Dear So and So

[Catrin]

Dear docs. Please figure out what's going on with my thyroid ASAP. I'm really looking forward to my nuclear scans. The presumed diagnosis of Graves' is not making me happy. This time last year, I was putting my beloved cat to sleep. This year, I'm heading toward an autoimmune disorder diagnosis. What in the world can I expect for next years? On second thought, don't answer that.

(((((Indy)))) Sending warm hugs, thoughts and prayers your direction.

[indysteel]

(((((Indy)))) Sending warm hugs, thoughts and prayers your direction.

Thanks, Catrin. I know as medical issues go, this isn't generally life threatening, but it's still upsetting. Any medical issue that impacts mood, energy levels, and weight scares me. I'm trying to just roll with it, but in truth I think I'm just waiting for a crying jag to ensue.

[OakLeaf]

((((((indysteel)))))) Hope they get it sorted sooner than later.

[indysteel]

((((((indysteel)))))) Hope they get it sorted sooner than later.

Thanks, Oak. I had an ultrasound yesterday that showed an increased blood flow to the thyroid suggestive of Graves'. My TSH tested on 6/23 as .135. Last year, it tested at 3.15, which I didn't know until today. That suggests that I was mildly hypo this time last year, at least according to some standards. Not sure why my OB/GYN didn't catch that. The difference in the course of a year has me confused. Anyway, I'm having a nuclear scan on Monday and Tuesday. I hope for some definitive information to come from that.

Diagnosis aside, I just hate the idea of having something that requires such constant monitoring. My sister has Graves and had her thyroid radiated almost immediately. I'd prefer to treat it with drugs initially to see if we can get it into remission (I'm not getting ahead of myself or anything). But my opinions are informed only by the internet; my doctor hasn't actually discussed any of this with me yet. She just keeps sending me for tests.

Beyond that, my symptoms are seemingly mild, although maybe I just don't know what "normal" should feel like. For now, however, I should probably ramp down my activity a bit. My resting HR seems normal enough at 63, but I feel like I'm REALLY exerting myself when I mountain bike. I haven't been running since it got so hot a few weeks ago and that's probably for the best. My max HR has always been on the high side, so again, I'm not sure what normal is for me.

[Crankin]

I hope it goes well for you, Indy. All you can do is be proactive, which you are.

I got past my last paperwork hurdle today. Now it's just the normal stuff, like clients not being there when you go to their house... I thought this would not be such an issue with in home therapy, but it's part of the deal in this profession... at least in the program I work in, I can bill for waiting, calling, paperwork, so I still got paid for an hour.