What does emotional trauma do to your Hashimotos

[Redditch]

I have Hashimotos, happily medicated and doing well when BANG!

My other half was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer 9 days ago.

I am clearly devastated but I have physical symptoms that I thought might be my thyroid responding to the stress.

I've lost 9lbs in 9 days

I am jumpy

I can't sleep

I have palpitations

Should I reduce my meds for a bit or do we think this is just emotional trauma.

[MaisieGray]

I'm very sorry to read of your other half's diagnosis, it must be a very frightening time for them.

As a clinical therapist of some 18 yrs, I would say that whilst we are individual in exactly how such things affect us, what you are experiencing is a very common response to what was sudden and shocking news. A friend's husband died recently after 7 years of ill health, and although it was expected, her reaction to his death was in fact very much like yours, with the addition of repeated bouts of crying in her case. And as I've advised, her Dr told her that her response was very common. A little while later her friend's husband became very ill as a result of damage ensuing from the CPR she performed on him following a heart attack (she is a nurse), and again, she experienced similar symptoms as you and my friend. I doubt your symptoms are thyroid related, but arising from the combination of shock, upset, worry, not knowing what the future brings for your partner etc. I would suggest against any dose change unless you have a blood test and the results warrant it - you need to continue to be optimally medicated and well, to support your partner as he goes through whatever his medical team have planned for him.

[shaws Administrator]

Shock - when we get news such as you've received - can also have a devastating effect on us - even if in perfect health.

I know it is very easy to say when I am not suffering as you are at present ,but just keep to your dose without changing. Your body has to recover from the shock you've just received and it is incomprehensible to come to terms with the news.

You will both be in shock at and it is hard to accept or understand.

[Redditch in reply to shaws]

Hi it's a month on, I have citalopram from the GP but I'm still losing weight, over a stone now. I had blood tests on Monday for all sorts of things.

I still have diahoerria.

I'm going to stop the thyroxine for two days and see if it subsides. If it does I'm going to drop my dose for a week

I can't afford to lose any more weight. A new wardrobe is beyond my current means

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I'm so sorry to hear this, this is exactly what happened to my husband, diagnosed Stage 4 very unexpectedly. However, my reaction wasn't like yours at the time of diagnosis. He was with me for another 3.5 years and even though we knew when the end was coming, and I was very strong, after his passing my weight dropped quite a bit in a short time. I think it's very likely emotional trauma and in time things should settle down.

Thinking of both you and your husband and sending you strength to cope at this difficult time.

[Hidden]

I am very, very sorry to hear it Redditch, I can't imagine how this must feel. Please stay strong, both of you ❤️

I would say this is quite normal. Trauma could also cause fluctuations when you have Hashis. The best would be to do bloods before any alterations. You mentioned you had bloods done - did they check your thyroid for any changes?