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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 16:33:46
We drove 40 minutes to have the endo look at me and say, " I really don't see anything wrong with your test results. Your TSH is normal, your thyroid feels just fine. The growth is just a swollen lymph gland."
He was nice but obviously doesn't think there is any issue. He is running some more blood test to check my white/red count, liver enzymes, calcium and such but he said he felt this was likely more a reaction to stress and anxiety than anything.
So maxime.. move over and let me join your "frustrated" club.
I literally sat in the parking lot sobbing in the car.. Then I started laughing (which confused my husband). I said, " Do you realize I am sitting outside the doctor office crying because he says NOTHING is wrong??" Then he cracked up too.It is ridiculous to want something wrong physically, but I guess I just thought that would explain things more thoroughly.
I guess I just have to wait on the rest of the test (which I am sure will be just fine) and then it's back to square one.. or actually back to hearing " bipolar 2."
I guess I just can't grasp that a mental disorder could possibly create all these phyiscal symptoms but I suppose I am wrong.
It's just frustrating frankly. I would rather have any diagnosis than bipolar (because of it's role in my family history).
Thanks for all your input and help lately guys. You are the best.
Posted by Phillipa on April 13, 2005, at 17:52:37
In reply to Update from my appointment: I am so confused, posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 16:33:46
I really do know the feeling. Every time my anxiety or depression come back I hope my thyroid is off again and a change in the dose will be the "magic pill". Even when my lymes disease went into remission i went back on the biaxin because I thought it made me feel better. It didn't. So, I guess depression and anxiety can and do exist by themselves. At least you still have your sense of humor! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by tendency on April 13, 2005, at 18:28:29
In reply to Update from my appointment: I am so confused, posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 16:33:46
> We drove 40 minutes to have the endo look at me and say, " I really don't see anything wrong with your test results. Your TSH is normal, your thyroid feels just fine. The growth is just a swollen lymph gland."
>
> He was nice but obviously doesn't think there is any issue. He is running some more blood test to check my white/red count, liver enzymes, calcium and such but he said he felt this was likely more a reaction to stress and anxiety than anything.
>
> So maxime.. move over and let me join your "frustrated" club.
>
> I literally sat in the parking lot sobbing in the car.. Then I started laughing (which confused my husband). I said, " Do you realize I am sitting outside the doctor office crying because he says NOTHING is wrong??" Then he cracked up too.
>
> It is ridiculous to want something wrong physically, but I guess I just thought that would explain things more thoroughly.
>
> I guess I just have to wait on the rest of the test (which I am sure will be just fine) and then it's back to square one.. or actually back to hearing " bipolar 2."
>
> I guess I just can't grasp that a mental disorder could possibly create all these phyiscal symptoms but I suppose I am wrong.
>
> It's just frustrating frankly. I would rather have any diagnosis than bipolar (because of it's role in my family history).
>
> Thanks for all your input and help lately guys. You are the best.
>
>
have you tried taking your oral temp three times per day (3 hours apart) and averaging them? If they average below 98.0 you may have something called wilson's thyroid syndrome which the hallmark symptoms are low average temps, normal thyroid tests and any of a number of mental/physical symptoms.see: www.wilsonsthyroidsyndrome.com
Posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 18:39:04
In reply to Re: Update from my appointment: I am so confused » Spriggy, posted by tendency on April 13, 2005, at 18:28:29
So I am sitting here trying to "figure all this out" because things feel so physical (and mental of course)..
then about an hour ago, my dr. office called and my doctor said my heart monitor (24 hour one) came back and the cardiologist detected some kind of tychardia (I can't remember the words he used)-- anyway he said my heart rate hit 171 at one point.
So they want me on some kind of heart medicine. He even said, " i would like you to go pick it up today at the pharmacist."
So this is soooo weird.
Is THAT also just anxiety? what in the world.
I have a headache just trying to figure this out.
Tendency- I will read through that link when I get back from church tonight. Thanks for the information..
I'm just scared if I read i'll immediately give myself that disease too. LOL
Posted by TamaraJ on April 13, 2005, at 19:09:58
In reply to Update from my appointment: I am so confused, posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 16:33:46
Hi Spriggy,
My heart goes out to you. If I were in your shoes, I would be so discouraged and probably a bit ticked off. Frankly, from what you have said, the endo you saw today sounded a bit dismissive. I can see why you would be confused. From the sounds of it, the endo was a bit dismissive and condescending, and perhaps is not doing as thorough a job as he should. For instance, what was his reaction to the daily extreme fluctuations in your blood sugar? Anyone experiencing such highs and lows in blood sugar would be experiencing the physical symptoms you have been experiencing. That should remain a concern I would think. Also, I realize he doesn't have to repeat the tests that have already been done (although any specialist I have seem has done their own tests even if some were repeats), but there are other tests that need to be done to definitively rule out any thyroid problems (like the antibodies tests which would determine if you had thyroiditis) since, at least from what I recall having read, TSH could come back normal.
