Graves' Disease Support Group
Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...
I was diagnosed in June 2017, and I've been taking methimazole. The doctor said my tsh was normal. I still stay tired all the time. All I want to do is sleep. And I know some of that is depression. I am more depressed here lately. I've thought about giving up recently, but I couldn't do that to my husband. He doesnt understand what I'm going through. He tries. Here lately I've been having these episodes of rage. I dont mean I throw things or become violent but on the inside I feel like I could. Little things add up and build til I feel like I'm going to physically explode. And its after episodes like this, or if I get stressed out about something it takes me a few days to recover. I missed work today on account of I just couldn't make myself get up. I was left numb and mentally and physically exhausted. All day has been a fog. And this isnt the first time its interfered with work. And today I know they were mad, my husband was aggravated about me not going in. I've never really explained to my work what's wrong with me because half the time I wonder if it's all in my head or that I'm making it up. I try to be positive especially at work. They tell me I'm always happy. But alot of days I'm faking it. I'm forcing myself to smile or try to be normal. And I come home and I'm so tired. I've lost interest in so many things i used to love. I cant focus most of the time. My memory is getting worse. And I'm only 34 years old. I'm just tired.
I am so sorry that you are suffering for so long without relief. And, you have had GD over a year.
Are you under the care of an endocrinologist? Are you being tested every 4 to 6 weeks to see how your thyroid hormones are doing? What were your last test results for T.S.H., Free T3 and Free T4?
You might feel like you are losing your mind but this is ALL thyroid related. I have had GD for 7 months (probably longer but it wasn’t diagnosed until now) I understand the rage. I suggest when you feel that everything is “suffocating” you, find a quiet place to get your thoughts together. When I would feel this way around my husband, instead of yelling/barking at him, I would go into my bedroom and text him. Tell him how I was feeling and that I could not talk to him right now.
I have a very strong feeling that you might be going into HYPO. Being on maintenance (7.5mg for the week) I have been feeling more tired than usual and very unfocused. Writing things down in my journal helps me with my forgetfulness.
The rage is mostly a HYPER symptom. So you might be going back and forth.
Tell me how this all started. How was it diagnosed? The tests you were given and their results.
I want you to know you are NOT alone in this anymore.
You have a place to talk and share right here.
Take a breath and let it go. If you want to cry - go right ahead. This can all be overwhelming.
Here are some things I do to feel better. Listen to my favorite music (if you have to - put on the headphones, when around your husband) Take a warm bath with Lavender. Meditation. Yoga. Breathing exercises.
Be selfish! Do your own thing - just for yourself. And, DON’T feel guilty about it.
Try not to let the depression get to you. One can feel depressed because they think they have no control over what happens to them. It’s a story we tell ourselves.
You are young - 34. You need to take the time to recoup. GD is a lifelong disease. But, it doesn’t have to take over your life.
Close your eyes, for a moment, think of a place that makes you happy. (The beach, the forest, a waterfall, etc.) And, imagine yourself there. Drink it in. Now open your eyes. - Make a space for yourself at home that will remind of that place. And, look at it each day to remind you that this life you are living is worthwhile. And, that there are people out there (in the same position as you) who understand what you are going through. Everything is going to be okay. We are all just trying to figure it out.
We are here for you. Take Care.
I am sorry you are feeling bad. I am wondering if your thyroid levels of the Free T3 and the Free T4 are off? Most people with GD feels their best with keeping the FT3 at mid range and the FT4 near the upper third range to avoid the many hypO symptoms that you are describing.
If you could post your lab results along with the lab reference range and how much of the MMI (Methimazole) is being taken per day (and how often the doses), we can better help you.
Rage can also happen when hypO. I remember being very pissed off when just slightly hypO.
{{{hugs}}}
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If you live in the USA and have Sonora Quest labs in your area, the Free T3 and the Free T4 tests can be self ordered for about $40 (when I last look). This can be done as a self pay and have their on-site doctors read and okay the lab results to be released to the patient.
I wouldn't worry about getting the TSH test done, just the Free Ts.
{{{hugs}}}
Thank goodness for the health forums back at 17 years ago when I first began searching on learning how to do things myself and telling the doctors what I wanted or didn't want. :-)
Is there a lab Corp near you? If so ordering as a self pay with the tests for TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 can be bought for $93.49.
By finding out what the current FT3 and FT4 are doing, and under your doctor's guidance, the meds taken can be adjusted to aim the FT3 at mid range and the FT4 at the upper third to feel better.
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https://www.privatemdlabs.com/index.php
This is offering TSH, FT3, and FT4 for $80.
When I feel that way (fluttering) I take Thyroid Calm from Herb Pharm. All natural. It’s a liquid supplement.
I hope that is helpful.