- Graves disease
- Interviews
Emma's interview
How did all start?
It all started in Grade 8 at the age of 13 for me, with a diagnosis of ADHD, due to the fact that my grades started to deteriorating. The start of high school for me was rough because all of my symptoms were starting to come and I started to feel worse.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
It took around 2 years to get my diagnosis of Graves disease. I was diagnosed at the age of 15 in a thyroid storm.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
My family doctor recognized the condition, as she has patients with Graves before, and ran a bunch of tests. After I got diagnosed, I first treated by my pediatrician and my pediatric endocrinologist. They have been so caring to me and I would never ask for anything else. I am now under the care of my new endocrinologist that I am hoping to keep for as long as possible.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Educating myself on what I am going through and what is ahead for me as far as treatment goes.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
My life after diagnosis. I am never know what "normal" feels like anymore.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Most of my friends do not really know that I have Graves Disease. Also, my family is aware of my diagnosis, but never really fully understand my everyday struggles.
What things have you stopped doing?
I had to quit several things because of my life being busy, including soccer, dance and volunteering.
What do you think about the future?
I see a great future ahead in the medical community helping other how I was helped.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
So far, I love the year when I graduated high school. I was told that I would have died from untreated Graves Disease from a heart attack or a stroke.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I wouldn't trade it for the world, because it has shaped me to the person today. If I had to choose something, I would not have to worry about taking medications.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Busy, boring and very crazy.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Do not give up your hopes. There is always a light out of every tunnel and path you take, no matter how dark it seems.
