| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ali2583 |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 08:07:05 AM
I've been away from the chatroom for a little while because I've had so much going on lately, one of those things being my health.
At my last checkup, my doctor discovered that my thyroid is "lazy" and upon sending me for an ultrasound of my thyroid, it turns out I may have something called "Hashimoto's disease". It's basically an auto-immune disease in which my body decides to attack my thyroid. My thyroid, being under constant attack, can't work as well as it normally has, and therefore I have "hypothyroidism" (ie: low thyroid levels) 
I've been scouring the internet and devouring books about hypothyroidism, and it turns out that it's fairly common and tends to happen 6 times more often in women than men. (Sheesh!)
Does anyone else have thyroid problems? I'd love to hear about it, and know how you deal with it. Thanks, Alison.
"God's gift to you is life. What you choose to do with that life is your gift to God" |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 13 2008 : 10:17:32 AM
My TSH level was 1.9. I don't know that they tested all those T things. I will have to ask for sure. I just found out yesterday that my sister in Calif is going through these same tests as me. She has two nodules on HER thyroid. I guess I need to call my doctor and tell her that little tidbit. Before I said I didn't have any family history..but my sister???? jeesh.
Guess what? My sister's doctor didn't warn her about that test being scary if you are at all claustrophobic either!! So she was glad we talked since she would have had the same problem as me..probably worse. She is REALLY claustrophobic. I wish they would fill ya in on that sort of thing ahead of time. I am glad my sister will go there prepared now.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Apr 13 2008 : 06:38:04 AM
ha! two hours .. i'd probably jus' take a well-needed and deserved NAP! xo
True Friends * Frannie
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| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Apr 13 2008 : 06:36:46 AM
THANKS MIZ CLARE .. I'LL ASK MY ENDOCRINOLGIST ALL ABOUT THIS AT MY NEXT VISIT. xo
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
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| suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Apr 13 2008 : 06:02:21 AM
Ladies, I had no idea how many of us are hypothyroid out here.
Auny Jenny and CabinCreek Kentucky, I will be praying your tests come back clear. no matter what they say, no cancer is the goal here.
Ok, here is some info for you thyorid ladies. What I learned is that before our thyoids go caput, our ADRENAL GLANDS have already been going caput. So, you need to support your adrenals well. They go crazy for stress and busy schedules. I know we all must maintain busy lives. Eat more oatmeal and anything with complex B vitamins.
There is a compnay called Transformation that makes a thyoid support product and an adrenal support product. They are small pills you take once daily. They have helped me along with my medication. They run about $20 a bottle, but you get two months from them.
Ok, now about levels. Make sure you are getting a full thyroid profile. you want your T3, T4 and T7 done as well as TSH. T3, T4 and T7 (which is active T4) in the high to middle normal range is the goal. Adjust medication as needed. I end up with my TSH low, between 0 and 1, in order to get these others in the right range. I feel so much better, no longer sick all the time or tired so much. Also, my weight went back to normal with the help of an intestinal cleanse (one month) and juicing. I went raw foods for months which helped remove stored fat/toxins as well. When your thyroid does not work well, your intestinal tract and liver are overworked. If you can clean the crappy stuff lining the intestinal tract from years of wear and tear, you will be able to absorb more nutrients (and therefore eat less) and release more waste and toxins.
Ok ,one more thing. Do not take generic synthroid. It is not easily recognized and used by the body. I prefer and take Armour Thyroid. It is made form pigs and was the original medication. It contains it's own belnd of T3 and T4 which works better for me. If one medication does not work, keep trying. Synthroid did not work for me.
Country girl in NE PA |
| nut4fabric |
Posted - Apr 11 2008 : 09:41:02 AM
Two hours without moving!!!! They gave me the radioactive stuff by IV so my arm was strapped down as well. I had gone by myself and wasn't up to the 3 hour drive home so I got a hotel room for the night. I will be praying for you, both for good results and for a calming light.
