Graves' Disease huh? as in serious disease? Aren't most diseases serious? That was my first thought when I first heard the word from my mom. After some googling, I found out that Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disease, named after Robert J. Graves, MD., that causes over-activity of the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the very organs, cells, or tissues that it is supposed to protect. TLOML (= the love of my life) was at that time experiencing many symptoms that pointed to Hyperthyroidism. Somebody even hinted at Parkinson Disease! Oh no! He was tired 99% of the time, which was rather hard to believe (sometimes I had harboured thoughts that it was just his excuse to avoid shopping and socializing!) , he ate a lot yet remain thin (I do envy that though), he had frequent headaches and he sweated profusely. Later symptoms were his hands were shakey, and increasing heart palpitations. We did a blood test and had to wait one long week for the result. And I had prayed hard that it would be Hyperthyroid/Graves' Disease, the lesser of two evils! After the week was up, he was confirmed to be hyperthyroid. A further visit to the specialist confirmed that his hyperthyroid was caused by Graves' Disease. Thank god! Not to say that I am happy that he is sick but at least all the mysterious fatigue, palpitaions, etc are explained.