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Question? does hypothyroidism or heart disease cause depression?

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Posted 3/22/2006 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
I have hypothyroidism and coronary heart failure. I dont know which one effects my moods the most. I think the thyroid problem is causing me to have depression more than the heart disease.The heart condition is alot more serious,but I think my thyroid is causing me to be moody and depressed.Does anyone else have this problem with thyroidism?
Posted 3/22/2006 8:05 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, absolutely! Depression is well known to be one of the acute "calling cards" of thyroid dysfunction. Are you on thyroid hormone medication to stabilize your thyroid function? Obviously, that's imperative; and especially with your heart condition, your thyroid function should be monitored on a very regular basis. Our thyroid also impacts the functioning of our internal organs, and heartrate is a biggie.

And ... having to cope, alone ... without any other stressor(s), with coronary heart failure is more than enough to drive any human being into a depression! However, that (the degree of one's depression) would also depend on the individual's perception ... and the levels of appropriate and healthy coping skills (which was my primary focus study for several years). If you are living in fear &/or anxiety, and can't stay "in this moment," while addressing the medical care and lifestyle needs that pertain to your heart condition, that will certainly prove stressful and can push you into depression. In that case, Yes, absolutely.

After reflecting on your post, it sounds like you have come to terms with the heart condition? Which is why you are suspecting thyroid dysfunction to be the culprit? You would be the only person that can make that determination after a thorough "self" examination once those hormones are proven regulated by your physician. Are you at peace with your circumstances? That would be a good gauge to determine if it's the thyroid dysfunction, or the "acceptance" issues you face with such a serious heart condition; in getting down to the core cause of the depression.

Or ... it could be the wonderful "combo platter" of both, or more factors. I can only suggest that you do start with some soul-searching; and you already should have addressed the other two issues on a tangible basis regarding necessary care & evaluations. If you haven't, please do. As once thyroid hormones are regulated, which can be very tricky, you'll have to look at other things.

If you've been under a lot of emotional/physical stress lately, it may be that you simply are depressed and nothing is to blame; in that case, an anti-depressant medication may be in order ... giving careful consideration to your heart condition and your medical history, of course. You may just need a little help, and there's nothing wrong with that; you've been through a lot, and so has your body. Stress is very hard on the body, and it's very possible that you could be experiencing a chemical imbalance in your brain, given the "flood" of emotions you have been experiencing recently.

My suggestion is to follow up on this with your physicians.

Best of luck to you! Prayers for good health & much hope.

p.s.  Anesthesia has also been known to trigger depression.  Most times, this depression passes; other times, it remains and needs a little help to dissipate; anesthesia's are very powerful and can really put our body in a "tailspin" for awhile.

Posted 3/22/2006 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Neuro for responding to my post.I am on levothyroxin for my thyroid.I just had it tested and they said it came out fine. I have come to terms with my heart condition the best I know how. I am a christian and that is very helpful to me when I,m at my worst.I,ve been taking zoloft for a long time for depression, it seems to be still working fine for me.I also take an anxiety med. i will think about what you have said, maybe I havent come to terms about the heart condition as well as I think I have. It is a very scary disease especially since I have alot of angina.Everytime I go to the cardio. doc. it seems he is always telling me more bad news,that doesnt help much. I,m sorry for such along post,but it helps me so much to talk about it.I don,t have anybody to talk to,exept my husband,and i dont want to be a burden to him, so I try not to say too much. Thanks again and God Bless!
Posted 3/22/2006 12:24 PM (GMT 0)

hope,

I'm glad you are doing better.  You feelings are very understandable.  Especially since your "hits" of bad news appear to be consistent.  I know that my illness, MS, hits me hard on a very regular basis; so I won't sit here and pretend that I can relate to your experience with heart disease and the fear that must accompany that ... because that's simply not true at all.  I'm sure that's very difficult to cope with. It's good that you have your Christian faith to rely on.  I suspect that if you lean heavily on that, you will find your way.  Whether it be with care, treatment or faith.  It does sound like you are addressing things in a very well-rounded fashion, and He will lead the way since you choose to let Him.

(((hugs)))

You remain in my prayers!

Posted 3/22/2006 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hope,  I too have had depression for a long time and was on Zoloft which did help.  I have had multiple sclerosis for 5 yrs but it seems that since I have gotten my added diagnosis of multiple system atrophy recently with all its related heart and breathing problems that go along, the depression is even worse.  My family doctor and cardiologist suggested the last time I was in the hospital to see a psychiatrist and had set it up which I am grateful for as he is a really great doc.  I have found myself thinking things in the last few months that I normally wouldn't and saying things off the cuff to family and friends about it.  I know that with MSA I am not going to live for very long (prognosis is 2-6 yrs) and that is something that I tend to dwell on as I am only 32 and dont feel that my life should be over just yet.  I was changed from Zoloft to Effexor XR in an effort to help keep my blood pressure up (doesn't work most times) and the Effexor has greatly improved my mood and outlook on life.  I just try to live each day to the fullest.  Take care.....

