I'm going crazy..?
I discovered this condition around the time I was in the second year of junior high school, approximately when I was fourteen.
I went to X Hospital for a consultation, but no matter what, it didn't improve.
Later, I switched to Y Hospital, and the situation remained the same.
Now that I am twenty-one years old, I wonder when this condition will finally get better!
I have symptoms of bulging and swollen eyes, along with a round and puffy face.
I have researched surgical options and radioactive iodine treatment, but neither is 100% effective and there is still a chance of recurrence.
What I really want to know is, if I undergo surgery and radioactive iodine treatment, will the bulging and swelling of my eyes and the roundness of my face disappear? If not, what should I do to manage this?
Every time I ask these two private hospitals, they don’t provide clear answers, which is fine, I can accept that.
However, they keep sending me before-and-after photos that look drastically different, showing my bulging eyes and swollen face, while other areas are not swollen or bulging.
It makes me feel extremely frustrated.
Honestly, dealing with this condition has made me feel like I want to jump from a high place like "Bojatna" (the difference being without a parachute or rope).
Dr.
Yang, could you please help me? It has been many years, and this condition has caused a lot of inconveniences in my life.
I am still young, and I don’t understand why I have to suffer from this terrible condition.
If this continues, I might need to see a psychiatrist for help...
Q Zai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/01/28
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Thyroid eye disease is related to hyperthyroidism; however, the course of the two conditions often does not align.
After effectively managing hyperthyroidism (whether through medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine), the ocular manifestations of thyroid disease do not necessarily improve.
Currently, there are several treatment options for thyroid eye disease (such as corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and surgery), but the results are not very satisfactory.
You may consult an ophthalmologist for further advice.
Reply Date: 2008/01/28
More Info
I'm truly sorry to hear about the struggles you're facing with persistent eye and facial swelling. It sounds incredibly frustrating and distressing, especially since you've been dealing with this condition since you were around fourteen years old. Let's break down your concerns and explore some potential avenues for understanding and managing your symptoms.
From your description, it seems like you may be experiencing a condition known as Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to hyperthyroidism and is often associated with eye problems, including protrusion (exophthalmos) and swelling. This condition can cause the eyes to appear bulging and the face to swell, leading to the symptoms you described. It's understandable that after years of seeking treatment, you would feel disheartened, especially if the results have not met your expectations.
Regarding your questions about surgical and radioactive iodine treatments, these are common approaches for managing hyperthyroidism and its associated symptoms. Surgical intervention can help remove part of the thyroid gland, which may alleviate some symptoms, while radioactive iodine therapy aims to reduce thyroid hormone production. However, as you noted, these treatments do not guarantee that the swelling and protrusion of the eyes will completely resolve.
In many cases, additional treatments may be necessary to address the ocular symptoms specifically. For instance, corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and swelling around the eyes. In some situations, orbital decompression surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the eyes and improve their appearance. It's essential to have a thorough discussion with an endocrinologist and an ophthalmologist who specializes in thyroid eye disease to explore all available options tailored to your specific condition.
It's also worth noting that managing your overall health can play a significant role in how you feel. Stress and mental health challenges can exacerbate physical symptoms, so it might be beneficial to seek support from a mental health professional. They can provide coping strategies and support as you navigate the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition.
If you feel that your current healthcare providers are not addressing your concerns adequately, it may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion from specialists who have experience with thyroid eye disease. They can offer insights into the latest treatments and management strategies that may not have been discussed in your previous consultations.
In summary, while surgical and radioactive iodine treatments can help manage the underlying thyroid condition, they may not fully resolve the eye and facial swelling. A multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists and ophthalmologists, along with mental health support, can provide a more comprehensive strategy for managing your symptoms. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are healthcare professionals who can help you find a path toward relief and improved quality of life. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for the support you need.
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