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The most serious of
my physical complaints were a general fatigue/depression, severe indigestion/dyspepsia/flatus,
and night sweats. I also suffered from dry itchy skin, brittle hair and
nails, constipation, frequent respiratory infections, frequent and severe
migraine type headaches, debilitating pain in my feet, ankles, and finger
joints, and occasionally, a tender abdomen "in the upper right quadrant."
Frequently I found bruises on my extremities and could not relate them
to any apparent injuries. I was also experiencing difficulty with memory,
particularly when I was under job stress. Often I would read the same
paragraph two to three times unable to concentrate. I was constantly making
long lists to be certain not to forget a project of commitment. This was
particularly disconcerting due to the high level of job functioning required
in my position as vice president of operations of a 579 bed community
hospital. In the past two years I also became irritated by happenings
that previously were tolerated. It was noticed by my husband and especially
my secretary.
When my mother was
diagnosed with terminal cancer in early 1990, the stresses were exacerbated
and I became less able to cope due to the additional responsibilities
of her care. It seemed that my personal stress level at work, my general
feeling of "ill health," and my mother's illness were too much.
I resigned my job which I probably would not have done at that
time if I had been better able to cope.
As I learn more about
this disorder, I can recognize the beginning of the symptoms 20 years
earlier. At age 30, after having 4 children in 6 1/2 years, relocating
5 times in 8 years, I was diagnosed by a rural doctor as having a mild
thyroid condition. He did not use blood tests but took my oral temperature,
blood pressure, and checked knee jerk reflex. My blood pressure/temperature
were low and reflexes sluggish. At that time, I was placed on a small
amount of thyroid even though I was about 10 to 15 pounds over normal
desired weight, I quickly lost weight and felt good. We relocated, however,
in 12 months and I was not able to have the prescription renewed. Each
MD after that stated that I did not have a thyroid deficiency.
In 1976, I had a total
hysterectomy with a traumatic post surgical wound infection. Within several
weeks, I returned to my high pressure job, but it seemed that I began
to feel progressively worse. Even though I was an excellent job performer,
my heart was no longer in my work. My weight began to increase 5 to 6
pounds per year; I noticed that my oral temperature was about 1 degree
below normal. On visits to the physician, I would explain my symptoms
and state that I had previously taken thyroid. The physician would complete
an EKG and blood chemistry profile and tell me that I was very healthy.
Once I even visited a psychologist who also informed me that except for
mild depression due to my job stress, I was very healthy even mentally.
Last fall was the first
time I recognized that my symptoms were possibly related. I scheduled
a visit with Dr. Wilson. I could hardly believe it. It became so obvious.
I have been under treatment for 3 to 4 months. My body temperature is
not yet totally stabilized, but I feel like a new person. The joint pains
have completely disappeared. I started a 1,200 calorie diet 5 weeks ago
and I'm losing about 2 1/2 pounds per week with no difficulty. The fatigue
and depression have been eliminated. My nails and hair are growing back.
My nails are also stronger. The chest pains, indigestion/ dyspepsia/flatus
are gone. My quality of life has improved a 100 percent and my husband
and I have even started playing golf and other recreational activities
together that we have not done in years. How I wish that 20 years ago
this had been diagnosed. Even 5 years ago would have been a blessing.
I have recognized that
other members of my family may also be suffering from the same disorder.
And I'm looking forward to sharing my changed life with them in hopes
that they also can be helped. At age 51, I lost 15 to 20 years of quality
of life. I hope that others will not have to do the same. It is my desire
that physicians be able to recognize this disorder and aid the millions
of people suffering from it.
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