Finally !!!! Something to go on ....
same planet...different world
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, America
Posts: 10,946
Finally !!!! Something to go on ....
I went to the doctor as planned, armed with my sheet of symptoms.
I was as calm as I could be and explained to her that I felt she has not been listening to me – that she’s gotten it into her head with this whole ‘bi-polar’ stuff and meanwhile – I’m suffering truly SUFFERING with these symptoms that I have been complaining about for a year now.
I am sure what I said to her made her mad.
Then I lifted my pants leg and showed her the weird swellings in my ankles.
I said ‘This … is not hypochondria. It is not depression, it is not a mental affliction. This … is the perfect imprint of socks that I took off over two hours ago. (you could still count threads in the deep impressions in my legs.)
The swellings, and my BP reading made her sit up and notice, though.
SO she took four vials of blood, and promised to whip them off to the lab.
I got my phone call at three this afternoon.
She woke me up so what I'm relating here isn't complete or even UNDERSTOOD by me as yet. But this is the best I remember.
My TSH count is apparently supposed to be around 5-6.
MINE … is over 100.
Thyroid.
I don’t know all the ‘lingo’ yet,
we haven't even set an appointment to talk about what all this is.
I'm printing off medical brochures like crazy online tho.
Give me a little time and I’ll be able to recite it all like a pro, I’m sure.
It’s only the beginning of what is going to be a long thing,
But at least I’m being heard.
There's still three vials of blood's worth of tests to come back yet.
I was as calm as I could be and explained to her that I felt she has not been listening to me – that she’s gotten it into her head with this whole ‘bi-polar’ stuff and meanwhile – I’m suffering truly SUFFERING with these symptoms that I have been complaining about for a year now.
I am sure what I said to her made her mad.
Then I lifted my pants leg and showed her the weird swellings in my ankles.
I said ‘This … is not hypochondria. It is not depression, it is not a mental affliction. This … is the perfect imprint of socks that I took off over two hours ago. (you could still count threads in the deep impressions in my legs.)
The swellings, and my BP reading made her sit up and notice, though.
SO she took four vials of blood, and promised to whip them off to the lab.
I got my phone call at three this afternoon.
She woke me up so what I'm relating here isn't complete or even UNDERSTOOD by me as yet. But this is the best I remember.
My TSH count is apparently supposed to be around 5-6.
MINE … is over 100.
Thyroid.
I don’t know all the ‘lingo’ yet,
we haven't even set an appointment to talk about what all this is.
I'm printing off medical brochures like crazy online tho.
Give me a little time and I’ll be able to recite it all like a pro, I’m sure.
It’s only the beginning of what is going to be a long thing,
But at least I’m being heard.
There's still three vials of blood's worth of tests to come back yet.
To Life!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 9,293
I read, a long time ago, that during a physical, doctors normally take a basic thyroid test. But, that test is incomplete for so many issues. So, I asked for the complete series to be done, and my doc did it. Unfortunately, mine was normal. Glad yours showed deviation. 
You know what I mean here! :rof
If it's thyroid, it's easy to treat. I'm glad for you. No more bipolar town for you, unless you'd like to visit that is!
Shalom!
You know what I mean here! :rof
If it's thyroid, it's easy to treat. I'm glad for you. No more bipolar town for you, unless you'd like to visit that is!
Shalom!
same planet...different world
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, America
Posts: 10,946
hey teach -= I"m still the ADHD KWEEN ... LOL
it was such a relief - and yes, she DID do one of those non-whatever blood tests last summer - when I came in with the same symptoms. The one that doesn't go into the T3 and T4 stuff. (those are called a 'full panel' apparently.
This has been going on a while.
I remember quietly reminding her that I was in a full YEAR ago, complaining of fatigue, weight gain, and breathing problems, which got immediately attributed to depression.
But because of my alcoholism,
it had to escalate to full blown conjestive heart failure
before I was taken seriously.
I am not holding any grudges.
I am happy that there is finally an answer.
And my hypchondria - has been vindicated.
LOL
We still don't know about fibromyalga or any of that.
One thing at a time.