Posted 3/23/2006 10:52 AM (GMT 0)
els,im so sorry to hear that you have so many health problems,I had no idea you were that ill.When you are on chat you are so upbeat and helpful to so many people.It must be very hard knowing what the doctors have told you about your life span. I can't begin to understand what that must be like for you.The drs.can't give me a time, because with heart disease,they just don't know. I was told I am at very high risk for another heart attack or a blood clot hitting my heart, and in that case I know it would take my life.Knowing that is scary enough for me.I understand how you feel about being too young,I feel the same way and I'm older than you.I'm not very good at expressing myself,but I just wanted you to know how couragous I think you are! God Bless You! You will be in my prayers.

Posted 3/23/2006 11:07 AM (GMT 0)
Neuro,after reading you're reply i cried.It means alot to me to hear someone say I'm doing ok handling this disease, because I don't feel like I am. You are absolutely right about trusting in God,thats what gets me through all of this.I wrote down the verses that you sent so that i can refer back to them often.Thanks again and i will be praying for you as well.God Bless and take Care!
Posted 3/23/2006 11:49 AM (GMT 0)

oh hopes thank you!  I did want to add which I didn't to my post before and I think it is important is that there is never any guarantee.  In my case the docs can say "well it maybe 2 yrs or could be 6 yrs" but the thing I found about my disease is that I dont fall into the catogrey of everyone else.  Usually it strikes men more so than women who are over 60.  So I am shooting for at least 30 more...
In the case of heart disease it can be the same, there are no guarantees on life span and what may or could happen.  All we can do is the very best to take care of ourselves.

Have you heard stories about people that lived so healthy all their lives, jogged every morning, didn't smoke, ate what they were supposed to every day, never had to take any medication for anything.  Then BAM they are out jogging and fall over dead from a major heart attack.  It is always such a shock.  I know of two people personally like this.  And I was just reflecting on how fortunate we are to know what of physical defects we have and to be able to have the chance to live better lives and get treated.  And also hopefully, maybe, had a little fun along the way.....

Take care


Posted 3/24/2006 10:16 AM (GMT 0)

hope3 said...
Neuro,after reading you're reply i cried.It means alot to me to hear someone say I'm doing ok handling this disease, because I don't feel like I am. You are absolutely right about trusting in God,thats what gets me through all of this.I wrote down the verses that you sent so that i can refer back to them often.Thanks again and i will be praying for you as well.God Bless and take Care!

hope,

I'm glad you have some (hope, that is) LOL!

Like els, I am suspected, also, to have MSA ... however, it's my understanding, according to my doctor, that upon dx the life expectancy is 7-10 years.

hope, you are doing wonderful.  Just keep reminding yourself, "feelings are not facts," "feelings are not facts."

EDIT: about scriptures, that you enjoy; here are the best ones to do battle with (in case you're needing more), pertaining to anything and everything in our lives; there is nothing, absolutely nothing that cannot be conquered according to His will (that's the only catch).   LOL

Ephesians 6:10-20

This is not only intended for the coming, but for living day by day.  It is very comforting to be wearing His Armor & carrying His Sword.  It works for disease and dis-ease, no matter how hopeless, how severe, how painful; in any and every sense.

It helps me to think of my body as a suitcase; this suitcase carries me.  It may be worn and torn and broken, but the contents are all intact, no matter how much it gets bumped around!  Remember, nothing can touch us Christians on the inside when we wear The Armor and carry The Sword; you will always be safe in Him.

This is all small stuff in the big scheme of things.

May the LORD Bless You & Keep You!

You remain in my prayers; I am His warrior, praying in spirit.

~ Thy Will Not Mine Be Done ~

(((HUGS)))

~ Cindy

Posted 3/24/2006 2:02 PM (GMT 0)

Yes Neurotransmissing you are correct that upon diagnosis of MSA life expectancy is quoted to be 7-10 years.  In most things that you read on MSA it also quotes this time frame.

However, I was just saying in my case, as my Movement Disorder Specialist who diagnosed me has given me this time frame.  The reason being as I already have had the heart problems that go along with this disease and have had a pacemaker implant for it.  Extremely low blood pressure that is not stabilized even with medications and breathing problems.  So, I am quite advanced in all my symptoms of MSA. 

Posted 3/24/2006 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
els,

I'm sorry to hear that. I still await my conclusive dx, although it's beginning to look obvious anyway; I'm still hoping it's not true though. I'm hoping they will finding some other disease. Meaning, some other separate disease and MS too; not, no MS, but MSA instead! The appointments, the tests, but most of all .... the waiting. The waiting is the worst. Since there's nothing I can do about it, regardless, I'm not going to dwell on it. Basically, we are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.

