Update

[Guest guest]

I don't post on here often now. I have to admit to being defeated by

the constant stream of 'blood results' and numbers I don't

understand. I joined this group hopng for some support from others

going through the same thing. Sometimes I think it would be easier

if I had Graves myself. I think I would be able to manage it better

than my husband. He simply does exactly what the doctor says he

should without question. I always go with him and ask the questions,

challenge the decisions but I find I am just alienating them and

compromising my husbands care. It shouldn't be like that..I

know..but I feel it it is.

Yesterday we went again to see the consultant. We didn't see

him..again..we were passed onto the 'houseman' who is a few (hundred)

steps below. His blood results weren't even back from the lab, he

had to phone through to get them. Good start since my husband had

them done 2 weeks ago. He was on the phone less than 20 seconds and

then claimed the results were 'normal range'. He then spent 10

minutes looking through different pages on his file and several

computer images. He noticed my husbands apparent very swollen eyes.

In the end he left the room apparently to speak to the consultant (in

the other room). The nurse in the room informed us of this saying' if

he's not sure of something he will go and ask' Very reassuring! He

either couldn't speak with him or the consultant simply gave him an

answer based on nothing. He was back within 15 seconds...I timed him.

The answer? Stay on 400 PTU and start some thyroxin (not sure if

I've spelt that right).

The reason? Because my husbands eye disease has become worse and his

eyes are now swollen over his eyebrows. He has double vision and

cannot look upwards or sideways without pain.

I challenged him but don't know enough myself to argue. I asked him

to prescibe pain killers for the pain which gets very bad. He

refused.

Why? Because the thyroxin will ease any pain eventually.

What?? I'm confused now.

Apart from anything else this particular doctor is foreign and we

both find it extremely difficult understanding him. He didn't like

being challenged, which is understandable. We are going back in 8

weeks time now and apparently he needs to see the consultant next

time. He needed to see him this time. They couldn't even give him

an appointment as they were booked completely so we had to 'leave it

with them' I only hope they don't leave it any longer than 8 weeks.

I know this episode will trigger my depression, it's such a vicious

circle, but I need to stay strong to support my husband. I feel so

useless today. Is decent medical care too much to ask for?

Thank you for reading this and letting me vent.

Best wishes

Jemima