However - it *is* interesting to me that
'confusion' and 'mild dimentia' are associated
with thyroid fluxuations as well.
it was such a relief - and yes, she DID do one of those non-whatever blood tests last summer - when I came in with the same symptoms. The one that doesn't go into the T3 and T4 stuff. (those are called a 'full panel' apparently.
This has been going on a while.
I remember quietly reminding her that I was in a full YEAR ago, complaining of fatigue, weight gain, and breathing problems, which got immediately attributed to depression.
But because of my alcoholism,
it had to escalate to full blown conjestive heart failure
before I was taken seriously.
I am not holding any grudges.
I am happy that there is finally an answer.
And my hypchondria - has been vindicated.
LOL
We still don't know about fibromyalga or any of that.
One thing at a time.
However - it *is* interesting to me that
'confusion' and 'mild dimentia' are associated
with thyroid fluxuations as well.
Nature Girl
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: By The Lake
Posts: 60,328
I don't often post here, in fact I know very little of mental health issues (said by a codie who was completely nuts before I found recovery)...but I was moved by your post, Barb, and felt a need to say this.
I work at a recovery house, where our residents are mostly long term addicts who have been in and out of recovery (mostly out) for many years, sometimes decades. It's a long term program that addresses many issues, personalized for each resident according to their needs and health.
One thing that bothers me and other staff more knowledgeable than myself, is how quick some doctors are to diagnose and medicate without doing a complete analysis of physical health before considering what may be mental health issues. This is often done on people relatively new to recovery and who have not had a chance to stabilize in a sober environment first and regain some of the physical health that was lost or damaged over many years, sometimes caused by drug addiction and sometimes just through neglect of their health because of their lifestyle and lack of money and treatment on a regular basis.
I'm glad you insisted on further tests and consideration before accepting a diagnosis of bi-polar. I'm glad what they have found so far is treatable and that they are looking further for what may need attention as well.
That is not to say that in many cases mental health issues are present and need to be addressed. What I am saying is that a thorough health check needs to be done before coming to a conclusion that may or may not be accurate.
The quick fix, "diagnose and medicate" is rarely the answer if a complete physical examination is not included and studies with consideration given to the lifestyle that has caused problems and taking time to assess any changes for the better that may occur on their own or through treatment of physical health first.
My point here is that we know our bodies better than anyone else, we usually know when something is wrong and it's good to trust our instincts and insist on a complete set of tests first before accepting a diagnosis that may be made with only a couple of hours of consultation.
Good for you, stand up for yourself and your needs. Communicate your concerns and don't be intimidated by doctors who may seem "stuck" in their specialty and come to a conclusion far too quickly.
Hugs and Good Luck on the rest of your tests.
I work at a recovery house, where our residents are mostly long term addicts who have been in and out of recovery (mostly out) for many years, sometimes decades. It's a long term program that addresses many issues, personalized for each resident according to their needs and health.
One thing that bothers me and other staff more knowledgeable than myself, is how quick some doctors are to diagnose and medicate without doing a complete analysis of physical health before considering what may be mental health issues. This is often done on people relatively new to recovery and who have not had a chance to stabilize in a sober environment first and regain some of the physical health that was lost or damaged over many years, sometimes caused by drug addiction and sometimes just through neglect of their health because of their lifestyle and lack of money and treatment on a regular basis.
I'm glad you insisted on further tests and consideration before accepting a diagnosis of bi-polar. I'm glad what they have found so far is treatable and that they are looking further for what may need attention as well.
That is not to say that in many cases mental health issues are present and need to be addressed. What I am saying is that a thorough health check needs to be done before coming to a conclusion that may or may not be accurate.
The quick fix, "diagnose and medicate" is rarely the answer if a complete physical examination is not included and studies with consideration given to the lifestyle that has caused problems and taking time to assess any changes for the better that may occur on their own or through treatment of physical health first.
My point here is that we know our bodies better than anyone else, we usually know when something is wrong and it's good to trust our instincts and insist on a complete set of tests first before accepting a diagnosis that may be made with only a couple of hours of consultation.
Good for you, stand up for yourself and your needs. Communicate your concerns and don't be intimidated by doctors who may seem "stuck" in their specialty and come to a conclusion far too quickly.
Hugs and Good Luck on the rest of your tests.
same planet...different world
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, America
Posts: 10,946
Thank you Ann. Your post has helped me make my point.
