What is Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism (or "overactive thyroid gland") is the clinical syndrome caused by an excess of circulating free thyroxine (T4) or free triiodothyronine (T3), or both.
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Well, hello. I am new to your discussion group. I have always had high anxiety, as has many in my biological family. For some time, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and had therapy for a couple years. However, over the past few months, I have been feeling punkier and punkier - revved up but also tired/wiped out. Tremors, high anxiety, much difficulty sleeping, and some really fun ectopic hearbeats/palpitations that drive me nuts.
A nodule was found on my thyroid gland (only because I complained to my GP of feeling something in my throat) and, after being bounced around for fine needle aspiration biopsies (2 of them, neither worked and BOY were they fun) and a nuclear scan and blood tests, it looks like I am about to be diagnosed hyperthyroid. Or thyroid cancer. I will find out later this week what the outcome is and what my labs say. Turns out nearly everyone on my mother's side of the family has a thyroid problem - including my twin sister, who has now developed significant cardiac issues (though she was anorexic/bulemic for years and has a not-too-healthy lifestyle). Anyway, I am driving myself and my family nuts with this, and work is becoming a real challenge. Hard to pay attention, make decisions (and I am a decision maker) or just plain concentrate. It seems like this comes in waves, where I am fine for a while and then suddenly there is a surge of "thyroid juice" (that's what I've decided to name it) that comes out of nowhere. Of course, I've probably had this for some time and my "fine" is still probably somewhere above the charts. Can anyone give some helpful advice on how to deal with this? A cardiologist (who I went to see because of the palpitations) gave me metoprolol, which I don't like to take because it gives me insomnia. However, he gave me 25mg tablets, so I cut them in half and take 12.5mg daily. That seems to take an edge of most things. But trying to get to sleep/stay asleep is just frustrating. The verapamil he gave me as an option just tightened up my chest and made things worse. I am also an avid exerciser and outdoor person. I work out 6-7 days a week, including playing ice hockey (my love) twice a week for a total of about 4 hours. I do not want to change my life forever with this, as I am not the kind of person who can just not exercise. It is my passion and my stress relief. Whew - that was long winded. But I am all ears for some expert or experienced advice! Thanks for any response. Posted on 11/03/09, 02:11 pm |
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Hi and welcome:
Graves' Disease board is another place to go to get suggestions and tips. I use ATD (antithyroid drug). If your heart rate is over 90 or more, it's best to get thyroid levels under control first with taking ATD. Exercising is not wise to do then as well. Feel free to share your lab results and ranges so we can see how it is for you. Go over to Graves' Disease board for more help. that's where everyone is at. {{{hugs}}} :-) 
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Hi mmztcass. Thanks for your response.
My heart palps are not fast heart rate. They are ectopic beats, extrasystoles. Kind of like PVCs or "flutters and bumps" but no strings of rapid beats. My HR varies between 64-78 depending on my anxiety level... I will check out the Graves board and thanks for the tip! Take care.
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I can totally relate to what you're going threw. I've been diagnosed with Grave's disease and have these sames symptoms/issues as you describe. My advice is to find an Endocrinologist (get a name from someone who knows a dr, don't just pick out of yellow pages). Since I've been treated, I'm on the road to having some comfort finally and hopefully a permanent relief of all symptoms. However, I have asked to be put on an antidepressant/anti-anxiety to help. I've had some other mountains to climb at the same time (back injury, death or father, etc). So far I'm doing ok, but it was a battle to get me here. Just know that it will take some time. I'm now at a dose of 2.5 mg of methamazole every 3rd day. Main point is to get to a SPECIALIST! Good luck and just hang in there. It's tough, but God only gives us what we can handle. (that's easier to say for me now :) than before)
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