[Mr_Bill]

#1058889

After years of symptoms, I was diagnosed with Graves Jan 09. I chose ATD (Methimazole) as my treatment option and my TSH, T3, T4 free T3 & T4 have all been pretty good since Jan 10. I’m not in submission but a dose of Methimazole, 5mg six days a week does a pretty good job keeping my levels balanced.

I did have to have an ablation for the increased episodes of Afib I was experiencing, which was done in Dec 10. I still have occasional bouts with Tachycardia.

Now to the meat of my issues. Even though my levels have been good for two years now, My bouts with anxiety, feeling of helplessness have gotten worse. I’m to the point where I have to do something. Is this an unusual situation? If others have been though same type of scenario, what were you able to do to get some relief?

I’m curious if, even though my thyroid levels have been good if there could be something else out of balance that could be causing my issues. My Endo is an old school, numbers guy. Could another Endo be beneficial, knowing there’s a possibility that my issues are beyond blaming my thyroid?

Thanks in advance

[Bobbi]

#1170711

Most endos are “numbers guys” (or gals). And most of the time, the number looked at is TSH. So, I don’t know that going to a different endo will necessarily make a difference. It is certainly something that could be tried. I think the important thing, from your standpoint, is whether or not you can talk with your endo (current or new) and “brainstorm.” Endos are internal medicine doctors with a specialty. So they are typically well-trained in the full body before their emphasis on the endocrine system. When we go in blaming our thyroid for some symptom or other, our doctors often stop their thought processes with “it’s not your thyroid.” They proved us wrong. Again. When that happens we need to prod more thoughtful consideration by asking, “Well, what might be causing it?”
Typically, that gets the doctor in problem-solving mode again.

[Kimberly]

#1170712

Just a quick note to add to Bobbi’s comment — the more specific you can be in your discussion with your doctor, the better. For example:

“I’ve had five panic attacks in the last two weeks while doing routine activities. My heart rate hits 140, I break out in a cold sweat, and I have difficulty breathing.”

Specific details can help your doctor do a better job of helping you figure out the root cause, rather than mentioning general symptoms such as “anxiety”.

I hope you can get some answers — and some relief!

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