[HannahUK]

#1018082

Hello,

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease on February 1st after struggling with symptoms since September, I had the flu in late September and it seems like this has triggered the symptoms. My Mum thinks I may have been suffering with problems with my thyroid for the last 3 years but I am unsure. I had a number of symptoms which started gradually after having the flu these were, weight loss, a large goitre, short of breath, nose bleeds, my periods stopped, aching, tiredness (to the point where I cannot get up in the morning), dry skin, high blood pressure and heart rate, tremors, palpitations, the list goes on. We also have a family history of thyroid problems with my Mum and Aunty both having Under Active Thyroid.
I went to the doctors 5 times before I was diagnosed with an Over Active Thyroid and Hashimoto Syndrome which they then prescribed me with Propronolol because my heart rate went upto 143 BPM. And Propylthiouracil I was on this medication for about a month and starting to feel a lot better when the GP then contacted me to say my thyroid levels had gone Under Active so they reduced my dosage a week before I was due to see the Endocrinologist, this made me feel like I had gone back to square one and most of my symptoms came back. I then went to see the Endocrinologist on February 1st who told me I did not have Hashimotos Syndrome I had Graves Disease/Over Active Thyroid she then changed my medication completely and has put me on block and replace medication (Carbimazole and Levothyroxine) I was told to continue to take the Propranolol whilst my body got used to the meds and then to come off of it which I have done but I feel terrible.
I am currently really struggling with two things the tiredness and anxiety, this is now effecting my work as I cannot get out of bed in the mornings so I am always late. I also feel miserable all the time, very irritable and argumentative. I don’t want to go out and see anyone or do anything (which is very unlike me); I just have no get up and go, it has also caused me to have problems with my relationship resulting in me and my partner separating. Is there anything I can do to help with these two symptoms as the medication just does not seem to make any difference I just want to feel normal again.

[Ski]

#1062593

Hi there,

I’m certainly glad you found us ~ what a road you’ve been on already! The good news is that I am sure you will find a way to stable, normal thyroid hormone levels. The bad news is that it’s pretty normal that you still feel fairly rotten. This can take some real time to resolve, and the fact that you’re not feeling completely better right now doesn’t mean your medication isn’t working. It means that your body is finally under proper care, and you’re heading in the right direction (or at least someone is watching!), but you have been under an onslaught ~ hyperthyroidism is VERY hard on your body, on every cell in every body system, and you need several events to happen before you can start to look to being really "well." First, you need to figure out how to keep your levels stable. Second, you need to find the point at which you feel best. At that point, your body will START to heal, because only then will it be healthy at its core, and only then can it devote resources to healing the damage that the hyperthyroidism has caused.

So at this point it’s more a journey of small improvements ~ but do look for them, and do celebrate them, because anything is better than having remained ill.

Once again, I’m glad you’re here! Find a way to keep your spirits up, whatever it takes, it’s worth it! Take extra long hot baths, or watch funny movies all night long, or spend time reading/painting/baking, whatever YOUR "zen moment" is, take advantage as often as possible, and enjoy it to your very soul. You deserve it! ” title=”Very Happy” />

[Kimberly]

#1062594

Hello – Ski gave you some great advice…I just wanted to chime in on a couple of issues.

I refer a lot of folks to this resource, but there is a great bulletin on our web site called “An Open Letter to Husbands of Graves’ Patients.” From the home page at http://www.ngdf.org, click on “publications” (ignore the drop-down options) and then “psychosocial & emotional effects,” and you will see the article. Perhaps this might be helpful going forward if you are able to sort things out with your partner.

I don’t know where you are in the UK, but if you Google “British Thyroid Foundation”, they have support groups in several different areas, with a new one starting in London in April. These groups aren’t specific to Graves’ Disease, but *all* of us who are struggling with thyroid issues can definitely relate to many of the same challenges.

Take care!

[Author]

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