A Crazy Little Thing

I’m not especially eager to talk about our own medical bumps-in-the-road .... to give an “organ" recital, so to speak. Still, I wanted to take a chance that someone might see this and think, “What if?”

Bit-o background: Shortly after DH and I wed in '04, we made appointments for routine physicals. At that time, quite by accident and sans any symptoms, they discovered hubby had bladder cancer. Fast-forward and thank God, his last two (annual) scans have come back clean!

But, a while back he began occasionally experiencing double vision. Then in March of this year, abnormal heart rhythms mandated his having to wear a monitor. Next came the tremors and referral to a neurologist.

The specialists were cordial enough; they appeared passionate -- but given the results, or lack thereof, they were clueless. Meanwhile, DH has dropped 30+ lbs. despite eating calorie-laden goodies round the clock. Worrisome, yeah!

Finally, our PCP asked to do another series of blood tests, and discovered DH was suffering from nothing more significant than Graves disease, or over-active thyroid! Every one of his symptoms, including increased irritability (that I’d chalked up to stress) is a symptom of thyroid disease.

So, last week’s confirmation by another “ologist” was/is an enormous relief. They’ll control (not correct) with medication. Better living through chemistry!

What’s odd, and why I felt compelled to post … I always thought thyroid disease was a “ladies-only” malady. My SIL’s doctor says it’s so common among women, that he expects to see Synthroid put in the water system some day. Yet, it remains one of the most often UNdiagnosed bug-a-boo’s around!

I like to think that these experiences have made us more empathetic to those suffering from far more serious issues. Color us … grateful.