Hugs, Kathy |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 6:14:04 PM
That is exactly what mine was...no fan either... 2hours yikes!! I couldn't even do the 40 min!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| nut4fabric |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 4:01:21 PM
Oh Jenny, I had to do that last year for a scan of my parathyroid. It was a nuculear scan and took 2 hours and I am claustrphobic, luckily I had taken Valium first and they had a fan blowing cool air on my face. I sure don't want to ever have to do that again.
Hugs, Kathy |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 3:26:47 PM
Well...I am such a failure...I flipped out doing the scan thing...couldn't handle it..too claustrophopic I guess. I usually don't have that problem..but it was a big metal plate right above my face and then a big round thing right up against my neck (which was tilted back) and I was supposed to stay like that for 40 minutes. I lasted 3 minutes...and tried to do it two more times. I felt so bad for wasting their time and now I have to re-schedule it for next week. Jeesh!! My doctor is going to give me valium and then someone will have to drive me. I hope it just makes me sleep cuz that scared the heck out of me. So...I guess I will be doing it again with a driver to bring me home next time.
I did have a good shopping day though...some new yarn, fabric and thrift store books and and stuff...and taco bell (which we don't have near here at all) for lunch...but still....sigh....
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 06:12:45 AM
jenny .. i go for my re-check end of may ... both of my docs said 'IF you have to get cancer .. all doctors would choose THIS one .. sooooo treatable .. IF indeed that is even what it is! don't worry sweetie-pie .. (ha! that's the pot calling the kettle black!) i am indeed 'heavily concerned' about mine too .. but i'll be sending prayers heavenward for you .. with MINE right there with you! xoxo
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
|
| 4forMe |
Posted - Apr 10 2008 : 06:08:26 AM
Jenny, I am thinking of you and hoping all is fine.
Sewing, knitting, gardening mom of 4. |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 09 2008 : 3:31:41 PM
I am going in tomorrow and friday for a thyroid uptake and scan since my ultrasound didn't look good. I go drink something radioactive in the morning tomorrow at a hospital an hour away, then go in again at 2pm (with hopefully prime thrift and fabric shopping time in between) and get it scanned and then Friday I have to go back down there for another scan again. sigh. My doctor talked like she suspects cancer. (she is a thyroid cancer survivor herself) THAT wasn't very comforting. My thyroid funtion stuff in my bloodwork was within normal range..but the high end of that. So...who knows. I hope they will tell me stuff when I have the scan so I am not in the dark until the doc calls with results or whatever. My nodule was 2 and 1/2 by 3 centimeters....and is on the back of my thyroid..so you can't feel it from the front..no wonder I have a sore throat so much and get a raspy voice easily. I bet alot of this health related junk lately stems back to thyroid..do you think????
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| 4forMe |
Posted - Apr 09 2008 : 2:25:29 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Aunt Jenny
Sometimes you just need a good cry, right??? We love you.
I totally agree with this, I do my best sobbing in the shower.
I have Hashimotos Disease as well. Fortunately for me, my thyroid is still functioning normally, though my thyroid is quite enlarged. But, as long as it isn't hurting me or pressing on my throat she said, it can stay. When I start to have problems, I will probably have to have it removed.
I remember when I was first diagnosed 1 and 1/2 years ago I was shocked to find out how common it is amoung women in their 30's and 40's being diagnosed.
Anyway, I wanted to wish you luck and let you know that you are not alone.
Sewing, knitting, gardening mom of 4. |
| cowgirlmama |
Posted - Mar 31 2008 : 10:55:31 AM
be sure to keep appts. for blood tests the level will change every once in a while.You can tell if the med level is too high-it will make you feel like your blood pressure is up |
| amyartgirl |
Posted - Mar 31 2008 : 09:04:28 AM
I have read, that certain foods trigger thyroid problems...such as brocoli, califlower, and related veggies. The flouride/chlorine in water can suppress thyroid hormone and soy too....very interesting. Obviously, it is difficult to "avoid" these things entirly, and of course everyone's body is different....it is good info to have on hand tho to be more aware of what could cause thyroid "upsets"...