Spriggy, it is up to you and your husband how you handle this, but I think you should be scheduling a second appointment with the endo asap (or even finding a different one for a second opinion) and demanding that a complete thyroid panel be done and the issues with your blood sugar be addressed. You may even want to ask that RPN from your church that checked out the nodule in your neck to go with you to help ensure that you are not given the bum's rush.
At this point, it may be premature to accept a diagnosis of bipolar. However, if, after having a full thyroid panel done and the blood sugar issues addressed, everything is considered normal physically, then bipolar treatment options can be pursued in earnest. And, there are plenty of good treatment options available I am sure.
Try to hang in there Spriggy. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Take good care,
Tamara
Posted by MidnightBlue on April 13, 2005, at 19:35:30
In reply to Update from my appointment: I am so confused, posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 16:33:46
Spriggy!
Let's see now. You have a blood sugar problem, heart rhythm problem, possible thyroid problem, and a family history if not a personal history of bipolar disorder.
I think that's enough to confuse you AND the doctors! Sounds like you need a second opinion when it comes to that heart problem--how about a cardiologist, and an endo that is willing to look at both blood sugar AND thyroid issues. Even an idiot like me knows that unstable blood sugar, irregular heart rhythm,and a thyroid that wants to do its own thing can make you look and feel crazy.
Now, just to throw something else in the mix, what are the chances that you are having some of these symptoms because of the MEDS you are on? Ed could help us there. I just don't want you to be "labeled" with something you don't really have. Or taking a bunch of meds you don't need. Not really sure which is worse, JUST being bipolar, or having heart, blood sugar, and thyroid issues!
(((HUGS)) my dear! I will be praying that you find a doctor who is WISE.
MidnightBlue
Posted by Minnie-Haha on April 13, 2005, at 19:37:24
In reply to Update from my appointment: I am so confused, posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 16:33:46
> We drove 40 minutes to have the endo look at me and say, " I really don't see anything wrong with your test results. Your TSH is normal, your thyroid feels just fine. The growth is just a swollen lymph gland."
> He was nice but obviously doesn't think there is any issue. He is running some more blood test to check my white/red count, liver enzymes, calcium and such but he said he felt this was likely more a reaction to stress and anxiety than anything...Mercy! Did he say which endocrine disorders could cause the symptoms you're having and what evidence there is to rule them out? (It doesn't sound like he did.) You can always ask your doctor for a referral and a second opinion.
> It is ridiculous to want something wrong physically, but I guess I just thought that would explain things more thoroughly...
> It's just frustrating frankly. I would rather have any diagnosis than bipolar (because of it's role in my family history)...It's not ridiculous to want an explanation besides a psych disorder. Many of us have been there. Some doctors are thorough and some ARE too quick to chalk things up to anxiety and/or depression. That's why you have to push. There is a strong link between mood and the endocrine system.
That said, sometimes you're problem is solely or primarily a psych disorder and that's not the end of the world. I DON'T MEAN TO MAKE LIGHT OF IT, but everything is relative. I don't like my BP2 diagnosis, but I can think of things that would be even worse (for me anyway).
So do you push on for a medical reason? Could you try a trial of bipolar treatment? Is there another option? I know you've been on Lamictal (briefly yes?), but have you been on any of the usual mood stabilizers like Depakote, Lithium, or Trileptal? You might try starting out for a couple weeks on one of these, and then add an antidepressant.
Take heart! So many care about you. Talk with others here, your husband, your PCP, and your pdoc. Come up with a plan (which you may have to tweak as you go along -- or have a Plan A, Plan B, etc) and hang in there. No matter which treatment you try, hope for the best (that you'll be "cured" in a matter of days), but prepare for the worst (that it may take weeks to know if it's working or not, and move on to Plan B). Think of what you've toughed it through already. You can do this.
Posted by Minnie-Haha on April 13, 2005, at 19:42:07
In reply to Re: Update from my appointment: I am so confused » Spriggy, posted by TamaraJ on April 13, 2005, at 19:09:58
> ... Frankly, from what you have said, the endo you saw today sounded a bit dismissive... For instance, what was his reaction to the daily extreme fluctuations in your blood sugar?... Also, I realize he doesn't have to repeat the tests that have already been done (although any specialist I have seem has done their own tests even if some were repeats), but there are other tests that need to be done to definitively rule out any thyroid problems (like the antibodies tests which would determine if you had thyroiditis) since, at least from what I recall having read, TSH could come back normal...
