Book Description

From patient advocate and author of Living Well with Hypothyroidism Mary J. Shomon, here is a holistic roadmap for diagnosis, treatment and recovery for the millions of people suffering from Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism.

Customer Reviews (12)

A Must-Read for Graves Patients
I was diagnosed in June 2007 with hyperthyroidism/Graves disease.I immediately started researching, reading everything I could get my hands on.Mary Shoman is a leading patient advocate when it comes to thyroid disease and she is very knowledgable.This book helped educate me about my disease and helped me to know what questions to ask my endocrinologist so that I would have a better understanding of graves disease and how to best treat it.I had my throid removed in November 2007 and now am on thyroid replacement hormone because now I'm hypoththyroid.I bought Mary Shoman's book on hypothyroidism as well as The Thyroid Diet.If you or someone you love has graves disease, I would highly recommend this book.

Living Well With Hyperthyroidism Review
Was a bit disappointed with this book as the content does not cover a whole lot on "living well". This book is more for people who suspect they might have hyperthyroidism and would like to know more about it or who have been recently diagnosed but know little about it. If you are like me and have had this condition for quite sometime, then you already know the signs, symptoms and typical treatments which can all be found for free on the internet. What I had hoped it would cover were in-depth methods on how to control hyperthyroidism using alternative methods. It barely touches the surface. There is a section on the Johnson Nutritional Protocol and the theory of hyperthyroidism being a nutritional disease. Again, better off going to the ithyroid website for free to read about this. I also agree with another reviewer - too much information on hypothyroidism in a hyperthyroidism book.

Very Informative
I gave this book as a gift to a friend who
was recently diagnosed with Graves.She told
me it is saving her from having tons of Med's,
surgery, or radiation.She is so glad I gave
it to her and she is feeling so much better.
Her doctor was shocked at how much better she
looked just 5 weeks after her being in horrible
pain and exhausted.

Helpful information
I found Mary Shomon's book to be very helpful in trying to understand Graves' Disease and hyperthyroidism.The book is written in easy to understand terms, and is a wealth of information when faced with diagnosis and treatment options.It is a comprehensive resource for thyroid patients.

Informative, but...
I found an error in this book which makes me a little nervous about it's editing if not the entire content.On one page it specifically says that bugleweed is NOT indicated for hyperthyroidism when in fact it is one of the FEW alternative remedies that works for hyper's versus hypo's.I bought this book because of the lack of coverage for people with hyperactive thyroid so this was very annoying.

Other than that, most of this info is available on the internet free of charge. ... Read more

Book Description
"Graves' Disease, In Our Own Words" takes the reader on a unique journey through the disease's many complexities. Personal accounts offer insights into both the physical and emotional sides of Graves'. Both the experts and other Graves' patients try to validate these feelings with articles on diagnosis, treatment, and healthful living with Graves' disease (hyperactive thyroid). Over eighteen top Endocrinologists, pharmacists and other experts on Graves' disease, make the information in this book, accurate and up to date with the latest information on Graves' disease and its treatments.

Over seven years of research on common questions asked, and answers provided by the National Graves' Disease Foundation's board of medical advisors, trained facilitators, as well as answers from the top Endocrinologists, at the major medical and teaching hospitals, ensures what is provided is medically accurate, and is often done in a layperson's terms so it is understandable by those with no or little medical understanding.

The authors contacted the medical professionals for a full edit when they wrote the chapters to ensure that the information was correct and current and what was on the cutting edge for treatment of Graves' disease.

A full bibliography and recommended reading list is provided to help newly diagnosed find accurate information on Graves' disease.Unfortunately recent studies show that a full 80% of medical related web sites provide wrong or inaccurate information."Graves' Disease In Our Own Words", takes the worry out of finding reputable, and medically reliable information.

At the last American Thyroid Association meeting, they provided a lecture on information and misinformation on thyroid disease. The lecture was titled "The Good The Bad And The Ugly" The National Graves' Disease Foundation was listed as one of the best sources of information for Graves' disease.The National Graves' Disease Foundation, and their medical board of advisors fully endorse this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Light Reading
This book is fairly light reading.It would not satisfy those who desire more technical information.A large part of this book attempts to connect the reader to the personal experiences of fellow patients.

