[angelamercy]

#1060209

So, I am eight weeks out on my second surgery= muscle surgery to correct double vision, first surgery was 3/26/2013, decompression and they removed, shaved three bones on each eye socket to create room for eyes. Anyway…… I haven’t seen my endo in over three months. She is hesitant to change medication (thyroid removal 1/2012) due to it may put me back into hyper. My thing is this – I am still 40 lbs over my normal weight despite walking 1 to 1.5 miles per day, 5 days a week. Am not released to go to yoga or the gym because I developed vertigo after my first surgery which was 6.5 hours long. I have energy and then I crash. I hesitate to say this but I am depressed and I am not sure if this is due to circumstance or because I MAY be hypo. I will tell my dr. everything. I just need some assurance that this is normal.

I have a GREAT support group, family and husband. Yet at times I feel that this disease is just that – a disease and something that affects your normal good outlook on life. I am very hesitant to go for therapy since our medical bills (even after insurance) are a lot. Our insurance only covers 12 months/times in one calendar year.

I’m just looking for some re-assurance on the mental aspect of how difficult this disease can be.

Thank you all and God Bless.

Angela

Symptoms started 8/2011
Diagnosed 12/30/2011
Liver toxicity 1/14/2012
Thyroid removal 1/26/2012
Invusions 2/2012-4/2012
Radiation 7/2012
Decompression surgery 3/26/2013
Muscle surgery 8/2/2013
Eyelid surgery – tentatively scheduled 1/2014

[jimmer1960]

#1181262

Angela, I wish I could be of more assistance but can say that the mental part has not been good for me either. The anxiety was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I took that RAI pill Sept. 11 and have been hoping that will bring an end to most of this. I go back Nov. 5 to find out about the hormone pills, the dose I guess. I would have thought after having your thyroid removed it would be better. If you are now hypo that makes me wonder. I have been under the impression that this will be easily resolved, as I have great faith in my doc and she has told me this is all fixable. I am fortunate my eye trouble is more mild and I think that prednisone is helping. I hope it is some comfort for you to know you are not alone. I think there are more people in this boat than I imagined. I like to tell myself the rough times will not last. At any rate good luck and best wishes to you, I hope you feel better soon and know you will.

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1181263

Hi Angela…… you’re not alone.

The mental aspect of this disease is the one that troubles me the most and can take me down very fast. I can deal with physical symptoms but when the anxiety and panic attacks occur, I just want to give up and crawl into a hole and never come out.

I am 10 weeks post TT and had my Levothyroxine dosage lowered 2 weeks ago (from 125 to 112) and Wednesday night I had a panic episode while driving on the highway (that usually brings one on). I figured it was over and done, but last night I woke up in the middle of the night in panic and it was still there (but to a lesser degree) this morning. Not knowing when it’s going to hit or how long it’s going to last really depresses me.

I’m wondering if I’m coming down with something (I often get panic symptoms before a cold or flu) or if this is the post TT, medication-change rollercoaster.

Soooooo very discouraging, especially if you’ve had a couple of really good days – it feels like a giant step backwards.

Sue

[LaurelM]

#1181264

I found that anytime I had a dose change of ATDs, even if my levels were in the correct range, just the fact that my body was adjusting to something new would cause unpleasant symptoms for a coupke of weeks. I am curious to see what my irst set of labs post TT say in October. My guess is that I am close if not on the right dose as I am feeling pretty good now but I could tell that my levels were inconsistent for the first few weeks as my natural stores were depleted.
Laurel

[Kimberly]

#1181261

Hello – I don’t know if you will see this before your appointment, but I would absolutely talk to your endo about the depression. This can potentially come from many sources – having thyroid levels out of balance, the emotional stress of dealing with TED, or sometimes another underlying issue that needs separate treatment.

Is some level of depression “normal”? Yes, absolutely…*but* it’s important to get a fix on the source so that you can pursue the right avenue of treatment. Your doc will be in the best position to help you evaluate your personal situation and what the next steps should be.

[angelamercy]

#1181265

Thank you all. So, I had a great visit with my Dr. My TSH levels are on the high-normal range and have been the last 12 months. She will not increase my meds due to the GED and treatments I am getting.

Yes – the depression was discussed. Our insurance only lets you see a counselor once a month. At this time we have chosen not to go there only because of increased medical bills plus we have found out that our insurance is almost doubling starting in January. Frustrating!

I will be tested October 17 because our family has a high number of Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Thank you all for you replies. At this time, I will rely more on God, less on myself, more on my family and friends since they always tell me to call when I need to vent, talk or just be. More time on here since it helps me to be able to help others even if it is a mere word of encouragement.

[miyogirl]

#1181266

I was diagnosed around 1998 and have had my ups, downs, hyper, hypo, eye disease, weight gain, RAI, arthritis, etc etc etc…but things improved for me, it just took time and patience.

if your insurance and budget do not allow for therapy, consider going to a graves disease or autoimmune disease support group. It can be very helpful to know you are not alone. For me Graves’ disease had a HUGE impact on my mental health and it is very common. One book that was helpful for me in understanding the mental aspects was Ridha Arem’s book The Thyroid Solution, and also message boards and talking to my doctor.

Keep a really open dialogue with your doctor and family members on where you are at with your emotions and most importantly, be easy on yourself with your expectations and your healing. I know it’s hard, but it takes time.

I hope you feel better soon. Try not to get discouraged.

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