Farmgirl Sister #21
Heart of Ohio Farmgirls
Proud member of Bees w/o Borders and ArtFuL SisTeRs
http://artfulheart.blogspot.com
http://farmgirltales.blogspot.com |
| amyartgirl |
Posted - Mar 31 2008 : 08:30:22 AM
My thyroid story: I had a suspected nodule about 7 years ago(my entire right lobe had to be removed)...very scary because they thought it looked cancerous...thank the Lord it was not the case. Of course my Endocinologist at the time was not very supportive in my care (other than to get the tumor removed)and the great "fear" that I experienced with my 1st surgery/hospital stay/not knowing what I am dealing with, etc). She did not provide me with any other info (before or after the fact) and did not give me the support that I needed (esp while I was at the hospital)...also she did not give me any other info on the cause other than it was hereditary (I know that is part of it tho, but there has to be more to that). I still worry about the remaining portion that I do have left. They did not put me on any hormone or anything, they felt that I did not need it, etc.
Right now, I am suspecting Hashi's/hypo because I just don't feel right. I am adjusting my diet, etc for right now, while trying to look for a naturally/integrated minded physician....and we also have NO health insurance either, so that does not help matters.
Hang in there girlies, we are all in this together. Good luck to all of you going though these health challenges...may we find understanding and healing. 
Farmgirl Sister #21
Heart of Ohio Farmgirls
Proud member of Bees w/o Borders and ArtFuL SisTeRs
http://artfulheart.blogspot.com
http://farmgirltales.blogspot.com |
| frannie |
Posted - Mar 31 2008 : 07:45:21 AM
you are so right, aunt jenny and much love back to you. if you farmgirls knew what help you are to me you would be grinning from ear to ear. thanks for the hugs and love.
...and alison, it sounds like your doc is on top of things. please keep us posted on how things are going with your thyroid journey.
love
frannie in texas
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/)
(http://abunnystale.blogspot.com/) |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Mar 31 2008 : 07:13:35 AM
Sometimes you just need a good cry, right??? We love you.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| frannie |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 9:22:09 PM
thanks so much frannie, i dont usually feel blue, but there is alot going on here and i just finally gave in and had a good cry.
i think it helped and i also think i need some rest. i have had a pain in my shoulder for about 2 weeks and i am being stubborn about going to the doctor. i just want it to go away.
any way, thank you for the hugs and i will take them. it helps, and i will read for a while but not post till i can get my self together.
love to all and thanks again, frannie you are a sweetheart.
love
frannie in texas
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/)
(http://abunnystale.blogspot.com/) |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 8:48:30 PM
aunt jenny .. both my regular physician AND my endocrinologist said even IF it is thyroid cancer .. that would be physician's first choice for that awful thing! as it usually can be successfully treated. i will find out about mine (and i have several .. one was a 'tad' larger than the others) when i return for my diabetes check-up at the end of may.
frannie sweetie .. you are goin' to be jus' fine!!! hugs to you feeling sad today! xo
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
|
| frannie |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 2:36:22 PM
i had graves disease and goiter, several years ago, and it took 3 years to diagnose it.
my cholesterol was close to 400 , at times my heart rate was 185 and at night i would wake up in an absolute panic and my pulse would be 130. '
at the time i was working full time and had lived through a carjacking at gunpoint but still my doctor wrote it all off to anxiety and not enough exercise!
i thought that was a hoot because i was an ot and traveled to 11 nursing homes during the week and i felt that i was pretty busy.
in my case, i finally just had a heart attack and then EVERYONE finally paid attention and i was diagnosed with the graves disease and goiter and had radiation on my thryroid.
it is frustrating at times, i have had a particularly bad day today and have already cried twice.
i dont like that my body is so much weaker than it used to be and that i cant do things i used to be able to do. i dont like that the doctors didnt listen to me until i had a heart attack. (a 99% in the anterior descending, which is sometimes referred to as the widow maker.)
