Re: Working while having Graves' Disease

[Guest guest]

Lois,

I need to only work part time, but I can't afford it. There was a time last

year where I didn't think I could make it through one more work day....but I

kept plodding along. My husband sold his business and now is going back to

school to become a teacher so I will be the sole support for another year and

a half. If I could have my way I would only work part time...and I know it

would help me cope with the " over reactions " I have with GD. Now I worry

about my job performance and if I'll be fired for having " spacey " days and

being afraid to do public speaking.

Doris

[Guest guest]

,

I understand!! I've been euthyroid for 10 months and I still " plod " my way

though some days! At work I put my " game face " on, but I can't wait to

get home and just be me...warts and all!! LOL

Doris

[Guest guest]

Lois:

First, the message I received was really long, and included many email

messages from others on the board. Can you check if you are sending out a

message that contains a lot of other messages? If not, maybe it's some

email setting on the board.

As for working, I was a workaholic until right before I was diagnoised with

Graves, when I fired almost all of my clients due to Graves' Rage. I could

not do very much work until a few months after the PTU started to kick in,

and even then, I really had to pace myself. I am just starting to fully

support myself with work about 1 3/4 years after diagnosis. I used to be

completely exhausted after 3-4 hours of work, and now I can work 6-7 hours,

but then I am very tired, and I can't do it 5 days a week. I pay attention

to how I feel, and pace myself accordingly, because I've tried to push, and

I end up paying for it either by being too depleted to get out of bed for

the next two days, or sometimes I would get more hyper.

I know I will never again pull all-nighters, and I try to stay relaxed

while I work. There were times when my future was very uncertain, but

somehow, I've come through intact, and you will too. Sometimes, especially

at night, I would get waves of anxiety about how I was ever going to make a

living again. The best help for me at those times was to breath very

deeply, and get settled and centered in myself. I see this as another

aspect of what I needed to learn from Graves'.

Also, I've heard that people with Graves' can sometimes get disability.

Check the archives. Good luck.

At 04:56 PM 06/10/2001 -0400, you wrote:

>Hi all,

>

>Just wanted some feedback. Wondered how many can actually work fullltime

>while having Graves' Disease?

Shen

Holy Macro!

[Guest guest]

Hi Lois-

It's such a cost-benefit thing. I know the part-time work is easier

stress-wise, but I think the worrying about money isn't good for you. Maybe

just enough part-time hours to cover the money issue?

I don't know. I've done everything since my Graves' diagnosis almost 15

years ago and working a regular job was the easiest for me. That might not

be true for everyone so this is a very individual thing.

Take care,

> Just wanted some feedback. Wondered how many can actually work fullltime

> while having Graves' Disease? I quit my fulltime job over a year ago

before

> I knew I had Graves' and haven't worked fulltime since. However, since I

am

> single (actually widowed) I have to work some so I don't have to go into

my

> savings. Fortunately, I have good health insurance from my deceased

husband

> until I remarry.

>

> I'm struggling to find the best way to support myself while dealing with

all

> my medical issues. Currently, I am working several parttime jobs with no

> guarantee of hours. This gives me flexibility but not a lot of security.

> It's not easy to find a good regular parttime job and I'm wondering if I

> will eventually need to work fulltime. Or is that the only way to find a

> job I might like? Managing my stress is very important and at times that

is

> easier when I work parttime, but then there is the worry about money.

>

> What seems to work best for you?

[Guest guest]

Hi Doris-

Plodding is a good name for it. I feel like I've been plodding for the last

14-15 years (Graves' diagnosis-that's when I started having problems) but

before that I was fine.

I'm tired of plodding but I don't remember how it was before. Sometimes I

get resolve and figure this is how I have to live my life. But there are

other times when I just can't stand it anymore. Most of the time, however,

it's not so bad. Sure would be nice not to have any bad though.

Didn't mean to upset you but I also get frustrated even though I'm supposed

to be used to this.

Take care,

> Lois,

> I need to only work part time, but I can't afford it. There was a time

last

> year where I didn't think I could make it through one more work day....but

I

> kept plodding along. My husband sold his business and now is going back

to

> school to become a teacher so I will be the sole support for another year

and

> a half. If I could have my way I would only work part time...and I know

it

> would help me cope with the " over reactions " I have with GD. Now I worry

> about my job performance and if I'll be fired for having " spacey " days and

> being afraid to do public speaking.

>

> Doris

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have come to believe that there is no 'getting use to this' for any of

us...things just seem to keep evolving

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi Jody and Doris-

Just bought another book from Amazon.com (Boy! They make some money off of

me) written by a doctor that treats patients with thyroid disease

(concentrates on hypothyroidism). I'll let you know if I think it has any

merit.

