Does this sound like hyperthyroidism to you?

[bgrimes86]

I have been suffering for over a year now and I have not seen a doctor in awhile. I have all of these mysterious symtoms and I'm beginning to think that there might be something wrong with my thyroid. Here's what I've been experiencing:

* Heart palpitations
* Weight loss
* Nervousness
* Depression
* Tremors
* Insomnia
* Agitation
* Diarrhea
* Burning sensation on back and chest, especially after meals
* Heartburn
* Tiredness
* Sensation that I'm not getting enough air into my lungs
* Brain fog

..............................and much, much more!

I saw an endocrinologist a year ago and my T3 level was 169, however, my symtoms weren't nearly as bad then. Also, my parathyroid gland was acting funny, resulting in high blood calcium levels. I think I will be seeing her again soon, especially since I didn't have to pay anything because my dad is a doctor (she called it professional courtesy).

So, is there anyone out there who can relate to these problems or am I just crazy?

- Ben

[stella5349]

Ben

This is easier said then done - Truly I know - I too almost gave up. But you know what I found out??

Playing the victim will only make things worse for you. AND no one for sure will come to your rescue if you change your mind.

Thyroid disease is very complicated - it all based on individual things within one person and one size does not fit all.

I suggest - backing off the dark drama of giving up and put that away. Don't even venture to that side of thinking.

KNOW your illness and learn how to communicate with your doctor on how to make things right for you.

I don't know your mental illness history - but many thyroid patients will find a peace and lighter side to emotional instability when their hormone levels are all balanced. SOme find the miracle of recovery.

Look at the possibility of you are moving forward in finding out the ROOT cause of all this from your past. Not doomness.

Did you have your parathyroid test ( calcium) again?

Post all your new labs if you can.

[bgrimes86]

I'm very sorry about being such a b*tch, but I am just so fed up with everything. I've been rowing upstream for so long, trying to escape the falls down the river. I'm exhausted and cannot fight it anymore, so I'm giving up. I will let my boat carry me to the inevitable falls downstream, plunging me to rock bottom. Now I am going to play the victim, because that is what I am. Why should I fight destiny? Just giving up and letting fate take over seems like my only viable option at this point. Heart-wrenching depression, anxiety, loneliness, and now THIS!!! For f*ck's sake, I can't take it anymore!

Anyway, I saw my endocrinologist and she just brushed my problems aside, ignoring my requests and attributing it to my pre-existing mental health problems. She didn't say this, but that's exactly what she was thinking. "Oh, no...not this psycho again. What does he want now?" This woman knows I'm crazy so she doesn't seem interested in treating me, nor does she take these REAL complaints seriously. I demanded blood work for a T3 count and she finally caved in, but I doubt she'll catch anything due to the fact that my symptoms suddenly subsided a day before seeing her. It's like God Himself is against my efforts in trying to get better. I just don’t get it…I just don’t get it.

- Ben

[mattinthebox]

I can relate to these problems, your not crazy.

I am suffering from most the problems that you are and have been diagnosis with Hyperthyroidism/Grave's disease.

It's a really miserable situation since I am one of the many here that don't have Insurance and can't afford the treatment.

If you have the option available it's in your best interest to get the blood work done again.

What I have been told is to look for when it comes to hyperthyroidism is a low TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which means your pituitary gland is functioning properly (telling your thyroid to turn on and off) and high T4 which means your thyroid isn't switching off as per your pituitary glands request.

My results were TSH 0.2 (normal 0.5-3.7) and FT4 3.0 (normal 1.0-2.5)
You may also want to get a Thyroid I-123 uptake and scan to help rule out other possibilities.
My 24hr uptake was 65% (normal is 10-30%) which told the endo that my thyroid would not shut off.
As long as there was iodine present in my system my thyroid would "$uck it up" and produce more hormones.

I'm sure you know the above if you have been browsing other posts.
If I were you I would definitely make that appointment asap and get the treatment to help you feel better whatever the case may be, who wouldn't want relief from those horrible feelings...

Like stella said above, don't remain ill if you don't have to.
Get that appointment, the sooner the better.

[skeeterknitwit]

All of the symptoms you listed ARE hypertyroid symptoms!  Been there, done that.
So get yourself to that endo for some tests.  Hyperthyroid is complicated.  It took 6 months for mine to get treated.  It seemed to take forever to get an appt. with an endo.
Meanwhile, I went to the health fair and got a TSH for $20.  Then went to a PC  and requested TSH, Free T3, & Free T4.
And don't be afraid to ask for some sleeping pills if you need them!  Getting some rest made a HUGE difference in how I felt.
It is really hard to get things done with racing thoughts.  So make a list of questions for the Dr.  And write down your requests for blood tests.

[stella5349]

Ok... ok -- let's back this up a bit.

First - my comment was meant as a "fortunate" situation for you having an endo that could help you - not throwing out any "rich" or "uppity" things you are implying. I pointed out to you how many are not in the situation you are and being as lucky as you are - you have the option to really look deep into your situation.

Second - let's get back to your question. Above you only have a T3 test result. Standard labs to look at the thyroid as being an issue are the TSH - and T4 lab. Many find pushing for a TSH - FreeT3 and a Free T4 test is beneficial than just the standard testing.

Could your symptoms you list be associated with thyroid disease?? - Yes they can.

Lastly - and please let me make this a bit on the lighter side for you -

Please do not take this dis-heartening  -

But your comment of "clique's " and unanswered posts - We'll - I attempted to answer you. You didn't fall between the cracks here.

I viewed over your history here at MedHelp and see this was your first visit on thyroid with this question- but you have posted elsewhere.

I feel for you - if you have been treated in the way you say elsewhere - I can't help that. I can say here on thyroid - we try to post to as many as possible.

I am not sure if what I say will make a difference with your attitude - but on this community - all are welcome with thyroid questions and the community in a whole- makes every attempt to provide good suggestions for everyone.

I hope your symptoms and irratibility you posted above gets resolved for you and your endo helps find or rule out thyroid disease.

Good Luck

[bgrimes86]

I hate to be a jerk, but I was asking if these symptoms sounded like the ones seen in hyperthyroidism. My question had nothing to do with a "family discount" option and I don't appreciate being treated as though I were some uppity, rich ******* who has the luxury of free health service. News flash: I'm not and I don't...I was just very lucky in finding this doctor. No other MD has ever done this for me before.

And another thing...what is up with these forums? No one ever responds to my questions; it seems as though the people on this site (not just in the Thyroid Disorders forum) are more concerned about visiting posts with multiple answers...you know, where everyone is "hanging out," often times ranting about irrelevant things that had nothing to do with the original subject. Meanwhile, people who are terribly sick, suicidal, etc. are completely ignored because they don't belong to your cliques. This is so unfortunate.

BTW, I forgot to mention that extreme irritability is one of my symptoms, hence the above comments. Sorry, but I had to vent.

- Ben

[stella5349]

If you have the benefit of seeing an endo - or whoever you choose because of the "family discount" option  then.......... if you are not going back to recheck this situation -

you are NOT really thinking very clearly.

Many here have terrible care and no insurance to even think of seeing a doctor and they
remain ill until there situation changes.

Call you dad to arrange another appt.