The True Story Behind Queen Elizabeth II’s Battle with Grave Disease
Queen Elizabeth II has been one of the longest-reigning monarchs in British history, but few people know about her battle with Grave disease. This autoimmune disorder has plagued the Queen for many years, leading to a significant decline in her health.
What is Grave disease?
Grave disease, also known as Graves’ disease, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, which leads to hyperthyroidism.
Queen Elizabeth’s Diagnosis
In 2016, Queen Elizabeth was diagnosed with Grave disease after she was forced to cancel several engagements due to ill health. The diagnosis came as a shock to the royal family, and the Queen began treatment to manage her symptoms.
Treatment Options
The treatment of Grave disease involves managing the symptoms and slowing down the production of thyroid hormone. There are several options available to patients with Grave disease, including medication, radioactive iodine treatment, and surgery.
In the case of Queen Elizabeth, her doctors prescribed beta-blockers, which help slow down the production of thyroid hormone. This medication has helped the Queen manage her symptoms and maintain her health.
Managing Grave Disease
Grave disease is a chronic condition and requires ongoing management. The Queen now visits her doctors regularly to monitor her thyroid hormone levels and adjust her medication, if necessary.
In addition to medication, the Queen has also made lifestyle changes to manage her condition. She has cut out caffeine and alcohol from her diet and now follows a low-fat, low-salt diet.
The Importance of Raising Awareness
Grave disease is a relatively common autoimmune disorder, affecting about 1 in 200 people. Despite its prevalence, many people are not aware of the condition and its impact on individuals.
By sharing the Queen’s story, we can raise awareness of this potentially debilitating condition and encourage others to seek diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Grave disease has had a significant impact on Queen Elizabeth’s health, but with the right treatment and management, she has been able to continue her royal duties. Through her story, we can better understand this chronic condition and the importance of managing autoimmune disorders.
