Help! I need some support, please

[yan_res]

Hi,
I'm a 29 y/o male. I've had Grave's disease for about 4 months, then I got RAI, without getting antithyroid drugs first (damn endo). Since the RAI I was really hypo. Only recently, about a year after I've got stabilized with a current TSH of 0.38 (lower range - close to hyper).
The past year was the most awful year of my life. A year ago I was in a wonderful relationship and I was very active and happy. Ever since I had the RAI everything changed. At first I was really depressed and anxious which let to a breakup with my partner. Now I have to see her in uni and she's with someone else. And that *****.
Even though my numbers are in range, I feel awful. I'm not happy, I feel toatally depressed, I have no libido and I feel like even if I would meet a new girl I would be so lacking of energy that it wouldn't last.
I hate the fact that I did the RAI treatment. It was the worst thing ever.
I also feel like people around me in the university have a wonderful life and I'm the only one suffering.
I keep hearing people around me who know of other people who had thyroidectomy or even RAI and now, years later, they are perfectly fine.
I guess I'm just looking for support. Does it get better? Is there a light at the end of this really dark tunnel?
I'm just so sad with everything that happened. Any support would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Smilerdeb]

With a TSH of 0.38 I would be going NUTS!
My comfort zone for my TSH is 2.3-2.5.
It is a fallacy that the TSH must be around 1.0 or under.
We dont all wear the same size clothes so why would we all feel good on the same levels?

I will give you an example of my numbers where I feel great (and yes I had RAI nearly 3 years ago) and you will see that 'one size doesnt fit all'.

FT4 18.0 (10.0 - 19.0)
TSH 2.3  (0.5-4.0)
FT3 4.6 (3.5-5.5)

As you can see ..,my levels are nowhere near where 'others' have theirs so I would suggest you go back to your Docs to get yr levels stable.

And depression and anxiety comes at 'both ends of the scale'...noth hyper and hypo.
Dont let anyone tell you different.

Good Luck...hang in there :)

[Mellowscout]

Sorry to hear about your break-up.  I was in almost the exact same situation (except I'm female...)  After RAI my endo did NOT tell me that I could experience depression, fatigue, totally feeling like crap, loss of libido and it led to the destruction of my relationship as well.  The first thing is find a doctor who will really listen to you, if you are still feeling so terrible, then your medication is not adjusted correctly.  It's not all about the "numbers" or being within a certain "range" it is about how you FEEL and if you feel like your meds aren't working, then the chances are, they aren't!  You have to be your own advocate with your doctors and tell them to adjust your levels.  I am about two years post RAI and I am still having to adjust my meds.  Unfortunately it is not a quick fix disease, you are going to have to always monitor your levels but you should feel 90-95% like yourself once your meds/diet/lifestyle is managed.
Again, I'm sorry about the loss of your relationship.  That can be absolutely devastating (on top of having been diagnosed with a "disease" right? )  But the truth is, any partner who can't make it through the worst, doesn't deserve you at your best.  And you will get better...pls look into counseling to get over the girl (if you think you need it) and talk to your doctor about your meds.

Mellowscout...good luck!

[gimel]

I have had thyroid problems for many years, as a result of undiagnosed Hashi's,  I was  told.  Doctors told me for many years there was no  problem since my TSH was about 4.95.  After finally persuading my doctor to give me a therapeutic trial of meds, I did improve quite a bit.  Over time the dosage went up to a full daily replacement amount.  But even with that amount of  225 mcg of Synthroid, I still had lingering hypo symptoms.  

After finding this Forum and the many knowledgeable and experienced members who were so willing to help, I learned about the importance of FT3, and found that mine was low, in spite of the large dose of Synthroid.  I was able to get my doctor at that time to switch me to Armour thyroid.  The additional of T3 meds made a huge difference.  Now I feel best ever.

If a thyroid patient is lucky enough to find a good thyroid doctor, or is willing to learn enough about thyroid and is able to influence their doctor, then typically they are successful in becoming euthyroid.  That journey can be very rocky at times.  Forum members know that and are very willing to try to help and support in any way possible.  Those of us that have received that help and support are very appreciative and try to repay it to new members, as best we can.

The Forum is a great group.  You can learn loads of good stuff, if you spend a little time following some of the threads.

[yan_res]

First of all, thank you for the reply. It was funny :)
Secondly, I have been tested for testosterone, B12 and Vitamin D - all in range.
So, I guess it's mainly emotional, huh?
What is your situation? Do you have any thyroid problems? and how are you doing?
I'm just looking to hear more about how people with these problems are doing.
Thank you.

[gimel]

I see nothing in those test results that would seem to tie in with your symptoms.  Lowering your dosage seems directionally right.  It may well be that your emotional feelings are related to the change in your relationship, and men aren't allowed to give relationship advice.  LOL. Probably due to examples like this (fictional) situation of a man writing a relationship column in newspaper.    

Dear Harold,
This morning I had breakfast with my husband as normal, and then left for work.  On the way my car started sputtering and then died on the road in an isolated place.  I finally had to walk back to house for help.  When I arrived I found my hubby in bed with our teenage neighbor.  After a huge scene, I walked out.  Now my hubby is saying was a big mistake and he loves me dearly and it will never happen again, and wants me back.  I do love him still and I am totally confused as to what to do.  Please Help.          Desperate Wife

Dear Desperate Wife.  I can see that you do have a huge, emotional problem.  What I suggest is to get a good mechanic and have him check the fuel filter to see if it is clogged.           Harold
_____________________

Anyway, relative to your libido, I do think you should request that you be tested for free testosterone, just to satisfy your mind about that.  Also, since hypothyroid patients also frequently have deficiencies in other areas, you might also request to be tested for Vitamin D, B12, and zinc.  Perhaps other members will have other suggestions as well.

[yan_res]

My test results from yesterday are:

TSH=0.38 (range is 0.35-4.20)
FT3=6.1 (range is 3.5-6.5)
FT4=20.7 (range is 10-20)--> I'm a bit hyper in FT4, so I've only today lowered my dosage a bit.
I would love to hear any recommendations/comments. Thank you.

[gimel]

Just because your thyroid test numbers are in range does not mean that  they are adequate for you.  The ranges are too broad for that to be the case.  Many of our members report that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.  Symptom relief should be all important, not the test results.  The main value of test results is in helping diagnosis, and then to track progress as meds are increased to achieve symptom relief.

If you will post your test results and reference ranges then members can help interpret and advise further.  

[yan_res]

When you say it gets better, what do you mean? Do you feel like your old self before you had the RAI and TT? Do you still feel more tired than you used to?
are you on levothyroxine?
I do think I need anti-depressants. I'm going to see a pshyciatrist on thursday.

[Totie]

Yes, it will get better. Sometimes thyroid issues will cause depression in people. The levels of going up & down & readjusting to levels of medication would make just about anyone feel anxious, depressed & stressed out mentally. I had RAI & then a TT almost 17yrs ago, it will get better, just hang in there & if you need to ask your dr. about maybe trying an anti-depressant if you feel you need one. Also make sure your levels are checked regularly.