Well, I am glad you tracked it down and are taking the steps to get better. Good on ya. Get healthy so you can be the daddy, husband, and blogger the world needs you to be, and God bless you.

Good Luck. Your return to the intellectual fray is unimportant compared to the thrill of seeing your child grow. Revel in the time. But when you get a chance, give 'em hell.

Steve,

Get better. Your kid needs a father, your wife needs a husband, you need a child and a wife, and I need a smart as hell Colorado libertarian conservative blogger to brighten my internet trips. I've been truly concerned and worried these past weeks and months. I pray for your complete recovery, wellness and happiness. God bless.

Steve,

Everyone above me is right. Blogging is secondary to getting better and spending time with family.

Glad to hear you're on the road to recovery, though, and look forward to more in the future.

God Bless... and speedy recovery. We've all been a little poorer around here without you. What's most important is that you make it back 100% to your family.

Whew, was really worried about you and had all sorts of thoughts runnning through my head when I saw you not posting. Get your health back, love your kid and the better half and post when you feel like it. I know I will still stop by to see if you have posted anything new like I always do. Just beat this thing.

Steve, you have been missed so much and your absence was such an unknown that many times I almost emailed some other bloggers I thought might know where you were. You and your family will certainly be in our prayers.

Thanks for writing your story, it may help someone else. Heal well.

Unlike Wayne, I am a callous bitch, so I assumed that you were just being a lazy-ass bastard. Or had found something much more interesting than blogging to do. I had no idea you were actuallly sick. It sounds terrifying.

You concentrate on getting well, bub. We'll still be here when you're ready.

Welcome back. Glad to see you are still among the living.

If I might be so bold as to offer a small suggestion as you move forward... do not waste a moment thinking about what you've lost, or what you can't to. Think about what you've got, and what you can do, and you'll find you are still the luckiest man alive.

You might want to have your self tested for Celiac Disease. One of the side effectes of this disease is Hyperthyroid.

I hope you get better quickly.

After all, someone with such lovely design in websites should not be wasted! *smile*

Steve, You have been sorely missed.

What a trial. Your attitude is inspiring. YOU'RE ALIVE! Who gives a shit about the rest. "Living problems" my grandma would always say.

You are blessed with a loving wife. Truly blessed.

You will be in my prayers this Chanukah. Fight on, we need you. I stand in awe of your strength.

xoxo, Pamela

Best wishes, Steve. We've missed you. Take care of yourself.

Steve,

I'm sorry to hear about your illness, but very glad that it is treatable. That, at least, is something to celebrate. Best wishes for a quick recovery!

You guys have Merry Christmas!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

My wife has Graves disease. Had, anyway. She no longer has a functioning thyroid, as she opted for the radiactive iodine treatment. It took about six months and some dosage adjustments for her doctor to stabilize her with synthetic thyroid hormone. She now takes a little pill every day to replace what her body no longer produces, and life is normal.

Her doctor told her that there was really no effective drug treatement therapy for this. Your doctor is entitled to his oipinion, obviously, but you might want to ask again about the radioactive iodine option. An out-of-control thyroid gland is a bad thing, much worse than having to swallow a little pill daily.

Welcome back, Steve. Here's to the day you can throw your precious little guy into the air and catch him!

Hey Steve! Glad to see you back.

Sincerely wish you the best and a rapid and complete (although full of meds) recovery.

PS - apologies are in order, should have said "Your doctor is entitled to HER opinion". The sexism was unintentional. I'll read more carefully next time.

Steve, good to see you still with us. Do whatever it takes. You were a formative part of the blogosphere as I know it, but more importantly, you're loved by many, especially your family. Keep the scope on them, let the docs do their thing and hang in there. Cheers, mate.

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your getting sick like this, but it sounds like you're starting to get it under control which makes me hopeful and happy. May your Christmas be as merry as you can possibly make it! Don't waste energy blaming yourself for not doing something sooner. Just focus on getting better for now. Everyone is cheering you on.

My prayers and blessings go out to you. Heal rapidly and don't forget to tell your wife you love her every chance you get. We are fortunate to live now, rather than 100 years ago, are we not? Modern medicine is completely wonderful.

We've all missed you. Thanks for the update.

I'll be waiting patiently for your return. Here's a glass to the day you resume toddler tossing!

Propylthiouracil (commonly abbreviated "PTU") is a recognized remedy not uncommonly used in the treatment of Graves' disease, even though most of the endocrinologists I know prefer to employ radioactive iodine therapy and simply wipe out the thyroid gland completely. Subsequen lifelong supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormone (such as Synthroid or Levothroid) is straightforward and relatively inexpensive as we've got reliable bioequivalent generic versions in the Orange Book now.

I expect that you've already looked up both the condition and PTU in a source like Wikipedia. If not, I suggest that you do so. There are potential adverse events (AE's) associated with PTU therapy, and you should be kept aware of these because we have to rely on the patient to report symptoms (which are subjective perceptions) at the earliest manifestation. The Wikipedia pieces aren't bad.

For further information, rather than go into the subject in detail, let me direct you to the DHHS' National Guideline Clearinghouse Web site at:

http://www.guideline.gov/

...where you can enter "Graves disease" in the search slot and pick up links to treatment guidelines published by authoritative sources. I recommend the one jointly uttered by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE), updated in 2002.

You're lucky to have come away from this without exophthalmos (which is not remediable, and cosmetically quite distressing). Keep an eye out for PTU-related AE's, and for ghod's sake don't take the Spartan boy as your model of personal conduct any more.

"When the fox gnaws, smile" (said Lazarus Long). But smile while you're talking to your endocrinologist, okay?

--

Wow! I am so sorry for all you have gone thru. I'm glad you got the help you needed while there was still time. That's a lesson all of us should pay attention to.

Steve,
I went through that a couple of years back. I wasn't in denial as long as you so I never got as bad as you did, man that is just scary! Passing out and doing the "fish" once or twice and severe chest pains (my "at rest" heart rate was 110 bpm) was "all" it took for me. I did the RAI and it worked great. I don't even need to take meds anymore, so you never know. Good luck man.

Steve; Glad you are doing better. Things like what you went through make you grateful to be an American in the 21st cent.

Steve - so relieved you going to be okay. My best wishes for a speedy and as full as possible recovery.

God bless you, Melissa, and your sweet son.

As one of several family members who suffer from thyroid disease, some of whom have Graves, I know you feel horrible. But you will feel better and return to your normal life. Hang in there. You can do this.

It sucks to have medical problems but at least you will never take good health and feeling normal for granted again. In a way, it's like make-up sex. You'll just be so dang glad to get back to where you were.

As for getting back muscle mass, don't believe all the crap you read. 10 reps 3 x per week will build muscle at maximum rate for most people. You just have to stress the muscle, and if you are normal, while you sleep, you build muscle mass, not while you are working out.

Forget the gym.

I work out 10 minutes per day with weights and push ups. I am more mesomorphic than I have even been. Aside from some TMJ pain, I have stopped having all muscle and joint pains, including no back pain, which has dogged me for decades. I'm 60. That's all it takes.

Just go slow. Building muscle takes a lot of time. It is easy to injure yourself pumping iron.

BTW, don't be eager to gain back your weight, which would just be fat at this point. Most "normal" people are too fat. Check out the BMI calculators on line. Also, monitor your total body fat. They have fancy scales that do that, but you can estimate it by careful measurements.

