Re: Another mom to Amy's Pam

[Guest guest]

Dear Pam,

Thank you so much for writing -- it's hard to describe the feelings

to finally hear from another mom of a teenager with graves disease. We

were starting to wonder if it was very rare. Seems like it comes with

its own set of issues, the combination of this odd, multi-symptom

disease mixed with the changes of puberty and adolescence. And it does

sound as if we might have a lot in common.

I have a cousin who's a pediatrician, and he was recently at a

conference where the main speaker was a pediatric endocrinologist who

spoke about thyroid problems. Near the top of the list of symptoms for

children with Graves: trouble in school! If only there was more info

available to GPs (and school systems) (and parents), maybe kids could

be diagnosed earlier.

How old is Amy now? Is she in remission? Lillie has said she might

like someone around her age to correspond with.

I'm so sorry to hear about your other daughter's illness. I don't

know anything about Raynaud's or MCTD, but i know how serious Lupus

can be.

Things are crazy here at the moment, and I might need to be away for

a few days (sick dad), but I look forward to hearing from you again

soon -- and from any other moms out there! I wish I had more time to

fill out this note, but will write more soon.

Gr