Take care,

> ,

> I understand!! I've been euthyroid for 10 months and I still " plod " my

way

> though some days! At work I put my " game face " on, but I can't wait

to

> get home and just be me...warts and all!! LOL

>

> Doris

[Guest guest]

Lois,

I haven't worked since October. I was diagnosed in December, so when I

quit working I didn't know what was wrong with me.

I looked into disability, but I think for my particular case it didn't

seem feasible. I also didn't feel that I had the energy to pursue it.

Now, 8 months later, I am looking for part time, low stress work. My

husband has been very supportive, but we have had to really work hard

to make it on one income, and it's been getting pretty stressful.

I just wanted to offer some advice, maybe it will help. When I got

sick I started to think, what do I love, what makes me happy, and what

sorts of jobs could I have that might fufill some of those gaps.

I realize that you may not have the luxury to sit and think about it

for 8 months, but one thing I have discovered is that when I got

creative I found several options. I knit ferociously and plan to start

consignment selling some of my knitting, I found a place on the

web that pays 25 bucks a pop for freelance articles about every subject

under the sun (http://www.writeforcash.com) I started selling stuff

on ebay. I clean my mothers house for a little bit of money, I offer

to do odd jobs for folks I know. And now I am hoping to find a part

time low stress job to supplement those things.

Obviously, I took a step back and really looked hard at what I needed

to do. It's really tough I know, and we are not wealthy, I think you

might remember me talking about our asbestos floors in our rental. The

main thing I have learned is that I had to change my life. I know how

hard it is when you are on your own though, I worked through a lot of

those years being very very ill, and never being able to stop, I know

I'm rambling, and these things are easier said than done when you are

your only resource. I guess I'm just trying to let you know that your

difficulty with working is not something to get down on yourself

about, this is a tough disease, I found that meeting and greeting my

co-workers and customers every day was getting more and more

difficult. Plus I hated what I was doing.

In any event, dream big and don't be afraid to try new things,

things you think you might excel at or love, and you should

really check the social security administration about

disability. Sorry to go on so long, I really hope I've had something

helpful to add.

Val

[Guest guest]

,

Whats the name and who is the author? Please

Thanks,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi Jody-

Oh! It's Thyroid Power: 10 steps to total health by Shames and Shames.

I don't have it yet so I don't know what to think about it. Don't want to

recommend something I'm not sure of. I'm a cautious sort.

Take care,

Re: Working while having Graves' Disease

> ,

> Whats the name and who is the author? Please

> Thanks,

> Jody

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Val:

I loved your post! I learned a lot of the same lessons you mention. And I

think it's really interesting that for so many of us, Graves forced us to

ask what we wanted out of life, what we were willing to do, and also,

forced us to raise up our courage and our creativity to handle all the

upheavals and uncertainties. 's right, we can't be who we used to

be, but in a way, it's really kind of a gift that we were challenged - like

a phoenix rising from the ashes!

ps: I knit like crazy too!

At 08:25 PM 06/10/2001 -0700, you wrote:

>Lois,

>

>I haven't worked since October. I was diagnosed in December, so when I

>quit working I didn't know what was wrong with me.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I think there is an excerpt on about.com from this book. I know I have read

an excerpt...I just am not sure which site. The excerpt was very good so

keep us posted on what you think as you read it when it arrives.

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

> Lois:

>

> First, the message I received was really long, and included many email

> messages from others on the board. Can you check if you are sending out a

> message that contains a lot of other messages? If not, maybe it's some

> email setting on the board.

>

Seems the digest was attached to her reply. Yahoo sends out a daily digest

for those folks who don't want individual messages. The digests are sent

every 25 messages or once a day depending on how busy the list is. So list

members who receive the list need to remember to trim out the messages,

except for those you are quoting.

C

[Guest guest]

Hi.

I decided to go part-part time last October. My decision was before

i discovered I have Graves disease but has turned out to be a blessing.

I am blessed to not have to work at all. My husband owns his own

company and takes care of all the finances. I used to work because

I liked it. But last year I decided " work is not what it is all cracked

up to be, " and I pulled back. I've worked ever since I can remember

the word and I thought at 52 I put in enough years for now. So, now

I get to TRY to relax. So far I have been fully occupied being

project manager for the house we are building, but that will be

ending at the end of August and just the decorating will be on

the agenda. Oh well. I'll get into something I'm sure.

I think my main concern has been the affect the eye disease has

had on my looks. Over my entire life so many people told me I

had beautiful eyes. Not any more; that makes me angry and sad

at times. I'm particularly self-conscious even though I'm only

slightly bulging at 23mm --- but my work is corporate training and

I am in front of audiences when I do work.

Sigh.

