T3 Toxicosis – that’s the diagnosis

After more thorough thyroid hormone blood work, a 2 – hour glucose test, and a radio-active iodine/uptake test, I now know that I don’t have diabetes. I have what is called T3 Toxicosis. The thyroid gland produces the TSH, T3, and T4 hormones, and my thyroid has been producing way too much T3. Too much T3 can elevate blood sugar levels, so that is what I have been experiencing. I have two small nodules on the right side of my thyroid gland, and the nodule on the left side covers the entire side (sorta like an eclipse). I’m not sure exactly how this happens, except that I have read that they sometimes occur post-partum. So I figure I must have a genetic pre-disposition for it, and having a baby so late in life triggered it. The good news is that it explains why I have been feeling like crap for so long! All of the symptoms – fatigue, not being able to sleep, hormonal, heat insensitivity, and more – I attributed to being old, overweight, and chasing a toddler. Who knew. I have to go on medicine for 3 to 6 months to reduce the T3 levels in my body, then I will more than likely have radio-active iodine treatment to reduce the actual nodules. I asked the doctor when thyroid removal would be warranted, and he said not in my case, because the surgeons don’t like to remove a nodule this big because it is “bloody as hell” (is that a medical term?). After watching an Oprah marathon about food and health, I researched what foods are best for reducing thyroid activity and I’m adding them to my diet. Plus, I will try to get rid of processed food (as much as possible!) because I’m beginning to think this may be one of the causes of it. Stay tuned.

P.S. Many thanks to all who prayed for me. I totally believe in the power of prayer, and I’m grateful to be the recipient of it!!