Graves' disease affects the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and other body functions. As a result of Graves' disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid, causing overproduction of thyroid hormones, which can result in symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, tremors, heat sensitivity, eye problems, etc.
If you have Graves’ disease, you might be looking for a better way to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. Direct primary care (DPC) is an option you may want to consider, as it gives you direct access to your primary care provider without the hassle of insurance companies, copays, and deductibles.
As a member of direct primary care, you pay your primary care provider a monthly or annual fee in exchange for unlimited access to their services, such as consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab tests. Additionally, your provider will be able to spend more time with you and address your specific needs and goals during longer and more personalized visits.
DPC can help you manage your Graves’ disease in several ways, such as:
Get the care you need when you need it, without having to wait for appointments or referrals. You can reach your provider anytime via phone, email, or video chat.
Providing you with a holistic and preventive approach to your health, focusing on your overall wellness, not just your symptoms. Changing your lifestyle can improve your thyroid function and reduce your risk of complications, including diet, exercise, stress management, and more.
You save money by eliminating insurance billing, copays, deductibles, and other fees. You also get access to discounted medications, imaging, and specialty care.
As a Graves’ disease patient, you may benefit from DPC in several ways, such as:
It is important to have a long-term relationship with your provider who knows you well and your medical history, and who can provide you with personalized and consistent care.
With more control and flexibility, you can choose the provider and treatment plan that works best for you and your condition without worrying about restrictions, prior authorizations, or network limitations.
Peace of mind and satisfaction with your health care, knowing that you have a provider who cares about you and your well-being.
It is advisable to look for a provider who has experience and expertise in treating thyroid disorders, as well as one who can provide you with a comprehensive and customized plan of care if you are interested in DPC for Graves' disease management. In order to manage your condition, your provider may use a combination of methods, including:
Medications: Your provider may prescribe you antithyroid drugs, beta blockers, or other medications to control your thyroid hormone levels and relieve your symptoms. Based on your lab results and feedback, your provider may adjust your medication dosage as needed.
If your provider recommends radioactive iodine therapy, it destroys overactive thyroid cells and reduces the size of your thyroid gland. By doing this, you can prevent further complications and achieve a normal thyroid hormone level.
If you have a large goiter, eye problems, or severe symptoms that do not respond to other treatments, your provider may suggest surgery to remove part or all of your thyroid gland. You can also prevent further complications if you achieve a normal thyroid hormone level.
In order to replace the hormone your thyroid gland is unable to produce, your provider may prescribe you synthetic thyroid hormone pills. By doing so, you can prevent hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by low thyroid hormone, and maintain a normal thyroid hormone level.
To support your thyroid health and improve your overall well-being, your provider may advise you to change your diet, exercise, stress management, and other aspects of your lifestyle. You may be able to boost your thyroid function by eating foods high in iodine, selenium, zinc, and other essential nutrients. It may also be beneficial for you to avoid foods such as soy, gluten, and cruciferous vegetables that may interfere with thyroid function. You may also benefit from doing regular physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
As Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” By choosing DPC for your Graves’ disease management, you can experience a new and better way of health care, tailored to your needs and preferences, and which can help you achieve optimal health and wellness.
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