I also have posted, however... another aspect of this situation and I hope everyone takes the time to read that one as well.
I just want my friends here - to be informed ... but also be careful.
I also have posted, however... another aspect of this situation and I hope everyone takes the time to read that one as well.
I just want my friends here - to be informed ... but also be careful.
smileyologist and lord of bees
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: mourning smileys near you
Posts: 2,508
Hopefully it's nothing too serious and it can be easily treated Barb... :ghug2
But either way, I guess it means you have to put other stuff (
) on hold just now... 
But either way, I guess it means you have to put other stuff (
) on hold just now... 
same planet...different world
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, America
Posts: 10,946
Thanks everyone -
I've received some of the kindest emails I've ever gotten from felllow RS peeps ... ever.
Yes, RK - has to go on hold for a bit yet.
I'm going to be cutting my hours here at work over the next few weeks - talked to the Gen Mgr tonight - so in about two weeks time, my schedule here at work will change radically.
I'm apparently working from deep within heart attack country.
My chances for a stroke are .. well.. pretty dang good.
So the doc has endorsed my taking it easy for a while,
just to let things stabilize.
And the first order of business beside taking new thyroid medication -
is eliminate stress.
There's also diet modification.. .all kinds of other stuff, actually.
Although this JOB isn't much stress at all -
it's the HOURS take quite a toll on the body.
SO...
I'll be cutting back for now,
and letting the rest of the cards fall where they may.
This is wierd for me.
Taking up for myself,
and taking care of myself ...
are strange new experiences.
This recovery stuff works when you do it for real.
I"m not gone - you're not going to get rid of me that easy.
Just taking it easy for a bit is all.
Because above all - I'm still an 'ARTIST' and that alone
.. qualifies me being in this forum!
:Lmao
I've received some of the kindest emails I've ever gotten from felllow RS peeps ... ever.
Yes, RK - has to go on hold for a bit yet.
I'm going to be cutting my hours here at work over the next few weeks - talked to the Gen Mgr tonight - so in about two weeks time, my schedule here at work will change radically.
I'm apparently working from deep within heart attack country.
My chances for a stroke are .. well.. pretty dang good.
So the doc has endorsed my taking it easy for a while,
just to let things stabilize.
And the first order of business beside taking new thyroid medication -
is eliminate stress.
There's also diet modification.. .all kinds of other stuff, actually.
Although this JOB isn't much stress at all -
it's the HOURS take quite a toll on the body.
SO...
I'll be cutting back for now,
and letting the rest of the cards fall where they may.
This is wierd for me.
Taking up for myself,
and taking care of myself ...
are strange new experiences.
This recovery stuff works when you do it for real.
I"m not gone - you're not going to get rid of me that easy.
Just taking it easy for a bit is all.
Because above all - I'm still an 'ARTIST' and that alone
.. qualifies me being in this forum!
:Lmao
Last edited by barb dwyer; 05-09-2008 at 01:56 AM.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 31,179
(((Barb)))
I just saw this, and am SO glad your doctor did a full thyroid panel. Thyroid problems can mimic a lot of illnesses, physical AND mental! The good news is, once it is being treated, most people feel a LOT better.
Guess this means you won't be on as much in the middle of the night...good for YOU, but I'll miss my night-shift buddy
Please keep me posted, and keep taking care of YOU!
Hugs and prayers!
Amy
I just saw this, and am SO glad your doctor did a full thyroid panel. Thyroid problems can mimic a lot of illnesses, physical AND mental! The good news is, once it is being treated, most people feel a LOT better.
Guess this means you won't be on as much in the middle of the night...good for YOU, but I'll miss my night-shift buddy
Please keep me posted, and keep taking care of YOU!
Hugs and prayers!
Amy
Belgian Sheepdog Adictee
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: In Today
Posts: 6,101
Barb you know I am very happy that you have a beginning diagnosis. I hope some of the things we talked about today can come to pass quickly which will further reduce your 'stress' which is important.
