It feels like most of my posts recently, even those that have been reviews have also included a whole lot of whinging about my state of health, so I thought I’d dedicate a whole post to it, and then do the reviews that are outstanding without quite so much negativity leaking in. Might work anyway.
So, recap. Back in November I realised that I was sinking into what I thought at the time was a pit of depression, so I hauled myself off to the doctors’ for some help.
https://instagram.com/p/BbrzKVPBwuU/
I was prescribed anti depressants, given a battery of blood tests to check that there wasn’t anything else going on after last year’s vitamin D fun and games, and handed a sheaf of links to online CBT services.
Within a not very long time, I started developing what I assumed were side effects. A tremor, particularly when trying to do things like take photographs, draw or type. (In other words, all the things I do for fun or for work.) And rather than getting less tired, I got more. The anxiety dropped off a bit, which was good. So did my appetite and weight, not quite so good.
I checked in with the pharmacist who agreed that the tremor could well be a side effect and advised to hang in there. And then on a med check I talked to the GP who didn’t think it was, and ordered yet more blood tests, worried that my thyroid could be poisoning me.
Time for a surprise. My thyroid is very much not poisoning me – it’s doing a whole lot of not very much, as it’s under auto immune attack from my own body. That’s called Hashimoto’s apparently, and the good news, said the doctor cheerfully over the phone, is that it’s very treatable with thyroxine and what’s more if you’re prescribed that, you get free prescriptions.
I’m going to want a little bit more from the next silver lining in life I’m afraid!
So since January, I’ve been waiting for the thyroxine to take effect. I’m still waiting. I’ve got my first blood test next week, but if symptoms are anything to go on, I’m going to need an increase, because I’m still exhausted all the time, regardless of how much time I’ve spend in bed, I’ve still got a tremor, and I’m getting all sorts of odd aches and pains if I do anything like carrying a shopping bag back from town. I’m so tired all the time that it’s actually made me tearful a few times, not least when I had to cancel the photowalk I was going to go on with Three, to test out one of their lovely new S9 phones. (Fortunately for me, the PR involved has heard of Hashimotos and was incredibly understanding and I might get to go on another walk soon.)
Right at the moment, it feels like I’m on hold, waiting for things to get better. Hard, but it could be a whole lot worse I guess.
Midlife SInglemum says
I knew you were not 100% but I didn’t realize it has been going on for so long. I wish you better soon and I look forward to those photo walks in the near future. Lots of love. xxx
Jax Blunt says
Thank you. I’m trying to keep on keeping on but it’s getting really hard!
Nikki says
Oh Jax – huge (((Hugs))) xx
Jax Blunt says
Thank you. Finding it slow going at the moment.
Dawn F says
Have you looked into Fibromyalgia? Tremors are a common side effect of SSRIs, especially Prozac.
Susan Mann says
Sorry to hear you are still suffering. I really wish I lived closer and I am always here for you. I feel for you so much. I hope they can get the right dose for you soon and things start to improve. Lots of love xx
Elaine Livingstone says
not much consolation but life does take a slight turn for the better when you have a label for something with a available treatment. hope it all starts to kick into place for you soon
EVE ROBINSON says
Read Dr Peatfield’s book
Emma T says
Sorry to hear this Jax. Hopefully it kicks in soon and you get the right strength sorted that you need.
Anne says
Jax I just replied to you, then shut down the browser and lost the post aka brain fog.
I hope the links help you can always msg me
Sam says
You poor thing. It’s excruciating waiting for medications to work, especially when it has a major impact on your daily life. Take care of yourself. You will get through it, even if it doesn’t feel like that now. X