Re: Feel like I'm losing my mind

[Guest guest]

Cindi, I can honestly say I know EXACTLY what you mean!!!!

Did you see my posts about thyroid and other gland disorders a week or two ago? I started having various symptoms right after the time when I went through my major 2 years of eating basically nothing, and I am just NOW being diagnosed, eight years after the fact!

Here's the message I posted before about some of the symptoms, etc., of thyroid problems. Sorry I can't give you a more "personal" response, but I have to run and pick up my 4yo from preschool. If you have any questions after reading this mini-novel, though, lemme know and I'll help in any way I can!

Debbi in Michigan, who hasn't felt "connected" to her brain in almost a decade... and it's a very foreign feeling for a former straight-A student!!!!

Debbi,

If you don't mind me asking, just what are the symptoms of thyroid abnormalities?

Thanks,Jan in Northern KY

Jan, I don't mind you asking at all! Actually, even though I labeled this post "somewhat OT", I seriously think that my thyroid problems ARE related to my achalasia -- the majority of my symptoms showed up right after I went through my "really bad phase" with achalasia, back when I lost 120+ pounds and ate nothing but oatmeal and Ensure/Boost/Slim-Fast drinks for two years. I have a feeling that the stress on my body was too much for my thyroid and adrenal glands, and so my achalasia really may have been the contributing factor in this.

Thyroid problems can either be from TOO MUCH thyroid hormone (hyperthyroid) or (more commonly) from TOO LITTLE thyroid hormone (hypothyroid) -- both cause problems with a wide variety of body systems, and both need to be treated for optimal health.

Symptoms can vary -- you can have some of the symptoms but not others and still have thyroid problems -- it's not a situation where you have to have ALL of the symptoms in order to "qualify" as hyper- or hypothyroid. Kind of like how some people with achalasia have NCCPs and some of us don't, or some can drink carbonated beverages and some can't, etc. (see list of symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism below)

Thyroid problems can be very confusing to deal with, because thyroid hormone affects so many different body systems. And for some reason, doctors seem to COMPLETELY miss thyroid symptoms, even when they are pretty obvious (see article pasted below for a study that estimated that 10% of the US population has undiagnosed and untreated thyroid problems!)

Over a year and a half ago the "acceptable" limits for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) were revised to more accurately reflect what is "truly normal / abnormal" for thyroid function. Unfortunately the vast majority of labs and doctors (not even endocrinologists, who are supposed to be SPECIALISTS in thyroid disease!) are aware of the new range. It is important to get copies of your labwork for yourself, then actually look up what the REAL ranges are for yourself, instead of just depending on the ranges that the lab has listed on your results sheet. As in other aspects of healthcare, it is important to do your own research and see your lab results for yourself.

As I mentioned, I had over 20 of the Hypothyroid Symptoms listed below, plus a TSH level that was out of the "acceptable" range, and the endocrinologist STILL didn't want to treat me. When I asked him what his "target TSH range" is for the patients that he treats for hypothyroidism, he told me "between 1 and 2, preferably closer to 1" --- and yet with my level over 4, he didn't want to treat me "because thyroid medication is for life -- once you take it you always have to take it." Who cares if I have to take it for the rest of my life... if my body NEEDs it, then I WANT it!!!! *sigh*

One thing worth mentioning -- high cholesterol levels are common among thyroid patients. Anyone taking a cholesterol-reducing medication should be tested FIRST for proper thyroid functioning (the drug companies even have this info in their medication inserts!) If you (or a family member) are taking Lipitor or any of the other cholesterol-reducing drugs, it's in your best interest to make sure that your thyroid levels have been checked recently, and that you are TRULY within the recommended "normal" ranges.

Lemme know if you have any questions... I'll share what I know, or help you find answers to stuff that I don't know!Debbi in Michigan

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include:

fatigue

depression

anxiety

mood swings, sudden rage

mental challenges ("brain fog", inability to concentrate)

slow speach

muscle weakness

muscle/joint soreness

dizziness, vertigo

constipation

weight gain, inability to lose weight

intolerance to cold

low body temperature (consistently below 98 degrees)

changes in hair texture (coarse, dry)

premature graying of hair in young adults

hair loss (head, edges of eyebrows)

dry skin

thick, patchy, or scaly skin

weak, brittle, peeling fingernails

hoarse/husky voice

thick tongue

thickened facial features

eye problems (dry, light sensitivity, etc.)

