Graves’ disease has once again become a topical health issue for many Jamaicans following the release of dancehall Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer from prison on July 31.
The 48-year-old singer, who was arrested in 2011 for the alleged murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams, has reportedly been battling with Graves’ disease and two heart conditions.
Isat Buchanan, the attorney of the ‘Fever‘ deejay, has consistently made the case that Palmer’s health has been exacerbated while behind bars and could become life-threatening if he is not provided the necessary medical attention.
But with Vybz Kartel becoming a free man, the entertainer says he is now focused on health as his number one priority.
The entertainer’s medical condition has caused his physical appearance to slightly change from what fans are accustomed to, including a swollen face and protruding eyes. These are just a few of the symptoms of the auto immune disease.
Others include gritty sensations in the eyes, pressure or pain in the eyes, puffy or retracted eyelids, enlargement of the thyroid gland, frequent bowel movements, and erectile dysfunction.
Graves disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones, otherwise known as hyperthyroidism.
With treatment, many people have managed to overcome the medical condition. This was the case for American sprint legend Gail Devers, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1990. Following her diagnosis, Devers underwent radioactive iodine treatment, followed by thyroid iodine therapy.
However, Devers reportedly began developing blisters and swelling in her feet. After her radiation treatment was discontinued, Devers resumed training.
She later moved on to compete in the 1991 World Championships, where she won the silver medal in the 100-metre hurdles. She remained a decorated athlete up until her retirement from athletics.
Grenada’s 400-metre sprinter, Kirani James, was also diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 2017, a condition that caused him to lose weight and energy. The athlete has been treating the disease with medication that stabilises the level of thyroxine in his blood.
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