Diagnosed with Hypothyroid

[limewave]

I have had the full lab work and have been officially diagnosed. Monday I have another appt. to talk about treatment. After talking to my mom, I learned that she has been on medication for hypothyroidism for almost 45 years and my grandmother had it too. Why she never shared this with me before . . . So, who knows how long I've had it, but the fatigue has definitely gotten worse since I had dd. I'll do a search of the forum and see what else comes up. I think I just need some encouragement as DH is so skeptical right now. Although, I can't blame him . . . he puts up with a lot

[Dianyla]

Oh good, I'm glad to hear you had full labwork. While I believe in the importance of symptoms, I get a little leary of docs who only go by symptoms without the tests to back it up. And that's too funny (in an annoying way!) about the family history. "Oh yeah, didn't we tell you about that?"

My BF was also a little skeptical of things as well. As he is starting to observe improvements he is coming around.

[Triskeliongirl]

Happy to report that I am one of those doing very well with treatment. The fatigue is real. When my meds are off I end up on my office floor sleeping in the afternoons. Finding optimal treatment isn't always easy. They will probably start you on synthroid (T4), and slowly titrate up your dosage. It takes *time* to see results too. Even though T4 normalized my blood work, I needed a T4/T3 combo therapy to have my symptoms controlled. I think my mistake was letting my internist treat me, rather than going to an endocrinologist sooner. FYI, I do best with 150 ug of synthroid (T4) plus 5 ug of cytomel (T3). T3 is the active form of thryoid hormone that is made from T4. For some reason, that small amount of T3 that was added to my dosing makes a big diff (it was actually not really added but replaced 25 ug of T4 since it is 4X more active).

[snapdragen]

I've been on thyroid meds since I was 20 years old. When my levels are off I'm definately not myself. One friend described me as looking "gray" There was definately a lack of physical energy, and some mental sluggishness too.

[Zen]

Since I have both liver disease and hypothyroid tired = normal.
I wonder what I'd be like without the Synthroid? All day nap

[makbike]

I too suffer from hypothyroidism. I feel so blessed to have found a doctor who would listen to me, who would pay attention to my family history and who did not simply label me as a "depressed woman." I noticed a difference almost immediately once I started my medication and I continue to be amazed at what a positive difference it has made in my life.

[tricanada]

I too am hypothyroid and am on synthroid.

My case began with Graves disease (hyperthyroid) and through radio-active iodine treatment became hypothyroid and have been taking synthroid for 7 years.

I remember at first how devestated I was for having something wrong with me. Then after a bit of research found out that A LOT of women in particular have been through the same thing with very little side effects. Now through the medication, I don't even think of it as something wrong.

I hope all these posts help you in coming to terms with it. Once the synthroid kicks in, I am sure you will feel much better. Good luck.