So you may not be alone, but I'm sure you probably wished for a better "disease-relative partner." I guess there's a reason for everything.
Posted 3/24/2006 2:31 PM (GMT 0)

Cindy,  I am so sorry that MSA is a possibility for you.  It is a terrible and nasty disease to have and even the prospect of having it can be mind wrenching.   I dont mind sharing like experiences with you at all, this is a very rare disease and we have to stick together if we are fortunate enuf to find someone who has the same thing.

Take care....

Posted 3/24/2006 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
els,

Thanks. I looked at a lot of information about MSA, and it all fits, unfortunately; but I'm still not giving up hope.

The one symptom that I have, for which I don't find listed anywhere, is hair loss. My hair is falling out in huge clumps and no reason can be found.

Also, my primary is concerned that I'm taking Rebif (Interferon) injections for the MS dx. I'm wondering if this is the reason why, because he suspects MSA and maybe that is not good, he expressed his "discomfort" about Interferon being used in my case; so I don't know if he just doesn't approve of Interferons or if he simply thinks it's a bad drug given the possibility of MSA. Perhaps side-effects or reactions or something. I don't know.

I'm back in the "wait and see" stages again. Some years ago, my last primary told me that I have "some rare disease that we would probably never find, or never know what it is." That was very discouraging, as there were a lot more tests that could have been done. It was after I switched doctors that I immediately got my dx of MS. A lot of time has been wasted, and my health has paid the price.
Posted 3/25/2006 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
(((( Calling hope ))))

Dear hope,

How are things going? Are you feeling better about things? Keep us posted.

Thinking of you, you remain in my prayers.

~ Cindy
Posted 3/26/2006 7:35 AM (GMT 0)
Neuro,thank you, I'm doing ok.The angina is getting more painful and more frequent, but I do the best I can.I am feeling better about things,thanks to this site.My husband says he sees a big difference in me. Thanks to everyone who has been so helpful to me here,my spirits are better and I feel like I have made new friends.I'm so sorry to hear that you and els are feeling so bad.I wish you both all the best and you will be in my prayers.Keep me informed as well.
Posted 3/26/2006 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
That is joyful news!!! You may e-mail me any time if you ever need to talk to someone one on one or vent; I know that it helps me to have friends I can discuss my feelings with in private!

As for my health situation, things are looking up. Personally, I believe I'm having a terrible reaction to my medication and I don't personally believe it's MSA at all. I hope I'm not just in denial though!

Take care, sweetie! My prayers for you continue.

(((HUGS)))

~ Cindy
Posted 4/1/2006 8:56 PM (GMT 0)

Hi marccorda,  I wanted to tell you welcome to healing well forum. 

I was wondering if you had suffered some sort of childhood trauma such as physical, mental or sexual abuse?  Or perhaps maybe in early adulthood?  You dont have to tell us here.  But I wanted to say what you have described in your post is a common feeling for people who have been traumatized and they have never really mentally learned how to deal with it.  This process is called Dissociation.  There are different levels to dissociation and it is different of course for everyone.  I was sexually abused as a child for several years and as I grew into an adult I would have flashbacks (which are a type of dissociation) and often felt that I was like a "non person" as I didnt respond the same way others did or didnt have feelings similar to what you described.

Regardless it really sounds like you need to seek the help of a counselor or psychiatrist or doctor even.  There is no harm in it,  I see one once a month no matter if i need it or not.  It sounds like the emotions are there you just dont know how to let them out and with therapy it could help so much.

Please keep us updated on how your doing....Take care

Posted 4/2/2006 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
marccorda,I'm sorry to hear you are having these problems.I was going to say the same thing that els did. I also believe you have feelings that are supressed from some kind of abuse.I would seek out a psychiatrist to help you sort things out.I wish you the best of luck, and please keep us posted how you are doing.We care about you, and are here for you.
Posted 4/2/2006 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi marccorda,  After all you have been through, I think it is amazing that you can reach out to someone here on healing well for support.  You may not have been abused in the typical sense but mentally you have had to protect yourself from your family.  Just by what you have posted here, and at such a young age to learn to do that is hard.  You say you have been on Prozac before, but it didnt help with your "emotionless" feeling right?  Did a psychiatrist prescribe the Prozac to you?  Were you in therapy at the time? 

There are lots of antidepressants on the market now that work wonders with people.  You have to give them time to work and it isnt just a matter of popping and pill and everything is better when it comes to depression or most other mental disorders.  You have to go to some sort of counseling to help figure out what the problem is to begin with and what is the best course of action to take and how to deal with future problems.  I have had Major Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for over 15 years and have had to learn this lesson myself the hard way. 

I do want you to know that you may not be able to see us but you do have friends now...and we care about you and how you feel. 

Please look into making an appointment to be seen....

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