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Here's to Your Health:  Hypothyroid  |
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Mamarude
True Blue Farmgirl
107 Posts
Anna
Durango
Colorado
USA
107 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 28 2010 : 6:51:14 PM
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| Anyone want to share their experience with having hypothyroidism? I was recently diagnosed with very high TSH, started on synthetic thyroid medication but have not seen any improvement in 2 weeks. I know it can take a while to kick in, but I'm getting so discouraged with the exhaustion,and other awful symptoms, I feel like I'm losing my mind! What's worked for you? |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3317 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3317 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2010 : 7:46:52 PM
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Hello!
I too have hypothyroidism and was placed on Synthroid for about one year. I eventually just stopped taking that because my symptoms were still persistent and I felt worse being on it. I waited about 6 months and decided I had to do something because the symptoms were unbearable so about 3-months ago I went to a new doctor and she placed me on
1-Grain of Armour Thyroid (which is not a synthetic thyroid replacement) I was on that for 6-weeks and my elevated TSH dropped dramatically---I noticed some improvement, but my temperature remained below normal throughout the 6-weeks. An indication that you are not recieving enough replacement and your metabolism is still low---I am now on 2-Grains of thyroid and have been on that regimine for about 2-weeks now and don't you know my temperature is up and I am feeling so much better---not as achy or lethargic as I have been for several years now. But! I have noticed a very disturbing side effect---I am now GAINING weight with a vengence. I plan on calling my doctor before my next labs in about 4 weeks to see what I can do to halt the weight gain. I am becoming extremely uncomfortable at the moment and DO NOT like this side effect.
I wish you the best of luck on your medication. Let me know how you are doing.
"The best mirror is an old friend."
- George Herbert
Melody
Farmgirl #525
www.melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
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www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2010 : 12:18:19 AM
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I, too, am hypothyroid always below average temperature, dry skin, weight gain like crazy  and the synthroid doesn't seem to help all that much. I have other health problems and so I can't tell if some of my symptoms are side effects from the synthroid or from the other conditions.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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82kygal
True Blue Farmgirl
548 Posts
Laura
Somerset
Kentucky
USA
548 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2010 : 06:02:13 AM
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I have been on the rollercoaster for about a year now. I had the RAI (radio active iodine) to "kill" my thyroid. I take synthroid and I don't know, it is a very slow procces. I have heart flip flops that come and go with this. The weight gain has slowed but at first I gained about 30 lbs in three months. Scared the poo poo out of me. I am now starting to loose it.I am still really tired and achey all the time. My feet hurt the worst. Its hard to get exersize when your feet are killing you. It took about 6months for the synthroid to start working for me. I go back to the Dr. on the 15th for more tests
With God, all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)
What ever you are, be a good one. (Abe Lincoln) |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3317 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3317 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2010 : 06:08:17 AM
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Annika...The Armour Thyroid that I am now taking has made all of the difference with the aching joints, and just the BLAH tired feeling that I have suffered with for YEARS. I believe it is because it is a natural thyroid derivative (pig thyroid). I know sounds just gross, but it has raised my temperature which indicates my metabolism is changing. It's just the weight gain that is really bothering me now. I don't know if that is going to change---don't think I want to trade feeling cold and BLAH for being overweight---as it is just too uncomfortable even to tie my stupid shoes! I guess with every medication you have to have trade-offs. Synthroid never alleviated any of my hypothyroid symptoms and I was on that for over a year.
Best of luck gals, just remember there are alternatives!
"The best mirror is an old friend."
