Bobby Engram Diagnosed With Graves Disease And A Virus

*AlphaRam* · #1 (**permalink**) -21-10-2006

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KIRKLAND, Wash. (Oct. 20, 2006) -- Seattle Seahawks receiver Bobby Engram had been waiting to learn whether a virus or an autoimmune disease was causing the thyroid condition that has him out indefinitely.

Turns out, it's both.

Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said that test results showed a virus and Graves' disease caused Engram's hyperactive thyroid and, subsequently, an accelerated heartbeat and fatigue. Engram has lost about eight pounds while staying at home for the last two weeks.

Friday, the team's leading receiver in 2005 rode an exercise bike and then appeared at practice for the first time since he got sick. Engram exchanged hugs on the sidelines with fellow receivers Deion Branch and Darrell Jackson. He appeared in good spirits -- and thinner.

Engram will miss his second consecutive game on Oct. 22 against Minnesota, meaning Branch will start again. Holmgren said he hopes to have Engram back on the practice field sometime next week.

Graves' disease is a treatable, autoimmune condition in which antibodies the body uses to fight disease begin attacking the body itself, causing the thyroid to produce an excess amount of hormones. Doctors had been waiting for tests to return from a laboratory in North Carolina before they could continue treating Engram, who has 18 receptions and one touchdown in four games this season.

"The tests allowed them to focus in on the medicines he should take. They feel real good about it," Holmgren said of the doctors. "He's on a new medication.

"Now, I'm a little optimistic about those things, but I expect him to participate a little bit next week."

The team did not permit Engram to be interviewed as he talked and joked with teammates in the locker room after practice.

When asked whether Engram had missed so much time that he may need a couple of weeks of conditioning before he can play, Holmgren said, "I hope it's not a couple of weeks. I'm going to stick him in there as soon as I think he's ready to go."

I truly wish Bobby Engram the best in beating the virus and in finding right medication balance in treating Grave's disease. Unfortunately, he will be taking medication the rest of his life.

I lost my thyroid to thyoid cancer and it took a year to get the right balance of medication. I have had systemic lupus (an autoimmune disease) for over 12 years and it took close to two years to get the right medicines and dosages leveled out. I leave the pharmacy with a small grocery bad each month.

**laram0** · #2 (**permalink**) -21-10-2006

I'm left speechless...best of luck to you Alpharam continue the battle with your chin up.

Does Engram have a future in the NFL? How serious is this problem?

*AlphaRam* · #3 (**permalink**) -21-10-2006

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Originally Posted by laram0

I'm left speechless...best of luck to you Alpharam continue the battle with your chin up.

Does Engram have a future in the NFL? How serious is this problem?

Thanks, I'm fine. I can walk and talk each day so I cannot complain. I was sharing to give a glimpse of what Engram may face regarding the frustration over regulating the disease with medication.

Engram may be able to play if they get his medication balanced out for the Grave's disease. I have no idea about what virus he has. We do not have the ability to kill a virus so the body has to be able to fight it off.

*RamFan_Til_I_Die* · #4 (**permalink**) -21-10-2006

I wish both Engram and you Alpha the best as you battle these lifelong illnesses. I don't know what else to say really, except that your attitude in dealing with it seems great and is truly an inspiration.

*AlphaRam* · #5 (**permalink**) -22-10-2006

Other than curtailing my ambition to be a porn star, I am fortunate. Many people are in wheelchairs, have Alzheimer's, etc. so I got it made...except Jenna Jameson will never know the pleasure she has missed.

**Nick** · #6 (**permalink**) -22-10-2006

Wow, this thread has taken quite an unexpected turn.

Anyways, hopefully Engram can recover as completely as possible and get out on the field. He's really quite an underrated #3 receiver.

As for Alpha, it pains me that you never got to follow your dreams to their fullfillment, but in all seriousness, I'm glad to hear you're doing well.