I actually found out in May-ish that my thyroid is covered in polyps (one of considerable size that will require a biopsy) and the 2 thoughts that popped into my mind were 1. I wonder how much the thyroid problems have actually been affecting my moods as there is a known connection and 2. could these growths be a side effect of one of my meds. I am finally getting in to see an endocrinologist in a couple of weeks to schedule a biopsy, but please remember that 95% of all thyroid growths are benign and not cancerous and are VERY common in women our age. Lucky us.
Lithium - To Take or Not to Take? T'is a serious question.
How are things? Up until recently, pretty fabulous, except I got a bit of a surprise. I went for my yearly physical today and my doctor told me that I have a swollen thyroid! GREAT! Things have been going so well and then this happens. I don’t want to be negative and say ‘just my luck’ because that would be false advertising, I consider myself very lucky. It is difficult to accept that I might have a hypo-thyroid. This means that my metabolism may just slow right down and the symptoms are vast: weight gain, sluggishness, poor concentration, and even the possibility of cancer. Then there is the most obvious reason –lithium. Damn! I have finally found a pretty decent medication cocktail and it may be messing with my thyroid. Then the questions arise: Would I stay on lithium even though my thyroid may be affected? Would I prefer to risk it and go off lithium just to ensure I don’t have the suffer the effects of hypo-thyroidism? Would thyroid meds work? Would I want to take more meds?
Once upon a time a little girl asked me if I found out down the road that lithium was causing me a harsh side-effect then would I still continue to use it. I told her yes, but now I am starting to reconsider. I have many fears about the possibility of going off lithium and the major factor is going into a deep psychosis like I did before. The past does not create the future and I am rest assured that if ANYTHING were to potentially happen again that I would take action to stop it. Would I be able to stop it? So many questions.
I was hoping to return to school once again in January 2012, even received my doctor’s consent to return after being away for 1.5 years. Now I fear contacting the Dean and conveying all that I have been experiencing as I felt pressured by the university to return earlier. I also have muscle balance problems in my eyes, probably due to medication as well, and it is difficult for me to read a book, view a computer screen or my phone. HOW WILL I SURVIVE SCHOOL IN THIS STATE?
I am freaking out a bit here, this babe is NOT always cool and collected. I just hope my thyroid test comes back ok. I hope I make it through this ok.
BABE
2 comments
Thyroid
Babe *hugs*
Hey there, thank you for sharing your experience! I have a feeling that this is what is going on. I know we want to blame the meds but my doctor tells me it is actually pretty common. Still doesn't make me feel any better. Your comment did though so thank you. I will let you know the result of my ultrasound. :)
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