Holy crap! I am so glad the doctors are able to help. Take care of yourself, hombre!

A riveting account. Relieved to see your sparkling wit and wisdom remain intact.

I'm heading out to the kitchen to mix myself a martini -- Beefeater in my case -- to toast your return.

Cheers!

Blog link corrected.

God bless you, Steve. I, too, had figured you were off doing more interesting things, and would be back when you saw fit (though a little voice in the back of my head kept wondering...). I'm glad that you are on the road to recovery, and even more glad that you have such a wonderful support structure. There is a special place in heaven for Melissa. Make sure she knows that every day!

It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyways--if there is anything we can do to support you, don't hesitate to ask. You've given much to us over the years. I'd love to return the favor.

Steve, I had no idea something like this was going on. I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal, but knowing what it is and knowing it's treatable constitute good news -- for you and for the blogosphere.

Best wishes for the speediest possible recovery!

Yikes! I'm glad you're attacking it properly and hope you're feeling better soon. My prayers go out to you and your family. Take care.

Stephen, let me second what DC said. I have hypothyroidism (Hashimotos) fianlly diagnosed in 95, but I think it started in 88. I finally had so many problems that they went in and removed my thyroid in 2002. I have been completely fine since the surgery but I was never really fine while my thyroid was still with me. I struggled with treating it with only medication for 6 years and I will never get those six years back. I now, at 51 feel better than I did at 35. Good luck, I know you will beat this. Kate

All the best, Steve. Life is a rollercoaster ride and I'm glad your back on your way up.

Wow. I just figured your absence was due to all the time & energy being a new father requires.

Get better, Steve, and begin enjoying your life and family again.

You'll get through this, Steve. It's good that you're seeing an endocrinologist and not just relying on a regular old MD to help you.

You'll get stabilized. You watch.

I'm glad to hear you are alive and soon to be well. Don't worry about the blog unless you want to. Get better!

Yesterday as the faculty was suiting up for the December graduation ceremony, we were grinching about the silly robes, hoods, and hats that the old European universities left us with. Yeah, but they also were the roots of the Enlightenment and the scientific method, both of which led to the science that allows you to look at a full three-score and ten plus.

I think I'll wear their silly suits three times a year. It was a good deal.

I've had close friends with both hyper- and hypo-thyroidism. I know both can be nasty. I'm glad that you're through the worst patch and on your way to recovery.

Are your eyes OK? I know hyper-thyroidism can mess up one's eyes.

Wondered what happened to you! Glad you're on the mend and God bless.

Hmmmm.

Good to see you're back a little. And very sorry to hear about your ill health. I've been dealing with kidney failure (ESRD) now for a few years and any bad illness is tough. Tough on you, your family and on your long term health.

A few things:

1. Maintain hygiene.
It'll be easier for you since you've got a loving wife and family. But it's easy when you're very ill and extremely tired all the time to let the personal and home hygiene go. The temptation to do the sweeping, cleaning and dusting tomorrow is overwhelming at times. So make a schedule if needed and stick to it. Just a little bit every day.

2. Be scientific about your recovery.
One thing I've found is that by keeping good notes that it focuses my mind on my treatment. It helps give me a clear progression on how things are really going. Dealing with a tough illness, particularly one that messes with memory, can and will give you a distorted view of how things are progressing.

By writing a journal you can look back and see that you perhaps aren't well now, but that you've made clear progress. This evidence of progress is *extremely* important. Otherwise thoughts turn darker.

3. Tomorrow will be better.
It may not actually be that way. But you must think that way. The simple fact is that the people who die often do so because they give up. And once those thoughts begin, things can escalate very quickly.

Have I considered suicide? Well yes. Anyone who has a really tough illness who hadn't even once contemplated it is either lying or didn't really suffer all that much. This is why having a journal helps a lot. When these thoughts come up, open the journal and read the entries from a couple months back.

4. Your body is yours, your health is yours.
Don't ever forget that all doctors and specialists are **consultants**. They do not own your body, you do. And in a similar metaphor a hired carpenter to do work on your house, doesn't own your house either.

This means that you must be in command of your treatments at all times. Be aware of anything and everything that goes on and never let any medical person touch you unless they've washed their hands in your presence.

The most difficult complications come from infections and hospitals are hotbeds of infection. Primarily because people there don't wash their hands enough. Or worse yet the doctors wear ties, which they fiddle with all the time thus making their ties respositories of every infection known to mankind.

Above all: hang tough. this too shall pass.

Glad to hear your're getting better.
Best wishes for a complete recovery.

Take your time, we can wait.

Steve, I'm not a regular reader--i just drop in from time to time, but your account has reminded me about the stupidity of envy.

When I read about your rapid weight loss at the beginning of the article, I flippantly thought, "Wow, I wouldn't mind having a disease that caused that." Reading further, I said a prayer asking forgiveness for such a stupid thought and for blessings for you and your family.

Secondly, in all objectivity, you're one of the best-looking guys in the blogosphere, and I always thought that your wife was a lucky woman. Again, your account reminds me that looks can change, but love stands by your side. Your wife's love for and patience with your problem (as well as looking after a baby) tells me what a wonderful person she is; you're a lucky man to have her and appreciate her as you do.

To add one more bit of advice: see a registered nutritionist or dietician. Your local hosptial might even offer free classes or consultations. They can design a healthy eating program based on your specific needs.

Take care.

Stephen,

I guess everybody who already commented (or just read the post) is with you in spirit. Remember, you are fighting this misery not only for yourself, but for your son, your wife, and for the rest of us. Thanks to this blog, you are now more than just the sum of yourself. :-)

Anyways, as others said, concentrate on your life and family first. If you are ready, and have some free time, we will be also ready to soak up your ideas. BTW I still checked your site at least twice a day to know that you are ok. Yes, you have become this important :-)

Vilmos

Steve --

It's awful to hear you've got this; it's great to hear that you're getting treatment and improving. Get better!

Bless you, Steve, and get well soon. My husband had this before I married him and when he showed up at the doctor's, the doctor was prepared to send him to a psychiatrist, but "just in case" decided on blood work. Good decision. John wouldn't have made it otherwise. All I can say is that John is fine and 65 yrs old.

Oh, thank God, it's something treatable. You might also look into Adrenal Fatigue, same symptoms. Wishing you the best of luck in your recovery.

Stephen, I'm so, so sorry to hear this terrible news! It sounds awful. But I'm so glad and so proud of you for finally taking care of yourself. You've come so far in two weeks!

I really miss your blog, and I'm glad to hear why you've been away, but all I want now is your good health, whether you blog again or not. My best wishes to you, your wife, and baby.

Hi Steve,

I'm glad to hear you've gotten control of this. Get well soon. You might want to check out a workout program called SuperSlow. It's gotten good reviews in Newseek, the NY Times, and GQ. I use it and highly recommend it.

Here's a list of SuperSlow instructors by state:

http://www.superslow.com/Directories/directory.php?selected_country=USA

Best wishes. Your story will help others, thanks for sharing it.

wow, whoa, and woe!

sorry to hear what you went through and that you got that condition.

sounds like it was a terrible ordeal.

and that the worst is over.

God-willing.

i'm glad you are coping.

and i feel sure you will eventually thrive again.

people do. i know one.

all the best!

