Graves Ophthalmopathy

[pinkrose]

I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease in 2004 and the method of treatment I chose was RAI-
Radioactive Iodine . After several thyroid blood tests, I was placed on replacement thyroid
hormones and the doses were adjusted several times.An endocrinologist advised me about the negative effects if I would be placed on steroids being that I am of asian decent would make me prone to other future complications e.g.: diabetes, etc... I am not on steroids nor do I smoke. This disease that I inherited has greatly affected my vision. To compensate for the double vision, I have tried glass prisms(measurements changed twice within a year) and now tilting my head back to "see straight",has given me frequent head and neck pains. As advised,right now the best alternative would be an eye muscle and eye lid repair. Is there anyone out there
in the same situation as I am ? Has opted for surgery years ago and is comfortable with the
way they see now ? And If eye surgery was done, did any future buldging of the eyes recur
years after ? I am scared ... And with three growing boys who mother would'nt be ?
Thank you for a response.

[Lavita]

I read your posting and i to am going through the same thing. In 2006 i had Hyperthyroid dis. I had my thryroid taken out.I am doing well with that but the grave eye i am having a hard time with. I recently had surgery on my eyes for the bulging of the eyes. The doctor
took bone and fat all around each eye ,at the same time the other doctor went through my nose to took bone out between my eyes. It was very painful ,its been 40 days nows my vision is slowly coming back but not totaly normal ,I m still sensitive to light and double vision. What i understand the sugeries comes with 3 diffent stages bone removal , musles realighnment then dropping of eylids. My next surgery will be the musle then eye lid drop.
I was wondering if your doctor is going to take bone? My eyeballs have gone back a little doc says it will take 6 months to see full effect from surgery
I know you are going through a hard time with all this not just the embarassing parts. I would like to hear from you again . i hope i have shed some light on at least the surgery aspects good luck to and your family
Lavita

[pinkrose]

Hi Lavita
Thank you for responding. I hope you are feeling better. I was able to get some
feedback from other individuals in town who also had surgery. One I heard about
had it done several years ago. That person still wears glasses with prism with eyesight
and appearance improved. I feel less apprehensive now after hearing it will be o.k.
I am not scheduled yet for surgery and I see my doctor for a follow-up the end of this month.
I can't wait to have my eyes fixed because tilting my head often is giving me neck strains
and lots of headaches. I hope for the best for you too. Regards to you and your family.
God Bless. Pinkrose