swollen / puffy eyelids, face

throat problems / feelings (pressure, full feeling, choking, lumpy, larger than usual,difficulty swallowing)

snoring / sleep apnea

goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

hearing problems (hearing loss, tinnitus/ringing in ears)

low blood pressure

slowed heart rate

numb and tingling hands / carpal tunnel syndrome

orange-colored soles and palms

high cholesterol levels

low resistance to infection (particularly sinus, ear, lungs, bladder)

osteoporosis

allergies

breathing difficulties (shortness of breath)

excessive yawning

decreased sexual interest

fertility problems, miscarriage

changes in menstrual period

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include:

depressionanorexiaanxiety

fatigue

erratic behavior, mood swingsdyslexia (difficulty with reading, calculating, thinking)

insomnia or restless sleep

mental challenges (forgetfulness, brain fog, uncontrollable rages)restlessnessgoiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

breathing difficulties eye problems (dry, light sensitivity, etc.)

fertility problemsnail problemsskin changes (rashes, dry, itchy, patchy)swelling (facial, eye or leg)hair problems (thinning and loss, textural changes)hearing disabilities (tinnitus/ear ringing, etc.)

palpitations (rapid, forceful or irregular heart beats)tachycardia (rapid heart beat)high blood pressurehigh cholesterol

anemialow resistance to infections

hypersensitivity to heat (heat intolerance)

increased sweating

weight fluctuation (gain or more commonly loss)increased appetiteincreased frequency of stools (without diarrhea)

constipation or diarrheaPMS (premenstrual syndrome)menstrual changes (flow, duration)sexual dysfunction (low drive in both sexes, impotence in men)muscle weakness (arm triceps, leg quadriceps)osteoporosis (demineralization and weakening of the bones)throat problems (difficulty swallowing, sore throat)

voice changes (hoarse, husky)tremors (shaking hands)weakness (overall, all the time)

Article from: http://www.personalmd.com/encnews.jsp?f=n0228102410.html

Researchers Find That Most Thyroid Conditions Go Untreated

As much as 10 percent of the adult U.S. population may have an undiagnosed thyroid condition, researchers from Colorado say. This could pose a serious public health problem because an underactive thyroid gland can lead to high total cholesterol levels -- a contributing factor to heart disease.

The thyroid gland, located in the neck just below the Adam's apple, produces hormones that increase the body's metabolic rate. Both an underactive thyroid (a condition called hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can have serious health consequences.

The study investigators, led by Dr. E. Chester Ridgway, head of the division of endocrinology, metabolism and diabetes at the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver, are calling for more widespread testing and more aggressive treatment for thyroid conditions. Their report appears in the February 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

In studying data from 25,862 adult patients in the general Oregon population, they found that 9.5 percent had hypothyroidism and 2.2 percent had hyperthyroidism. Most people with hypothyroidism (8.9 of the 9.5 percent) were not taking medication for their condition, the researchers found. Half of those with hyperthyroidism (1.1 of the 2.2 percent) were not being treated. Therefore, they determined that almost 10 percent of the population may have a thyroid condition that is either untreated or undiagnosed.

The researchers obtained their data from the statewide health symposium in Colorado. This program collects population information about various health conditions such as high blood pressure, cancer and, beginning in 1995, thyroid problems. During the symposium, physicians surveyed the participants about possible thyroid symptoms and drew blood to determine thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

The thyroid is controlled in part by the pituitary gland in the brain, which releases TSH. This pituitary hormone stimulates the thyroid to release its own hormones. When enough thyroid hormones are in the blood, the pituitary releases less TSH. When more thyroid hormone is needed, the pituitary releases more TSH. Therefore, low TSH levels are indicative of hyperthyroidism, and high TSH indicates hypothyroidism.

Ridgway explained that in addition to high TSH levels, overt hypothyroidism is characterized by low amounts of circulating thyroid hormone. Subclinical hypothyroidism entails having high TSH but normal levels of circulating thyroid hormone. The symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism are fatigue, mild weight gain, constipation, dry skin and increased sleeping. These can often be confused with symptoms of other conditions.

In the study, the researchers also found that those with overt hypothyroidism had total cholesterol levels of 251 milligrams per deciliter. (Total cholesterol above 200 milligrams per deciliter indicates that medical attention is needed.) People with subclinical hypothyroidism had total cholesterol levels averaging 224 milligrams per deciliter.

