are you taking niacinamide? triboron, 9mgs? have you had a b12 shot? are you hydrated? lots of salt?

iodine is not the reason your thyroid is swollen, LACK of Iodine all this time is.

mercury is always a problem.

I am sorry for you having to go through this DMgirl. Somewhere along your posting is possibly a clue.
//www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=2108973#i

- I have several inputs, what I write now is just a start. Dont give up, you can always quit iodine, but does that help in the long run? find out, it is always good to sort this out. I did a few times the first year, always concluded that Iodine was not causing it, just put a highlight on my problems. Anxiety/panic is part of a hypo thyroid picture as well as a hyper one.

A few things to start with; based on the link above; still a raw vegan? this can be detrimental for the thyroid.

purple strech marks may be a zinc deficiency, often seen in vegans / vegetarians (been one myself)
Could also be Cushings syndrome, which is related to the adrenals.

The waking up at 2-4 pm is typical adrenal fatigue, check up aldosterone connection. I had this for many years, also the palpitations at bedtime /night. Combination low thyroid / adrenal fatigue.

A combination of natural glandulars; thyroid, adrenals; may help you over this hurdle.

Check up the symptoms of Cushings, low cortisol, aldosterone. Sometimes it is good just to know, like when I realized I was hypo T. Then, how to proceed is a different matter:)

Have you had an extensive GI pathogen test done, like the one from Genova? Pathogens can wreak havoc on the mind, cause serious heavy metal retention and affect intestinal absorption.

As silly as it may sound, check into "earthing", its supposed to do wonders in helping with adrenal issues and syncing cortisol release. For the last decade ive had issues sleeping due to what I think where adrenal issues. I got an earthing half sheet and sleep like a baby now.

There is a definite feedback between the gut & the thyroid.

The Thyroid-Gut connection:
//www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=2142275#i

Wheat & the thyroid. Modern wheat devastates our health:
http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2012/09/modern-wheat-a-terrorists-delight/

Bowels: Modern wheat is the perfect disrupter of bowel health
http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2012/09/modern-wheat-a-terrorists-delight/

The horrors of modern wheat are extensive:
http://tinyurl.com/Wheat-Health-Problems

Be sure to read the book, Wheat Belly by my hero, Dr. Davis:
http://www.amazon.com/Wheat-Belly-Lose-Weight-Health/dp/1609611543/ref=sr_1_1...

Hope this helps,
Grizz

I can relate to you completely. I have been hesitant posting a comment because you had a lot of knowledgeable people reply but I just figured I would tell some of my story and you can take what you want from it to maybe help your situation.
First, well over a year ago I woke up one morning and had an anxiety attack and for about a year lived a nightmare. I had anxiety every day, couldn't sleep, woke up in a panic. My husband had to quit his part time job to help me take care of our baby (which we adopted/it was not due to postpartum depression.) After going to the doctor tons of times and getting blood work they all told me, "I was fine" here is some Xanax and I could get as many refills as I wanted. I then lost what little trust I had in doctors. I didn't wanted to rely on Xanax and to be honest...it didn't help. I did it for 30days and said nope-I want to fix this.
The internet was full of information so I pretty much would try one thing and then another trying to find relief.
I can say today by anxiety is gone. I think there are 3 factors that helped me. 1. Starting Iodine 2. Going gluten free 3. Doing a 30 day parasite cleanse ( I purchased PARAGONE) 4. Keeping my detox pathways clear.
I didn't discover Iodine until my hair started falling out in October. I think it was good I had just done a parasite cleanse. I still had some anxiety issues on Iodine and discovered it was because my detox pathways were not moving well. I had acne, my stool was not brown, and I just felt crappy. I didn't want to do a liver/gall bladder cleanse because I have some fructose issues that give me low blood sugar. I searched endlessly to find a way to clear my liver and gallbladder without being so invasive. I found drinking raw potato juice and that was the icing on the cake for me. It clears my gall bladder/liver. I have normal color stool, no acne, and good energy. I had done a lot of research on potato juice since and its information is limited but what I do find is good. It is used to clear Depression & anxiety. Also used to clean you liver & gall bladder. It is super gross but works like a charm for me. So, by doing all those things I feel really good, actually happy (it makes me want to cry to say that because I felt like you for a straight year!) I will say the B-Complex did give me the jitters but I have just now been able to start taking it again with no issues. Iodine is a god send but it works best if your able to detox well and you might need a little assistance in that area. I don't know if it helps- sorry for the long read.
This is my regime:
When I wake up:
I juice potato, cucumber, spinach to make a 10oz drink.
2 hrs later take 12drops 5% Lugols w/ 2 drops SSKI WITH
9mg Boron, 200mcg Selenium, 6,000IU D3, BComplex 75
I salt my food well during the day and drink 1/2tsp of pink salt mid afternoon.
I take 2-3g Vitamin C at night w/ 400mg Magnesium Citrate.
I eat gluten free and always drink reverse osmosis water. I limit my Sugar intake as well. Good Luck