[happycricket]

Ok, I am a thyroid cancer survivor but not without some complications. I will always be on meds for the rest of my life and have a permanent calcium deficiency from my surgery. My thyroid levels still fluctuate for some reason and I'm pretty diligent with my doc when things get too out of hand, but, when I'm hyperthyroid, I have severe anxiety and panic attacks. My bp goes up and forget sleeping. I also experience these random adrenaline dumps which leave me jittery and beyond tired. When I'm hypothyroid, I feel like I'm walking through three feet of quick sand after being hit by five semi-trucks.......it's freakin awesome.(that was sarcasm people)
Anyway, during my cancer journey, I found myself on Zoloft and it helped tremendously. I was able to function and not over react to every little minor bump in the road and when there were major hiccups, I could manage. Eventually, I did not need it anymore and got off of it, but it turned out for me, to be really hard to come off of it. I felt a very noticeable change in my emotional state that was extrememly uncomfortable and lasted for about two months. Once it cleared my system, I felt like myself again, but I've never forgotten how it felt to be on it and then to get off of it.
Now, I am going through some serious stress in my life to which I can attribute my anxiety but I always wonder how much my thyroid is responsible for this. My anxiety now is reminding me of what I felt when I was in the middle of my cancer, only I know my cancer is gone.
So, I've been kicking around going back on the Zoloft, but I am really hesitant because of how hard it was to get off of it. I really feel like I need it right now, just to get through this period of my life, but I don't know if the end result of getting off of it is worth it. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[healingme4me]

How about a different medicine? Bringing up to your pdoc, the difficulty you experienced, upon coming off of Zoloft, after your first time on it?

[shezbut]

I would advise mentioning the entire Zoloft experience with your doctor, and see what he/she says about either trying a different medication or working the Zoloft in a different way. I'd certainly recommend working it out with your doctor though ~ they can make a much more educated decision and discuss the positives & negatives with you completely.

Gentle hugs sent your way.

[January]

You've received some really good advice. I just wanted to add that I hope you find the right med soon so you'll feel better quickly.

My very best to you,

Jan

[likewater]

Is it bad for you to stay on Zoloft long term? I don't know that much about it. If i go off just about ANY of my meds i get sick. My DR pretty much wants me to stay on them. There is one i keep trying to titrate off of but i get to physically sick w/out it