Graves Disease

The first day I ever missed
work for sickness was in 1996.
First day ever! Boy was I sick.

The Doctor said my resting heart
beat was a hundred and fifty.
She sent me to a Cardiologist.

I had very little patience for this.
I was a  high power forty four year
old busy executive. Fortunately,
the Doctor saw me right away.

The Cardiologist said my heart was ok!
What a relief!

He sent me to a Thyroid Specialist.

The Thyroid Specialist said, "You have
Graves Disease"

"Does that mean I'm dead?"  I started
pinching myself.

She chuckled, "No Mr. Walters you're
metabolism is in high gear. That's why
your heart is racing, your sweating,
trembling,and losing weight."

"Other than all of that, I'm doing pretty
good, don't you think Doctor?"
She chuckled again.

"Mr. Walters, we are either going
to have to cut out your Thyroid, or destroy
most of it by radiation. Your choice."

My hand reached for my throat to protect
it.
"Radiate!"

Now, I'm dependent on thyroid replacement
medication for the rest of my life.

Roughly seventeen years later at the age of
sixty one I had a stroke.
What caused it? The theory, too high a dose
of thyroid replacement medication...
because...
I didn't have my blood tests frequently enough.
That's the theory.

If this theory is correct, it is totally my own
fault. Not GOD's or anyone else's.
Mine!

I am Not a victim!

I am an Achiever!