Could It Be My Goiter Causing These Problems??

[Amy0913]

A couple of weeks ago,I started having tightening in my chest  with pains,heart racing,anxiousness,tingling in my arms,clamy hands/palms and felt like I was going to pass out.I went to the ER where they did chest xrays,an ekg,and ran blood tests.Every-
thing came back normal except for a few heart palpatations,but nothing too concerning.I was released,but for the next couple of days I still had tightening in my chest and mild pains along with lightheadedness.I've had thyroid problems for most of my life.I started feeling better,but yesterday the same thing happened with the lightheadedness,chest tightening,etc.I again went to the ER where they ran the same tests as before.They said everything look great.The doctor gave me a prescription for Ativan and told me to follow up with my doctor to get my thyroid checked out.I've had a goiter for a couple of year(3x3x6).The doctors have wanted to removed it,but because I've been scared,I haven't done it.To go along with my thyroid problems,I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.My family tells me they can see differences in my mood/behavior when school lets out and when the winter holidays come around (about every six months).I get anxious when I know school will be out and I'll be out of my regular routine.I feel like I won't ever get better and feel this way the rest of my life.My "normal" feeling(if you can call it that)is one of forgetfullness,loss of interest in things,tired,weight I can't take off, and moodiness.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

If the thyroid function labs were normal at the time of the symptoms, it is hard to attribute the symptoms to thyroid (even with a goiter).  

There's a rare cause -- pheochromocytoma -- that is an overproduction of adrenaline -- sometimes a tough diagnosis, but if a plasma metanephrine level is normal, you don't likely have it.  But a high plasma met level does not make the diagnosis....

Some of this could be situational anxiety -- talk to your psychiatrist about meds for that.

[Jenipeni]

Hi again,

I know that you probably don't wan't to be told that your symptoms are probably caused by anxiety.  Even if caused by anxiety it doesn't make your symptoms less real - they are not all in your head.

We all have a stong mind/body connection.  The mind is a powerful thing and is capable of illiciting a very real physical response in many situations.  
There really is power in positive thinking - and the same goes for the reverse.

Anxiety does not mean you are weak or that anything is wrong with you.  It is more common in today's society than depression and unfortunately women are affected more frequently than men.  Anxiety is considered mild in comparison to other kinds of disorders - but could be linked in with bipolar disorder.  It is firmly believed that some of us have a biological tendency to be more predisposed to anxiety states BUT traumatic life events, social and cultural factors can also contribute.    

The reason I said;
"The fact that the Ativan seems to be helping with your symptoms is also another good indication that this is very possibly the problem."
Is because if your symptoms were caused by thyroid levels it would be very unlikely that the Ativan would have helped.

Psychiatrists refer to the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) in which there is a whole section of disorders classified under the sub group of anxiety disorders.  It is a very real problem, don't just brush it off.  If you had a broken arm you'd get it treated wouldn't you?  Well in a way this is the same.

If you talk to a psychiatrist they won't just put you on meds and send you away.  They should talk to you about what kinds of things contribute to your anxiety and practical coping methods that you can use.  

FYI (I used to get confused about this) - a psychiatrist can prescribe but a psychologist cannot.  A psychologist would be more likely to spend longer talking with you - many people see both a psychiatrist and psychologist for a short time until they have the tools to manage themselves or the situation resolves itself.  

Please continue to be proactive about your health.  You are a wonderful human being.  You are worth the time and trouble.  

[djohnson]

my son is also bi-polar and complains about the same things you listed we thought that something else might be wrong but the dct told us that it was his meds not worrking properly and that he has anxiety problems when his regular schedule was changed it always puts him in a mood swing that is hard for the family to live with.