Grave's Disease

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

 

I am about to start treating a client with grave's disease. It is outside my

experiece and I was

looking for some advice!

 

Below is some information from the web on the condition.

 

 

Marked by nervousness and overstimulation, Grave's disease is the result of an

overactive

thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and body

temperature, and are essential for normal growth and fertility. But in excessive

amounts, they

can lead to the burn-out seen in this relatively common form of thyroid disease.

 

Causes

Doctors aren't sure what triggers this problem, but they do know that the immune

system is

involved. In Grave's disease patients, they find antibodies specifically

designed to stimulate

the thyroid.

 

Signs/Symptoms

Along with nervousness and increased activity, Grave's disease patients may

suffer a fast

heartbeat, fatigue, moist skin, increased sensitivity to heat, shakiness,

anxiety, increased

appetite, weight loss, and sleep difficulties. They also have at least one of

the following: an

enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), bulging eyes, or raised areas of skin

over the shins.

 

Care

In many cases, drugs that reduce thyroid output are sufficient to control the

condition. A short

course of treatment with radioactive iodine, which dramatically reduces the

activity of the

thyroid, is another option for people past their childbearing years. In some

cases, surgery to

remove all or part of the thyroid (thyroidectomy) is needed. Surgery can also

relieve some of

the symptoms of Grave's disease. Bulging eyes, for example, can be corrected by

creating

enough extra space in the nearby sinus cavity to allow the eye to settle into a

more normal

position.

 

Risks

If left untreated, Grave's disease could lead to long-term eye complications.

The muscles that

control the eyes become unable to function properly, making it difficult or

impossible to

coordinate eye movements. The typical result is double vision.

 

Pregnant women who have uncontrolled Grave's disease can pass the disorder on to

their

unborn children. The condition can also cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or

premature birth.

 

Another serious danger in Grave's disease is a condition called thyroid storm,

also known as

thyrotoxicosis. This sudden, extreme surge in thyroid activity leads to fever,

weakness,

confusion, psychosis, and even coma. It's considered a life-threatening

emergency that

requires immediate medical attention.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Sleep with your head elevated to lessen eyelid swelling.

Take your medications as directed by your doctor. If you feel they are not

helping, contact

your doctor but do not quit taking them on your own.

Talk with your doctor about using topical ointments or artificial tears to

soothe your eyes.

Wear glasses with sideguards to protect your eyes from dust and drying wind.

Use steroid creams or ointments to relieve itching and rough skin on your shins.

Eat a diet high in protein to replace tissue lost from thyroid over-activity.

Eat a diet low in fat if you are overweight, and attempt to lose the excess

weight.

For more information, contact the National Grave's Disease Foundation at 2

Tsitsi Court,

Brevard, NC 28712 or call them at 828-877-5251.

Seek Care Immediately If...

You begin to experience such symptoms of thyroid storm as fever, sudden and

extreme

weakness, restlessness, confusion, and altered consciousness. THIS IS AN

EMERGENCY. Call

911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive

yourself!

 

 

Any help would be appreciated!

 

Thanks

Lisa Guppy