OT-Medication

[btchance]

I have hypothyroidism also, I've been taking the levothyroxine for about a month. The only way I can take it with the food restrictions is to take it first thing when I get up. Otherwise, there is no way through the day where I can go 3+ hrs without eating. My body just won't let me.

I haven't noticed a huge difference in how I feel yet, but the Doctor started me on the lowest dose and just rechecked it today, so the dose may be going up. Hopefully I feel better then. We'll see.

Oh, and I've also heard of the carpal tunnel like symptoms from low thyroid. Can't remember what causes it though.

[makbike]

btchance, hang in there for it does get better. Thyroid medication has to be increased slowly or you can go to the opposite extreme and by hyperthyroid (not a pleasant experience). It took my doctor and myself nearly of a year of tinkering to find the right dose for me and oh how nice it is. It is so nice to have my life back and to function like a normal being. It is even nicer to know I was not crazy when I took myself to an endocrinologist (long story short the internal med doc I was seeing kept insisting I was simply depressed because I was a female - no gender bias there). You will be amazed at the difference the thyroid supplement will make in your life once they find the appropriate dose. Good luck!

[Tuckervill]

RE the ulnar nerve problems...I have pretty severe carpal tunnel syndrome due to having been a medical transcriptionist in a past life. When I say severe, I mean, my right hand is numb right now, and at rest I feel it curling up as if it were atrophying. Riding doesn't cause any more trouble than anything else, so I keep riding.

I have never had it treated, but when my right hand can no longer hold a paintbrush or something like that, I take a couple of B6 tablets. I think the commonly found "recipe" for CTS is a few B6s, some B12s and some other B, but I spoke to a dietician friend about that much B vitamin and I just don't want to tax my liver that much.

However--and this is anecdotal, I know--a couple of B6s is like a MIRACLE cure for me. Makes my hand usable again, in just hours. The first time I needed it (time crunch, painting inside my house with movers arriving with the stuff the next day), I used the "recipe". By the next time I had a serious episode that I couldn't afford, I had done a little more research and found it was the B6 that could be the "active" ingredient. Thinking the "smallest effective dose" was the way to go, I took 1 and then later another. It only takes two for me to see noticeable change. Later I take more, if I'm not getting enough relief. Ibuprofen usually helps with pain, but not the numbness and weakness. B6 helps that.

Maybe it would work for you.

Karen

[crazycanuck]

Am sitting here trying to stay awake...at 10am... this will be short post as i'm having problems remembering atm...

I just wanted to say yep i have hashimoto's and was diagnosed a few years ago..

I didn't tell anyone about my foot being numb nor part of my leg. I couldn't walk well on my right foot yesterday....I couldn't cut a tomato very well this am as i couldn't grip the knife well.

All i need to know is how long does it take before i start to feel normal again??? I'm going to call the dr this afternoon and ask but i don't want to bother him...I'm off work for a few days as it hurts to hold the mouse, type for long periods of time, walk on my right leg etc...

Might go to the pool (will walk....!!!) and do some water walking...

c

[tulip]

You don't want to bother the doctor?? Puleeze--that's why we pay them, it's their job! Call your doc, Canuk! You deserve to feel WELL!

I admire y'all for your persistance and good attitudes and biking even though sometimes not feeling well. I don't have thyroid problems. I have eye problems and everytime I go out on my bike I'm so thankful that I still have sight in my good eye! I also know that it might not last...it's important to live every moment, you know.

Okay, it's late. enought philosophy for today. Good night.

[J-hawk biker]

I'm another one with hypothyroidism. It can definitely play havoc with your body until you get the right med. dosage.

[crazycanuck]

Ladies, thank you so much for your support!!

I'm feeling a bit more normal now. My hand isn't right but i'm taking one more day from anything strenuous as we believe it also has something to do with the borrowed bike (neck position) and work position (neck too).

THanks again.

Crazyc