First and foremost i am glad to see that you are alive and relatively well. Good luck in the future and have a merry Christmas. And give your bride a peck on the cheek for me as you no doubt put her through a lot of hell.

My wife has a similar problem (genetic in nature). But it is all under control and frankly easy. The blood tests are further apart than last year, which was less the the year before, etc. I am sorry you took so long to go to the doctor. The moment she started to show symptons she had her bloodwork done (she knew what she was looking at as her mom had it too). The lesson for you as a father is to find if it might be genetic and at an appropriate time discus the condition with your children so that they can react immediately.

Welcome back . And take heart, you can beat this. In 1976 I was diagnosed with Graves syndrome. I was 18 , 6"2" and 110 pounds. I took a chance on the racdioactive iodine isotope (despite the risk). I had a really , really great endocrinologist. Working with him , within two years I had regained enough strenght and weight to get a waiver and join the Naval Air Reserve as a combat aircrewman. (which I retired from recently, after more than twenty years ). The point is , you can do it. Have faith, listen to the doctors and keep punching. Good luck and remember , your family and fans are pulling for you.

A good way to get in shape while toning your muscles is to practice yoga--and specifically, the yoga found in Yoga For Regular Guys (YRG) developed by Diamond Dallas Page. It's a great workout which adds a lot to your flexibility.

Glad to have you back with us!

P.S. A relative had the same problem and opted for the radioactive iodine treatment. Nom problem, other than taking synthroid for the rest of your life, and, of course, getting the dosage right (it changes as your body changes).

Popped over here from the Instapundit and am very glad I did. Good luck with this. My wife and I have personal experience with Graves'. After her daughter was born, she started losing weight and sleeping a lot. Took almost a year to diagnose her too. Her doctor gave her the radioactive Iodine treatment. It is still a struggle as she has to be careful about what she takes for colds and has to make sure she takes her medicine right, but it is worth it.

One thing they may not have told you is to always get the same brand of thyroid pills. Each brand uses different inactive ingredients that can either make your body absorb the medicine faster or slower and mess you up. We found that out the hard way.

I had not been here for quite a while, and had not heard of your illness.

I am very happy that you are doing so much better.

As others have said, above, take care of yourself for the sake of your family and your future.

I'm not at all good -- quite bad, in fact -- about talking about longterm illnesses and conditions, yet, myself; there are many frustrations, often leading to very non-frustrations.

But if it's not fatal, it's survivable, and as you say, copeable, and there's always time for good moments, and then, with luck, more time for them.

Take care of yourself, and most of all, be forgiving of yourself; that last can be one of the hardest to remember, and be effective about.

And when there are the bad moments, and spells, remember: this, too, shall pass. And then it's back to looking to the future and the present, since we can never change the past: only move on.

And don't forget to do some silly things every day! (Here endth the stuffy advice.)

TO: Stephen Green
RE: Welcome Back...

....from the Grave['s].

Good to hear you're recovering.

So this is an autoimmune thingie?

Interesting. Yesterday, Drudge Report was heralding a possible new concept of autoimmune diseases, vis-a-vis diabetes and a treatment with, red-hot chili peppers.

If the report is validated by peer review and additional testing, it will turn immunology of such ailments on its ear. And maybe a simple treatment will become available for this ailment.

Wishing you the best of luck and offering my prayers for your speedy and FULL recovery....we've missed ya, laddie.

Regards,

Chuck(le)

P.S. When I got out of that 'spa' the Army operates from Benning School for Boys, my weight was only a little over what you are now.

I looked like an escapee from Auschwitz.....in my humble opinion. And I had a VERY 'bad' attitude, but 3 months of starvation diet and humping M60s or PRC77s about for 18 hours a day will do that to you.

to build up your legs and gluts quickly try hindu squats. just google it and you'll find it. basically a body weight squat but it builds muscle very quickly.

best wishes.

jb

It says a lot about your character that the reaffirmation of your marriage is so prominent in your reflections on this experience, and I think the way you have shared this account reveals an inner self-confidence that foreshadows a robust recovery from the trauma associated with this. Not sure if you plan on any more blogging on this, but if you could find time to share more detail about your experience with the early symptoms, I'd appreciate knowing more about that.

Hang in there. Chronic diseases aren't fun, but as you can see, it can be dealt with. This one runs along somewhat like diabetes, in other words, treatable. Worse would have been untreatable. There can always be worse. :-)

As for the muscle, give it some time. I only had time to glance through the comments, so someone else might have said it... you didn't lose the muscle mass overnight (much as it feels that way) so you won't regain overnight either. Work your way up slowly. Keep a journal of what you're doing, reps, how it feels etc. Then you will have visual evidence to look back and see how far you've gone in a few months.

Best of luck recovering. It's a long hard slog, but it's worth it. (never did like the alternative)

Welcome back to the land of the half-living...much better than the alternative.

Living with a chronic condition myself, and having to be so careful with diet, I know what a drag it can be. Makes me very undependable; sometimes I long for the old days of normal energy and mental functioning.

However, we play the hand we're dealt...unfortunately.

BTW, Bush 41 has had Graves for many years. I don't know what treatment he opted for, though.

Except for the fear of radioiodide, surgery should be your last option anyways. I am somewhat dubious about a Jod-Basdow reaction from betadine killing you in the OR. There has been a trend of using radioiodide with I-131 earlier in the treatment of Grave’s disease. (The consent process is far longer then the treatment.) Since you have already started PTU, in makes sense to “cool down” the symptoms first before proceeding to I-131 Rx. Converting this to hypothyroidism is popular because it is a much easier disease to control. If you forget your meds with hypothyroidism, it takes much longer to get into trouble.

Since you are currently “starved” and need to build up you body mass, I would suggest extra vitamin and mineral supplements and increase in protein and fat intake (display of shock!). Not greasy burgers but essential fatty acids, omega-3s and mono saturated such as olive oil. Once you feel better, a weight lifting program to build up muscle mass may be helpful.

Nice to have your insight again available. Glad to hear you have your condition under control. I very much enjoy reding your insights

Glad to hear this! I had the opposite (forgot what it was called) and had to take synthroid pills for a year until the ol' thyroid kicked in again. I kept falling asleep all the time.

Take care of yourself, and build carefully back to where you were.We'll be waiting!

Damn! that sucks! I really hate being that wrong. I had been telling myself that you were enjoying the new Bride and the new Son so much that you just didn't give a damn about us stalking readers anymore. Sounds like you have the right attitude to whip this.

By the way, We need pictures of the Young'n. Bet he's grown a bunch since the last update. (and No, I'm not going all Mark Foley on you)

And here I just thought you had decided to have a life rather than blog! Seriously, I hope you get well soonest. The average intelligence level of the blogosphere drops too much when you are gone. I will be putting in some prayers for you and your family.

For a while, become the hardest working guy at getting well and get well soon.

Merry Christmas, Steve.

And thanks for your words, may they be continuing for a long time.

Stephen, glad to hear you finally have a diagnosis and a plan, and wish you the fastest possible recovery. And never, ever forget what a blessing is is to be reasonably healthy.

I had a different condition, but similar experience, except without a very good support network. Many false starts and poor diagnoses later, I learned to be a very aggressive advocate for my own personal health. Even the best-intentioned medical professionals sometimes drop the ball, and most are average at best, right? Sometimes going outside the insurance constraints is necessary, you do what you have to to get better.

