January 27, 2010

Ever since March '09, when our lives were completely turned upside-down, Andy has been losing weight. Months ago, we assumed it was due to stress. Few months ago, we assumed it was continuing due to his broken hand ordeal. Even fewer months ago, we assumed it was continuing due to his blood clot. 40 pounds less later, we are done assuming, and Andy has been talking with various doctors about his situation. The diagnosis: Andy has Graves' Disease.

As scary as it initially sounded to me, I've done my research, and in speaking with many family members and friends about it, I've realized that many people deal with thyroid issues at one point or another. Definition: Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disease that most commonly affects the thyroid, causing it to become overactive, with related hyperthyroid symptoms such as increased heartbeat, muscle weakness, weight loss, disturbed sleep, and irritability.

There are various treatment options that we are currently discussing with his doctors, and we hope to make a decision and begin treatment very soon. This is what we know as of now, but I will update as we go.