Thyroid problems.

[Anita Blake]

Anyone on here had problems with their thyroid? Are you still able to dive?

I'm currently barred from diving but hoping this is a short term difficulty. I didn't even get to finish my OW. And its very frustrating!

[mark w]

I was diagnosed (purely by chance) with an under active thyroid about 2 years ago. My 1st concerns where about my diving. But it has not been a problem at all, the doctor said there was no reason at all why I should'nt dive, I get a blood test around every 6 months and my thyroxine tablets have been adjusted over time to correct the levels.

[Anita Blake]

Thanks for that. Unfortunately mine is overactive, which has caused prolonged hand tremors.
The only option for me is to have the thyroid removed, and rely on the thyroxine tablets.

Glad to know it won't stop me in the future!

[daz]

My wife was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer some years back.

She ended up having her thyroid removed completely. She was diving 3 weeks later with her Doctors approval (What a girl )

The biggest problem we had was getting her medication right (It's not an exact science). She was very tired and generally not 100%, unfortunatley the oncologist she was seeing on the NHS was not great and kind of dismissed us with the view that we should just be grateful for the quality of life she had.

Fortunately we tracked down a specialist, did some research and she is now using a combination of T3, T4 and Armour Thyroid which allows her to lead a completely normal life, including diving when the fancy takes her.

Drop me a pm if you want any info on the specialist and I'll gladly pass his details on.

Daz

[Anita Blake]

thanks daz, thats exactly what I needed to know.

The last 6 months have been pretty lousy with the side effects I have, although thankfully mine isn't cancerous. I'm on beta-blockers at the moment to slow my heart rate down, and that has helped.

I should get the operation in the next few weeks, so any info would be gratefully received. And I'm glad to hear your wife is doing so well!

[tourist]

I would guess it is the beta blockers that have caused you to be advised not to dive. Once you are off them, then I suspect that you will be cleared to dive again. Good luck with the treatment.

[Anita Blake]

Thanks - will see how I feel after the operation. I'm not safe to dive at the moment anyway, with the symptoms I have.

It's a bugger when I can't even pick up a drink without spilling it all over myself because my hands are shaking so badly.

[gwilson]

Originally Posted by Anita Blake

Thanks - will see how I feel after the operation. I'm not safe to dive at the moment anyway, with the symptoms I have.

It's a bugger when I can't even pick up a drink without spilling it all over myself because my hands are shaking so badly.

A good friend of mine had the same thing several years back, she ended up having hers partially removed, now just takes theroxine daily and leads a completely normal life. Good luck.

[ShinyD]

Originally Posted by Anita Blake

Anyone on here had problems with their thyroid? Are you still able to dive?

I'm currently barred from diving but hoping this is a short term difficulty. I didn't even get to finish my OW. And its very frustrating!

Anita, that must be so frustrating as you say I hope the op goes well and you get the medication levels sorted so you can get back in the water.

Best of luck

[Anita Blake]

Thanks for your good wishes and the helpful information.

I'll let you know how things go, but I'm remaining positive.