[Antony]

#1059545

I was diagnosed with Graves 7 years ago and after a 3 year roller coaster on anti-thyroid meds, had radiation…now on 50 mcg. synthroid.
I’ve struggled with anxiety through all this; its definitely better now, as far as frequency, but bad days are awful. I’ve never been a mellow person but didn’t suffer from anxiety (bordering on panic) before. I feel embarrassed by it…any input on coping would be appreciated

[Kimberly]

#1175583

Hello – One thought would be to make sure that your levels are normal and stable. The “normal” range for thyroid hormone levels is fairly wide, and “normal” might not necessarily be OPTIMAL for you.

If all of that looks good, it would be worth discussing your symptoms with your doctor to see if you can pinpoint a specific external cause for the anxiety issues or if there might be some type of underlying anxiety disorder that could benefit from treatment.

Take care!

[vanillasky]

#1175584

Before they found out I had Graves’ they said I suffered from “Generalized Anxiety Disorder.” I tried anti-depressants and they made me sick. Sweating, hallucinations, not to mention they are weight gain drugs and mind altering.

I take Klonopin now. It takes 1mg a day to keep me mellow. More than that and the house could fall down and I would say “oh well.” But, I know it’s the Graves’ disease causing it.

I also have mellow days where I am calm, cool and collected.

Sometimes I swear like a trucker and cannot believe some of the stuff that comes out of my mouth.

The only thing I try to do without the pills is to keep my mind on something else that I like or that makes me happy. It helps a lot

[Antony]

#1175585

Thanks…my mind hasn’t shut down since I was 17 (along with getting grey hair) so I’m never lacking things to think about, lol. I’m generally more “together” when I’m working because (I think) it requires so much concentration. I’ve used art, theater, academics, writing…you name it, to maintain a state of peace.
I know certain things trigger anxiety for me in the last few years and find ways to cope or work around those stresses I can’t avoid. It’s awful when it catches me by suprise…either because of the intensity or it happening for no reason.
I’m back on klonapin but would rather find the cause, if that’s possible.

[vanillasky]

#1175586

Me too. I take Klonopin and I know it’s addicting but if you need it, you need it . what can you do?

My cousin uses Xanax but she doesn’t have a thyroid disorder. She’s just a wreck. She lets everything bother her. I think there is a big difference between us and her. That is the type of Generalized Anxiety disorder she has. I’ve been told that’s what I have, but I still think it’s thyroid hormones and menopausal changes. I was always okay before this happened to me.

[Antony]

#1175587

Its impossible for me to tell if this is different from another person’s anxiety disorder or not, since I’m not them but I sense you’re right…I just never had these experiences before Graves. I have to say its a sort of sensory overload more than anything.
I’ll get the results of labs next week and see where I’m at; I have a new doctor who told me that the “normal” thyroid levels have changed, so I’m very curious.

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