Hello, I'm a newbie. I do not have Graves disease but am looking for support as a wife of someone who does. I married the most perfect man in the world only 2 years ago. I never agreed with marriage because I had very little respect for men believing them all to be selfish, thoughtless and unappreciative however I met Andy and immediately connected, we were soul mates. His symptoms began this time last year following financial difficulties due to an unfair dismissal and now I am very much marries to a selfish, thoughtless ungrateful man and am terrified I'll never have my soul mate back. He's waiting for some 'number' to come down before his operation to have his thyroid removed and will then be put on thyroxin I'm just so scared that the damage is permanent. I hope I can gain much needed support from this group and am happy to offer my own support to other. Xxxx
So you feel that his personality change is completely attributed to his diagnosis? This sounds incredibly traumatic to both of you, is he willing to talk to you about any of this?
Sometimes yes a little. I get the feeling he doesn't want to be so cold and distant and irritable he's even said he doesn't feel like himself anymore and he feels like he's letting us down which obviously causes him more stress and makes the symptoms worse. I feel like he's still in there somewhere and have hope that he'll come back after the operation.
Hi I have Graves and yes it does affect every cell in your body. It can cause anxiety,panic attacks and mood swings. Stress is a major factor in triggering this horrible illness so anything he can do to avoid it will be beneficial. the medication should bring his antibodies down and he will feel better but it takes time. It is hard for families and friends. My advice is to read and read and read and support him through this. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much redberry it is important that I hear from yourself and other sufferers of Graves Disease to understand better how it is for my husband. None of these symptoms were explained to us he was just told about the medication he'd be given and his options for long term treatment. At first I thought he was having an affair due to his distance and his attitude towards myself and his daughter but I now realise from reading comments on here and other sites that it is his illness to blame for what I can only describe as a complete personality change. I miss him and want him back. I am doing everything I can to support him but I am a mother of 1 (feels like 2 now) working full time with a mortgage and an incredibly tight budget to organise my families lives around I am really feeling the strain and I'm also trying desperately to avoid this effecting my 4 year old as much as is humanly possible. My husband has a hospital appointment this month I just hope his numbers are down and we can move on to the next step to recovery. Thanks again redberry for taking the time to offer your support. Good luck on your own journey I sincerely hope you and yours have a brighter future ahead.
@LJCAndy No problem LJCAndy. Its not a well known illness generally and there is a lack of knowledge amongst the medics as well. I have posted a lot of links on another post above yours, see Nad’s post and replies. It ould be good for your husband to do his research as well and join the support groups. I did and it gave me such relief even just to know there are a lot of us around all trying to cope with the same symptoms, with a LOT of support from each other. There is a really good FB group called Graves disease - what everyone should know. He (or you!) can join and ask all the questions he needs as there are some very knowledgeable people on there, people who have had it for years and done lots and lots of research. Good luck with the next appointment and thank you for your good wishes 