CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. – It’s not that Tucker Bradley was happy to learn he has a medical condition that could remain with him indefinitely.
For the Gordon Lee High School senior baseball star, though, a diagnosis of Graves’ disease turned his athletic career – and life – around.
The condition, which causes the thyroid to work excessively, is especially tough on athletes. Before diagnosis and treatment, Bradley couldn’t gain weight, was tired most of the time, even minor injuries would linger and his heart rate would increase dramatically during games.
“My coaches throughout the years have noticed my heart rate would go crazy during games,” Bradley said. “It was ridiculous how fast it was beating. We didn’t know what it was until recently when my mom noticed it last fall and took me to the doctor.”
With medication controlling his condition, the future Auburn Tiger added muscle quickly, gaining 20 pounds. He felt so good, he joined the school’s basketball team and soon was in the best shape of his life.