Weight came back slowly in my case, but finding an exercise program to become obsessive about really helped... you have no idea how many miles of mountain biking I did, and how critically important to my existance the biking became. You will find whatever works for you.

Remember your blessings, take the effort to show gratitude to your loved ones, and take charge of your health as your first job. Tomorrow may not be better than today, but the day after sure will be. Welcome back, and take care!

Best wishes for restored health from a grateful past recipient of a "vodkalanche", last year!

The other day I tried, and failed, to do a single pushup. So I leaned over on the bathroom counter and pushed myself up from there.

Suggestion. Ramp up gradually, by pushing up from the knees, not the toes.

And as for your mate sticking with you through fair & foul, double-congratulations on having landed her. It's shared trials like this that knit strands that'll bind you together in future crises. Thank her from all of us for taking good care of you!

Stephen,
Glad to hear your Grave's has been discovered and is coming around. I have it myself (my levels are about 5x the top range of normal), and I'm doing carbomazole to bring it back down. As it happened, I was already on drugs to control tachycardia so the worst effects are: poor sleep; heat intolerance; occasional itchiness; my those fingernails look tasty; and a strong desire to exterminate most other road-users. Actually, I expect that last one will persist long after my thyroid.

The upside is that although I'm about 15kg overweight, my cholesterol is 3.8, and all the other "bad" things are way down too.

Most of these tablet treatments can have the same side-effects as far as I can tell, and they're not pretty. And AFAIK, they don't work forever. Nuking the thyroid with a radioactive iodine capsule is the standard long-term treatment here in Australia too. I'm taking my time about that decision because there's no going back from it.

I'm not too worried about the radioactive aspect - the thryroid is about the only thing that absorbs iodine, and the thought of cutting around your carotid and jugular to surgically remove it are even less appealing.

Good luck!

Wow, I thought you just were busy, this is such horrible news. I'm glad you're recovering and I look forward to more of you insights.

Damn.. I'm very glad I didn't send you that e-mail with a "scolding" tone to it.

Please keep in mind hat I would have only done so because I sincerely missed you perspective and wit. I thought you had drifted... slacked off.. sorry.

The blogsphere is a far better place with you in it. But from one new father and husband to another I can certainly see that you have your priorities in order. My sincerest wishes for your speedy recovery and return. Looking forward to your unique insights..

You can still drink vodka though can't you??

Get better and stay strong, Stephen.

The world needs your input.

Godspeed.

And commendable of you to discuss your situation so publicly. You might be helping someone else.

wow, Steve, I'll be thinking a ton of happy thoughts in your general direction. Thanks for updating us.

Good on ya, mate. Glad yer still with us.

Sorry to hear what you had to go though, our thoughts are with you. The best things in life are family and friends and if you have to stop blogging to enjoy them and get better then take your time and when you return we'll wait.

I'm very glad you're back. I was thinking you were dealing with the whole new father deal. You are in my thoughts as you deal with this. But, at least it is deal-able.

Wow...

Glad to here you are improving.

Keep pushing.

We've been missing you, guy. We'll hold you in our prayers.

My mother has Grave's disease, but her hyperthyroidism went away on its own. She was supposed to have the radioactive treatment that would zap the thyroid, but the day before the procedure she went in and her thyroid levels were normal. They've been normal since. I don't know enough about hyperthyroidism to know the chances of a complete return to normal thyroid levels, but I hope that the same thing will happen to you.

Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Very best wishes for a quick return to the days of tossing and catching your little one! No doubt 2007 will be better than 2006.

Please extend a standing O to Melissa, and take care of you!

Hang in, bro. I'll be praying for you.

Steve, Bless your heart. This thyroid stuff just sucks. I'm happy you're making progress and feeling stronger. I'm having mine removed on Jan.2nd. The entire thyoid has to go. You appear very young and I believe you will come along just fine and have a good long life. My aunt made it to 87 years without hers. She had it removed at age 13. A strong heart and will like yours will see you through. Once again, God Bless.

Stephen,

I'm so sorry to hear about your medical condition, but I'm glad that the treatment is working for you. I look forward to hearing more about your recovery.

Get well and stay well.

Good God, Green!

Glad you are alive and pushing back.

I and my family will pray for you.

Good to have you back, and wishing you well. Beat it like the b**** it is.

Good to have you back, Steve.

My dad had hyperthyroid, years ago when the treatment wasn't as good. Even then they dealt with it pretty well and he made a full recovery.

Best of luck with the treatment, and with the rehab, which I know is going to be tough.

Steve,
I thought you were just burned out. But Vodkapundit stayed on my daily hitlist.

Yes, get well. But I'm going to be selfish here. We need your wisdom. We need your postings.

Yes, we will survive, but understand, you are a sane, intelligent and needed voice today. I looked forward to your comments concerning current events over the past several years and I will look forward to your wit and wisdom in the future.

Anyway, all the best. Get better and I'm eager for the day that you will resume your postings.

bb

My father had hyperthyroid issues a few years back. In his case, they had to put off treatment for a month and a half to make sure it wasn't cancer (it wasn't.) He took the radioactive iodine, and now takes his thyroid pills on a daily basis.

He was able to gain all of his weight back (a bit to his dismay; he'd been trying to lose some weight) and now has regain his fairly active lifestyle (with allowances made for other age-related problems.) The one thing that has changed is that he gets cold easily now, so watch out for that.

For the rest of it, go stuff yourself at a few holiday parties and maintain a normal lifestyle otherwise. All of the people I've known with thyroid problems responded appropriately to treatment, so rest assured that you'll do okay.

"Look. The disease I have, whatever it is, isn't going to kill me. It's going to be a nuisance for the for the rest of my life, but a nuisance I can deal with. Whether it's weakness or anger or depression or whatever, I'll cope. Not just cope, but prosper."

This really struck me. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 10 years ago, about six months after my youngest son was diagnosed with severe autism. I have aches and pains and chronic fatigue, and the only real treatment is eating properly, getting good rest and sufficient exercise.

That's a pretty tall order for a workaholic with one autistic kid and two others. I went to some support group meetings and was not inspired at the "poor me, life sucks and I want to go on disability."

I just decided that I was going to do the best I could, keep going and keep head above water.

Luckily my husband is a saint, and has borne the brunt of the physical issues of taking care of the kids. I have good skills, and have survived by making sure I take jobs that are not 60-hour-a-week power jobs. I have had to perfect the art of working smarter, not harder.

I have repaired my health to the point that I can work 40 hours a week. I can work 41 hours. If I work 42 hours a week, I tip over the edge and end up in bed for a few days.

It's such a simple thing, and I forget it so often - especially when I start feeling really good.

'Nuff about me. For you, it sounds like you have gone over the crest of your crisis and are on the way to rebuilding. It's all about balance. Be patient with yourself, and forgive yourself as others (i.e., Melissa) forgive you.

I wish you all the best.

Not to say I feel your pain, but my aunt has Grave's disease. She got really frail-looking too. With surgery and drugs she's back to living a productive life.

Get better so we can feast on your writing.

I wish you and your family the best.

