January is Thyroid Awareness Month – Check Your Thyroid Today

January 4, 2023

January is Thyroid Awareness Month – Check Your Thyroid Today

The thyroid is a small gland responsible for producing hormones that play a crucial role in many of the body’s systems — from cells and tissues to organs like the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. Dysfunction occurs when the thyroid produces either too much or too little thyroid hormone. Either can disrupt the healthy functioning of vital organs — leading to a wide range of symptoms. The good news? Once diagnosed and treated, it’s entirely possible to live a normal, healthy life.

5 Reasons to Check your Thyroid
1. It’s a small gland with a major impact: The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at base of the neck that produces thyroid hormones; these influence how all other cells, tissues, and organs function.

2. Thyroid dysfunction can have hundreds of possible symptoms: Symptoms vary widely and diagnosis can be difficult, so keeping detailed records will be a significant help to your doctor.

3. It affects millions in the U.S. alone: It’s estimated that over 30 million Americans have thyroid dysfunction, yet at least half of these cases are undiagnosed and, consequently, untreated.

4. Anyone can be affected by thyroid dysfunction: Although women are five times more likely to develop thyroid problems than men, it can happen to anyone.

5. Diagnosis is the key: Good news: With a proper diagnosis, thyroid dysfunction can be successfully treated so you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Brenda’s Story: Grave Challenges
In 2015, Brenda felt that something was off. Her heart rate was too high. To others, she just didn’t seem like her usual self. Her doctor diagnosed her with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to make too much of a hormone called thyroxine.

Her symptoms eventually subsided, but in 2018 she experienced new ones. This time Graves’ manifested in the form of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), an inflammation of the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands, and fatty tissues behind the eye. Brenda now suffered from constant headaches and double vision, which made it impossible to read or watch TV.

The first treatment Brenda tried involved 12 straight days of radiation which did little to improve her symptoms. The next option appeared to be surgery until the FDA approved Tepezza, a new treatment for TED administered through infusion therapy. Sage Infusion partnered with the drug’s manufacturer, Horizon Pharmaceuticals, to become a preferred site of treatment.

Brenda decided to drive two-and-a-half hours each way from her home in Cape Coral to Sage Infusion Tampa, where she received Tepezza infusions. While it was a haul, it was worth it. Brenda has described the Tampa facility as “beautiful” and the staff as “wonderful”. Brenda’s friend would come with her to each appointment, and they could sit together in a private space while she received her infusion. After completing 8 rounds of Tepezza infusions at Sage, Brenda experienced a significant improvement in her condition.

“Patients love the facility,” says Brenda’s doctor. “It’s been a great experience for our office as well as the patients. It’s miraculous how well these patients are doing even after the first injection”.

Brenda hopes that she won’t need further treatment for Graves’, but if she does, she says “it will be at Sage”. With the opening of Sage Infusion Fort Myers, Brenda will have a much shorter drive if needed on her journey back to health.

The Right Diagnosis is Key
Thyroid eye disease is a rare, autoimmune disease characterized by proptosis (a condition where the eyes are pushed forward and bulge outward) leading to eye pain, double vision, and difficulty closing the eyelid.

Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is a medication used for the treatment of thyroid eye disease. Tepezza reduces eye bulging and double vision. It also improves the signs and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), including eye pain, redness, and swelling.

In clinical trials: more than 8 out of 10 patients taking Tepezza experienced a visible reduction in eye swelling, 7 out of 10 patients saw improvement in double vision; and 5 out of 10 patients saw their double vision completely go away.

At Sage Infusion, we provide expert patient-centered infusion care in a contemporary boutique environment. Sage Infusion eases your medical burdens by handling the care coordination process, including insurance authorization and patient progress updates. Our flexible scheduling meets our patient’s needs with extended hours. Day, night, and weekend appointments are available. Our physician assistants and nurse practitioners follow the National Infusion Center Association guidelines and our proprietary clinical protocols. Sage Infusion offers a variety of comforting amenities and patients can choose to receive treatment in the open lounge or a private room.

With locations in Fort Myers, Clearwater, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and The Villages, Sage Infusion offers the best infusion and administration facilities in the Sunshine State. At Sage Infusion, we’ve reimagined patient care. From a quick start to upfront pricing and financial assistance, to compassionate care by our clinical experts in a serene environment, you will experience infusion therapy like never before. Sage Infusion accepts most insurance providers and will complete your prior authorization process making it easy to focus on your health.

Sage Infusion
Call 239-533-5962 today.