something new to think about

Both of my parents worked in the Y-12 in Oak Ridge, TN plant (atomic bomb) during the war and I was around for the radiation releases that took place throughout the 40s, 50s and 60s. In two weeks, I will have the last remaining thyroid gland in my family removed. I have battled this for years, always testing "text-book normal" on all blood tests. Now I have symptoms of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism. For years I was (mis?)diagnosed as having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. About a year ago, things got worse and none of the things I had been doing to cope with the symptoms seemed to work any more. I got worse and worse. I would complain to my doctor and she would give me first one test and then another, said my thyroid felt fine when she felt my neck. Finally, I started having dreams that I was being choked or was choking someone or something. I demanded an ultrasound. The doctor doubled my Zoloft dosage. After nearly shaking to death for two weeks, I went back and made the demand again. The ultrasound showed a (substernal) multinodule goiter. I feel such relief.

Now, I don't know if, when I'm relieved of my thyroid gland, I'll feel better. However, my sister, who had been diagnosed with Lupus just had her thyroid gland out and reports complete recovery.

Something for you to think about.

• What were your symptoms? jdomingo 16:38:56 9/27/99 (0)
• What were your symptoms? jdomingo 16:38:33 9/27/99 (0)