Graves not digger, Goldsmith gathering

I swallowed a radioactive Iodine pill this week and had some photos taken of my thyroid - all to determine once and for-all just what my health status is. My new endocrinologist here is DSM was a bit surprised that my first doc hadn't had me undergo a test to see if I have the Graves antibodies, so she set me up to do the tests Monday and Tuesday this past week.

I checked in at Mercy Nuclear Medicine to take the giant pill and followed up several hours later for the photos that were similar to X-Rays, but took longer and I was able to move as they were being taken. I enjoyed chatting with the techs as the pics were being taken - students at Mercy School of Nursing. On Thursday, Dr. Singaram's office called to say my thyroid indicated mild Grave's Disease. I must admit I was disappointed. I'd convinced myself that I didn't have the antibodies because I've been off the meds for two weeks and have felt okay.

Mild is better than full blown though, ay? So back on the low dose Methimizole (we Gravesters call it meth...). And shoot for remission. I see the doc in September and will see what she says then. In the meantime, my fingernails and hair are growing much better, so something is going right. Plus my physical therapist is happy with progress on my shoulder - I see the surgeon this week. Yeah I know...I'm keeping the medical community busy.

There were Goldsmiths galore this week! Except for Paul who was in Washington, D.C. for work - without a working phone. His Samsung crapped out the day he left. He was reviewing grants with others from around the country - staying not far from all the cool stuff in our nation's capitol. Too bad he couldn't take pictures...he was full of excitement when he arrived home on Thursday, full of stories from the week. I hope to go with him next time he heads that way.

Meyer kids with their momma and spouses

Paul's sister Carol's family was in town this weekend and we were glad to get to see them Thursday night, along with sister Jean and her hubby Dave - Mr. Lucky at the casinos lately. It was fun listening to Tom, Terry and Barb laugh together about their antic growing up in Farley, Iowa - especially the stories about when their cousins the Fox kids would visit. We liked seeing the great nieces and nephews too. Laughs galore. We hated to leave but needed to get ready for out next get-together with Goldsmiths - a trip to Port Washington, Wisconsin the next day.

On Friday when the US Cellular Store opened, we stopped in to see what was up with Paul's phone. It was beyond help - so we switched his information to my phone and I got a new iPhone. Yep - big change for this kid. I'm not an Apple person - so the learning curve is huge. I proved that on the way to Wisconsin when I somehow put a security code in twice that I didn't know...good thing it recognized my fingerprint until I could go to the Apple Store today (they were stellar there). What a dope I am. My children will be happy to know I will no longer carry my phone on my belt. It's a painful change for me - I imagine I'll lose the dang thing now...change is hard for an old broad.

The Goldsmith gathering was fab. Man I love those people! They are such a great bunch - all intelligent, kind and loving (or they fake it well...). They love to laugh. We got to see our nephew Joe who suffered a traumatic brain injury several years ago during a car accident. He's doing great! And our niece Karen, a physical therapist raising three sons (one looks definitely like a Gsmith) with her park ranger husband. Plus Paul's three brothers and three sisters (only Carol was missing due to her fam gathering in DMS - and Connie, who passed away) and all the spouses.

Mary checks out the buttons

Eight played golf on Saturday and the rest of us shopped. I went to a quilt store with the group - through not a seamstress myself I'm able to admire the work of others. Then we visited Cedarburg where I purchased some spices, had a nice sandwich and got a puzzle for Christmas! That night we ate at a brewpub (photos above). It was a great time - Denny score the traveling rooster as he'll soon attain the age of 70. Next year - the Golf Tourney will be in DSM. Be on the lookout for the Goldsmiths about this time next year! Listen for the sounds of love and laughter.

Roid non-rage

Guess what these are? You're right...I've been visiting the doctor's office again. I'm a sucker for these models. Brains, ladyparts, sinuses. I like 'em all. Cuz they're plastic - not real guts!

This time I was visiting a new endocrinologist. You may recall that when I found out that my thyroid was wacky, I didn't wish to wait for the Des Moines group of doctors at Iowa Diabetes and Endocrinology Center (IDEC) to get around to phoning me for an appointment. They seemed to be way to busy for little old me - who was in the midst of angst and anxiety, the result of not knowing what was wrong with me and my illness.

