I'M NEUROTIC

While taking a call earlier at work, Gema was whining about how her back was aching. Like me, she too has a case of scoliosis but very much minimal to what I have going on with my spine. I too was having a hard time with my back, particularly my lower back at the moment. Then she mentioned that I might have hyperthyroidism because she noticed that I get cold easily. Then it got me thinking... she might be right.

Right after work, I went home eager to search the internet for this so called "disease" and found out a lot of shocking information. I think I DO have HYPERTHYROIDISM! Here is what I found out:

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland is producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. ("Hyper" means "over" in Greek). Thyrotoxicosis is a toxic condition that is caused by an excess of thyroid hormones from any cause. Thyrotoxicosis can be caused by an excessive intake of thyroid hormone or by overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is suggested by several signs and symptoms; however, patients with mild disease usually experience no symptoms. In patients older than 70 years, the typical signs and symptoms also may be absent. In general, the symptoms become more obvious as the degree of hyperthyroidism increases. The symptoms usually are related to an increase in the metabolic rate of the body. Common symptoms include:

• Excessive sweating
• Heat intolerance (check)
• Increased bowel movements
• Tremor (usually fine shaking) (check)
• Nervousness; agitation (check)
• Rapid heart rate (double check)
• Weight loss (double check)
  
• Fatigue (check)
• Decreased concentration (check)
• Irregular and scant menstrual flow (omg check!!)
• Multiple sclerosis (huhuhu)
  

In older patients, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure can occur. In its most severe form, untreated hyperthyroidism may result in "thyroid storm," a condition involving high blood pressure, fever, and heart failure. Mental changes, such as confusion and delirium, also may occur.

What causes multiple sclerosis?

The cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown. In the last 20 years, researchers have focused on disorders of the immune system and genetics for explanations. The immune system is the body's defender and is highly organized and regulated. If triggered by an aggressor or foreign object, the immune system mounts a defensive action which identifies and attacks the invader and then withdraws. This process depends upon rapid communication among the immune cells and the production of cells that can destroy the intruder. In multiple sclerosis, researchers suspect that a foreign agent such as a virus alters the immune system so that the immune system perceives myelin as an intruder and attacks it. The attack by the immune system on the tissues that it is supposed to protect is called autoimmunity, and multiple sclerosis is believed to be a disease of autoimmunity. While some of the myelin may be repaired after the assault, some of the myelin disappears and nerves are stripped of this covering (become demyelinated). Scarring also occurs, and material is deposited into the scars and forms plaques.

Is multiple sclerosis inherited?

Although its role is unclear, genetics may play a role in multiple sclerosis. European gypsies, Eskimos and African Bantu essentially do not develop multiple sclerosis, while Native Indians of North and South America, Japanese and other Asian groups have a low incidence. The general population has less than a one-percent chance of ever contracting multiple sclerosis. The chance increases in families where a first-degree relative has the disease. Thus, a brother, sister, parent, or child of a person with multiple sclerosis stands a one-percent to three percent chance of developing multiple sclerosis. Similarly, an identical twin runs a nearly 30% chance of acquiring multiple sclerosis whereas a non-identical twin has only a 4% chance if the other twin has the disease. These statistics suggest that genetic factors play a major role in multiple sclerosis. However, other data suggest that environmental factors also play an important role.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may be single or multiple and may range from mild to severe in intensity and short to long in duration. Complete or partial remission from symptoms occurs early in about 70% of multiple sclerosis patients.

• Visual disturbances may be the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but they usually subside. A patient may notice blurred vision, red-green distortion (color desaturation), or sudden monocular blindness (blindness in one eye).
  
• Muscle weakness with or without difficulties with coordination and balance may occur early.
  
• Muscle spasms, fatigue, numbness, and prickling pain are common symptoms. (I have experience this)
  
• There may be a loss of sensation, speech impediment (typically a problem articulating words), tremors, or dizziness.

Fifty-percent of patients experience mental changes such as:

• decreased concentration, (soobbraaa)
  
• attention deficits, (sometimes yes)
  
• some degree of memory loss, (omg yeeeess)
  
• inability to perform sequential tasks, or
  
• impairment in judgment.

Other symptoms may include

• depression
  
• manic depression,
  
• paranoia, or
  
• an uncontrollable urge to laugh and weep. (shet ganito ata ako..)
  

OMG. I got the articles from a site and there are tests and treatments for this. I can have my blood tested but I think that it's not necessary since I've acquired %90 of the symptoms and I hate blood tests basically. I haven't told Arence about this yet but maybe he would agree that I have hyperthyroidism. He IS a nurse anyway. I just always thought that I had a very fast metabolism that's all. Not some neurological thing.

Well, I have to sleep now. Later!