Worse on meds

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2003
Worse on meds
5
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 10:01am
I ws diagnosed over 3 weeks ago with Hashimoto's. I had ben gaining weight and been tired and felt fuzzy a lot. Since i started on the meds 50mcg of synthroid, I feel worse. I posted on here about the weight gain and many people told me that the 1200-1400 cals a day was too low and maybe I needed more food to lose weight. I went on vacation for 6 days(3 without the kids, and 3 with) I managed to gain 7lbs. I did not overeat. I spent a lot of time walking and while I did eat more food than I had, it wasn't much. I am also stiff most of the time these days and more tired than before I started the meds.The only plus I have seen is that my monthly migraines were so much easier to tolerate than in previous months. It is three weeks until I go for another blood test. why do I feel this way? Mary
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
In reply to: mrosti
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 10:30am
Hi Mary- I think that you aren't feeling badly because of your medication, you're feeling that way because those are your hypo symptoms getting worse before the meds take effect. Your symptoms are just following their natural progression and if left untreated, most of us would be in pretty bad shape. So take heart!! It's only been three weeks, and you have up to 3 months for the meds to fully integrate in your system. You should start to feel better soon. What was your TSH when you were diagnosed? Often, the higher the TSH, the longer it takes to feel better. But some people are extremely sensitive to the medication and feel better sooner. It doesn't sound like that's happening for you but you WILL feel better!!! It's just a matter of time. I know it's so hard to wait while you're feeling so bad. But hopefully, this will all be behind you soon (maybe not soon enough for you!), and you won't have to feel this way again. In the meantime, try to take care of yourself. Do something you enjoy everyday, try to reduce your stress and eat healthy.

It sounds like you're still gaining and that really doesn't have much to do with your calories at this point. Continue to watch what you eat and keep your calories up there. Chances are you didn't gain 7 pounds in a week because you overate!! That's 3500 calories per pound times 7! Which equals 24,500 calories! Which is a lot. I doubt you ate more than 3500 calories a day, every day, while you were away. It's just that your metabolism has slowed so much, your body can't use the calories you're eating so it's storing them. If you eat less, your metabolism will only slow more. Once your metabolism picks up again, you'll be able to lose that weight. Check out the articles I'm posting under our new Diet & Fitness folder. It's all about boosting your metabolism. I think it's great advice for anyone wanting to lose weight.

Hang in there. I hope the worst is behind you and I think it is. Just hang in there til it gets better. You deserve it!!! Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2003
In reply to: mrosti
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 10:54am
My TSH was 5 and the antibodies were at 1020. I don't know if the antibodies have anything to do with how I feel, though. I left my job because I am going back to school for the masters and didn't think I could work full time, go to school full time and still take care of the 5 kids without losing my mind. (although most people who know I have 5 kids think I already lost my mind)Now I'm afraid I might not be able to keep up at school either. Mary
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
In reply to: mrosti
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 2:43pm
Well, 5 children will slow you down for sure! But I firmly believe God gives 5 children to women who can handle 5 children!! :) With a TSH of 5, then you are probably very sensitive to a rise in your tsh level and I would think that you might be feeling better sooner rather than later. Just try to hang in there. What dose are you taking of you medication? Sorry I didn't think to ask sooner. When do you start school? Cathy
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2003
In reply to: mrosti
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 9:16pm
School starts in mid September and they started me on 50mcg of the synthroid. I have three weeks until my next blood test and will see what my levels are then. Mary
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
In reply to: mrosti
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 10:02pm
I would think they'll probably increase your medication when you go for your blood test, unless you're at the right level. That would be great. I hope you're feeling better by the time school starts. It's possible. (Kidney stones aside.) I will keep you in my prayers! Cathy