Though physicians have known that overt hyperthyroidism plays a role in increased cholesterol levels, not as much has been reported about how subclinical hypothyroidism contributes to cholesterol levels.

``This study is novel in that is drew a clearer connection between mild or early stages of thyroid failure and its effect on cholesterol levels,'' Ridgway said. ``It showed that as the thyroid gland fails and less thyroid hormone is produced, blood cholesterol levels rise. This has serious long-term consequences for the patient's health particularly in the area of cardiovascular disease.''

Subclinical hypothyroidism ``may not be subclinical at all,'' said W. Ladenson, professor of medicine and director of the division of endocrinology and metabolism at the s Hopkins University of Medicine. ``But rather, mild degrees of thyroid hormone deficiency may have significant consequences in terms of higher cholesterol, greater risk of heart disease, as well as symptoms that can progress to more severe hypothyroidism.''

``In a sense, the term subclinical is a misnomer,'' Ridgway concurred. ``One of the most important parts of our study was to show that these patients do have symptoms, and in fact this disorder -- subclinical hypothyroidism -- actually has elevated cholesterol levels compared with normal controls.''

Ladenson also explained that the American Thyroid Association (www.thyroid.org) recently released a set of guidelines stating people over 35 years old should be screened with TSH tests every five years.

Have any of you guys had this experience? Over the last year+, I have been doing some really, really stupid things. Today was the last straw. I found out that our auto insurance lapsed....I don't even remember getting anything from them saying that it had, that we missed a payment or anything!It wouldn't bother me, but I have done so many stupid things like this in the past year that I really honestly am starting to think that it is because my brain isn't functioning properly....maybe due to the malnourishment I have had over the past several years & particularly the last year. I am planning to talk to both my family doc & my GI about it in the next week when I have appointments. I have started with vitamins again, but it is beyond me how one can function well for 37 years & then do such stupid things so frequently. Maybe Alzheimer's and Achalasia are related? lol. Then I'll be a double A! ACK!!!!!No, honestly, I would love feedback on this. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind & today is one of those days. Cindi in PA

[Guest guest]

Cindi,

I think (I hope) it’s more that we

have so much on our minds, and not that we’re

loosing our minds. How many kids did you say you have????

On the other hand, maybe it has something

to do with our thyroid like Debbi says, although mine is in the normal range,

but I haven’t had a complete thyroid study done.

I used to be so good at budgeting and

staying on top of things financially, but now that I’m in school taking

19 units, working part time as well as trying to be a mom, I can’t seem

to remember the all important details of life. Even though I’ve

refinanced my house and paid off all my debt, I still can’t remember to

pay what bills I have and my children are suffering in school because I’m

not home enough to help them.

Organization is the key…or so I’ve

been told! I have a big calendar that I write everything down on, but

remembering to write things on the calendar is another story. Luckily I have

good friends that call me up and remind me when tests and assignments are due.

I sure hope things are going to get better

for me now that school is about over. 4 more exams to go and I’ll be

finished!!! Yeah!!!!! (providing I pass)….

And then I can resume life as a

responsible adult??? As my doctor would say…how rude! ;-) LOL

Well, on that note, I really do need to

study some more I have a final AND a certification exam in my South Pacific

class tonight. Like I’m going to remember the names of all those islands!

LOL

As the Fijians say,

Bula!

Sandi

Feel like I'm

losing my mind

Have any of you guys had this experience?

Over the last year+, I have been doing some really, really

stupid things. Today was the last straw. I found out that our

auto insurance lapsed....I don't even remember getting anything from them

saying that it had, that we missed a payment or anything!

It wouldn't bother me, but I have done so many stupid

things like this in the past year that I really honestly am starting to think

that it is because my brain isn't functioning properly....maybe due to the

malnourishment I have had over the past several years & particularly the

last year.

I am planning to talk to both my family doc & my GI

about it in the next week when I have appointments. I have started with

vitamins again, but it is beyond me how one can function well for 37 years

& then do such stupid things so frequently. Maybe Alzheimer's and

Achalasia are related? lol. Then I'll be a double A! ACK!!!!!

No, honestly, I would love feedback on this.

Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind & today is one of those

days. Cindi in PA

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- Email has finally evolved - Click Here

[Guest guest]

Cindi, I am sure we all have spells like that ! I certainly do. Try the Kiddies vitamins with minerals - they are easy to swallow and work quicker. I found they really did help. It was actually worse after my surgery and I am sure it is because one has become a bit debilitated. I also find I can't handle stress like I used to either.