i was lucky that i survived, i am lucky that i have lived to see my beautiful grandchildren, i am lucky that i have a husband who sometimes works 3 jobs to make up for the income that i can no longer make.(i was turned down for disabilityx2)
most of the time i am very aware of my good fortune, but everyonce in a while i have a dreadful weekend, like this weekend where i just feel bad about how much i can no longer do.
everyone tells me that my case was very extreme and i had a "thyroid storm" which is no fun, so i dont think that all thyroid cases have to be this extreme, but it is a "trip" that i think people are unaware of if they dont go throughit themselves.
also i think there is a difference between having a slow thyroid and having thyroid storms and goiters.
i know in my case, i could not have survived if i didnt have treatment and take medicine.
its not my old life, but it is a life, and i'm glad to be here.
i think i will take a break from posting cause, i can tell that i havent rid myself of the "blues" yet. just kinda having an overwhelming weekend.
love
frannie in texas
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/)
(http://abunnystale.blogspot.com/) |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 1:55:54 PM
I went for an ultrasound on my thyroid on Monday....it has a "good-size" nodule on the right side. (that is what the tech who did the ultrasound told me) I am waiting to hear from my doctor what is next. Sounds like probably a biopsy.
I have for sure put on the weight over the past few years and my energy level isn't where it used to be either (can't possibly be age creeping up, right????)
So I am waiting to see about my thyroid. From what I have read online 95% of thyroid nodules arn't malignant...which is comforting..but still....
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| CountryBorn |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 12:11:10 PM
I have Hashimotos also. I was in pretty bad shape when they discovered it. It had just screwed everything up. My liver function was off,(that is what started the search to see what was wrong) I had high triglycerides and cholesteral plus I had gained a lot of weight. I just felt pretty yucky. Then I was put on Synthroid also. I feel much better, but the weight is still hard to keep off. I go now every 6 months to have all the tests done to make sure all is ok. So far so good. Of course I couldn't have the other thyroid problem the hyper one where you are skinny!! Not me I had to have the let's make her chubby one!!
MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 11:35:30 AM
alison .. i have had hashimoto's for quite a few years .. had to laugh when my endocrinologist told me i would have a LOT more energy when i started taking Synthroid. told her .. LORDY .. i'm like the ENERGIZER BUNNY .. NOW .. i can't imagine having MORE energy. i never noticed much difference either way (my sister did for her's though!) .. but i think part of it is my 'attitude' .. and YES .. the 'poundage' has creeped up on me a tad .. but i also give that fault to not enough EXERCISE and a few too many calories from time to time!
i continue to follow my endocrinolgist's advice and stay on synthroid. some 'nodules' were discovered on my thyroid a few months ago (i go to have them looked at again the end of may) to make sure they are not growing. i was told they are 'non-remarkable' when they were first discovered. and i hope they STAY that way!
i always find doctor's i trust .. i get second opinions .. and i follow the best doctor's advice. i never try to self-medicate or second guess them (or follow the advice of friends) .. cuz' my doctors are looking professionally at my 'blood test results'.
you'll be jus' fine darlin' .. my advice .. just do what i said in the above paragraph. xoxo
True Friends * Frannie
HEAR MY STORIES
come, visit my:
"GATHERING ROOM" ..
http://freedomvalleyfarm.blogspot.com
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. up for adoption:
http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
|
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 11:24:51 AM
I took synthroid for about a year and felt NO change so I quit. I don't see the point in taking drugs if they aren't doing anything.
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
|
| Annika |
Posted - Mar 30 2008 : 09:48:46 AM
Hi, I have hypothyroidism too and am on synthroid. It DOES take a lot of work to lose any weight, but keep trying ladies. The dry skin is really bad too and being tired all the time doesn't help.
Karin, I'm still fluffy as well, but come nicer weather, I'm going to be out trying to de fluff a bit 
Annika
Farmgirl sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
http://innermountainmudhens.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoonsgarden.blogspot.com/ |