Mr Green
Been reading your stuff for over a year and happy to see you are going to be all right. I sympathize with what you are going through as last Xmas I found out I had my own personal sword of damocles with a timeline of between eight and ten years on the average. Unlike you, I had no symptoms so it was totally out of the blue. A year later, I have gone through the five stages of grief and am working through the treatment. Having read your work and feeling like I have gotten to have known you somewhat, I am fully confident you will do whatever you need to do with a minimum of fuss. Get cracking and hopefully ten years from now I will be still reading your kvetching about the latest insanity from the beltway.
GRR

I enjoy reading your blog. Be strong diligent and positive. You can beat this.

Look at all thoe comments, and not a single jackass! You must be doing something right. Sorry to hear of your illness, but glad it's treatable. Best wishes on your recovery.

Welcome to the blokes-who-are-hyperthyroid club!

The good news is that you have been as sick as you could get with this one, and it will improve from now onwards.

The even better news is that you DID NOT have a stroke, and you would have been having irregular hearbeat, arrythmia, and a resting pulse rate of somewhere north of 130. Bad hyperthroxics used to die of stroke within 3-5 years in the bad old days: yes it is 'count your blessings' time.

Also, your wife is obviously not one to cut and run (neither did mine), so another blessing is that you should now understand the depth and strength of her regard for you. Acknowledge to her that you have been an utter, utter bastard while sick (she already knows this), and tell her what you think of her own strength of character to put up with it.

Ok, you might have to take the nuclear medicine option. I've done that (a less risky option than the operation IMHO but my wife is a medical type) and wound up a bit hypothyroxic as a result. Hey, crap happens, judging the amount of radio-iodine or of gland to remove is an art, not a science. If THAT happens to you, don't worry either, but boy, will you sweat it (lots of exercise to keep the weight off!).

Either way, you'll be on meds for life, but that's no biggie at all.

Take it STEADY, take it SLOW. It took you a year to get that bad, it will take a year to get back from where you are.

I have been exactly where you are (not quite as severe, but bad enough), and it does get better quite quickly.

Just be careful about trying too much too early. Take it STEADY and take it SLOW. I cannot stress that enough.

It bets better from here, so keep plugging away.

MarkL
Canberra

Thinking of you Steve. Take it easy and take it slow. We will all be here waiting for you, so don't rush anything, just get better and don't think or worry about anything else.

God Bless, and hug Melissa and your baby really tightly in the knowledge that you are going to be OK.

Speaking as an ex-wife (not of you, but of someone) - this is why Melissa married you...because she loves you. Even if you go bald, get limp (you can take a pill), wear her sweatshirts cause you're cold and she's bigger than you. Imagine if the roles were reversed? You would be consumed with worry, taking care of her and the baby...don't wonder why she 'puts up with you'. She loves you. And it's true love that puts up with the bad AND the good. I'm certain Melissa didn't expect you'd be all handsome, with hair and a hot bod FOREVER. Plus at this point she's kinda stuck with you, so I'm sure she'll just hire a gardener or something (maybe a snow-plow guy). I'm glad you're getting it sorted out. I check here everyday hoping to get your input or sarcasm on news of the day. You're not the only stubborn person who hates doctors. And as they say, denial is not just a river in Africa. Get well. Thank your wife. Kiss your baby. You're simply not replaceable HERE in blogland...but we get by. At home - you're simply NOT replaceable. Focus on that. We'll be here.

Been there -- did the iodine. After being told I was heading for a major cardiac event in 3 months, I killed that sucker off.

Best thing I ever did for myself. After a year on T4 only, I went on Armour Thyroid replacement and have been stable on a 2 grain dose since for six years now.

You've probably gotten tons of advice, but the best place on the internet, in my opionion, is the thyroid area on About.com. Those folks' experience and knowledge pushed me to get off T4 only after treatment and in finding a doctor that prescribed the Armour for me.

Hang in there. It can only get better. I know -- because I did.

Memory & rage problems suck. I have a brain injury and those areas are difficult to deal with. You will get better in those areas given time. Keeping a diary does help, like what Ed said. Progress is so slow in these types of illnesses/disabilities that when you read what you wrote a few months back you and your family will say "Wow--look at how much you've improved!" There have been times when I've been surprised at how much better I have become compared to where I was. It's helped to keep me away from the knives when I've been down in the sewers. ;)

God bless you and your family.

Wow is all I can say. Glad you are on the road to recovery. There's lots of good advice here for you. Take care and God bless. .

Steven, glad to hear that things are looking up for you. Focus on your family and your health, and don't worry about the blogging. I am sure everyone at the Samizdata blog would want to pass on their best wishes, old chap.

brgds from olde London towne

Best wishes, Stephen.

My brother had to take a radioactive isotope as treatment for what was diagnosed as thyroid disease. Radioactive tablets. They told him to sleep apart from his wife during treatment and flush the toilet several times.

He approached the situation, despite its seriousness, with humor. He cracked one of those green Cyalume sticks to start it glowing, taped it to the bottom of the toilet seat so that it bathed the bowl in a luminescent green glow, put the cover down, and waited patiently for the scream the next time his wife lifted the cover to use the toilet.

As Katherine Hepburn, playing Eleanor of Aquitane in "Lion in Winter" said, "Smiling is the way I register despair!" Keep smiling.

I was dx'd with stage 4 thyroid cancer when my first son was 15 mos old. I had to have my thyroid removed, my cervical lymp nodes and part of my collar bone. I had to take 150 mci of radioactive I131 and sit in a leadlined, papercovered, saranwrapped room over Christmas while people sung carols to me outside my lead door. I was depressing and awful. But you'll deal with it, and once you get a handle on it (and you will) it will just be something you manage. Don't worry, you'll be just fine! Thyroids suck!

Been checking VodkaPundit nearly every day for months and have wondered why you weren't posting.

Though we've never met in the flesh I consider you a friend, and have worried about you during your absence.

Glad you're on the mend. I'll hoist to you a toast, a martini made with Crater Lake gin, before I have dinner tonight.

I was totally unaware of the health risks associated with hyperthyroidism.

I honestly thought that it was a disease responsible for producing our nation's largest professional wrestlers, and not much else.

Live and Learn.

Gabe Johnson

Grave's disease (despite the name) won't kill you, with treatment, as you know, but it will probably be a constant pain in the neck. Still, you can get better and you already have. Good luck in your rehab--we've missed your writing and look forward to your return in, we hope, a few months. Best of luck.

Steve,

What a bitch.

Unfortunately, I've been having some of the same symptoms the last few years: unexplained weight loss; and some different ones as well: constant abdominal pain.

Turns out that my original gastroenterologist undertreated me for gall bladder disease (cholelithiasis,) leading to Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis (RAP). Kind of painful, but treated with Dilaudid (hydromorphone, an absolutely outstanding Class II narcotic with unlimited abuse potential because its supposed to be even more fun than heroin) and not eating. Or drinking. Anything, even water. Painful as it was, the pain was episodic so I ended up going through narcotic withdrawal about once a month for the last several years.

Finally saw some different docs, and had a cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) and got better. For two months.

Turns out that my biliary and pancreatic ducts were damaged by the constant inflammation and developed strictures, with my biliary duct clogging up completely in mid-September, only a month after marrying the lovely, charming, and intelligent Sarah D.

It was the persistence of the lovely Sarah D. who prevailed upon me to seek effective treatment...and after several endoscopic surgical treatments I've actually started to regain some weight too: I'm up to 130 from 128, but its going to be some time before I get back to the 165-170 I normally carry on my slender 5'10" frame.