Actually, now that I think of it.(!) an anaesthetic is known to affect one's memory temporarily. The longer duration the anaesthetic the longer you stay forgetful.

After my total knee replacemnt, my colleagues were at their wits end with me when I went back to work ! I forgot appointmants, what I had said yesterday etc, but it all came right in the end. For what it is worth, when I had my myotomy they gave me so much oxygen I was nearly mummified with dryness, but my memory was not as bad as after previous surgery.

It will pass !

Hugs,

Joan

Johannesburg South Africajpearse@...

Feel like I'm losing my mind

Have any of you guys had this experience?

Over the last year+, I have been doing some really, really stupid things. Today was the last straw. I found out that our auto insurance lapsed....I don't even remember getting anything from them saying that it had, that we missed a payment or anything!

It wouldn't bother me, but I have done so many stupid things like this in the past year that I really honestly am starting to think that it is because my brain isn't functioning properly....maybe due to the malnourishment I have had over the past several years & particularly the last year.

I am planning to talk to both my family doc & my GI about it in the next week when I have appointments. I have started with vitamins again, but it is beyond me how one can function well for 37 years & then do such stupid things so frequently. Maybe Alzheimer's and Achalasia are related? lol. Then I'll be a double A! ACK!!!!!

No, honestly, I would love feedback on this. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind & today is one of those days. Cindi in PA

____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here

[Guest guest]

Sandi, how KOOL! Good luck in school. I'm still trying to figure

out what I want to be when I grow up. I keep plugging away 2 classes

a semester.....ugh! I just got an email from my Calculus teacher

yesterday....I did get an A in Calc! WOOOOHOOOOO Now to figure out

what to take this summer?

Mike

> Cindi,

>

> I think (I hope) it's more that we have so much on our minds, and

not

> that we're loosing our minds. How many kids did you say you have????

> On the other hand, maybe it has something to do with our thyroid

like

> Debbi says, although mine is in the normal range, but I haven't had

a

> complete thyroid study done.

>

> I used to be so good at budgeting and staying on top of things

> financially, but now that I'm in school taking 19 units, working

part

> time as well as trying to be a mom, I can't seem to remember the all

> important details of life. Even though I've refinanced my house and

paid

> off all my debt, I still can't remember to pay what bills I have

and my

> children are suffering in school because I'm not home enough to help

> them.

>

> Organization is the key.or so I've been told! I have a big calendar

that

> I write everything down on, but remembering to write things on the

> calendar is another story. Luckily I have good friends that call me

up

> and remind me when tests and assignments are due.

>

> I sure hope things are going to get better for me now that school is

> about over. 4 more exams to go and I'll be finished!!! Yeah!!!!!

> (providing I pass)..

> And then I can resume life as a responsible adult??? As my doctor

would

> say.how rude! ;-) LOL

>

> Well, on that note, I really do need to study some more I have a

final

> AND a certification exam in my South Pacific class tonight. Like I'm

> going to remember the names of all those islands! LOL

>

> As the Fijians say,

> Bula!

> Sandi

>

> Feel like I'm losing my mind

>

>

> Have any of you guys had this experience?

>

> Over the last year+, I have been doing some really, really stupid

> things. Today was the last straw. I found out that our auto

insurance

> lapsed....I don't even remember getting anything from them saying

that

> it had, that we missed a payment or anything!

>

> It wouldn't bother me, but I have done so many stupid things like

this

> in the past year that I really honestly am starting to think that

it is

> because my brain isn't functioning properly....maybe due to the

> malnourishment I have had over the past several years &

particularly the

> last year.

>

> I am planning to talk to both my family doc & my GI about it in the

next

> week when I have appointments. I have started with vitamins again,

but

> it is beyond me how one can function well for 37 years & then do

such

> stupid things so frequently. Maybe Alzheimer's and Achalasia are

> related? lol. Then I'll be a double A! ACK!!!!!

>

> No, honestly, I would love feedback on this. Sometimes I feel like

I'm

> losing my mind & today is one of those days. Cindi in PA

>

>

>

>

>

> ____________________________________________________

> <http://www.incredimail.com/redir.asp?ad_id=309 & lang=9>

IncrediMail -

> Email has finally evolved -

> <http://www.incredimail.com/redir.asp?ad_id=309 & lang=9> Click Here

>

>

>

>