Anxiety/ depression. Advice needed - feeling quite desperate

[Heybella]

Hi All,

Please see my last post here: healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

I went for further blood tests at my GP on 11 March (this was booked in a while back so thought I’d go a long) and it looks as thought my levels are creeping up still:

FREE T4+FT3+TSH

Serum free T4 level 16.8 pmol/L [9.1 -

17.61

Serum TSH level < 0.01 mu/L [0.35 - 4.9];

Below low reference limit

Serum free triiodothyronine level 7.0 pmol/L [2.4 - 6.01; Above high reference limit

I had been referred to endo through NHS and I called the hosp on Friday to see if there were any cancellations and I managed to get an appointment there and then on Friday morning.

However, It was very rushed & no bloods were taken. Had a physical examination and was thought that there was swelling and potentially a lump - but the endo and nurse didn’t say much. The front of my neck is quite tender and I do get mild pains in the throat area from time to time.

I’ve been given PTU (seemed to have a reaction to Carbi) but again, I’m not sure whether I should take at this stage.

The thing is, I am struggling terribly especially mentally - like really really badly.

I’m very very anxious, hopeless and tearful all of the time. I feel extremely depressed. I’m having a lot of depersonalisation and feeling like I’m in a dream.

Please, if anybody has any advice I’d really appreciate.

Thank you

[greygoose]

Rereading your last post, I still think you have Hashi's, not Graves'. And that your present high FT3 is due to another Hashi's 'hyper' swing. So, PTU is not the right treatment.

Has anyone ever tested Graves' antibodies: TRAB or TSI? I think it's very remiss of that endo to prescribe you PTU without testing those first.

So, I think your next step should be insisting on having those tested, so that you know where you are.

[Heybella in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for getting back to me again greygoose - I really appreciate it.

I seem to be having a terrible time & can’t understand why…..

Can I ask what it is that makes you think it’s Hashimotos and not Graves? Apologies I just am so desperate to try understand what is going on with me. 😔

I have managed to get an appointment for blood tests with a private endo tomorrow which will include TSH receptor antibody?

It will be just blood tests tomorrow but imagine there will be a follow up.

I feel especially like my mental health has completely declined…..

thank you greygoose

[greygoose in reply to Heybella]

Well, as I see it, if it were Graves', your TSH would be unreadably low. And your FT4 and FT3 would be much, much higher. Those levels are pretty typical of a Hashi's 'hyper' swing. Plus you have high TPO antibodies. I know they can b present in Graves' too, but the other levels just don't tally. So, until proof of to the contrary, my vote goes to Hashi's.

[Heybella in reply to greygoose]

greygoose thank you I really appreciate it.

I am finding it really difficult to understand all of this stuff, so thank you

[greygoose in reply to Heybella]

You're welcome. And don't worry, you will understand it all, eventually. It just takes time to get used to it.

[Heybella in reply to greygoose]

Thank you greygoose you’ve had wise words for me through some difficult days recently & I really appreciate it 😊

It’s just so complex! Hopefully I will have more answers very soon.

Do you know how long hashi hyper swings usually last?

Thank you

[greygoose in reply to Heybella]

They're totally unpredictable. And probably vary from person to person. So, I'm afraid, there's no answer to that question.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Heybella]

I would 100% recommend you follow  greygoose advice and ensure correct antibodies are tested to confirm Graves. When I joined this forum I was diagnosed with Graves, but GG & others encouraged me to check antibodies fully; I actually have Hashimotos (plus Thyroid Eye Disease, now in remission).

Antibody tests:

Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) needs to be confirmed via positive TRab or TSI:

TRab

TSH receptor antibodies

TSI

Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin

TPO & TG antibodies may be Graves or Hashimotos.

 TPOab

Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies

[Heybella in reply to Buddy195]

Buddy195 thank you for replying 😊

My mental health has taken such a decline - it’s really worrying.

I have an appointment tomorrow to have blood tests including TSh receptor antibody

I also have some pain in the neck/ thyroid area - it feels quite swollen and tender

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Heybella]

When you are in a spiral of anxiety it can be helpful to have ongoing physical symptoms checked, to put your mind at ease.

Having my thyroid medication & key vitamins optimal has really helped reduce my anxiety levels (in addition to being GF, taking magnesium daily & practising mindfulness etc).

Do share all blood tests with us. Remember you are not alone; members are here to help & support 🦋

[Heybella in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you Buddy195 ❤️

[FallingInReverse]

Have you had ferritin tested?

My daughter was experiencing “derealization” and when I saw the above chart, we saw low ferritin was a contributor.

I know there are so many different aspects to how you feel, but wanted to share this experience as low ferritin on its own can cause so many overlapping symptoms, or make them worse.

Ferritin symptoms

[Heybella in reply to FallingInReverse]

FallingInReverse thank you replying

I have had ferritin etc tested in early Feb:

Serum ferritin level 81 ug/L 15.0 - 204.01

VITAMIN B12

Serum vitamin B12 level 664 ng/L [187.0 -

883.01

Serum folate level 5.8 ug/L [3.1 - 20.0]

Slowdragon mentioned in my last post that my folate was too low so I’ve got some supplements now.

I just feel so terribly unwell mentally especially with the worst fatigue and depressive like symptoms. 😔

Thank you

[123Dipsy in reply to Heybella]

I can so relate to how you are feeling. I feel sad and in a dreamlike state. It seems so unfair that we have to try and figure this out when our head already feels like cotton wool.

[Heybella in reply to 123Dipsy]

I’m so sorry you feel like this too 123Dipsy

I hope things get better for you ASAP

It’s really hard some days huh?

[FallingInReverse]

Hang in there Heybella One step at a time takes longer than we want, but you are on your way.

[Heybella in reply to FallingInReverse]

Thank you FallingInReverse 😊