You Helped Me, Thank You!

[KimC]

After posting my "Update" earlier this week and receiving several inspirational replies and PM's, I decided to start pushing my PCP for answers. Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!

I asked my PCP to rule out the common causes of heart disease in women, primarily diabetes and hypothyroidism. Today I tested positive for hypothyroidism and anemia. I have a glucose test tomorrow. (I had thyroiditis after my recent pregnancy, remember?) Earlier thyroid (and glucose) tests were borderline or "subclinical" until now.

This explains the anemia (bruising, SOB and chest pain), depression and heart failure (reduced EF). It also explains why my hair's falling out and I've been waking up gasping for breath. Yeah, my health has been slipping, and I almost gave up. I felt like I was dying, frankly.

I meet with my PCP tomorrow to discuss next steps. I wonder how he'll treat me given that I've been experiencing angina. I wonder. (Thyroid meds can be dangerous for people with symptoms of heart disease). I'll post another update when I have more info.

Bottom line? I'M LIVING PROOF THAT OUR COMMUNITY WORKS! Thank you with all my heart! And if anyone has any experience with hypothyrodism, please pass it on. I'm not thrilled to have it but at least it can be treated.

P.S. Karlynn, you can't always get what you want ... but IF YOU TRY sometimes, you GET WHAT YOU NEED!)

 

[McCln]

Kimc

Kimc

You forgot two other causes for heart disease, genetics and birth defect. Mine was congential heart murmur, I was born with it. But there is something I must ask the cardio in the future or the PCP. My research I did a few years ago said of a chance that RA may have had a hand in some births being affected and cause heart ailments. I will check it out further in the future and let you all know the results. My mother had RA for years before being diagnosed. Good luck on your quest. Keep us posted on your findings. Have a great week.

 

[tobagotwo]

Glad to hear you've gotten a hold of a real possibility, and it's one that may have some treatment options. I hope that turns out to be the keystone on which you can build your health back.

It can be so disspiriting to have no answers for your pain and weakness. You sound much more chipper already. Imagine it: a situation in which you find out you're sick, but you're happy about it!

Best wishes,

 

[Karlynn]

You go girl!!!!

 

[Abbanabba]

Well at least you've found a couple of things that might be contributing to, or exacerbating your other problems. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that once you get the anemia and hypothyroidism under control everything else starts to improve.

It's definitely a step in the right direction.

Hypothyroidism was one of the first things I wanted to rule out, as the women in my family have had problems with this from their early 20's. My aunt suffered terribly with it for years before it was diagnosed and she suffered the thinning of hair, weight problems and a plethora of other problems connected to it. If you're after more information - particularly about the treatment and side effects - I know there's plenty of dedicated sites on the net.

All the best Kim. I hope things continue to improve for you.

A : )

 

[hensylee]

Good for you, Kim. Sometimes we just have to PRESS ON! Keep us postedd.

 

[KimC]

"It can be so disspiriting to have no answers for your pain and weakness. You sound much more chipper already. Imagine it: a situation in which you find out you're sick, but you're happy about it!"

LOL! I know, I know. The irony's killing me. I'd rather take meds for a disease that has no cure any day rather than the alternative.

Up until yesterday, the primary cause of the ischemia was a mystery. My cardio attributed it to subclinical atherosclerosis. That still could be the cause, but he didn't know why it was premature. (I'm only 38).

 

[strawberry]

Kim, I know it's weird to congratulate you on a positive test but when it's an easily treatable answer it's great, isn't it! It sure does explain the fatigue, depression, etc. My aunt was hypothyroid for years and didn't know why she had slurred speech, sparse hair, etc. I get my thyroid checked often since I had grave's disease. Full speed ahead is right!

 

[Marguerite53]

Good for you!!

Good for you!!

Kim. I'm so pleased to hear that your gumption is still strong. Good for you! Keep at it. Now you've become the inspiration! Thank you for posting your news. I can't imagine how frightening and nerve wracking this last bout of physical limbo has been for you. However do you find the stamina to carry on AND raise 3 little ones! You are amazing!

Let us know what you find out. It is true, we all help each other here and every little question or piece of shared information may just click inside another's head to lead to even a small success.

I wish the very best for you. May you find the right receipe for the relief of your symptoms.

Keep at it! Marguerite

 

[Karlynn]

Now that I have a little time to post more than one sentence!

I was so heartened to read your post and sense the relief you must feel. Glad to hear that your courage and stubbornness have won the day.

Your request to have other tests run just shows us that even doctors can get stuck in a rut. That's why it's so important that we all have doctors that listen and work with us. It really needs to be a team effort. I'm so glad you have a doctor that acted on your request.

Be patient on the time it will take you to gain strength from the treatment for the anemia and hypothyroidism. It usually takes longer than we want it to and then we begin to get depressed. So give it time.


This was a nice Christmas present - for me! Well, okay, for you too.
You've been in my thoughts and prayers so much and will continue to be.

Merry Christmas Kim!

 

[Sherry]

Kim, I'm so glad you're finally getting some answers. You know we're always going to be there. That's what we're for.

 

[Harpoon]

KimC>>I don't know that much about it because I was kinda dazed while it was being discussed, but I had some thyroid issues in relation to my heart troubles before and after I had my tricuspid replaced. I was on synthroid for about 4 months give or take. They said I could stop taking it about a month after I was out of the hospital.
Funny part is, the only thing I REALLY remember is when an endocrinologist told me that my bloodwork was looking much better and I could probably stop taking the synthroid about a month after getting home. I don't ever recall being told that my endocrine system was that far out of whack but I know it was...

I don't know what kind of complications for the heart such meds would entail.