- George Herbert
Melody
Farmgirl #525
www.melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.longtallsallys.etsy.com
www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2010 : 08:07:24 AM
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I am hypothyroid too. I went three years to find the right dose of Synthroid. I also had the mess of my thyroid distroying itself. I take my pill every morning on an empty stomach and wait an hour. But I take a mult vitamin every night. It makes all the difference in the world for symtoms. I still battle weight. But I have been on the same dose for almost four years. Doctors are hard to deal with on this issue. One wanted to put me on Prozac. Your TSH should never be higher than 3. If it is, you need a higher dose. I saw an Endocrinologist for awhile and he got it straightened out. But he was wanting me to have blood work every 6 weeks. I didn't need that stress since I am a very hard draw. So I read up on it and as long as I keep the TSH under 3, it is much better. My numbers have been under 2 for four years. I know how I feel. It is a battle for a while. I hope this helps. Don't let your doctor make you think it is hormones or depression. They are using charts that are sometimes 20 years old.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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peafarm
True Blue Farmgirl
182 Posts
Penny
South Dakota
182 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2010 : 9:51:59 PM
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My thyroid went bust after my first child was born so I've been taking a replacement for a almost 20 years. I did use the Armour Thyroid for awhile too because of the thought of having a "natural" replacement. I did not notice it being anymore effective, and then it just really started to bug me. It may be natural for a pig, but that doesn't make it natural for humans so I had no issue going back to Synthyroid/Levoxyl for management. I agree with Amy, that you need to be at the low end of the normal range which is in that 2-3 spot. It can be difficult to get the doctors to be agressive enough in finding the 'right' dosage if they prescribe to the "it's in normal ranges" philosophy. Don't take no for an answer. And you're right, Cherian, two weeks isn't long enough necessarily to feel the improvement and you may have to increase dosage. But let me tell you, when the drugs kick in ... WOW ...
Mine kicked in on chicken butchering day. The day prior I was stressing because I knew there was no way I could do it, I plain had ZERO energy. When I got up that day, I started moving around, and it wasn't long before I thought to myself ... "I feel good." and then "I feel REALLY GOOD." It was noticeable to the entire family! And such a relief.
Stick with it. You'll get there!
btw...love your name. I don't think I've ever heard it before.
Penny
www.peafarm.weebly.com |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2010 : 08:21:48 AM
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Amen. It is like you got a BIG shot of energy and life. Plus stress makes it worse.
You will know when the dose is right and working.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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Mamarude
True Blue Farmgirl
107 Posts
Anna
Durango
Colorado
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2010 : 09:10:56 AM
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| Still no change to speak of, it's been 4 weeks. I'm on a high dose of the synthetic thyroid, but went to see a naturopath a week ago, and she recommended iodoral (iodine), b vitamins, and selenium. I'm thinking seriously of quitting my part time job because I hate it and it's very stressful. Hoping for a change soon, it's getting to be garden time and I want my energy back! |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2010 : 06:42:51 AM
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If you don't need the job, you may want to get rid of the extra stress. Watch coffee and tea also.
It took three years to get the right dose. And I was seeing a specialist. It just takes time.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3317 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3317 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2010 : 06:54:23 AM
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I am getting another "new" dosage of Armour Thyroid today----I began at 1-Grain, then 2-Grains and after blood tests was informed my TSH was too high! Now I am supposed to go to 1-1/2 grains daily.
I have been bouncing around on Armour for almost three months now. I have noticed that I am not as stiff and achy like I was before, but my problem now and it's a BIG problem is weight gain. It is very discouraging. I saw a specialist last year and went back to my GP who put me on Armour after being on Synthroid--I never noticed any change on that. But, now I am having to contend with the weight. I hope this will be my key dosing range-- because this is getting very frustrating! My GP's suggestion for the weight was cut your carbs and sweets and I know it's because of the metabolism---just wish I could find a health care professional who can give me some answers! Thanks for letting me vent girls!!
"The best mirror is an old friend."
- George Herbert
Melody
Farmgirl #525
www.melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.longtallsallys.etsy.com
www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2010 : 06:58:52 AM
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I've had hypothyroidism for at least 7 years now, but probably much longer. Even when the temperature outside was 100°F I was freezing cold. Finally, when I was laid off from my job, my doctor diagnosed me. I have been on levoxyl since then. It has made all the difference in the world, though it did take at least a year to get it monitored. I take an alternating dose of 50 mcg one day and 75 mcg the next day. I am not cold and can stand the summer temperatures up to 80°F in the house (which keeps the electric bill down) during the day. However, I do have to cool it down a bit at night, but do that by opening the windows and a fan going. Makes it much easier to sleep.