> Spriggy, it is up to you and your husband how you handle this, but I think you should be scheduling a second appointment with the endo asap (or even finding a different one for a second opinion) and demanding that a complete thyroid panel be done and the issues with your blood sugar be addressed. You may even want to ask that RPN from your church that checked out the nodule in your neck to go with you to help ensure that you are not given the bum's rush...
> At this point, it may be premature to accept a diagnosis of bipolar. However, if, after having a full thyroid panel done and the blood sugar issues addressed, everything is considered normal physically, then bipolar treatment options can be pursued in earnest. And, there are plenty of good treatment options available I am sure...
EXCELLENT advice! I agree completely!!
Posted by Phillipa on April 13, 2005, at 19:49:36
In reply to Re: Update from my appointment (long) » Spriggy, posted by Minnie-Haha on April 13, 2005, at 19:37:24
And you will do this. For you are strong Spriggy. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Maxime on April 13, 2005, at 19:57:05
In reply to Update from my appointment: I am so confused, posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 16:33:46
I am sorry that happened. You know that I know how it feels. You really should read that book I mentioned, The Thyroid Solution. It talks about how no one knows what comes first ... the mental disorder or the thyroid disorder. Stress and anxiety can do so much to your mind and body. You have been dealing with a sick father which is VERY stressful. I have also been there. My father was dying, I was writing my Masters thesis, I was working full time, I weighed 70 pounds, I lived 2000 miles away from my family. I went into hospital. Somehow I managed to write a 250 pages thesis, defend it and graduate. How I managed to do it I have no idea. But when it was over I fell apart.
Maybe your system has gone haywire from all the stress. It's so hard to know.
But the problem with mental illness is that it is not visible. If you had cancer people would be asking how you are doing, they would be understanding. The same with a broken leg. There is physical proof that something is wrong. But with psych dx, you are just a head case. Even friends, family and co-workers don't understand ... because they can't see it.
Wouldn't it be nice if someone said "Gee Spriggy, your brain looks kinda bipolared or something. Are you doing okay? Can I sign your skull?".
Hang in there. At least you are blessed with a support system. Until the doctors get their act together, use your support system.
I'm thinking of you. Sorry I rambled so much.
Maxi
> We drove 40 minutes to have the endo look at me and say, " I really don't see anything wrong with your test results. Your TSH is normal, your thyroid feels just fine. The growth is just a swollen lymph gland."
>
> He was nice but obviously doesn't think there is any issue. He is running some more blood test to check my white/red count, liver enzymes, calcium and such but he said he felt this was likely more a reaction to stress and anxiety than anything.
>
> So maxime.. move over and let me join your "frustrated" club.
>
> I literally sat in the parking lot sobbing in the car.. Then I started laughing (which confused my husband). I said, " Do you realize I am sitting outside the doctor office crying because he says NOTHING is wrong??" Then he cracked up too.
>
> It is ridiculous to want something wrong physically, but I guess I just thought that would explain things more thoroughly.
>
> I guess I just have to wait on the rest of the test (which I am sure will be just fine) and then it's back to square one.. or actually back to hearing " bipolar 2."
>
> I guess I just can't grasp that a mental disorder could possibly create all these phyiscal symptoms but I suppose I am wrong.
>
> It's just frustrating frankly. I would rather have any diagnosis than bipolar (because of it's role in my family history).
>
> Thanks for all your input and help lately guys. You are the best.
>
>
Posted by Maxime on April 13, 2005, at 20:10:39
In reply to this is getting weird.. even more confused! heart, posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 18:39:04
Spriggy, did you ask your doctor what the medicine is for? What the possible side effects are? You aren't going to just swallow some pill based on a phone call are you? I mean surely he said more than that? Tachycardia means a fast pulse/heart rate. Did he set up an appointment with you? What medication is it?
Are you taking ANY supplements or herbal remedies right now. Anything at all?
Lots of missing information here.
Maxime
> So I am sitting here trying to "figure all this out" because things feel so physical (and mental of course)..
>
> then about an hour ago, my dr. office called and my doctor said my heart monitor (24 hour one) came back and the cardiologist detected some kind of tychardia (I can't remember the words he used)-- anyway he said my heart rate hit 171 at one point.
>
> So they want me on some kind of heart medicine. He even said, " i would like you to go pick it up today at the pharmacist."
>
> So this is soooo weird.
>
> Is THAT also just anxiety? what in the world.
>
> I have a headache just trying to figure this out.
>
> Tendency- I will read through that link when I get back from church tonight. Thanks for the information..