In the meantime, there has been permanent damage to my pancreas, and endoscopy isn't an option anymore for repair of my pancreatic duct(s), so I face more surgery and probably the loss of some of the irreplaceable pancreas.

Sucks, but I'm going to live~and I plan to live as well as I can: Sarah D. wasn't kidding when she recited the traditional "...in sickness and in health..." portion of our vows so I owe it to her just to get well so that we can have some time together not marred by the bizarre and monstrous person that she has had to live with as different drugs have been tried to control the pain. Most of them resulting in irrational and rage ridden behavior. Especially sucks as my stepdaughter's first memories of living with me are of an ogre with no redeeming social values whatsoever.

Our best to you, Melissa and your son as we share a holiday season that reminds me just how precious life, health and family are.

Anyway, you have been missed.

EW1(SG)

Steve, I came here from Little Green Footballs. I am so sorry that you're going through all of this. For what it's worth, I would opt for the I-131 ablation. It works pretty well, and if it does, you get to go off all the meds. Permanently. The biggest risk is that it will over correct (and Graves eventually usually burns out into hypothyroidism anyway) and you go on thyroid supplementation, which is much easier to handle, as a patient, as well as to treat.

Not that you need the opinion of an unknown poster, but I have shared patients with Dr. Henley and think you're being seen by the best in town.

And I promise to leave you the best spot by the door of the Monument Safeway. (As you can tell, I live in the Springs. The boyfriend lives on the Monument-Palmer Lake border, so that's our market of choice.)

Be well.

I spent 15 March to 28June in Cleveland Clinic with pancreatitis and organ failure. Got Last Rites 7 times. Missed my daughter's wedding due to coma. Lost 50 pounds and they sent me home w/ a walker I never used. Now back at work half-time but still like naps. Keep workin' it, I am. Only 13 ppd (pills per day) but was getting octreitide belly shots 3/day.

Keep the faith. You'll do better.

Steve -

Sorry to hear about your troubles. The "lifetime on meds thing"? Eh - I've been diabetic going on 40 years now. No big deal, you learn to accept what you've got, and get on with living your life.

I don't know what I've missed more - your writings, or those occasional pictures of your beautiful wife & son.

Hang in there, man. Glad to hear you're on your way back!

I found you via Robert's journal.

The kind of rage you mentioned here brought back memories of my cousin's early days with Graves Disease, before she'd been diagnosed. She was damned near irrational, and her wild behavior cost her a loving relationship of some nine years; he bailed because he just couldn't have his kids exposed to her temper tantrums. Graves Disease also affected her relationship with her own kids; one, once old enough, cut all ties and left the family.

My cousin has very little memory now of those rages, which went on for at least two years before the docs picked up on her hyperthyroidism. Until now, I didn't know that memory could be thus affected.

And the little anecdote I've posted here has a happy ending. Once her Graves Disease was under control (via oral medications), she found a wonderful man and got married. She is now level-headed and a great stepmother.

Kepp the faith, Steve. Controlling any endocrine disorder takes time for the adjustment of the treatment plan. It's hard for you to have patience right now, but know that hope for a good remission is strong.

Best wishes.

All the best to you and your family, Steve. Glad you're back and on the mend.

My cousin got the version of thyroid disease that you did, I got the opposite. I gained 60 pounds in about three months and then the world slowwwwwed down.

Now I take synthroid every day for the rest of my life, been doing it since 1996. Though the amount I take to give me enough is only .250 MCG compared to 300mg three times a day.

Steve.. best to you, as always! May you be tossing your son around in no time.

I'm sorry to hear about your condition, and I'm glad to hear its undercontrol and not anything worse. I've been Hypothyroid (the opposite of what you have) since I was 18, (thirty plus years ago) I don't think the "hypo" symptons are any where near as bad, but I'm on thyroid replacement the rest of my life.

I'm with the Canberra dude- welcome to the club! I got diagnosed hyperthyroid this past September, and it was like the plate-tectonics theory- it explained everything! My grandmother died in a mental institution with this, so I am grateful to be living in America in this time.

"Look at all thoe comments, and not a single jackass! You must be doing something right." I had the same thought. Someone who's never read Vodkapundit or heard of Stephen Green can learn all they need to know from the concern, admiration, and affection expressed in these comments.

So, of course, I add mine. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Stephen! I don't know when the next Rocky Mtn. Blogger Bash will be, but I hope you'll be there!

Welcome to the wild and wooly world of medicine, Mr. Green! It sure is nice to know that, although you will not have an "instant" recovery, you have a disease which is very treatable -- and there are other options for treatment that can be used if the first salvo comes up a bit short (including occasionally surgery, something with which I am all too familiar). It's great to hear you are on the road to recovery -- best of luck!

It's good to hear you're going to get back close to normal. Good luck, and we'll be here when you blog again.

Hello Steve,
I've never read your blogs, my husband does... I'm not much of a computer person, but I read your letter and all the responses. You must be an amazing person to make such an impact on so many people that haven't even met you!!
I, along with all the others, send all the best for you and your family.
Stay strong, think positive ....and have a Happy 2007!

Just want to add to the chorus: Good to hear you are on the way to recovery.

Be well!

I'm glad you're on the road to recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Stephen,

Like others, I'd figured you were just happily busy with family life. I'm sorry for your troubles. I'm glad the prognosis is good. I admire your optimism. Best wishes.

Those of us who have suffered thyroid problems (cancer, in my case) know that the medical system is not doing so great a job of identifying and supporting patients. I also recommend http://thyroid.about.com/. You should read Mary Shomon's book, it is excellent. She does cover all kinds of thyroid disorders in the book, so you may have to plow through a bit.

Yes, hang in there. These diseases are life-affecting, and you will indeed have to deal with the situation "forever". I have benefitted from a support group. Look around your area, and inquire about local groups.

Note that many of the people who suffer from thyroid issues are women. Men can get left behind in the diagnosis/support world, so you really have to be proactive.

Take care and keep in touch, I've enjoyed your blog in the past and hope to read more in the future.

I'm so sorry, Steve. You'll beat it, though (as much as the drugs will allow).

If you need someone to talk or vent to, feel free to drop a line. I was diagnosed with a very severe case of Hashimoto's hypothyroidism about three years ago - the opposite of what you have, but frustrating as heck nevertheless. I'm very glad you found help! It usually takes a few months for the medicine to really start working well...in the meantime, just take care of yourself and follow doctor's orders so you can get back to work here! ;)

Good luck. You'll be in my prayers. It really is an annoying, frustating illness, no matter which side of the crazy thyroid scale one happens to be on.

My prayers are with you and your family. You seem to have a good attitude, and that may be the key to your recovery.

Your insights have been missed.

I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday and a New Year that is better than the last.

Steve - My prayers are with you, you will be OK but it will take awhile. I also have grave's disease but fortunately (?) for me, I guess, I had bulging eyes that got me to the doctor before I reached the point you were at. My brother wasn't so fortunate, he has gone through exactly what you've gone through, we were seriously worried about him and thought his condition had developed into a permanent mental illness (didn't, thank goodness). He is well on his way to recovery; be patient with yourself and you will be OK.

My wife struggles with hyper-thyroid conditions mightily...although her thyroid issues do the exact opposite of what has happened to you.

