Thing are moving at a pace - forgive the pun

[Cypbill]

Well it's been quite an eventual 12 months, my wife bless her has had part of a lung removed following 3-4 years of surveillance on what are termed Ground Glass Occlusions (essentially abnormal cells) and my PAF has progressed somewhat to where I have Heart Failure (New York Heart Association classification - class III), Thyrotoxicosis, Chronic Kidney Impairment, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and to top it all terrible unbelievably painful Gout brought on by the kidney issue. Despite all of this I was asked yesterday what my exercise tolerance was like, really, I struggle to breathe and can barely walk and to add insult to injury I was told that I should loose a couple of kilos in weight. Both my wife and I have worked all of our lives and ran a very successful business for 35 years, where's the help and assistance when you need it?

[Hidden]

I wish I knew the answer to that one, it’s hard when you someone has always done their bit, paid their dues and then cannot get a bit of help when they need it. No magic wands here I’m afraid, but I know you already know that but at least you can have a rant, let off a bit of steam and sometimes that can help a little. Are you aware that there is a strong link between the thyroid and AF. I have had a marginally overactive thyroid for many years but more recently, blood tests and a goitre indicate it’s got worse so rather than take Carbimazole (apparently also not good for the ticker) I have just had RAI treatment but far to early to have made a difference. Might be worth you asking a few questions too! I hope things improve for both you and your wife.....best wishes.

[Cypbill in reply to Hidden]

Hi and thanks, and yes I am now aware of the link between Thyroid and AF mainly as result of the Nephrologist remarking that he was surprised I had not over 10-years of AF been tested for Thyroid Disfunction. Low and behold he was right and I've since had RAI treatment to effectively destroy my Thyroid Gland thereafter, fluid retention was an issue exacerbated by the heart failure, hence the dramatic increase in prescribed diuretics which in turn affects the kidneys, which in turn triggers the gout ..... what a downward spiral. No body told me when I was busting a gut for 30 plus years that I was killing myself .... not until now that is.

Anyway, rant over and thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Cypbill]

😳 are you saying you think the RAI treatment was a likely cause of your water retention and all the ensuing problems? 😳

[Cypbill in reply to Hidden]

Indirectly yes, the thyroid plays a major part in the body and it's disfunction affects a great number of major organs. So having it removed and or destroyed has an even more significant impact not least afterwards, during the experimental stage where the replacement hormone is being titrated. As in my case, during this period fluid retention was an issue, hence the diuretics, impact on my kidneys where my GFR was down to 21 which in turn etc., etc., ... you see where this goes. Unfortunately I was honestly unaware of just how important that little unassuming bowtie really is until now, but it's gone.

[Hidden in reply to Cypbill]

No turning back for me either.....supposed to have had a low dose which supposed not to destroy it.....time will tell!

[jennydog in reply to Hidden]

Not sure what RAI is & Google didn't help. Radiotherapy?? Please see my new post, triggered by this.

[Hidden in reply to jennydog]

A small dose of Radioactive Iodine for treatment of hyperthyroidism