Weight Frustration

[velogirl]

Oh how I wish someone would send some real doctors out to this island! I've been going down this road for years, and got the same tired old story: "your TSH numbers are fine...your thyroid is fine, go away". From my GP, Endo, OB/Gyn. Probably friggin Santa Claus, too. But there is a shortage of doctors here, and one just can't go to another doctor; none are taking new patients.
And like many, I have all those symptoms; I'm more active now than I have been since I was 17, I eat less (and better) than anytime in my life, and still can't lose weight or feel better. I too know there is something weird going on in my body, but.....
And yes, I did print out some thyroid facts to take to my doctors to attempt to have a meaningful discussion. Well! I was treated like something unpleasant they stepped in out in the back forty. That "who do you think you are with all that fancy information?" attitude. We are doctors, you are one of the great unwashed.

Ack. That turned into a rant....I'm so sorry. I do wish you luck is getting to the bottom of your weight gain! Please do as the other ladies have suggested: hammer away until you get answers. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. But not around here.
Best wishes and {{{{{Meaux}}}}} to you! Let us know how it goes.

TSH is not the only test necessary to diagnose thyroid disorders. You should also test Thyroid Antibodies (can help diagnose auto-immune disorders like Hashi's and Graves), free T3 and free T4. I was mis-diagnosed for many years. Had all the symptoms mentioned and then some, including almost 50 pounds of weight gain although I ride my bike 15-20 hours a week (and eat right). Had scans and RIU and ultrasounds. My doc was a dork and didn't even read the test results. Fired him, got a new endo and she immediately knew I had thyroid cancer. I also had undiagnosed Hashi's so I was was super-hypo and my original doc was treating me as though I was hyper.

You need to take responsibility for your own healthcare. Be tough. I know how hard that can be when you're sick. Find a doc who listens and don't give up until you have an answer.

My thyroid issues were debilitating. I'm finally, two-years post surgery, losing the last of the weight and feeling like myself again.

[salsabike]

Meaux, when I developed fibromyalgia 15 or so years ago, the only med that helped with what was at that time severe muscle pain was amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant that in low doses interferes with spinal pain pathways. I gained a TON of weight, and have been working to get it off ever since I stopped the meds for good, around 8 years ago. So antidepressants can certainly cause significant weight gain and the docs don't always seem to be clued in about that. They can also affect libido and this doc should know that.

If you can, you need to see a good primary care doc who understands autoimmune syndromes--someone recently trained. Or a ditto endocrinologist.

[Resi]

Meaux,

I moved from Europe to Texas and I gaind 20 pounds (I guess this is not difficult, when you see the food portions here). Not changed my life- and eating habits, it surprised me. On top of all my bloodpressure was high (I never had high boodpressure), so my doc put me on medication ( I really can't stand pills) I started researching why and what happend to me: the food here is different...mmhh, to much hidden surprises like sugar, artificial sweetner like aspartame, splenda ..., salt and additive...and much much more
I could go on forever...
My changes:
Cardiotraining: 5 times a week/spinning is good ...it gets the pounds rolling, or running if you like and of course what we all love is outdoor biking biking biking, but long rides!
Weight's: well this is not a favorite of mine but I do it
Foodcontrol: I don't buy processed food, I make everything from scratch
Portioncontrol: I eat from a small plate and I don't have seconds...
(don't worry I like sometimes junk food, but I have to work out more)

As we all get older, we have to increase our training and not stop. The most people make the mistake to stop after a couple of weeks, this is a no no, we have to make this as our new lifestyle... I lost my 20 pounds over a 1/2 year... no I lost even more because changing my eating habits and I added running...and I don't have to take my bloodpressure med. anymore, then everything is normal again...

That's my experience, I hope I could inspire you and wish you all the best, you will find a way keep us posted

Sorry about my English, I am working on it

You take care

Resi