[Guest guest]

, If you think this book would be of interest to me, since I haven't

had the RAI let me know.

Thanks, Debbie R.

[Guest guest]

Hi -

My best feature used to be my eyes too. I had severe exophthalmus but my

eyes did recede. Now they're at 27mm and don't look nearly as bad as they

used to (not as good previous to Graves' either).

I did my master's work with them and almost everything else that has been an

accomplishment in my life (I was diagnosed young). I have had to do many

presentations too and I was always self-conscious about my eyes, how rapidly

I thought, etc..... But everyone thought I did great except me.

There were so many things for me to worry about. With those eyes, I looked

like a drug-addict! I didn't think very fast! What else?

Other people didn't think that. I was sensitive about it since I knew

something was happening. No one else knew. I don't think the audience will

notice much with you. Who knows? Maybe they'll not be so intimidated if

you're not perfect.

Take care,

Re: Working while having Graves' Disease

> Hi.

>

> I decided to go part-part time last October. My decision was before

> i discovered I have Graves disease but has turned out to be a blessing.

>

> I am blessed to not have to work at all. My husband owns his own

> company and takes care of all the finances. I used to work because

> I liked it. But last year I decided " work is not what it is all cracked

> up to be, " and I pulled back. I've worked ever since I can remember

> the word and I thought at 52 I put in enough years for now. So, now

> I get to TRY to relax. So far I have been fully occupied being

> project manager for the house we are building, but that will be

> ending at the end of August and just the decorating will be on

> the agenda. Oh well. I'll get into something I'm sure.

>

> I think my main concern has been the affect the eye disease has

> had on my looks. Over my entire life so many people told me I

> had beautiful eyes. Not any more; that makes me angry and sad

> at times. I'm particularly self-conscious even though I'm only

> slightly bulging at 23mm --- but my work is corporate training and

> I am in front of audiences when I do work.

>

> Sigh.

>

>

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

speaking of eyes, I have my eye surgery on thursday. I'm a tiny bit

nervous, but mostly excited because of the positive responses I got from

people on this list when I asked (about four months ago) if I should have

this surgery -- a couple of people said how great it was to have their

appearance back.

My opth. urged me to send in the forms to remove the enormous black pockets

under my eyes. I did, along with before and after pictures and a letter on

how the disease has affected my life; I was only the fourth person approved

for this " reconstructive surgery " in ten years, according to the secretary

in my doc's office.

So Thursday at 1:00 Central time US, I'll go under the proverbial knife.

The surgery takes one and a half hours and they'll simply clip away the

excess fat and skin. It's a local ana. with a sedative.

Send those positive thoughts during that time! I'd appreciate it.

I too feel that the physical aspects of this illness are overlooked and

frequently, the most demoralizing. Having lost half my hair and looking ten

years older and exhausted all the time makes me *feel* less " myself. " Even

though I never imagined I'd have cosmetic surgery, I'm hopeful that this

will give my beleagured sense of identity/self a boost in a positive

direction!

B

My best feature used to be my eyes too. I had severe exophthalmus but my

> eyes did recede. Now they're at 27mm and don't look nearly as bad as they

> used to (not as good previous to Graves' either).

>

> >

> > I think my main concern has been the affect the eye disease has

> > had on my looks. Over my entire life so many people told me I

> > had beautiful eyes. Not any more; that makes me angry and sad

> > at times. I'm particularly self-conscious even though I'm only

> > slightly bulging at 23mm --- but my work is corporate training and

> > I am in front of audiences when I do work.

> >

[Guest guest]

,

Prayers and positive energy will definitely be with you on Thursday! Will

you be in the hospital long?

Take care,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

:

I wish you great success with the surgery, and a speedy recovery!

At 08:12 AM 06/12/2001 -0500, you wrote:

>Hi Everyone,

>

>speaking of eyes, I have my eye surgery on thursday.

[Guest guest]

and ,

I can relate to that. I used to have great eyes. although they've always

protruded a bit, the big change is in the puffiness. Long before I was

diagnosed with GD, there were days I'd wake up and be shocked at how my eyes

looked. All the cold water in the world couldn't have helped those bulges. So

I asked my doc and he said it was hormonal fluid retention and gave me

diuretics. Go figure. He was just thinking of the wrong hormones.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I will also be praying for you on Thrus. My opth. talked to me about

getting rid of the excess fat and skin, mine is mostly above my eyes on the

lid. Let us know how things go.

Debbie R.

[Guest guest]

Dear

I'm so glad for you that it finally happening. Take care and make sure you get

plenty of rest before hand. In a

couple of weeks (give it all time to settle down and heal) you won't know

yourself.

We will be praying for you.