Our hopes and prayers go out to you and your family. Take your drugs...you'll be OK. Then...once ya hit 150...have a nice Absolut martini...hold the vermouth...olive on the side. ;)

Steve

Get well - we need you, and much more importantly your family needs you. My prayers, for whatever it's worth, are with you and your loved ones. Take care.

Steve--Best wishes to you and your family. You'll get through this. My only piece of advice looks unnecessary: make sure you see an endocrinologist. I am hypothyroid (and I do have a small goiter) and my specialist got my synthroid dosage down pat quickly. My father had Graves' disease. They killed his thyroid but then it took his family doctor over a year to get his dosage up to the correct level--a year of fatigue and frustration. My only hiccup has been when my insurance switched me from Synthroid to a generic that wasn't absorbed as well. Watch out for that if you go down the iodine pill route.

Steve,
Heard about you on Atlas Shrugs blog. Hang in there, you are awesome and you're a hero. And your family (and country) needs you.

Thanks for sharing your story, it will help others and I will add you to my prayers.

All of us in the Enterprise, Ozark, and Dothan area wish you a big GET WELL SOON!

Steve,

I am one of your many readers over the years and you have been missed. May God Bless you and your family as you fight this disease. Your courage comes through your post. Thank you for sharing your ordeal, as you are an inspiration to all. Again may you and your family be strengthened and blessed.

Every day is precious, every breath a gift. Prayin for ya bro.

Blessings, Stephen. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

I missed you dearly and am so happy that you are back. This sounds like an horrible ordeal for such a healthy young man, make my heart surgery seem trivial. I am praying for your full recovery.

Steve,

So sorry to hear about your ordeal. Take care and get well!

Best wishes for a complete recovery. I just assumed you were enjoying your time with the wife and child in the real world too much to bother much with the virtual world. I'm sorry to hear of the challenges you've faced, but I'm sure you'll get through this. My wife has Lupus, and I remember well the frustration and worry we went through before we figured out what was wrong. In our experience it was just a relief to know that there was a medical cause for the problems that could be treated and managed. I hope that's your experience, too. Looking forward to reading you when you're back.

Dude, you have no idea how glad we all are that you've found an effective course of treatment. Best wishes, and happy holidays.

Best wishes, and God bless. We'll keep you and yours in our prayers.

Stephen,

It’s great to know that you are alive and fighting! I was worried.

I’ve been reading you religiously for +/- 3 years. After you “disappeared”, my twice daily visits slowed to once a day. Then ever other day. Then to a couple times a week. I wondered what the F was up, but I never lost faith.

I always believed you wouldn’t let your readers down, and you would explain it all when the time was right. Thank you for not letting us down.

I wish I could offer you some motivational words of insight and inspiration. I can’t.
But I can tell you why I keep coming back here, and why I hope you keep coming back here too.

I’ve never met a person who so closely thinks the way I think, believes in what I believe in, hates what I hate, and hopes the way I hope. And you put those feelings into words in a way I can only dream of.

I know that when it comes to things that really matter, you are one stubborn SOB. I hope you will apply that bulldog attitude to this illness, and let your thyroid know who is boss. I have faith that you and your brain will win this battle, like you have won so many intellectual wars in the past.

I see that you have kept your Amazon wish list up to date. For all the entertainment and enlightenment you have provided me, I’m sending you a couple of your selections. And I’m sending a few appropriate picks of my own too. Please don’t waste your energy getting pissed.

Hang in there, dude.

...and I thought you had just burned out.

Good to see that's not the case.

My stepfather also has thyroid problems. From what he's told me, the diagnosis was the big step- he thought that maybe he was going crazy, and it scared the hell out of him. He started taking medication for it a few years ago, and is now as normal as he's ever been.

Good luck.

Steve, thanks for this piece explaining your absense. I do hope you get better and maybe this piece will help others who might have the same problem.

I wonder if you felt any irony in the fact that you were being offered something radioactive to help cure you in the light of events in the UK with a certain Russian spy.

Take care and welcome back.

Glad you are recovering. My grandfather had similar problems in his forties before he was finally diagnosed. (my grandmother told me about it. It was before I was born)

He started to act very erratic. He got in his car and drove around town for 24 hours before my Dad and Uncle Max could get in the car, grab the wheel and turn off the engine.

They took him to the Mayo Clinic and he was treated. No more problems after that.

Speedy recovery, Stephen. You've been missed, but your family is much, much, much more important than your readership could ever be. Take care of yourself, take care of your family, and if you have anything left over after that, we'll still be here.

Wishing you well, of course.

For the spindly legs, I advise an exercise bike, or a stand you can put your existing bike into. I've got magnetoresistive rollers that I got from Specialized, and you can dial up the resistance to the point where it's not painful on a one-stroke basis, but it will build those muscles up. Of course, for that sort of thing you'll want to have a smooth back tire, or you'll wind up vibrating your ass into a sort of sleepy, tingly numbness. And not in a good way.

Best,

Slart

I suffered an overactive thryoid for 20 years before it was diagnosed.

Good luck, it can take up to 18mo for your thyroid to behave normally again.

My life has changed so much for the better and I'm very happy to have things normal...

Wow. I'm so glad you're getting effective treatment and that things are improving.

I had noticed your decreasing rate of posts and was gratified to see that you'd joined the Valour-IT fundraiser. Now knowing what you were dealing with, the fact that you managed to squeeze out that one last post means more than I can say. Thanks so much.

And here I thought you were just busy with the plans you told me about when we talked at the RenFest. Sorry to hear about your situation, and I hope it all works out for you.

I've got something that may be useful to you. If I can get it back from the person I lent it to, I'll get it sent out, although it won't make it in time for Christmas :-) I'm presuming you're still at the same address? Don't let this package sit around unopened for months like you did with the last one.

Steve - Sorry to hear you were so sick! The absence now explained. Good luck in your recovery. We'll all be here rooting for you! God Bless you and your family.

I'm sorry for your illness, Steve, and hope you a speedy recovery.

Hey Steve,

Sorry to hear about your thyroid problems. Being a survivor of thyroid cancer I can completely relate. As part of my treatment, I have had medically induced hypo and hyperthyroidism. I no longer have a thyroid and have done the radiation bit a few times. For me, the mood swings and being able to handle stress are my biggest challenges. Hang in there, brother. It will get better. If you ever need to chat with someone who has been there, feel free to drop me a line. Wishing you and yor family all the best.

I've missed you and am so sorry to hear about your illness. I'm praying for your speedy recovery.

I knew it was something serious. My prayers for you and you wife, Darling.

Steve-

Like most of us, I just figured you were deep in new-baby mode and would rejoin us when you got some regular sleep. It sounds like this has been a nightmare, and I'm really glad you're coming out of it.

"Insurance isn't going to pay for me to go to re-hab, much as I might need it."

Will you for heaven's sake put up a tip jar? I've wanted to contribute to VP for years, and contented myself with buying you stuff on your wishlist, but I don't see "physical therapy" there.

I don't know you, but you matter to lots of us. Let us help!

I've been reading your blog for years. I've also been wondering where you've been. Now I know. Take care, you are in my prayers.

And if your interested in a natural remedy for what ails you, try www.healthierbytheday.com , it can't hurt.

Not related to the site, but I am investigating.

jimboy

Yes, jimboy, what Stephen needs for his hyperthyroidism is a network marketing scheme.

