Graves Disease (thyroid) Archives

Anger/Rage with Graves

Diagnosed Sept 5,2002. RAI'd Sept 25,2002: 8 millicurries. The Nuclear Doc said they "had the right dose" and wouldn't kill off any more of my thyroid than was needed to.(Dr S said on one posting that the RAI would eventually kill ALL my thyroid -- is this true??!!) (After reading most of the postings I wish I had explored other options, but my MD, trusted for 20+ years, said RAI was the best option.) And, he diagnosed/suspected me after my complaints of abnormal/light/missed periods that I thought was menopause (I'm 45), and weight loss that he thought I hadn't really worked at.(been fat all my life and thought my new diet changes were finally "the answer". Have lost 60lbs over 2/3 years -- he thinks it's all Graves --NOT!)
I haven't seen anything else on this BB that talks about Anger...not anger because I have the disease and have not accepted it, but anger of the kind that makes me WANT TO KILL PEOPLE THAT PISS ME OFF! not really kill them, of course, but all of a sudden I have a hair trigger temper and suffer NO fools, gladly or otherwise. My mother insists that I can "control" my rage she thinks I am being self-indulgent, self-absorbed and thinks that my rage is "all in my head". The Nuclear doc told me anger was "totally out of my control" but I would like to learn more about this. All I've read about is possible "irritability" due to graves -- I passed THAT marker a long time ago. Have an app't booked with MD for Oct 23-- he's out of town -- and will ask about a prescription to "even me out" (probably Prozac?). Am I a selfish angry bitch that should look into anger management or is this normal? Sure I get angry like anyone does once in a while, but all my life it's taken a LOT to make me mad -- and now I'm screaming at inanimate objects. Lots. Any suggestions from anyone?
PS: had problems swallowing before RAI and that seems to have evened off, now easier to swallow. Only change I have noticed so far.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Anger/Rage with Graves just me 13:31:33 10/09/02 (0)
• Re: Anger/Rage with Graves (Archive in thyroid.) Walt Stoll 09:53:47 10/09/02 (0)
• Re: Anger/Rage with Graves PhillyLady 09:46:39 10/09/02 (0)

In Reply to: Anger/Rage with Graves posted by Debra on October 08, 2002 at 15:46:31:

Hi Debra:
I don't have a solution to your problem, but I do want to tell you that what you are describing sounds just like what my friend's son is going through. He's 34 years old with a thyroid problem (don't know what kind). Since being on thyroid medication he's become overly aggressive and angry which is completely unlike him, and it scares him. His doctor keeps adjusting his medication, but dismisses the problem with anger and aggression, as if it's nothing to worry about. I'm sure there must be others with this problem. Switch to a doctor who'll take you seriously.

In Reply to: Anger/Rage with Graves posted by Debra on October 08, 2002 at 15:46:31:

Hi, Debra.

Since ALL thyroid conditions are a reflection of what is going on in the hypothalamus (through the pituitary), and treatment of the thyroid is only putting black tape on the warning light on the dashboard, is it any wonder that you are in distress?

It seems that it might be a little late for SR alone to stop this. I would start with the series of massages and then go to the Rolfing (See bracing archives.) In the meantime, start learning the Alexander Technique. The SR is still critical but you need more intense help right now.

Let us know what you learn and how you do.

Walt

In Reply to: Anger/Rage with Graves posted by Debra on October 08, 2002 at 15:46:31:

Deb,

I have had a miserable med problem for seven months. I spoke to my doctor because I was also getting extremely angry, and he said it was a normal defense mechanism of the body when people are feeling quite sick - kind of like prehistoric man crawling into a cave.

I use deep breathing exercises when that happens now, and it helps that I know what's causing it. Hopefully we will both get better and that will be another thing long gone.