Sike...We're Not Done Here.

I originally intended to stop the updates here, but my prior prognosis was incorrect. My doctors believe they know what's wrong now.

I saw a neurologist to help me figure out what's wrong with me neurologically. Seeing that I had a history of thyroid disease, naturally she wanted to take a blood sample. I've been through a lot of testing, but this far, they are still not positive what's wrong in that department; MS has been a hypothesis, though I am not informed or qualified enough to agree nor disagree. I am, however, getting progressively worse and I have problems with walking and can no longer stand up straight.

Cut to my second neurology appointment. She informs me that my brain MRI and EEG were normal, but then says, "Your thyroid is elevated. Has this ever happened to you?" I guess she asked because I guess was not clear enough when I mentioned thyroid disease. So she decided to run a complete thyroid panel on me. It looks like I probably have Graves' disease, which explains why my hyperthyroidism has not quit for the past year. And I know it probably only gets worse from here, but I am hesitant to seek treatment; yes, I can't stand the heat intolerance, the palpitations, the hair loss, the overactive bowels/bladder...but I also do not want to become a Fatty McFatticus. I am now a size 6 and I weigh 129; a year ago, I was at least 160 and wore a 14. I am well aware that I don't look or feel well. But with a history of anorexia, naturally I am deathly afraid of getting fat. I know better than to starve myself but I still want to keep my fast metabolism. Sigh. I just can't win sometimes.

Despite these issues, I have a very different outlook on life than I used to. I have learned to just be happy I'm alive and can experience the world in my own unique way. I've become bubbly and laid-back and I can't wait to get outside and discover the world around me. Yes, I'm sick, but I refuse to let my illnesses run my life. They do not define who I am as a person and I can go out and be productive and happy. I know things will be harder, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? I think so. I am proud to end this entry on a happy note. I'll update again soon. :D

Prognosis: Drugs Are Bad (Final Post)

Attention: this will be my final post in this blog, as I will be starting a new one.

Well, folks, the doctors have reached a verdict. The masses (whatever the hell you want to call them, it doesn't matter now) are benign and my hormones are normal now. But you are probably wondering, "What the hell happened?"

It started with lithium. I started taking it when I was 15 and at 18, I had developed hypothyroidism as a result. The cysts seem to have come about as my thyroid's attempt to create more hormone. I suppose in a way, they were working, but, enter prednisone. A year ago, (January 2011) I went to the ER with an asthma attack and was subsequently put on prednisone. My doctor at the time decided to keep me on prednisone for a while afterwards. This is, what was believed, to have caused the spike in my hormones, as the cysts themselves were producing enough for me. Alas, my condition was completely drug-induced and is not of concern to me anymore.

I am, however, having a whole new set of problems. Neurological ones, to be specific. I'm not sure if I will blog about those issues, but I will keep this blog here for reference for anyone with thyroid disease who has taken either of these drugs (lithium or prednisone). But now, it is time to say goodbye to this blog. The case is closed. All is well, thyroid-wise. So to all my wonderful readers (if any...), thank you for reading and sayonara.