Graves - Emotional problems, diagnosis?

[Jacqueline55]

My friend has been physically and emotionally changing over the past 6 years.  Her physical symptoms are bulging eyes, weight gain, enlarged neck (looks like she has 3 chins) she is hunched over, and has trouble walking, bowlegged.  She is only 34 years old and the change in unbelievable!  Her moods swings have become horrible.  She is always accusing others of things, she is never wrong, and she has become very paranoid.  She also has a very short temper,especially when it comes to her little girls ( 6 and 8).  I am very concerned for her and have talked to a friend who is an MD and they said without a doubt it is Graves disease.  This MD has not met her, though says she needs to see a doctor asap!  She also mentioned to me that she should not be caring for young children as the episodes I described to her demonstrated her emotional state.  My question is...can someone tell (as this doctor has) without a doubt with a list of physical symptoms that she does indeed have graves?  I have read a lot of information and that this can be a life threatening disease if untreated?  If so, how can you get someone help who does not want it and will not go to the doctor?  I am also concerned for the children and want to make sure they are not harmed....
Is this graves?  Can this be any other thyroid disease?  Are most thyroid diseases connected with emotional instability?

[redheadaussie]

Best thing I can think of is get some printed information on the Graves and give it to her to read. She  may realise she has a lot of the same symptoms and go to the doctor. Maybe you can sit with her and talk to her in a quiet time with the printed info and have a chat to her that you feel very worried for her.
Can't make a horse go to water and drink as they say but you may just find she might pay attention and go to the doctor.
Cheers

[cbread]

it sounds probable that it is graves (or that she is suffering from Hyperthyroidism) but she needs a blood test to confirm.  The doctor wouldn't do anything without that...

[KD9ER]

Actually most Thyroid Diseases have the emotional side to them.  That's why we all feel so isolated.  It's like the whole world can control their body's and we can't.  I'm not an expert on Graves, but I've been around people with it and severe cases none-the-less.  Sounds a lot like Graves, but does she have any family, like a husband who could take her to the doctor?  I know most doctors tell Graves patients not to get upset because that can cause a huge spiral of disaster and it only puts their health one step closer to the end.  But I also know with proper care and treatment the outlook isn't as bad.  

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Bump for another member who either has this or knows more.