Posted by susan C on August 26, 2001, at 13:25:51
In reply to Misdiag. bipolar 4 thyroiditis common? , posted by MaxineMarch on August 26, 2001, at 4:41:06
> Hi there,
Hi, Yes, YES. There is lots of good information on this site, psycho babble (the med side)do a search and dr-bob has a separte thyroid section, look at the bottom of the page.My personal experience is my tsh levels are 'normal' so I have not experimented with this one, tho I keep investigating it. I would have to find a good endrocinolgist and the only one I have found so far is thounds of miles away and isnt taking patients right now...so I cant justify it yet. sounds like you can. Go for it.
Susan C
> I'm about to see an endocrinologist regarding the bizarre TSH levels I've been getting for a year and a half (they were never measured before this time). Because I started lithium (Li) two years ago, they related my HYPOthyroidism to the Li. They didn't know how to explain my very transitory TSH levels, however, and now my TSH doesn't even measure; I am totally HYPERthyroid.
>
> When I landed in a hospital three years ago with depression, the docs diagnosed me after 10 minutes with bipolar disorder. It did strike me as peculiar that everyone else in the place was receiving the same drive-thru diagnosis, but what the hell, I'm "mentally ill," who am I to question? Nevertheless, I went on the meds they passed out with dinner, eventually (one year later) settling for Li. I was faithful to them until the nurse responsible for calling in my meds flaked leaving me medless. It was the first time I had been off them, and I was scared to death.
> Nothing happened, though, I'm fine--I still feel like the utter crap I did before--tired, no energy, sad because I want to enjoy life, but physically cannot, etc. Maybe the nurse’s negligence was a blessing in disguise?
>
> Does anyone know if a misdiagnosis of bipolar when it’s really just wackythyroiditis is common? Looking back on my symptoms from the time of diagnosis thru today, I think they really may have misdiagnosed me (my PCP is suspects perhaps, also). I used to be so energetic, worked long hours, and then suddenly I was just weak and tired and depressed and unable to function. Plus, acne began to cover my face when it never before had been a problem (yes, pre-medication).
>
> I've always described my highs as "harmless," you know, I would have midnight inspirations and pump out a really great letter-to-the-editor, but I did nothing terribly embarrassing or harmful. Maybe it's just my personality matched with an inability to sleep? My lows were usually low, though, and I can't deny that I seemed to be on a cycle. But since measuring my TSH (T-4 et al), they've been on their own little cycle.
>
> Does this make any sense to anyone? I gotta see a new endocrinologist this week and want to be prepared so that I can have my life back, bipolar or not. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, I'm listening.
>
> Max
poster:susan C
thread:10242
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010825/msgs/10288.html