Empowerment Series: AW Founder Unwraps Graves’ Disease Diagnosis

On August 6, 2024, Star Wars, Actor, Daisy Ridley shared her 2023 Graves Disease diagnosis in Women’s Health. She opened up about her condition, symptoms, and the perils of normalizing not feeling well.

Our bodies speak to us. If we are in tune with it, we can recognize the signals it sends when something is not working properly. I knew something was “off” with mine but never imagined my own body would betray me this way. 

In 2023, I was distracted by stressful changes including the impact of a pandemic, a toxic job environment, a child leaving home for college, a sick family member, and a long-distance relationship. For months, as I focused on life, my physical well-being suffered. A body screamed for help and I neglected the signs.

• Hand tremors prevented me from holding a steady glass.
• Rapid weight loss brought my weight down to less than 90 pounds.
• Heat sensitivity and profuse sweating made it impossible to stay comfortable.
• Anxiety, depression, and irritability drastically affected my emotional stability.
• Insomnia depleted my energy, resulting in severe Fatigue.
• An inability to focus hindered me from doing the things I love most – reading and writing!
• Consistent Rapid Heart Rate was alarming. Sitting at a doctor’s office for an annual physical, I experienced one of my scariest moments – a heart rate of close to 170 bpm without physical activity or distress. *The American Heart Association, reports 60 and 100 bpm, as the average resting heart rate. 

If you can, for a moment, imagine experiencing the combined symptoms while being stripped of your skin’s natural glow and shedding clumps of hair each day. Bearing witness to an overall deterioration of the woman I was put me on edge. I barely recognized the person in the mirror, more importantly, I was terrified.

New anxieties crept in, as I spoke to the doctor about potential causes for my symptoms. Results couldn’t come back soon enough. Finally, after weeks of repeatedly being poked with needles, a series of diagnostics tests, confirmed suspicions.

There are millions of people in this country without reliable medical coverage or no insurance at all. Having the right doctors was essential to getting an accurate and relatively quick diagnosis. I am grateful for a good primary physician and endocrinologist who cared enough to be diligent.

I live with Graves Disease, an autoimmune system disorder characterized by the overproduction of the thyroid hormone caused by Hyperthyroidism. The antibody TRAb and Thyroid function test (TSH, T3, T4) confirmed a diagnosis. The excess of the hormone was manifesting classic symptoms. 

To educate and best care for myself, I researched the condition and found interesting facts.

• Women over the age of 40 are at most risk, much more than men. If you are in your late 40s to early 50s, some of the symptoms can mimic menopause. The disease can result in problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle and hypersensitivity to heat.
• The ATA (American Thyroid Association) estimates that 20 million people in the United States live with thyroid disease and up to 60% of cases are undiagnosed. 
• Women are 5 to 8 times more likely to suffer from thyroid disease than men.
• The causes of the condition are largely unknown but triggers may include family history, stress, pregnancy, or having another autoimmune disorder such as lupus or celiac disease.
• Some patients with Graves disease experience eye problems such as irritation, double vision, and Graves Ophthalmology when eye sockets bulge outward.

The good news is the disease that produces antibodies to attack the thyroid glands is treatable with antithyroid medication. Although treatment can be lifelong, it helps lower or set barriers against the hormone, although it’s not for everyone. Alternatively, Radioactive Iodine (IRA) or surgery to remove all or most of the thyroid are available. Consult a doctor when deciding the best course of action for your case.

Catching it early is critical to help prevent serious medical complications. Heart problems such as atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, and even heart failure are possible without proper care. Osteoporosis or a Thyroid Storm can also pose serious consequences, if neglected.  

My physical health has never had major issues. Passing annual exams with flying colors was a box checked without a second glance. Learning to live with a lifelong disorder that may require me to take a pill every day is something, I’m still processing. I contemplated not taking the medication because of concerns about side effects. However, if the cost of feeling better in the long run is experiencing temporary discomfort then it’s worth it.

It has been more than a year since treatment began. I’m feeling like myself, again with some tweaks along the way. The combination of a beta blocker to help control symptoms with antithyroid medication and monthly blood work to review levels have been successful, so far. The goal is to go into remission at some point in time. Meanwhile, changes to my nutritional plan are in place to help my body stay healthier.  

The decision to share this story comes out of a responsibility to the women in our communities. We can spread awareness in different ways but to make a true impact, let’s bring people into our experience. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable can encourage others to feel less alone and us, too. 

If you feel something isn’t right with your body, heed the warning. Make an appointment with your doctor or find one that will listen. There is no harm in doing your research, asking hard questions, or getting a second opinion. Make sure you do everything possible to protect your health, so you can live the life you are meant to.

To learn more about my diagnosis and Graves Disease, please watch the special, streaming on AW Confidential TV on YouTube. The episode can also be seen or listened to on Apple and Spotify Podcasts.

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