Not Sure If I'm Really Responding to Treatment

[MS029]

HI;
I was diagnosed in November 2011 with a fairly severe case of Graves.  Basically, I have every symptom on the list plus the eye issues.  I quit smoking in August of this year which seemed to trigger the thyroid issues.  I was in the hospital for 3 days to get the testing done quickly and get my heart under control as I was on the verge of a thyroid storm.  I had been complaining to my GP for 3 months of symptoms and finally figured it out on my own thanks to the internet. After 3 rounds of antibiotics for a supposed sinus infection, he finally took me seriously when I could no longer speak and my BP went to over 180.
I have a wonderful specialist looking after me now and have been on beta blockers and thyroid pills since the second week of November (6 weeks) I have been exhausted for the entire time, sleeping constantly. I have terrible mood swings, headaches etc.  The only things that have calmed down are the sweats and the heart palpitations. Today my doc started to wean me off the beta blockers and said he is happy with my thyroid numbers. He is hoping once the beta blockers are gone my energy will come back. My question is when will my personality return to normal? Right now, I have waves of anxiety, depression and just dread.  I worry about everything incessantly. When I watch TV, everything either makes me laugh hysterically or cry, there is no in between. I was reading a funny book last week and was in tears by page 3 which is ridiculous. Every time I see the humane society commercial about getting 1.5 million dogs "home for the holidays" I am crying like a fool. I know my company will be pushing to get me back to work eventually but unless I can get a grip on my emotions that can't happen. Is it the Graves, the pills or am I losing my mind?  Anyone else have these symptoms?

[Barb135]

Many doctors will give you a copy of your lab results, for your records, though some prefer to just say you're "normal"....... if you are in the US, doctors are required, by law, to provide a copy of your labs, upon request.  It's always a good idea to get a copy for your records.  I keep all of mine on file, and I note on each lab report, what medication I'm taking, what the dosage(s) are and what, if any, symptoms I'm having.  This allows me to keep a running record of my disease and to know which numbers to target.

Without knowing what your actual thyroid levels are, it's hard to say what's going on with you.  

Many of us have to remain on beta blockers.  I was able to cut my dosage in 1/2, but still have to take them; probably will for the rest of my life.

Another thing to keep in mind, is that just because your doctor is "happy with your thyroid numbers", doesn't mean they are right for you.  Just falling within a specified range is not good enough.  

It would be great if you could get a copy of your latest labs and post the tests done, along with results and reference ranges, so we can see exactly where your numbers are, within the ranges.

[MS029]

Hi Barb;
I've never been told what my numbers are. Is it normal for the doctor to tell you or just say they are better? I am on an anti thyroid med but am decreasing the beta blockers.

[Barb135]

Sounds like you might still be hyper.  Are you on anti-thyroid med?  Exactly what medication(s) are you on, at what dosages?  

If you have a copy of your most recent lab report, please post your test results, along with the reference ranges, which vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.