Graves disease is an immune system disorder that causes overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). It is the most common form of hyperthyroidism in the United States – affects about 1 in 200 people – and women are seven to eight times more likely to develop the condition.

To raise awareness, the three-time Olympic athlete, Gail Devers, shares her experience with a diagnosis. Devers knows firsthand the difficulties of standing up for yourself. She also understands the power of getting answers so you can get your life back on track. She hopes that with accurate information and quality care, others with Graves’ disease will be empowered.

I was already a record breaking competitive athlete when I was in college at UCLA. When I was 19 years old, I broke the American record for the 100 meter hurdles. I was on my way to the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, and it was expected of me victory. This was my moment to shine – but the bottom fell out.

I’ve never done worse than in this Olympic semi-final. I ran more slowly than when I first attempted the 100 meter hurdle. I didn’t even qualify. Instead of staying in South Korea, I flew home completely defeated.

When I came back, my health continued to deteriorate. I was chronically tired. I have had regular migraines and have lost a lot of weight. My hair fell out in clumps and my fingernails became brittle. I also had problems with my eyes. They were painful, bulging, irritated and dry – I couldn’t quite close them in my sleep.

On a shopping spree, I looked in the mirror and was amazed at how baggy the clothes looked on my little frame. I knew something was wrong, but doctor after doctor told me my symptoms were from my intense athletic training. I kept hearing: “Because you train too hard.”

If I’m being honest I felt like I was going crazy. I started to think I was just a washed-off athlete, but I looked in the mirror at my thinning hair and dark circles under my eyes. I knew I didn’t make it up. Something was wrong.

My sporting career came to a standstill. I felt like I had no idea who I was anymore. I covered the mirrors in my house because I couldn’t bear to look at myself. When I met up with my friends, they would ask if I was on drugs. To avoid her questions, I never left the house. I stayed inside for two and a half years, completely depressed.

The long-awaited answer – and more questions

One day an old team doctor came to see me. I thought we were catching up, but she started examining me. “There is a serious problem with your thyroid,” she told me after putting down her stethoscope. I had never heard of a thyroid gland, but it encouraged me to see a specialist. When I came to his office two days later, he said, “I can only tell from your look that you have Graves’ disease.”

After over two years, I finally had a name for my symptoms. Still, I had no idea what Graves’ disease was – or what a thyroid gland was. I learned very quickly: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. It produces hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) that have a huge impact on overall health. Graves disease is a form of hyperthyroidism, which means that the thyroid gland makes too much thyroxine. When that happens it can lead to all of the symptoms that I have been experiencing.

Now that I finally got a diagnosis, I started taking medication every day and my symptoms drastically subsided. It was almost unbelievable. I’ll be on medication for the rest of my life, but it’s a small price to pay. I finally had enough stamina to start training again.

A big comeback

I spent two and a half years after my diagnosis making my life old again. I started going out to visit my friends. I started working out with my trainer and slowly regaining the speed I had lost. At some point I started visualizing myself at the Olympics. When I got there in 1992, I didn’t waver.

Even though I qualified, I wasn’t supposed to win. If you are expected to win, you will be placed on lanes four, five, or six. I was on lane two. But something unbelievable happened: me did Victory. After crossing the finish line, I drove another lap – a winning lap. At some point while I was walking, one of the cameramen shouted to me: “Slow down and enjoy the moment!” But I was enjoy the moment. I knew exactly what it was like to have all of this taken from me. I didn’t take a single step for granted. Even now, when I think back to that moment, I visualize it in slow motion. It meant so much to me.

Profit advice

Graves’ disease turned my world upside down, and it wasn’t right again until I got a proper diagnosis. That’s why I recommend speaking to an endocrinologist for anyone who is chronically tired, has regular migraines, or is losing their hair. I also tell people to focus on your eye health when you are at risk for Graves Disease. Up to 50 percent of people with Graves will develop thyroid and eye disease (TED), a separate but related condition that requires additional care.

I have been living with and coping with my illness for more than 30 years. But in all these years not a single doctor mentioned that my eye symptoms were separate from Graves’ disease. I wish I had known all those years ago. I still struggle with red, irritated eyes, pain, and sensitivity to light. If you have Graves’ disease and notice changes in your eyes, consider seeing someone who specializes in TED, such as an eye surgeon or neuro-ophthalmologist. To learn more, I recommend checking out Focus OnTed.

Getting a diagnosis for any disease is scary – trust me, I know – but the most important thing is that you are your own health advocate. Nobody understands your body better than you, and if you know something is wrong, see a doctor who will listen. Overcoming Graves’ disease was the biggest hurdle I have ever faced. But, you know what? I did it. I caught up with “old Gail”. Now I want to help others overcome this hurdle.

As Emily tells Laurence

Oh hello! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts on cult favorite wellness brands, and exclusive Well + Good content. Register with Well +, our online community of wellness insiders, and activate your rewards immediately.