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Thyroid & Quality of Life

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My quality of life is disgustedly compromised from complications of follicular thyroid cancer. Thyroid issues has been a problem for me since approximately the age of 29, I am now 36. For the first few years I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, then by the age of 32 it turned into thyroid cancer which resulted in a total thyroidectomy that same year (2006). Since then I’ve suffered from symptoms relating to hypoglycemia, such as, extreme fatigue, insomnia, mental confusion, nausea, nervousness, mood swings, faintness, extreme migraines & depression, heart palpitations, sweet carvings, forgetfulness, dizziness, and hunger spells. To top it off I cannot make a bowel movement with supplements, there’s constant weight gain, and hair loss. Test after test show normalcy in high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sugar levels but “something got to give.” My thyroid level fluctuates and is now at an all time low. As of two year ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, my estrogen is low, and testosterone is high. Today, I see a psychiatrist, psychologist, OBGYN, endocrinologist, dermatologist, and seeking the expertise of a headache specialist. I take a number of antidepressants, levoxyl 150, vitamin D, calcium, senna, and birth control pills for estrogen. Often I struggle with suicidal thoughts because I feel so bad every day. Also, I attempted suicide and never want to visit that path again but today it’s extremely difficult. I’ve always been an outgoing, bubbly, and intelligent person with a drive for life but today at 188lbs, hair loss, acne, and just always feeling bad cause high levels of depression. This has affected me so much that I am now on long term disability from my workplace of 8 years and I am a college student with only two classes remaining to complete a BS in psychology but grades are terribly low. My grade point average is 2.67 and it has taken me much longer to graduate than expected. To add insult to injury I inspire to continue on for the completion of a master is clinical psychology. I am divorced with two children (girl 16, boy 7), in a new relationship for two years, and striving to better the quality of my life. I am desperate…please help me.
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First Helper User Profile saudah
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replied September 7th, 2010
I am sorry to hear of your many health problems. I wish that I had a meaningful answer to your questions, but it is unrealistic to expect that an anonymous doctor on the internet is going to resolve your multiple and very complex health issues when your team of specialist doctors has not been able to do so, thus far.

Other than seeking a second opinion from another Endocrinologist, I'm afraid that I don't have any easy solutions to offer you. I do hope that your desire to see your children grow up, and for your relatively young relationship to mature and grow, will somehow help you to find some happiness and sense of purpose in your life, despite these many difficulties that you are enduring.


Sincerely/ Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS


www.doctorwascher.com

www.oncoguard.com


A landmark, evidence-based guide to a healthy cancer-prevention lifestyle, based on cutting-edge cancer research.
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replied September 13th, 2010
Thank you, I really appreciate your response and I did just recently see a different endo. hopefully this will lead to new answers.
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replied November 25th, 2012
Hi, I hope you still check this forum or at least get notifications that one one replied. This is the first time i've been on this forum. I am going through very similar physical/mental symptoms. And just posted a somewhat similar post in Life after Thyroid Cancer page. Did you get any real answers? My story: complete thyroidectomy and 2lymph nodes removed in 2000. Calcium was only major problem. Had gastric bypass in 2009, started on Adderall for ADD in 2006. For probably 3 years I have been taking 225 mcg of generic synthroid, 30mg Adderall, 150 mg Effexor, 100 mcg calictrol, and before bypass was also taking blood pressure meds and metformin for type 2 diabetes/PCOS. Within last year blood pressure has gone up from 110/70 to 157/67. Cannot concentrate on much of anything, hands stay frozen and tremble (sometimes worse than others) very irritable, lots of major headaches though not diagnosed as migraines, no energy, insomnia, house is completely a wreck because just can't get started. Levels are coming back hyperthyroid, but everyone just keeps saying we'll watch it for a while. Really beginning to wonder if I'm in a thyroid storm. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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