I hope your patience will hold out, and keep consulting with your MD so he can revise the dosage to coincide with your TSH.
Betty in Pasco |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3317 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3317 Posts |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2010 : 07:52:19 AM
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everyone is talking weight gain. are you saying the armour one causes weight gain? i am on levo and i lost weight. they had to adjust it a lot at first. i went to an endocrin. dr. she helped. i take it alone with water in the night on an empty stomach on my night potty break.i feel so much better. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2010 : 08:23:04 AM
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The endocrinologist helped me the most.
I take the generic Synthroid. I just have to watch what I eat and take my vitamins everynight and I feel pretty good.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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sw80689
True Blue Farmgirl
207 Posts
Sharon
Papillion
Nebraska
USA
207 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 12:52:52 AM
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I have been hypothyroid for over 30 years, since I was 11yo. I have always taken levo and had no problems with energy and have lost over 40 lbs in the last year. It works for me.
Sharon
Farmgirl Sister #1393
*We are all angels with one wing, the only way to fly, therefore is to embrace one another* |
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lelasfriend
True Blue Farmgirl
109 Posts
sara
baltimore
MD
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 1:43:08 PM
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| Taking kelp pills found in the health food store can help with low thyroid too. I also got ADHS from a homeopathic physician to help with thyroid function. My asthma drugs had affected my thyroid. Sara |
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Cozynana
True Blue Farmgirl
1123 Posts
Kem
1123 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 7:48:48 PM
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| I just had a hysterectomy and doing the hormonal thing now. 4 months later I am dealing with thyroid issues. I had been put on Armour before the hysterectomy. I think it helped for a while, but not sure now. I still have pounding heart, fluttery chest, weird brain feelings, shaking, hot flashes then cold, my temp was 95.9 a week ago at the doctor. I just don't feel good. Oh, and I am achy when I move around. Does this sound like menopause stuff or thyroid? I know I have an enlarged thyroid, and had an ultrasound of my thyroid today and will know results Friday. I think what every I have going on is all hormonal. I want the doctor to check my pituitary gland too. I have been to one endochrinologist and he all but told me I was crazy. That was before the precancerous uterus and ovaries. After it is all over I would like to write him a letter, his bed manner sucked!!!! Sorry folks, but it did. Maybe I can save some other poor soul from his unprofessional manner. I feel like I am ranting, but wonder how much damage has been done because of the time lapse finding a new doctor. |
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Tn.Earthmama
True Blue Farmgirl
451 Posts
Phyllis
Englewood
Tennessee
451 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 07:23:52 AM
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Hi Cozynana, sounds like you may need more thyroid. I'd sure ask the doc to check your levels. as for the letter, I think you should go for it. just tell him nicely how his manner affected you. probably won't change him cause surgeons tend to not have good bedside manners, that's why they work with patients that are asleep. LOL. I say this having been a nurse for over 20yrs and working with a lot of them, there are some that are better with people,don't want to be too hard on them, we do need 'em.
it's hard to find a good doctor. if they can't diagnose something with a blood test, or x-ray they tend to say it's all in our head, especially if you are female. don't give up, keep trying til you find someone that you can work with to manage your health. good luck. Phyllis |
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marjean
True Blue Farmgirl
3851 Posts
Marsha
Deltona
FL
USA
3851 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 08:06:03 AM
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I've always had thyroid problems and didn't get diagnosed until I went to the homeopathic doctor for my Lyme disease five years ago. I take different natural supplements, some from pig and others just herbs and vitamins. I'll have to check my temp. but my thyroid is hypo but I'm loosing weight and hard to gain. I'm hot most of the time or average. I have the heart palp. too along with mitro valve prolaspe. So that makes it worse. The heart valve gets stuck sometime and I feel awful and get dizzy.
My putitary was low and I took a natural supplement for that and it gave me a mild heart attack. So, be careful with your putitary when you already have thyroid troubles. My doctor does free phone consultations so if anyone wants to call her and ask her help I'll give you her phone number. She is an expert on the thyroid cause her mother died from ovarian cancer which all started with the thyroid.
Farmgirl sister #308
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Here's to Your Health: Hypothyroid |
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Hypothyroid
