OT- Just diagnosed with...

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
OT- Just diagnosed with...
7
Tue, 04-14-2009 - 8:19pm

Hypothyroidism. I just found out today and I'm not quite sure what to feel yet. I'm going to see my doctor on Thursday to talk about it and talk about medication. I want to say that I can fix this problem on my own without medication, but from everything I've read, it seems that it's hereditary and a lifelong disease. WHy then is it more prevalent in America than anywhere else? The symptoms are fatigue, weight gain and depression - All of which I struggle with. I sleep for 12 hours and still feel exhausted and need a nap by the end of the day. I always felt this was excessive exhaustion and I had no answer for it. I've always struggled with mood swing and I've gained 15 pounds in the last 6 months! If medication can help me control some of these debilitating symptoms, then I guess I should give it a try. But it sounds like some severe medication!

I want to talk to my doctor about me losing weight and getting healthy. Maybe I can start on the medication and then go off it once my body is under control, healthy and at a decent weight. I'll let you know what happens on Thursday. This is all so very strange. I think that all of us at one point or another think something is physically wrong with us, but then when an actual diagnosis comes back, it's a surprise!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-2007
Tue, 04-14-2009 - 9:10pm
I was recently diagnosed with hypythyroidism. It's really not that big of a deal, nothing to worry about. I thought all of my symptoms were from having a baby, but low and behold it was just my thyroid. I was started on Synthroid (the lowest dose possible) and then I was getting dizzy spells and my doctor said that the dose was too much for me, so we are waiting 6 months and then rechecking it and see what to do from there.
When you are diagnosed with it, you pretty much are on medication from day one until the day you die (from what I understand). My mother has been on it for the last 10 years and she eats healthy, exercises, takes great care of herself.
It is weird how it happens and not much you can do for it. Now I blame this on all of my mood swings...but my husband won't buy that for too much longer :))
Good luck, let me know how you make out at the doctor. They may do a Ultrasound to make sure you don't have any polyps/nodules on your thyroid, but other than that it's just treated with the meds
How old is your youngest? Maybe it's all just a result have having kids which can happen because of the hormones.
Lilypie 1st Birthday Ticker















Lilypie 2nd Birthday Ticker





href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/debt/wNS2tfv/">
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2008
Tue, 04-14-2009 - 9:51pm

Well, now you have an excuse for feeling icky... In my mind I wish I had something to blame my own fatigue and moodiness on, but lo and behold, my levels were essentially normal.


I work in a clinic drawing blood and running tests on it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2003
Tue, 04-14-2009 - 10:18pm

Hypothyroidism is not a disease you overcome and get past, like a cold or a case of the flu.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2008
Wed, 04-15-2009 - 7:41am

Do not panic, I have been dealing with this for 5 years.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Wed, 04-15-2009 - 7:53am

Thanks...I've already heard a lot about Armour. I'm worried though that my doctor won't be willing to prescribe it for me. I don't know what the controversy is, but it sounds as if many people love this drug. Is it much more expensive than Synthroid? You can email me at AbigailVelez24@yahoo.com

Have you heard of the book 'Stop the Thyroid madness'?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Wed, 04-15-2009 - 9:35am

Hi Abbie,


Just wanted to give you (((hugs))). I agree with the other posters. This is a life long affliction that means you will be on medication for the rest of your life. This is NOT a personal failure on your part. Its no different then a type 1 diabetic whose pancreas no longer produces insulin. No one knows why, it just happens.


Now that you know you can take control over your life again! Just think how wonderful it will be to get out there, be active and not be exhausted all the time!


Bex -


"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift -thats why its called the present."


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Wed, 04-15-2009 - 12:10pm

I was diagnosed with it when DD was about 2 years old.