If it's a "remedy," natural or otherwise, it will cure his hyperthyroidism. Mangosteen juice, despite the hype its proponents put out in order to get trusting people's hard-earned money, may have some interesting and promising properties in the area of antimicrobial function, but it's not going to do a darn thing for his thyroid.

Do you think for a second that if it was medically useful the evil big drug companies wouldn't be all over it? They exist to make money, just like network marketers. Only difference is that they are held to far higher standards of safety and efficacy. They are not perfect, but they are a hell of alot more reliable than those who are held to no standards at all.

I'm sure you mean well, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and anything that is effective will also have side effects.

Steve,
I didn't know why you were gone, but imagined the worst. I'm glad you're getting better, and that you stayed sane enough to keep your priorities straight - health, family, and, when you have time, the blog.
I second the suggestion above - put up a tip jar. I've paid good money for things that have meant less to me than some of your posts. I don't think I'm the only one who'd love to have a tangible way to express my appreciation.

Stephen, I thought it most likely that you simply had found blogging to be less fun than in days past, and thus had made the perfectly sensible decision to not do it any longer, or at least not very often. I'm so sorry to hear of your illness. Get better.

As somebody who damned near died as a result of ignoring medical advice for 15-plus years, because I saw myself as indestructible well into my 30s, I'm glad to hear you say that you have made an about-face regarding soliciting needed assistance. If you are anything like me (and I certainly don't know you well enough to make that assumption), you'd also do well to make an effort at something that I wasn't good at, which is listening better to people who love you.

Best wishes in the coming New Year.

All I can say is good luck, Steve...glad to hear things are turning around! And yes, put up a tip jar.
Pete

Steve,
I am so sorry to hear you have gone/are going through this, but I'm thankful you are getting to the bottom of it...take care of you, please!

Hey Steve.

116 pounds, eh. You know that'll get you banned from the runways in Madrid?

Sorry to hear, but glad you've got your recovery underway, and look forward to seeing you when you're feeling better.

BTW, people who park like that piss me off too. Sometimes, I'll write a little message in the dust on their back window, so they get to see it in their rear-view as they're driving off. If I'm close enough to home, I'll grab a bar of bath soap and use that as a "marker" -- can't hurt anything on a car with soap.

Holy Crap!!! I wondered where this blog went for awhile and I guess now I know. I'll just add my best wishes and prayers for you and your family along with everyone else.

Get Better SOON!!!
Josh

Yeesh! Glad to hear that you're on the mend! Best wishes!

*Very* glad to see you back and on the mend.

Two thoughts on your condition.
1. Thyroid problems can run in families. Everyone (and I do mean every single one of them)in my family have either Hypo or Hyper-thyroid. We now monitor our daughters for the disease as a result.

2. It took many years of trial and error to get myself straightened out. I finally found a doctor who emphasized the importance of taking the same prescribed medicine (Levothroid)at the same time everyday with a full glass of water and never ingest citrus juice within a few hours of taking the pill. (who knew? the devil was in the details) Hashimoto's is my problem. Really, it took 16 years. Ridiculous, when I think about it.

My sister's was Hyperththyroid and her doctor took her off her meds to see if she needed them. The rage you so well described was identical to hers. She was a lunatic! Her weight plummeted and she had to beg her doctor to put her back on.

All the best to you and your wife. I hope 2007 is gentler to you.

Hi Steve,

There's a homeopathic physician in Irvine, California (Orange County) right next to the John Wayne Airport. who can cure your hyperthyroidism. People fly to see him from all over the world - you can too. The school web site is www.hahnemannian.com. He is the only institutionally trained homeopathic medical doctor in America, and he has been my family doctor, and only doctor, for over 25 years. You're too young to have this diagnosis on you for life so I hope you're interested in an alternative to allopathic medicine, which is all about ever-increasing treatment, drugs and surgery, and nothing at all about cure.

Best of luck to you.

Patty Nottoli

Get well soon … the ‘net has been damn boring and very unstylish without you. Get that swagger back in your step and we’ll see you then.

Steve, I am so glad you are back in "the fold" - I really have missed the snark. It is so damn good that you can medicate this thing. I know the pills will be a pain in the ass but, that little one needs you my good man and your lovely wife does too.

Welcome back man!!!

I figured something was wrong when the Cards won the Series and you didn't celebrate that small miracle. Stay strong in your path to recovery knowing that you have the support of thousands of strangers that you have never met but whose lives you enriched every day. Keep fighting, Steve -- as my Dad always told me: There is no finish line. Best of luck.

Steve,

Good to know you are on the mend. Don't give up or give in. My husband was diagnosed w/Graves Disease years ago...he actually went into remission. Rare but true. I have MS and every day can be a challenge. Take it one step at a time one day at a time. Corny and cliche but good advice.

Enjoy the holidays, your family...your life.

Get well soon, my friend. My best friend went through this a couple years back, so I know what you're going through. It was a nasty ordeal that culminated with his having to eat radioactive iodine and live my himself for 3 days so he wouldn't irradiate anyone. Now, however, he leads a perfectly normal life except for the fact that he has to take pills.

Take care.

Glad to hear you're still alive and on the mend. I've enjoyed the blog a lot (drunk blogging/commenting on State of the Union speeches was fun) but this blog should be at the bottom of the priority list -- just get healthy again.

And let's hope hyperthyroidism doesn't become the chic new way to loose weight.

Steve, I've been out of the fray for awhile and just stumbled upon news of your health challenges. I wish you well and am happy to hear you are taking care of yourself.

We'll hist a martini to you and wish you a speedy recovery.

VP,

Like many, I've checked your site frequently the past few months, hoping you'd pop in with a post. I'm terribly sorry to hear what's been keeping you away from the blog, but glad you're able to deal with it. Wish you the all the best.

Cheers,
Brendan

Glad to hear that you are doing and getting better. You've been missed.

Oh god, Steve. I'm so sorry! Losing your health gradually can be a lead-piped bear.

I did it last year with cardio problems - but at least I didn't have to deal with the rage that you did. Lethargy was my problem - barely enough energy to go to work.

Thank god for hospitals. They can get you fixed up, but yeah. It's being on meds for the rest of your life.

VP,

I'm sorry you've been so sick. You're my favorite blogger. I hope you feel like a million bucks in the not-too-distant future.

We love ya babe! Just let us know if there is anything we can do for you. I have a buddy with hyperthyroidism, not nearly as severe, but he has had heart problems along with the thyroid condition. We are here for you and whatever you need, please let us know what we can do, even if it's just a little chill time with or without P.G.

My prayers for you in this difficult time. Take care of yourself and blog when you're ready. Everyone has been worried about you, so thanks for sharing your story. BTW, my mother has had Graves Disease for years and she's 87 years old!

Damn. Makes me feel pretty selfish after these months of wondering where in the hell you had gone...

Good luck.

Do take care of yourself and you have my best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Saw your photo with your mother. You are extemely handsome!!!! You obviously take after your mother. She also tells me you are nice and BIG!! Me Likey Likey!!!

My prayers are with you; glad to hear from you, and thanks for the work you have put in blogging. I sincerely hope to be reading you again when you are ready.

Great to have you back--and thank you for letting us know what has been happening. Your inimitable voice has been missed; somehow I just assumed you'd had enough of blogging. May your health and spirits be fully restored soon and '07 be a year of growth and happiness.