hi! Wow it is so great to find others just like me.
I have Hasimoto's thyroiditis and reactive hypoglycema (which I think is related).
I have been seeing a GP who is working with me, but run out of idea. He is much more interested in physical symptoms, and what is giving me the most trouble is the rage. I am being referred to a Endo soon. GP is willing to both call and explain my situation first (and feel the guy out so I won't be treated like a wacko) then to follow up with a letter explaining my case. I really love this guy.
I am currently taking 32mcg of Cytomel. Last TSH was .27, but it bounces wildly to both ends of the 'normal' spectrum
My symptoms
Goiter: identified 3 or 4 years ago by evil endo. Also got Hashi dx at that time. Lately there are lumps on my throat that even I can feel. Dr sent me for a sono, and will repeat it in a few months.
Fatigue: Always. But I am cosleeping mama to two kids 3y and 15m, plus bf the youngest, so of course I am tired. My meds seem to help with this
Dry skin: This was a big problem for a while, but meds seem to help
Forgetfulness/Concentration: I didn't realise that this was a thyroid issue, but my memory is shot. I am a bad driver these days because I am so easily distracted by radio, children, cell phone, the weather . . huh what was I saying again??
Heat/cold intolerance: This was me for the longest time. I felt cold ALWAYS except while pg. Glad to say that meds have improved this and I feel normal now.
Anxiety attacks: I blame my blood sugar issues for this, but maybe its thyroid too. "I used to very occasionally get really overwhelmed and need to leave a store when shopping. I feel that way often in the last couple of months. Too many people and I can't breathe and I need OUT NOW! I feel sick and panicky thinking about it. I just want to stay home and never leave." THAT!
Menstrual periods: My cycles are long 35-40 days. They used to be very irregular but seem to be falling in line lately. I have an IUD and am having long and heavy bleeds with lots of spotting, don't know what to blame for that.
Weight loss: I have always had a hard time losing weight. Was gaining for a while, but meds have helped me stabilize just above where I would like to be
Appetite - HUNGRY always (even when TSH is high). Huge craving for sweets no matter what I eat. Could re-eat a meal 10min after I finish. Is this thyroid or hypoglycemia? I feel awful - cold, tired, foggy thinking, RAGE, when I don't eat or feel low, but then get in a hole and can't eat enough to feel better. One morning donut is enough to literally ruin an entire day.
Rage: I get homicidal and/or suicidal just about daily. I get overwhelmed, angry and just can't cope. I yell, am too rough with the kids, and contemplate just flinging one of us out a window. I don't believe I really would kill us, but some days its a near thing. This is usually blood sugar related, but again, how much peanut butter can one person eat? My feelings sneak up on me and overwhelm me. I hate it, I am afriad of it, I just don't know how to make it better.
I have had these symptoms in varying degrees forever. It seems that being pregnant, breastfeeding, and living with children has put me in crisis mode. I haven't felt good for any long stretch in about 4 yrs.
I am not crazy. When I feel good I am a good mom. Its like being the incredible hulk, these things (thyroid, blood sugar, ??) sneak up and take me over.