Diagnosed with Hypothyroid

[teigyr]

I am also hypothyroid as is my mother. Isn't it amazing how we don't hear about parental health problems?!

I was diagnosed before I really had symptoms though I was often run down. I never know if it's because I don't sleep well, I don't eat right, or I'm just tired.

I'm on Synthroid. It isn't perfect but it makes a HUGE difference. When I went off it for almost a month (insurance/doctor snafus) my pants stopped fitting in a week. I was tired and cold...all the classic signs.

The adjustment to taking synthroid was brutal for me but I was in California in the summer. I would start sweating in really strange body parts; things like my forearms would break out sweating. I was in summer school with no air conditioning so that might've had something to do with it.

It isn't a "now I'm going to lose this weight I gained and life will be perfect!" pill either. My struggles are still the same but it makes it tolerable instead of impossible.

Your DH needs to understand that this is something you have no control over. You do so much and are active...and if anyone would have energy you would. Hopefully he'll read up on it and be supportive, that can make all the difference in the world for you mentally. If I was so tired and then got blamed, I think I would be in perpetual tears.

Good luck Get second and third opinions especially if they suggest something drastic.

[Haudlady]

I, too, am "hypo" (and still trying to figure out what it all means). I take synthroid, and feel much better (no longer experiencing the extreme sluggishness in the afternoon).

I feel like I still need to research and understand this, though... and (no offense to any in the medical field) am not feeling like I am getting many answers. A naturopathic doctor is doing a two hour talk at the adult education program, so I plan to go to that and hear what she has to say. I hate taking pills, but I can really feel the difference. So, I'm mostly going to listen to if there are other things I should also be doing (in addition to the pill)... like particular diet changes, for example.

I'm not dumb (really!) but sometimes I feel that way... all of the t4 and t3 and so-on is still very confusing to me.

Does anyone have any good books that I should read about the subject? I'm thinking if I read... and read... and read... then maybe I will be able to construct some intelligent questions to ask.

Thanks!

[btchance]

I'm also hypothyroid. Had to argue with my doctor to get tested as I'm too "young" and "should" be tired with medical school. Finally got started on levothyroxine, took a number of months to get straightened out with the lab values, and I'm still not perfect (some tiredness and cold intolerance but no more menstrual problems and hair not falling out, and my energy is better and I'm not quite as cold). Don't expect results overnight - it'll take a few months of labs and med changes, but after a while you'll notice - hey! I feel better. Keep after it - i'm glad they found a reason for your problems. PM me if you have any questions. Good luck!!

[mtbdarby]

Limewave - glad to hear you got a diagnosis. When you get a chance spend some time here education yourself: http://www.mediboard.com/

There is a ton of wonderful info and if memory serves me, there is a letter to your significant other out there somewhere to help them understand you are not lazy or crazy

I saw from another post you are on a restricted diet now - is that for this?

I went hyper after ds but I still have trouble stablizing my weight. I agree with others to feed your body well and excersize but don't worry about the scale for now.