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.
The beginning of the symptoms was 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.
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 low 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.
Elizabeth W., Ed.D., RN
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