Hydrocephalus…meet Hyperthyroidism

A few years ago, I went to listen to a motivational speaker called Robin Banks.  At the time, I was severely depressed due to some major life changes and, in need of some extraordinary mind TLC.  “How fascinating..!” are just two words in reaction, I learnt at the time, to use when things go…south of the desired outcome.

A few months ago when I had my last big Hydro episode, I made up my mind to never go back to the doctors, I’d have to be in a coma or worse before I would set foot in their office.  I’ve just reached the end of my rope with the medical profession and even though I know I’ll probably end up (forcefully) back at their mercy, I planned on staying away for longer than this.  Having been nagged and questioned by too many people in my life about my health and mainly why I was losing weight, I decided, fine…I’ll go and get myself checked out.  (Don’t misunderstand, losing weight is never a bad thing, especially not for me as I struggle to lose what I more than happily put on).

On top of it all, because I couldn’t get a clear answer from the Gastroenterologist and surgeon to the gut-wrenching pain I’d been experiencing for some time now, I decided to take matters into my own hands and changed my diet.  I tried going vegan which was too extreme for me, then I gave vegetarianism a shot but this too did not sit right with me – having been a meat eater all my life.  On my search for healthier eating, I stumbled across the Eat right for your blood type diet (which is not a diet per se but rather a way of living).  I was surprised to learn that since I’m A+, being vegetarian is actually recommended but eating chicken and turkey is allowed – this didn’t feel so bad after all, I could see myself doing it.  Luckily for me, switching overnight from a red meat eater to not eating it at all, takes no effort.  So, having digressed a bit, I attributed my weight loss to the fact that I had cut out so much other stuff and expected my visit to the doctor to confirm this.  I wasn’t feeling better on the new eating plan but I wasn’t feeling any worse either.

I saw her last Wednesday, had a full checkup and blood tests ordered, which I had done the same day.  The most surprising part of my consult was finding out that I had lost 12kgs since June, which is the last time I was weighed.  She was pretty happy with the result and said I’m “Mary Poppins perfect for my height and age“.  The next day, to my surprise, I got a call from the nurse wanting to schedule an appointment for me to discuss the results.  This was rather quick by any standard and admittedly had me a little concerned but I quickly brushed that aside, dismissing it as the doctor just wanting me to come in, so they can make some extra money off another fruitless consult.  Turns out, I have Hyperthyroidism (an overactive Thyroid) and that’s when I had my “How fascinating..!” moment.

At first, I wasn’t really sure what it all meant because the doctor spoke too quickly.  She mentioned having an ultrasound of my Thyroid, to check for any nodules or tumours (enter Cancer scare).  I also need to see an Endocrinologist to manage my care going forward and, have monthly blood tests to monitor my progress.  She explained that the monitoring is required to ensure that the opposite effect doesn’t happen i.e. going from having an overactive to an underactive thyroid.  The ultrasound and specialist visit has been booked to happen in 2 weeks time…so now I wait.

Since then, I received some of my other blood results, which tested positive for an autoimmune disease (whatever that means since the nurse didn’t go into much detail).  So…I’ll start on some Carbimazole with weekly blood tests for the next 4 weeks and then monthly after that.

When I was first diagnosed, I drove myself batty with searches on Hydrocephalus and finding out as much as I possibly could about the condition.  However, for some reason, I just cannot do it this time around.  “Hyperthyroidism is a treatable disease” and hopefully one that my body will manage in time (I think).  Now I have an added disease on top of Paranasal Sinus Disease and I’m just over it.  Instinctively, I started grasping at straws and am now wondering if there’s possibly a correlation between Hydrocephalus and Hyperthyroidism?  Some Google searches have certainly indicated as much but I’m easing myself into it and waiting until I see the Endocrinologist to hear what he has to say.  (If anyone reading this has some useful insight, please feel free to share).  I’ll also be curious to know exactly how it is that this disease came to manifest itself inside of me…especially if it’s not related to my Hydrocephalus.

A bit too much stress maybe?  I certainly wouldn’t be surprised given the treatment I’ve received to date for my Hydrocephalus concerns…

With an increased heart rate (one of the symptoms of an overactive Thyroid) which, I notice now more than before, I’m trying to control my anxiety by listening to some calming music and trying to find my Zen…OM…