>
> I'm just scared if I read i'll immediately give myself that disease too. LOL
>
>
Posted by PM80 on April 14, 2005, at 7:42:59
In reply to this is getting weird.. even more confused! heart, posted by Spriggy on April 13, 2005, at 18:39:04
Mental problems can actually cause all sorts of physical, even make your pulse rate soar. I'm 24, in good physical shape, and before I was on any meds my blood pressure would sometimes soar to stage 2 high blood pressure (> 160/100). The longer you've had anxiety, the worse it gets (in many cases, but not all). It sounds like to me that you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, rather than (or perhaps in addition to) BP. The symptoms can be very similar. Are you in any kind of therapy? In ny experience, PhD psychologists are more into talk and behavioral types of therapy, rather than just medicinal ones. There is a lot that can be done to help you cope with this in addition to medicine.
Something may be wrong with your body, but it does sound like your doc is doing his job to rule this out, and to treat the serious physical symptoms. And if something physically is wrong, I would guess that you also may still have some anxiety. Whatever is the problem, don't give up trying to find a solution. Sometimes answers come from unexpected places, but you have to keep trying for this to happen.
I'm sorry that this all sucks for you right now. Hang in there.
Posted by Spriggy on April 14, 2005, at 11:08:32
In reply to Re: this is getting weird.. even more confused! heart » Spriggy, posted by PM80 on April 14, 2005, at 7:42:59
I want to thank everyone here for responding and for your support.
I kind of had a "breakdown" last night- I actually left in the middle of church. I just felt like I was about to freak out in front of everyone. I just needed to be in my home, with some peace and quiet so I could do some wailing.. LOL
My husband came home from church last night and prayed for me (over me) like I have never prayed for before. He said, " I don't want you to try and figure this thing out anymore. I think it's making you worse. You let me take that job on."So he is going to talk with one of the men in our church that is an internal medicine doctor and tell him everything. He wants to see if he has any insight or if there is anything he suggests.
I'm just worn out from all this.. It very well could all be anxiety/bp2, I think I am just now realizing how physical your symptoms can become from stress. They are very real... but Maxime hit the nail on the head, you can't "show" this to people so they just can't understand it.But you know what I have thought about.. here we are in a position at a church with about 1,000 people- Maybe, Just maybe, God allowed me to "carry this" and have this thing to break the stigma of it and to expose it to the church. I don't know. I guess I'm always wanting to believe that God doesn't have us suffer in vain- there is always a purpose for any suffering He requires.
Anyway, maybe once I am more stable, I can start leading a study on depression/anxiety to other's in my church. I have been amazed at how many people are actually struggling in the same way but too ashamed to tell.
Maybe it's time that we all just wake up and get our heads out of the sand. Including me!
But I appreciate you all so much. You really have been such a support to me through this.
I know this sounds stupid/cliche'/emotional hogwash, but I love you people.
Posted by Spriggy on April 14, 2005, at 11:11:22
In reply to I love you all... (hugs), posted by Spriggy on April 14, 2005, at 11:08:32
Maxime,
I meant to answer your question about the heart med- I just read up on it, it's a beta blocker.
Anyway, he gave me Atenolol 25 mg's and told me I can take it daily or just as needed when my heart races. He said it't up to me if I want to see a cardiologist or not, he would give me a referral if I do.I assume not to because I am sure I'll haer the same thing " anxiety." But my husband wants me to because my dad had his first heart attack at 35 (but he also smokes 3 packs a day!).
So I guess I'll leave this decision up to my husband.
I haven't taken this med yet.. I want to read more about it first. IF anyone has experience with it, let me know.Thanks everyone.
Posted by Maxime on April 14, 2005, at 12:25:50
In reply to Oh about the heart medicine. Atenolol 25 mg's, posted by Spriggy on April 14, 2005, at 11:11:22
Hi Spriggy,
I assumed it was a beta blocker, but didn't say anything. You said you have low blood pressure, so be sure to stand up carefully and slowly when you take this med.I also think you should look into biofeedback as an option for longterm treatment of your anxiety. Google (yes, it's a verb now!) biofeedback if you want to lear more about it.
Take care Spriggy.
Maxime
> Maxime,
> I meant to answer your question about the heart med- I just read up on it, it's a beta blocker.
> Anyway, he gave me Atenolol 25 mg's and told me I can take it daily or just as needed when my heart races. He said it't up to me if I want to see a cardiologist or not, he would give me a referral if I do.
>
> I assume not to because I am sure I'll haer the same thing " anxiety." But my husband wants me to because my dad had his first heart attack at 35 (but he also smokes 3 packs a day!).
>
> So I guess I'll leave this decision up to my husband.
>
> I haven't taken this med yet.. I want to read more about it first. IF anyone has experience with it, let me know.
>
> Thanks everyone.
This is the end of the thread.
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