Staying Positive and Eliminating Stress

Since being diagnosed with TED, I have had 2 additional flare ups. It seemed just when I started getting my confidence back, I got knocked back down again.
I’ve had Tepezza treatment more than once and strabismus surgery in between.

No thyroid eye disease treatments help

This all started in 2022. The continuous inquiries from, "What happened to your eyes," to the now, "How are your eyes," absolutely make me cringe. I know people mean well, but I don’t want the reminder. I just want to enjoy life and move forward. However, even as I type this, my eyes are feeling extremely dry and I fear a fourth flare up with no idea how I will get through without treatment, since doctors are at a loss.

Therapy and volunteering are good medicine

Throughout all this I felt myself sinking into depression and I have seriously lost confidence. So, I started seeing a counselor who helped me put things in perspective and learn tools for coping with stress. Against my husband's wishes, I became president of the Auxiliary and put more stress on myself. But I needed it for me. I needed something for myself, to make me feel good about me.

I also volunteer, sharing my experience with others and helping them feel less alone.

TED doesn’t have me anymore

This has helped me by putting good karma into the world and being more positive. It has helped me gain confidence no matter what TED has done or what may come. Every day feels like it could be a battle. It doesn't have to be.