A Disappointment
Graves' Disease In Our Own Words, by Jake George and Nancy Patterson, was a disappointment. I expected a great deal more. I hoped that a book endorsed by a national organization on Graves' disease would provide fairly up-to-date information, but this book has outdated information, and a number of weak and scanty sections.

Overall, it left me with more questions than answers, and even contradicted information I've received from my endocrinologist, who is considered top in his field.

I'd suggest Ridha Arem's Thyroid Solution, Elaine Moore's book on Graves' disease, or Sara Rosenthal's books before I'd recommend this one to others.

another kind of bias
Jake did a fairly lousy job in this book which contains many of wrong information. He went into the other extreme of bias from that of Elaine Moore in her book Graves Disease: a practical guide. While Elaine tends to promote ATD for long time use to achieve remission, Jake tends to lead all patients into radical treatment such as RAI and surgery.

Many clinical trials have pointed out that ATD has modest rate of remission rate for Graves. However, Jake tends to ignore the current medical finding in his book. Instead, he tends to use some out of dated information about remission rate with ATD, which might completely dismiss the hope for remission on ATD. This kind of bias might lead patient to choose radical treatment for Graves from very beginning. Though clinical studies have shown safety of RAI and surgery, non-invasive treatment should always be promoted first.

Personally, I would recommand neither Jake George's book nor Elain Moore's book to any of Graves patients thought Jake did a a bit better job than Elaine. Instead, I would suggest whoever had a diagnosis of Graves to search in Medline for more accurate information for treatment of Graves.

Saved me mountains of worry!!
After being diagnosed with GD my doctor wanted to immediately perform RAI although I didn't have an enlarged gland. I knew nothing about the disease and was scared. My intuition told me there may be another way. This book taught me all I needed to know and gave me the insight and courage to persuade my doctor to let me try PTU first. In Our Own Words confirmed from the start that aggressive treatment wasn't always necessary. I took PTU for only 3 months and responded so well I am now in remission. However, I learned from the book the serious nature of GD and how to work closely with the doctor and lab results. IT's an on going journey. This book served as an important first navagational tool. An update on my condition 6/25/04: I had a recurrance of all hyper symptoms after only one month remmission. I opted to try PTU again, still with good results in bringing down my T4 but I'm constatantly juggling the dose. I still sense this is the way to go for me, but I get discouraged. Iwill look at some of the other suggested books on the subject.

Very helpful and informative!
I have Graves disease. Having said that, I decided to read absolutely everything I could find that has been written about this disease.The other books I read presented the technical and medical information very well. This book presented not only that technical information in a very understandable way, but it also presented information regarding the impact(other than on the body) that this disease can have. This extra information is what sets this book apart. When I told my endocrinologist thatsomeone should write a book solely about Graves disease, he said, "why? It is a very straightforward disease."Wrong! This disease is not straightforward at all! (I am going to send my copy of this book to him!) This book is very very helpful! Thank you! ... Read more

Product Description
The only educational resource and guide for patients with Graves' Ophthalmopathy, an inflammatory eye disorder that often precedes, accompanies, or follows autoimmune thyroid disease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Helpful in my understanding.
This book helped me understand what was happening to my eyes.It would have been nice if it was in bigger letters though.

Great information on Graves Eye Disease!
I too have been recently diagnosed with Graves eye disease and was left very frustrated as to what I could do to help after leaving an opthamologist's office that supposedly specialized in this.This book lists things we can do to help this condition and stop aggravating - my Dr. didn't tell me to quit using Visine among numerous things.I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for answers and ways to be proactive in their own treatment.

Excellent!
Very good book about the mysteries of Graves & that pesky thyroid. Easy to understand, with lots of alternative therapies and tips for making life with Graves eye disease easier. The stories of actual patients were very moving...Highly recommended!

So Helpful!
This book was very helpful to me as a newly diagnosed patient with Graves Ophthalmopathy. I had so many unanswered questions after my dr's appointment and sitting down to read this book really helped me out. I learned many ways to help myself and whether or not my dr was doing all he could. I would highly recommend this book to others who have questions or just want to learn more.

