hypothyroidism

[veronica_rich]

So I'm taking the lazy woman's way to finding out something about a newly-diagnosed condition. Is anyone reading this taking medication for/living with low thyroid production? If so, how did you feel before treatment and has medication helped you, and how? I have pills to start taking tomorrow; I've lived with this for so long (gradual continuing weight gain despite exercise and better diet, fatigue, increasing loss of mental function and memory for nearly four years) that I'm afraid to hope it can all go away with a pill.

Comments

[elibad.livejournal.com]

Dude, that sucks. I know from personal experience. Stupid useless thyroid.

I have something called 'Hasimoto's Disease'. It's an auto-immune disease, and it basically means that my immune system is attacking and destroying my thyroid. I was diagnosed about 2 and a half years ago. I posted a long, rambling, bitch and moan a while back.

Basically, yes, the medication helps (I also recommend the desiccated over the synthetic, it provides all forms of hormone required not just the one) but it can take awhile, and be very frustrating. I'm still working on it.

But... I find that there are other factors. Sleep, stress, diet all affect me (I'm a 'delightful' hormonal mess). The diet part is icky. Refined carbs, yeast, sugar, all kick my ass (seriously a piece of bread and I'm exhausted and dopey for a week). It's all fresh veggies, whole grains and lean protein for me. And I struggle with my weight like crazy, the thyroid problem makes it incredibly difficult (seemingly impossible) to lose anything.

There are lots of on-line resources, about.com has a good section. Some good books on the subject as well, Mary Shomon has a couple. She also writes lots of articles, most which can be found at about.com, and has a newsletter.

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

This is so annoying. I'm tired of being tired and cranky and having no patience all the time. Four years ago, I wasn't like this - I had a bad illness for the better part of a month that I couldn't go to the doctor for (no insurance, no money), and I would almost lay money it wreaked some damage on my thyroid. (I read that an illness can do that.) 11 years ago when I was tested, my levels didn't raise any red flags; this time, my levels were at over 16 (if that means anything to you). I think it's T3's?

[elibad.livejournal.com]

I've heard/experienced the sickness thing as well. My sister is convinced a really bad case of childhood flu triggered her fibromyalgia. And when I first really started to notice my Hashi's, I keep having weird episodes, constantly getting sick, a cold I couldn't shake (around three months)interspersed with bouts of fairly severe hives and random allergic reactions. And then I pretty much haven't been 'sick' since, stupid psycho immune system.

As for the blood work, my handy reference book mark suggests that a T3 under 80 indicates hypo. So, yeah, I'd say 16 could raise a flag or two. :/