So I was referred by my nurse practitioner, Sheryl Young ARNP, to an Endocrinologist at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Despite the fact that I'm a big Cyclone fan, they nicely got me in for an appointment fairly quickly. While I was on the way to Iowa City, IDEC finally called me to make an appointment. Right.

Dr. Doelle got me on the right track. We kept in contact using the secure online system. I needed periodic blood tests and that was a bit of a hassle for both his staff and me though. So I decided it was time to switch to a local doc. Thus the visit to Dr. Vanitha Singaram last week. She was nice and seems very thorough and plans to run a test to make sure that I have the Graves antibody, important as I go forward with this illness.

I'm down to 1 pill every other day. We'll see how that goes - aiming for remission. I hope the thyroid cooperates. Mine is shaped pretty normal - like the one on the left BTW. Don't look for me to get a butterfly tattoo like some people on the Graves Facebook page...

High Anxiety - you don't win

In 1977, on a break from our vigorous study Iowa State University schedule, Vicki, Jane and I went to see the Mel Brook's movie High Anxiety. In the movie, Mel sings a little song that has the refrain, "High Anxiety - you win", he chortled.

Oh how we laughed at that idea. Yes we had worries as college students.

• What did I get on that test? (Back when they posted scores by Social Security Number in the hall outside the classroom)
• What will I wear when we go out tonight and will the cute guy be there?
• How will I get along with everyone on my dorm floor? (we had to call the girls next door on their dorm phone - to notify them that we could smell the pot they were smoking.) Of course we couldn't be as obvious as telling them that. Vicki came up with using a fake voice like an old neighbor lady - she dialed and said "Your dog's in our garden". Worked like a champ! They stuffed towels under their door...
• Later, I worried about, gasp, getting a job. I didn't want to move back home to Atlantic and live with Mom and Dad.

Mad Magazine's Alfred E. Neuman

As you can see - there isn't all that much to worry about there. My health was good. My parents were footing the bill - and I didn't even question that, or understand how lucky I was. It was just the way my life was - back before the price of college became so outrageously expensive. My parents and Atlantic grandparents were alive. Some of my personality traits were set by then. I feel nervous about being on time for anything (thanks Dad). Unlike my friend Chris Deardorff - to whom time has always seems to be an abstract idea.

I lost my "I am bullet proof status" in my 20's. I think most of us do. I worried about the usual stuff. Work, family, relationships, health. But not obsessively.

That changed last summer. I remembered just how bad is was when I got together with a couple good friends last week - and told my story. Thanks to Julia and Christine (who is looking great in her last trimester of pregnancy) for allowing me to tell my Graves Disease story - which is therapeutic for me.

Last summer before my Graves Disease diagnosis, anxiety was running high - mostly about my symptoms.

Once I was diagnosed, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Even though I still had the medical symptoms, much of the anxiety was gone. Oh I still have my quirks! I am becoming even more of an introvert than ever. It's a good thing I have vitamin Paul to ease my symptoms. I wish it were that easy for everyone with major anxiety.

I'm working on being healthy - that's the best way to fight GD, which is an auto-immune disease that attacks the thyroid, causing it to emit hormones throwing one's metabolism and stress hormones out of whack. I'm hoping a March blood test shows me to be heading toward remission. No matter what, I'll always have GD and will deal with symptoms. But hey - everyone is dealing with stuff. This is mine.

Thanks to my friends and fam for helping me through this. For listening to my story. If you need a listening ear for your story. Just ask. We all have one. Or two!

Speaking of stories, the Creston wrestler who collapsed at the state duel meet the week may be released from the hospital today. His heart stopped and he had to be shocked six times before he got to Mercy right across from Wells Fargo Arena where the match was held. It turns out he has Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. You can look it up. It is something could have taken his life without quick action by those present.

Facebook photo of Tayler and 2 CHS finals wrestlers

I worked with Tayler's grandmother at Gits Manufacturing (she is a character!) and remember Tayler as a little guy running around when Jud played soccer with his older brother. Everyone is so pleased with the great outcome from this near tragedy! And the Panthers bounced back with a 2nd place finish at state. Proud of our former home community and their support of this family.