Thyroid Eye Disease: Understanding Graves' Opthalmopathy
This book is by far the most comprehensive, and yet understandable for the patient, that I have read on this topic.It has been invaluable to prepare me not only for communicating with my ophthamologist, but also for identifying complementary approaches that have greatly relieved my symptoms.The book serves as an important guide as my disease progresses which allows me to handle each difficult symptom intelligently.Wouldn't be without it! ... Read more

Book Description
Graves' Disease, a common form of hyperthyroidism characterized by a goiter and often a slight protrusion of the eyeballs, currently affects approximately 200 million people worldwide, three million in the United States alone. This work addresses both typical and special concerns of patients with Graves' Disease, discusses its association with related autoimmune disorders, and emphasizes the patient's role in the healing process. Included are chapters with basic information on the disease, the thyroid and its hormones, Graves' ophthalmopathy, dermopathy, and acropachy, the diagnosis of GD, autoantibodies and autoimmune diseases associated with it, genetic and nongenetic influences, allopathic treatments, alternative medicine, special considerations in pregnant women, children, and teens, hyperthyroidism associated with GD, anecdotes and testimony of patients, and resources for further information. A list of medical acronyms and a glossary of medical terms is included ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Graves Disease: A Practical Guide, by E. Moore
This book is fantastic.It is not a watered down, pandering talk about the subject, but it is a good source of knowledge.I wish my endocrinologist knew this much about the topic of Graves Disease.It is a bit advanced in some places, but many terms are defined and the author assumes that the reader is motivated, but not a medical student.You will probably have to spend some time memorizing terms and looking up some information for complete understanding, but it is all here.

The author also discribes current, past, and also nontraditional treatments and solutions to Graves Disease.There are good chapters and paragraphs that introduce information in a simple and practical way, but there are also chapters with all the details and confusing terminology that will frustrate some readers.I believe that no matter what your level of medical understanding, you will get something of value out of this book.It has definitely given me confidence and hope, especially since I do not trust the doctors who say it is easiest to simply irradiate the thyroid and take a pill a day for the rest of your life... I don't think anything is THAT EASY... This book discusses other options.Check it out-- you owe it to your thyroid.Scotty/Sioux City

Interested in the nitty-gritty technical details?
Excellent information.Extremely technical. Not easy to read and understand for the lay person.

Need a translator
I am disappointed in this book mainly because it is so technical and hard to read.The reviews made it sound like it was easy to read, that is one of the reasons I bought it.But, even with a bachelors of science degree, I am having a very hard time getting much out of it.Being thorough is one thing, but it reads like a medical text book with no explanations.If you are in medical school or a practicing physician, you may be able to understand this, but sadly for me, it is way over my head.

An excellent resource for Graves' patients
As a fellow author of books on thyroid disease, I'm impressed with the breadth and depth of this book. Elaine raises interesting questions about Graves' treatments, and this book has helped to shape more debate and analysis about treatment options. An excellent companion book to this title is another book for Graves' patients by Elaine Moore: Thyroid Eye Disease: Understanding Graves' Ophthalmopathy, available on Amazon, too!I'm delighted that it's now possible for Graves' patients to have a more complete home library through Elaine's work.

M. Sara Rosenthal, Ph.D.
Author of The Complete Thyroid Book (co-authored by Kenneth Ain, M.D.), The Thyroid Sourcebook, The Thyroid Sourcebook for Women, The Hypothyroid Sourcebook, and The Thyroid Cancer Book

Graves Disease: A Practical Guide
This book is an excellent resource - well researched and comprehensive.Moore provides a detailed and understandable tour of the thyroid in relation to grave's, as well as a thorough review of treatment options and considerations.Grave's Disease: A Practical Guide is a must read for anyone coping with this illness. ... Read more

Book Description
A book of helpl for people with Graves' disease and the people who live with them.You will learn about many people's stories who live with Graves' disease, about Graves' disease, about standard and alternative treatments, and how to find help.

A must buy book for endocrinologists, Graves' patients, and their loved ones. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

a valuable PART of the graves patient's library
This is NOT THE ONLY BOOK a graves patient should have in their library. This is ONLY ONE perspective and to truly get the best treatment, I think it's important to consider all treatment measures before making the best decisions. This book covers the struggles the patient has to go through and it covers the fact that there are OPTIONS... it's not a cut and dry experience. It also covers traditional vs. alternative methods. BUT the reader must understand Graves is DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE and this book doesn't mean that alternative is the way to go or not to go... it's just a perspective in Graves Treatment from a patient's point of view. It does provide info based on experience and for many Graves patients it provides relief from the "I AM THE ONLY ONE" syndrome. But I would also recommend purchasing medical books, books that cover both eastern, western, traditional AND non-traditional methods of treatment.

