((((DDH))))

Just want to offer some words of support. My Dad got diagnosed with Graves disease a few years ago and it seems to be under control lately. I don't get to see my parents often, but my mother told me that the meds had a terrible effect on his mood and appetite, and being a Dr. himself, he was a terrible patient. I got the impression from hearing about all the adjustments to his meds that treating Graves disease is very much a case-by-case combination of science and art.

Dad gets most of his exercise from gardening. I don't think anyone was going to convince him to give that up.

It must be very frustrating to have this flare up again, especially when you've been working so hard to take good care of yourself. It's okay to feel everything you're feeling.

You're already a very strong person to have gone through this before. And I'm sure you're already an expert in Graves, but it sounds like the docs want you to try something different this time. Give yourself a little time, then dust yourself off and get that second opinion and do some research to make sure you're making the right decisions about your treatment. Remember, the doctors can only give you the best advice they know how -- the final decision about treatment lies with you.

Good luck, and lots of hugs --