Cheers

Caroline

wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

>

> speaking of eyes, I have my eye surgery on thursday. I'm a tiny bit

> nervous, but mostly excited because of the positive responses I got from

> people on this list when I asked (about four months ago) if I should have

> this surgery -- a couple of people said how great it was to have their

> appearance back.

>

> My opth. urged me to send in the forms to remove the enormous black pockets

> under my eyes. I did, along with before and after pictures and a letter on

> how the disease has affected my life; I was only the fourth person approved

> for this " reconstructive surgery " in ten years, according to the secretary

> in my doc's office.

>

> So Thursday at 1:00 Central time US, I'll go under the proverbial knife.

> The surgery takes one and a half hours and they'll simply clip away the

> excess fat and skin. It's a local ana. with a sedative.

>

> Send those positive thoughts during that time! I'd appreciate it.

>

> I too feel that the physical aspects of this illness are overlooked and

> frequently, the most demoralizing. Having lost half my hair and looking ten

> years older and exhausted all the time makes me *feel* less " myself. " Even

> though I never imagined I'd have cosmetic surgery, I'm hopeful that this

> will give my beleagured sense of identity/self a boost in a positive

> direction!

>

> B

>

> My best feature used to be my eyes too. I had severe exophthalmus but my

> > eyes did recede. Now they're at 27mm and don't look nearly as bad as they

> > used to (not as good previous to Graves' either).

> >

> > >

> > > I think my main concern has been the affect the eye disease has

> > > had on my looks. Over my entire life so many people told me I

> > > had beautiful eyes. Not any more; that makes me angry and sad

> > > at times. I'm particularly self-conscious even though I'm only

> > > slightly bulging at 23mm --- but my work is corporate training and

> > > I am in front of audiences when I do work.

> > >

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lois,

I have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 13

years due to anxiety disorder. Turns out to be anxiety disorder due

to Graves' but a disabling condition is a disabling condition no

matter what you call it. I am alive today because I got away from

work. Of course that was the only treatment I got for the

hyperthyroidism and so it is not recommended, but if your doctor

would back you up that you are too ill to work you don't need to. You

have been paying for this insurance all your working life. Take it if

you can. And be prepared to appeal because they turn everybody down

the first time. I have a lot more info on my own experiences with

getting it and i am willing to share if you feel you want to try

that. Doesn't cost a dime to file!

Best of luck,

PS They also allow recipients to work a limited amount while they are

collecting benefits. So if you think half-time would be preferable to

quitting, they might help you do that and still pay the rent!

> Hi all,

>

> Just wanted some feedback. Wondered how many can actually work

fullltime

> while having Graves' Disease? I quit my fulltime job over a year

ago before

> I knew I had Graves' and haven't worked fulltime since. However,

since I am

> single (actually widowed) I have to work some so I don't have to go

into my

> savings. Fortunately, I have good health insurance from my

deceased husband

> until I remarry.

>

> I'm struggling to find the best way to support myself while dealing

with all

> my medical issues. Currently, I am working several parttime jobs

with no

> guarantee of hours. This gives me flexibility but not a lot of

security.

> It's not easy to find a good regular parttime job and I'm

wondering if I

> will eventually need to work fulltime. Or is that the only way to

find a

> job I might like? Managing my stress is very important and at

times that is

> easier when I work parttime, but then there is the worry about

money.

>

> What seems to work best for you?

>

> thanks, Lois

> > From: graves_support@y...

> > Reply-To: graves_support@y...

> > Date: 10 Jun 2001 07:07:16 -0000

> > To: graves_support@y...

> > Subject: Digest Number 643

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Doris,

Please read the previous poet to Lois from me. I hope you can

quit. You sound like you are a very good candidate to get help to

quit working.

Take care of yourself!

> Lois,

> I need to only work part time, but I can't afford it. There was a

time last

> year where I didn't think I could make it through one more work

day....but I

> kept plodding along. My husband sold his business and now is going

back to

> school to become a teacher so I will be the sole support for

another year and

> a half. If I could have my way I would only work part time...and I

know it

> would help me cope with the " over reactions " I have with GD. Now I

worry

> about my job performance and if I'll be fired for having " spacey "

days and

> being afraid to do public speaking.

>

> Doris

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

If you didn't catch the message I wrote (#6367) check it out. I

think you are all so brave to be out there working with this thing. I

know that there is a broad range of possible ways to be feeling with

this illness, so maybe that is why some can work ok and some can't.

I think if you can not work a full week due to illness you could get

help from Social Security Disability. I hope you can get a break!

> >Hi all,

> >

> >Just wanted some feedback. Wondered how many can actually work

fullltime

> >while having Graves' Disease?

>

>

>

>

> Shen

> Holy Macro!

>