The author clarifies a misconception.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to dialogue about my book and respond to reader comments. Specifically, I would like to address the misconception that my book offers a "cure" for Graves' disease. I am a 50 year-old woman who after years of misdiagnosis was finally diagnosed in 1991 with Graves' disease and Hashimoto's (chronic hypothyroidism and an autoimmune disease).I received standard U.S. treatment, radioactive iodine.To my dismay, this did not make me "better".I grew to understand that healing takes time and calls for a look at causes and not just the alleviation of symptoms.I stopped looking for a quick fix-there is no quick fix for chronic illness.Dr. Christiane Northrup says, "There is a difference between healing and curing.Healing is a natural process and is within the power of everyone.Curing, which is what doctors are called upon to do, usually consists of an external treatment and medication or surgery is used to mask or eliminate symptoms.This external treatment doesn't necessarily address the factors that contribute to the symptoms in the first place.Healing goes deeper than curing and must always come from within." I wrote this book as a part of my healing journey. It is a book I wish had existed when I was first diagnosed, feeling so vulnerable, overwhelmed, confused and alone. In my book, I explain Graves', offer practical tips on locating physicians and managing one's health care as well as address the many complementary therapies and offer help in finding practitioners.My hope is that my book will help others in their quest for wellness, their healing journey.

Healing Options
I bought this book in an attempt to learn more about new options in Grave's treatments.I assumed by the title of the book, that Ms. Flax found a way of conquering Graves. Unfortunately "Healing Options" tells the story of her continual struggle with Graves.While it is a true representation of a chronic illness, it is neither an uplifting or comforting story. Ms. Flax covers the current Western methods of treatment. She does this by offeringexamples that illustrate the downside of each treatment.It is difficult to accept the alternative treatment methods she promotes (i.e.: massage, herbs, meditation).She was not originally treated with any of these methods and it is uncertain whether her outcome would have been better or worse. For me, the valuable information Ms. Flax provides is over-shadowed by her depressing and sad biographical narrative.

Healing Options: A Report On Graves' Disease Treatments
I highly recommend it to individuals with Graves' disease as well as their family members, health care givers, and therapists. Having recently been diagnosed with Graves' disease I found the book very informative andhelpful.Giving a list of the symptoms as well as the different types oftreatment for Graves' and actual stories of those with the disease. Specifically, the author.Especially since my doctor didn't provide mewith any information.It explained muscle weakness as well as othersymptoms/side effects of Graves' disease.

Healing Options:A Report of Graves' Disease Treatments
Kate Flax's informative book covers all aspects of Graves' Disease,from its onset, through treatment choices, to living the rest of your life as fully as possible.The main thrust of the book, for me, was that theresponsibility for successful healing lies mainly in the control of thepatient.It is up to the patient to find out about all the possibilitesfor healing and to then make as informed a choice as possible.This booknot only helps sort out all of the medical mumbo jumbo, but it also isextremely helpful in dealing with the emotional ramifications of thisdiagnosis.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description
"Life Manual for Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroid" is dedicated to people suffering from Graves' Disease or Hyperthyroidism. It represents a new, revolutionary approach for treating an "incurable" disease like Graves' Disease. The book is written by a former patient and a psychologist and reconsiders factors like life style, emotions and affection, psychological characteristics for the onset of this disease. It is the only book of that kind that offers practical exercises, alternative methods for healing and natural ways to overcome the debilitating symptoms of Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroid. ... Read more

