Hypothyroidism is uncommon among men; that is why my brother and I feel somewhat unique. To the best of our knowledge we are the only brothers in Australia under 35 with this disorder. How or why we got it remains a mystery. How we coped with the vast array of physical and emotional symptoms that accompany thyroid failure shall be detailed here.

My brother is 20 months older than myself. Richard was born in 1968 and I was born in 1970. Our upbringing was unremarkable; we were raised in the suburbs and enjoyed good health throughout our childhood. There were hiccups along the way: Richard suffered from a kidney infection as a five year old which, potentially, could have ended his life prematurely. For me, my biggest scare was a nose-bleed that resulted in the loss of a around a litre of blood. Apart from these two blood-related incidents, Richard and I took pride in being strong and healthy.

My Story:

In 1996 my health took a turn for the worse. Quite often I’d return home early from university to go to bed. My energy levels were dropping and I found it difficult in keeping up with my fellow students. My short-term memory suffered greatly, and I would often find myself incapable of thinking. It was like all the contents of my brain suddenly left me, leaving me empty and without thought. Physically I was looking pale. My skin was dry and flaky and I developed large, ugly welts on my forehead. The antibiotics I was taking at the time failed to clear up what I believed to be acne. Emotionally I felt fragile as I often suffered from bouts of anxiety and depression. Neither of these two emotions had bothered me greatly before. It was at this time I started visiting my GP regularly.

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Richard’s Story:

Early last year my family began to notice a gradual change in Richard. What struck us all was the development of complex conspiracy theories involving authority figures. Richard would ask me to join him outside so he could tell me of the knowledge he’d acquired from nameless people concerning the police, public service, politicians and others. Richard also spoke, or whispered, about his enemies. Now I’m no dummy but I found it almost impossible to understand what he was saying, and when I attempted to recount his story to my wife I found I couldn’t do it.

The first time Richard spoke to me in this manner I told him that I believed he was experiencing thyroid failure. I pointed out that his physical appearance was changing and that he didn’t seem to be himself. I asked him to see a GP and to ask for a TFT (thyroid function test). He made no promise that he would.

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Richard’s Recovery:

Richard was a terrible patient for some time.

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Doctor Error?

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When the psychiatrist was informed of this behaviour by phone, he came to the conclusion that Richard was suffering from non-organic schizophrenia. I thought this was rubbish and was furious that such an important assessment of his condition could be casually handed out over the phone. What also angered me was that it was five months since he was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and he still hadn’t seen a thyroid specialist. Surely there was no doctor more important to a hypothyroid patient like Richard than a thyroid specialist. Had everyone forgotten his TSH result?

Possible Triggers:

On many occasions I have pointed out to our mum the statistical improbability of two brothers of our age having hypothyroidism. Quite often mum responds with comments lamenting this fact. “Why did it have to be my sons” is a common complaint.

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Richard Today:

Richard visited a thyroid specialist around two weeks ago. He still hasn’t spoken with a thyroid specialist but did undergo tests to rule out cancer and thyroid nodules. He is taking an anti-psychotic once again and his outward appearance is much better. I recognise in him the anxiety that sometimes comes and goes. All the family is hopeful for a full recovery, however, we are not expecting it to be overnight.

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