I’ve been meaning to post these updated photos….they were taken mid-September:
Update:I still have significant numbness….if you look closely at the shot of my left eye, you will notice that it is still slightly larger than the right. It has also not healed as well, which I attribute to them taking me off the erythromiacin a week early (they thought I was having an allergic reaction to it) there is a knot the size of the head of a seamstress pin (larger than the head of a regular pin, and more raised) on the scar on this eye, which is a minor cosmetic set-back.
I have not lost any visual acuity, and in fact it seems that much of my vision is improved.
Would I do it again? Ask me in 3-6 months. I still hate that I feel like I’ve had a head transplant every time I smile….although I am starting to have some feeling return to my nose. My “neutral” face used to be a pleasant blank face…now I frown whenever my face relaxes…I find myself pulling up the corners of my mouth just to look like I”m not scowling….which is an odd feeling….as a result, I continue to avoid most social situations, unless I know we are going to a dark restaurant, or bar. Come to think of it, the more I drink, the better I look! LOL!
I still have significant puffiness in my face, and the 12 weeks I’ve spent on bed rest have made me pretty bloated and ridiculously out of shape. I’ve just started walking 30 minutes a day, and hope to increase my daily activities starting next week. That and a 1,300 calorie a day diet will hopefully allow me to loose some of the extra 10 pounds I’ve put on since the beginning of summer….good thing it’s now sweater weather!!
Sorry here I have lost your email when my pc went down some time a go . Frist the last pic of you look great . Hey go out and have some fun . no one will no but you any way.
I went to youtube the other day and put in miss oregon and I found you doing the barbie world show . that must have been a lot of fun to do .glad that you are doing well . Hugs Ti.
Hello, I have Thyroid Eye Disease and I am struggling with the decision to have the ODS. I really afraid of having the procedure because I’m not sure of the post surgery. Reading your blog has really helped me in making my decision to go ahead and have the procedure. I have been living with the misery of looking in the mirror at my eyes and constantly thinking people are looking at me and wondering “what is wrong with her eyes”! So, I want to say Thanks!
By the way, your eyes look wonderful!
Ty;
Cute puppy….
Kelli;
Thanks for stopping by. Hopefully, by now, you understand that the whole purpose of this blog is to help those with TED learn to deal with whatever decision they make. I decided on Radioactive Iodine treatment and TED Decompression Surgery. That was my path, but certainly not the only one…I respect everyrone’s personal journey on this particular path, and none of us have room to judge. It’s a very personal choice, and one that I’m happy to have had even the slightest bit of a choice in. I recognize that many other countries, much less insurance companies even allow for a TED surgery…..
But, Kelli, know that you are NOT alone….many of us have walked the walk, and others are walking at the same time as you…..God Bless!!
thank u , he is 3 mouths old now and a hand full . have a great holladays. Ti
I finally got the courage to look up info on my Graves. I just had a birthday and it dawned on me that I’ve been struggling with this eye disease now for 20 years. And I still have never come to accept how I look. People see pictures of me when I was young and ask who it is. My husband has always been great, I’m blessed to have him. But anytime someone just looks at me wrong or too long I let it ruin my whole day, if not longer. Not to mention the pain I have behind my eyes or the constant battles with eye infections and the watering and scrathy feeling. I’m glad I found this, and plan on reading your updates, maybe I’ll finally be able to gather some courage and have surgery myself. Thanks for keeping us updated, hope you continue to heal well.
I was very ill in the summer of 08 with what was later found to be graves disease. I took RAI in Now of 08 and by xmas was having eye problems.. TED. My TED became stable in March of 09… I am thinking about having Orbital Decompression. Naturally , I have been looking online for anything I can find to help me along my journey. Your Posts have made me laugh. Not at you , but with you. This is a dreadful disease that I wouldnt wish on my worst enemy. Great is your courage and with it hope for the thousands of us who suffer daily in silence. Would you be so kind as to give an update on how you are doing? I know this disease is slow, and time passes as we deal with another storm that so often comes our way. I for one would feel blessed to hear from you. Please send me an email at Roxwheat@aol.com and let me know how you are doing after Orbital Decompression.
Sincerely, Roxanne