their is a high chance that I will end up hypothyroid as this is usually the outcome with RAI. I hope I chose the right road, but only time will tell. I will continue to update this site on my experience with RAI. I hope I can share a positive experience vs. all the negative experiences you see posted on the internet. Good luck to all you Gravers and stay positive!!!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just need someone to talk with. I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia and it would be great to meet others who are going through this for support. My email is lshantronl@gmail.com
In June of 2006 I was diagnosed with Graves Disease at the age of 27. At first I did not realize how much this disease was going to affect my life. The doctor told me the diagnosis and he made it seem like no big deal, so I shrugged it off and thought to myself I will take medication and be fine! Boy was that a wrong assumption. Prior to my diagnosis I was in a nine year relationship that ended very badly. Several months after the breakup I started noticing weird symptoms going on in my body. I had a racing heart, hand tremors, insomnia, massive weight loss despite eating everything and anything, bone loss, sweating, I could not tolerate the heat and my insides felt like they were moving at 200 mph. I did not think anything of the symptoms and blamed the symptoms on the daily stresses of life and the breakup. Now as I look back I believe the stress triggered the Graves Disease. Auto Immune Diseases run in my family, so I am almost positive that counts as a factor to me having this disease. I continued to ignore the symptoms until I had a family member accuse me of being on drugs due to the rapid weight loss and due to the fact that I was making a lot of inappropriate decisions. My family scheduled a doctors appointment for me and now the start of my journey begins with this horrible disease. Upon being diagnosed I was put on Methimazole and worked with my endocrinologist over the next couple of months with my dosing. He had told me about the RAI treatment and surgery, but we decided to try the medication route first. Over the next couple of months I started feeling back to myself and being naive to the disease i decided to stop taking my medication without talking to my doctor. I stopped taking the medication because I felt good. I thought to myself I am cured now and I don't need this medicine anymore. BIG mistake on my part!
In November of 2007 I went to the dentist and he was getting ready to put me under a local anesthesia. Well needless to say this did not happen because my blood pressure was 180/100. Being that my blood pressure was so high I was told to speak with my doctor immediately. I told the doctor I stopped taking my medication. He attributed the high blood pressure to the Graves Disease and not having the disease under control. Being that I stopped the medication he told me that most likely my symptoms were going to get worse and that I did more harm to my body by stopping the medication. He was right!!!! I started taking my medication again and over the next couple of months I felt worse then ever. I ended up going out on disability for a couple of months because it was so hard for me to function on a daily basis both mentally and physically. Over the next year I continued the ups and downs of the disease and was still naive to the fact that I had a life long disease. I did not want to accept that fact that I had something wrong with me. I was not diligent enough in keeping myself knowledgeable about the disease until October of 2008. I was at work sitting in a meeting and all of the sudden I had ringing in my ears, felt dizzy, lethargic, hot and my upper body got bright red. I left work and stopped to see my aunt who is a nurse. My gut was telling me to have her check my blood pressure. Sure enough my gut was right my blood pressure was around 200/110 she told me I needed to go to the emergency room immediately. When I walked into the emergency room and told the nurses my blood pressure reading they looked at me like I had three heads because at 29 years old I should not have blood pressure that high. They took me back and ran a bunch of test on me to ensure I was not having a heart attack or a stroke. They gave me medication to bring my blood pressure down. They believed the high blood pressure was due to the Graves Disease. However I was a little skeptical that it was related to the Graves Disease being that at this point in time my levels were in normal range. Anyways they put me on a blood pressure medication called Exforge and a beta blocker called Lopressor. Overall It was a traumatic experience for me due to the fact that they said I could have had a heart attack or even a stroke. Bingo! This was my eye opener that this disease is a lot more serious then what I believed it to be. It was now time to take this seriously and get my butt in gear in learning as much as I can about the disease and getting the disease under control. After a few weeks of being on the beta blocker it put me on the floor literally. The beta blocker had me so depressed that all I did was go to work, come home and lay on the floor and cry. Needless to say I contacted my doctor and he said I could ween myself off the medication. I felt a million times better once it was out of my body. Over the next couple of months i was feeling ok, but not great. Still continuing to takeMethimazole and Exforge and my levels are in normal range.
Then it happens again in February and March of 2009 I was rushed to the hospital for high blood pressure. They ran a slew of tests on me to rule out any other conditions that might be causing the high blood pressure other then the Graves Disease, which now at this point they are telling me they are not so sure it is the Graves causing the high blood pressure. After being in the hospital for 5 days the answer I received from the doctors were that they were "Baffled" and they don't know why I have high blood pressure. They told me to continue taking the Methimazole and Exforge, but raised the dosage. Anyways not the answer I was looking for. By this time I was so frustrated with everything that I just gave up. Over the next year and a half I started working on a major project at work. I took a break from dealing with my medical issues since majority of my time was occupied with work. Probably not the best thing to do, but I did continue to take my medication and see my doctor regularly. My levels continue to come back within normal range, but I would feel great for a couple of months. Then I would start feeling crappy for a couple of months and adjust my medication. This continued to be a vicious cycle of feeling great and crappy. I am now to the point where I have had enough and I don't feel like the Thyroid medication is working for me. In fact I believe its making me feel worse regardless of my levels being within normal range.
Right now I am experiencing extreme anxiety, fatigue, shortness of breath, tightness in my chest, joint pain and my emotions and moods are out of control. I saw my doctor on August 5th, 2010 she told me its time to look at the next treatment option. She feels its not good to be on Thyroid medication for more then 3-5 years due to the long term affects of the drug. Although this is a debatable. She said surgery maybe to risky due to my blood pressure problems, so the last resort is the Radioactive Iodine treatment (RAI). We discussed the RAI option and at this point in my life I feel like this is the right thing for me. On August 17th & 18th I had a thyroid scan and uptake and today August 20th I was given the Radioactive Iodine pill. I am trying to have a positive outlook from this point forward. I know this is not a cure for Graves, I know I need to be patient as my body goes through this change and I know their is a high chance that I will end up hypothyroid as this is usually the outcome with RAI. I hope I chose the right road, but only time will tell. I will continue to update this site on my experience with RAI. I hope I can share a positive experience vs. all the negative experiences you see posted on the internet. Good luck to all you Gravers and stay positive!!!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just need someone to talk with. I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia and it would be great to meet others who are going through this for support. My email is lshantronl@gmail.com
Symptoms I have experienced with Graves Disease
To contact us Click HERE
~Acne~Anxiety ~Blurred Vision~Bone Loss~Brain Fog~Depression~Difficulty Swallowing~Dizziness~Fatigue~Feeling of something stuck in my throat~Hair Loss~Headache~Heat Intolerance~Heart Palpitations~Hypertension~Increased Appetite~Increased Drug Metabolism~Increased Sweating~Increased Urination~Irritability~Insomnia~Joint Pain~Lack of Motivation~Loss of Concentration~Muscle Weakness~Nervousness~Racing Thoughts~Rage~Rapid Weight Loss~Rapid Heart Rate~Restlessness~Shortness of Breath~Swelling of Tissue Around Eyes~Tightness in Chest~Tingling in hands in feet~Tremors~Uncontrollable Mood Swings
Here is a picture of me prior to being diagnosed with Graves Disease. Due to the rapid weight loss I was down to almost 100 pounds
Here is a picture of me in January 2011
Here is a picture of me prior to being diagnosed with Graves Disease. Due to the rapid weight loss I was down to almost 100 pounds
Here is a picture of me in January 2011
Kaydol:
Kayıtlar (Atom)