I know about being in stroke country, having been hospitalized twice early this year after a slew of TIAs. My Dr however, is great, got me on meds to lower my BP (the one I was on wasn't doing enough) and to get rid of the plaque and since being on the new meds, there have been no more TIAs and my BP has dropped remarkedly quickly to a comfortable low range. Only side affect is a scratch does bleed longer, lol so have stocked up on band aids.
I am very happy for you, and once they get your Thyroid stabilized you will be amazed at how much better you feel. I know you are already feeling a little better and that is good.
Love and hugs,
I know about being in stroke country, having been hospitalized twice early this year after a slew of TIAs. My Dr however, is great, got me on meds to lower my BP (the one I was on wasn't doing enough) and to get rid of the plaque and since being on the new meds, there have been no more TIAs and my BP has dropped remarkedly quickly to a comfortable low range. Only side affect is a scratch does bleed longer, lol so have stocked up on band aids.
I am very happy for you, and once they get your Thyroid stabilized you will be amazed at how much better you feel. I know you are already feeling a little better and that is good.
Love and hugs,
same planet...different world
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, America
Posts: 10,946
Hi -
Less than a full week of medication and not even at the amount I'm sure of what I'll wind up with - and I feel like an entirely different person!
I still get tired quite easily, and am still sleeping a good bit - but the times I *am* awake - I don't havef that .. gonna faint, get sick...keel over DEAD feeling. I've had no numbness in hands *did* have the shoulder thing when doing dishes, but .. .
still getting the swelling - but nowhere like before ...
it's amazing.
I also found out there's not an endocrinologist in Butte -
so I'll have to go to missoula when the time somes.
sorry, but I don't trust this doctor now.
BUT - one thing at a time - and just an update for ya'll!!!
Less than a full week of medication and not even at the amount I'm sure of what I'll wind up with - and I feel like an entirely different person!
I still get tired quite easily, and am still sleeping a good bit - but the times I *am* awake - I don't havef that .. gonna faint, get sick...keel over DEAD feeling. I've had no numbness in hands *did* have the shoulder thing when doing dishes, but .. .
still getting the swelling - but nowhere like before ...
it's amazing.
I also found out there's not an endocrinologist in Butte -
so I'll have to go to missoula when the time somes.
sorry, but I don't trust this doctor now.
BUT - one thing at a time - and just an update for ya'll!!!
Philippines/Canada
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 454
That great news Barb, i am happy for you. And thats just in one week. Imagine the possibilities, you will be feeling good enough to run to Missoula What a roller coaster you have been through the past oh......5 months.
Hows your mood been Hun? You sound good.
What a roller coaster you have been through the past oh......5 months.Hows your mood been Hun? You sound good.
Philippines/Canada
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 454
"How about you? How YOU doon?"
was that said like Joey from Friends would say it?
I am doing ok........corection, i have nothing to complain about, all is as it should be, today is a good day and getting better and better. I am feeling great. I am accomplishing my goals and striving to achieve new ones.......................sorry just practicing my positive self talk...........its not working lol. Still kind of shook up from my roommates hit and run ordeal. I will feel better once i have settled in with new worker. Last guy bailed last minute.
But hey i am taking off to go dirt biking tomorrow till Sunday so i really have nothing to complain about. Pretty good for a 9 month birthday, and noooo your not going to start a congratulations SayingArive thread, ok?....., thanks.
Thanks for letting me hijack, low jack, side jack, car jack your thread. Now if you don't mind i will continue my positive self talk mantra..................I have people that care for me, gosh darnit people like me and i am a good person. Today i am................
was that said like Joey from Friends would say it?
I am doing ok........corection, i have nothing to complain about, all is as it should be, today is a good day and getting better and better. I am feeling great. I am accomplishing my goals and striving to achieve new ones.......................sorry just practicing my positive self talk...........its not working lol. Still kind of shook up from my roommates hit and run ordeal. I will feel better once i have settled in with new worker. Last guy bailed last minute.
But hey i am taking off to go dirt biking tomorrow till Sunday so i really have nothing to complain about. Pretty good for a 9 month birthday, and noooo your not going to start a congratulations SayingArive thread, ok?....., thanks.
Thanks for letting me hijack, low jack, side jack, car jack your thread. Now if you don't mind i will continue my positive self talk mantra..................I have people that care for me, gosh darnit people like me and i am a good person. Today i am................
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