Book Description
This is a 3-in-1 reference book. It gives a complete medical dictionary covering hundreds of terms and expressions relating to Graves' disease. It also gives extensive lists of bibliographic citations. Finally, it provides information to users on how to update their knowledge using various Internet resources. The book is designed for physicians, medical students preparing for Board examinations, medical researchers, and patients who want to become familiar with research dedicated to Graves' disease.If your time is valuable, this book is for you. First, you will not waste time searching the Internet while missing a lot of relevant information. Second, the book also saves you time indexing and defining entries. Finally, you will not waste time and money printing hundreds of web pages.Download Description
This is a 3-in-1 reference book. It gives a complete medical dictionary covering hundreds of terms and expressions relating to Graves' disease. It also gives extensive lists of bibliographic citations. Finally, it provides information to users on how to update their knowledge using various Internet resources. The book is designed for physicians, medical students preparing for Board examinations, medical researchers, and patients who want to become familiar with research dedicated to Graves' disease. If your time is valuable, this book is for you. First, you will not waste time searching the Internet while missing a lot of relevant information. Second, the book also saves you time indexing and defining entries. Finally, you will not waste time and money printing hundreds of web pages. ... Read more

Book Description
From the perspective of the investigator, Graves' disease is afascinating disorder with unique features and opportunities for study.The discovery in 1956 that Graves' disease was caused by a humoralfactor, later shown to be an antibody to the TSH receptor, was atriumph for modern investigative medicine. Rapid progress is now beingmade in (i) understanding the molecular interaction betweenautoantibodies and the TSH receptor, (ii) identifying the genes thatcontribute to the predisposition to disease, (iii) developing ananimal model of Graves' disease, and (iv) identifying the long-soughtorbital antigen in ophthalmopathy. From the clinical standpoint,although Graves' disease is eminently treatable, there is nodefinitive cure. None of the therapeutic options are ideal. It ishoped that rapid progress in understanding the pathogenesis of thedisease will lead to the ultimate goal of some form of immunotherapythat will make antithyroid drugs, radioiodine and thyroidectomyobsolete. The chapters in Graves' Disease: Pathogenesis and Treatmentrepresent the viewpoints of many prominent clinicians andinvestigators working in the field. The editors are grateful for theircontributions which cover an unusually comprehensive compendium ofsubjects relating to the disease. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Internal Medicine News, published by Thomson Gale on July 1, 2005. The length of the article is 545 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Graves' eye disease uncommon after radioiodine.(Endocrinology)
Author: Miriam E. Tucker
Publication: Internal Medicine News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 38Issue: 13Page: 28(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Skin & Allergy News, published by International Medical News Group on July 1, 2003. The length of the article is 3208 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Smoking may boost dermopathy risk in Graves' disease. (Small Study).(Brief Article)
Author: Betsy Bates
Publication: Skin & Allergy News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2003
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 34Issue: 7Page: 53(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Family Practice News, published by Thomson Gale on April 15, 2006. The length of the article is 437 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Thyroidectomy safer than realized for grave's disease.(Metabolic Disorders)
Author: Mary Ann Moon
Publication: Family Practice News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 15, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 36Issue: 8Page: 23(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Medical Laboratory Observer, published by Thomson Gale on May 1, 2006. The length of the article is 4175 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Critical issues on Graves' ophthalmopathy.(AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE)(Cover story)
Author: Roberto Rocchi
Publication: Medical Laboratory Observer (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 38Issue: 5Page: 10(7)

Article Type: Cover story

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Ear, Nose and Throat Journal, published by Thomson Gale on November 1, 2007. The length of the article is 701 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland (Graves' disease).(PATHOLOGY CLINIC)(Clinical report)
Author: Lester D.R. Thompson
Publication: Ear, Nose and Throat Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 86Issue: 11Page: 666(2)

Article Type: Clinical report

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Internal Medicine News, published by International Medical News Group on December 1, 2004. The length of the article is 671 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Loss of motility predicts vision loss in Graves'.(Endocrinology)
Author: Bruce Jancin
Publication: Internal Medicine News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 2004
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 37Issue: 23Page: 35(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Southern Medical Journal, published by Thomson Gale on March 1, 2006. The length of the article is 1784 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Celiac disease occurring in a patient with hypoparathyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease.(Case Report)
Author: Hasnain M. Khandwala
Publication: Southern Medical Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 99Issue: 3Page: 290(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Family Practice News, published by International Medical News Group on April 1, 2004. The length of the article is 439 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Improved therapies available for Graves' ophthalmopathy: follow-up of adjunctive IV steroids.(Clinical Rounds)
Author: Damian McNamara
Publication: Family Practice News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2004
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 34Issue: 7Page: 39(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more