|
Post by DebDoesWW on Apr 21, 2017 1:42:25 GMT
pbnj , tagging you so you can find it easier!
|
|
pbnj
Transcendent Member
184.4--xxx--140
Posts: 1,361
|
Post by pbnj on Apr 21, 2017 10:52:29 GMT
neen mattlaura lifelongd Texans136 (Luann) pinotgrigioDebDoesWW referred me to this thread I'm hoping that you can give me some insights into hypothyroidism as I've just been diagnosed and have little understanding of it (meet with my primary in 10 days) Do I need an endocrinologist ? Here is the post I made in the General Discussion. Thanks for any help I've been living in an alternate universe since sometime in February. Life came to a screeching halt with daily migraines -- I had some good days and half days mixed in with total lost days. Between the pain, nausea, vertigo and medication side effects I also began reflecting on other symptoms of the past few weeks--hair loss, dry and itchy skin and terrible fatigue (not sleepiness). A previously scheduled appointment with my cardiologist got me a full bloodwork order and the following week my primary doctor called telling my bloodwork showed I need thyroid meds. I have only seen the nurse practitioner ---primary doc appt still 10 days away. I have done A LOT of internet research about thyroid and discovered that 41% of migraine sufferers can have thyroid issues (no one ever mentioned that to me before!) Besides the hair loss (noted since the fall) I've had a real battle maintaining my weight loss and during my cluster of migraines somehow managed to gain 8 lbs (ugh!) Not sure how because I was barely eating (not moving either, though the only food I did crave were carbs). I've been clear of headaches and I have been on thyroid medication now a week. Still tired but am slowly building stamina. Can do a 15 minute walk and about half of an easy water class ( I was walking an hour and doing 2 or 3 classes up thru the end of January). I'd be interested to know if any one here has experience with thyroid issues, migraine, thyroid meds (the pharmacist told me EVERYONE is on them!! LOL) thyroid diet, weight gain/loss/maintaining, exercise, getting your mojo/stamina back or anything else related. This is a new territory for me. I'm not following WW or any plan right now other than trying to eat 3 fairly balanced meals with no junk. Trying not to stress and to remember what the nurse said......It's Not My Fault.
|
|
|
Post by neen on Apr 21, 2017 11:56:51 GMT
pbnj *HUGS* and welcome to the world of thyroid issues! I've been hypothyroid since 2005 and it's a daily struggle. One good piece of advice I can give is ALWAYS ask for copies of your labs! There is much debate on treating a person by their numbers (mostly the TSH) and how someone feels. Hopefully your doctor listens and treats your symptoms! It's a long road to feel good again (sorry), but it sounds like you are on the right track. Look up Mary Shoman and read some of her stuff. Her stuff is backed by scientific studies and talking to real people. www.verywell.com/mary-shomon-thyroid-disease-expert-3231467 You probably don't need an endocrinologist. It's hard to find one that will take thyroid patients. And IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!!! Hang in there!
|
|
pbnj
Transcendent Member
184.4--xxx--140
Posts: 1,361
|
Post by pbnj on Apr 21, 2017 13:38:06 GMT
Thank you, neen Lots of good stuff to read I'm finding this all rather confusing and not quite understanding the 'how I feel' vs 'the numbers'. If it's anything like dealing with my headaches/migraines and doctors who told me "it's all in your head"... then maybe I have some clue!
|
|
|
Post by neen on Apr 21, 2017 14:53:52 GMT
The "it's all in your head" mantra of some doctors pisses me off! It does take awhile for your body to respond to the meds and for you to start feeling better. My best advice is to concentrate on feeling better and then worry about your weight. Weight loss is HARD with a thyroid problem, but is very doable!
|
|
|
Post by pinotgrigio on Apr 24, 2017 14:13:04 GMT
pbnj - I would highly recommend an endo. I've been seeing one since 2011 for my thyroid. I have hypo and Hashimotos. I actually just switched endos because mine retired. I was off meds for a WEEK (!!!) and my TSH level skyrocketed! I never really noticed any symptoms (although dry skin has always been a thing with me, on or off meds) but I know it's extremely important to keep my levels on track.
|
|
pbnj
Transcendent Member
184.4--xxx--140
Posts: 1,361
|
Post by pbnj on Apr 24, 2017 22:57:51 GMT
Does anyone have thought about depression and mood swings changes and thyroid?
|
|
|
Post by mattlaura on Apr 25, 2017 18:14:38 GMT
I have to recommend a endo too. My GP denied I had a thyroid problem and it turned out I had thyroid cancer, the endo caught that.
If you are having depression and mood swings get your calcium levels checked, it could be you have a bad parathyroid. Do you ever feel fuzzy and just off along with the mood swings? I did and on top of the thyroid issue I had a bad parathyroid.
I have struggled with thyroid issues since 2012. I was allergic to my meds and finally found Tirosint. If my levels are good I can lose some weight but as soon as they aren't level I gain weight. I refuse to give up and I just keep trying, it's all you can do. I eat a fairly low carb diet, per my doctor and it helps. The weight may not come off easily, but just keep at it.
I agree with Janeen you need to find a doctor who is actually going to listen to you and how you feel not just the numbers. This is super important. So many doctors want to treat just your numbers. One other thing I keep seeing crop up with thyroid issues is low iron levels, so get that checked too.
Back to depression and mood swings, I get that when my meds are off. I know fairly quickly as my ankles swell and my moods get bad and I get depressed. Once you have been on medication awhile you should notice a difference. One thing to note is thyroid medication can make you feel better for a bit if you have a bad parathyroid too, but after awhile you go right back to feeling crappy. Good luck and post often, we are here to give what layman's advice we can. We are all in this mess together.
|
|
pbnj
Transcendent Member
184.4--xxx--140
Posts: 1,361
|
Post by pbnj on Apr 26, 2017 11:52:25 GMT
Thank you all...
I'm still a week away from my doctor's appointment and feel like I'm living in limbo. I'm not quite as lethargic but still have very little stamina. I can't believe how up thru January I was doing classes in the gym and now I can barely complete a 15 minute walk. Another thing I've noticed is that my lower legs are always cold--even to the touch. I'm beginning to think I'm either turning to stone or just a crazy hypochondriac!
and the migraines keep popping back
I really do appreciate having others to talk to. Poor hubby is tired of having a wife "who just doesn't feel right" and some 'not-so-well-meaning-friends' want to blame everything on my weight loss last year Thank YOU
|
|
|
Post by mattlaura on May 3, 2017 22:35:41 GMT
How did your doctor's appointment go?
|
|
pbnj
Transcendent Member
184.4--xxx--140
Posts: 1,361
|
Post by pbnj on May 4, 2017 13:49:42 GMT
How did your doctor's appointment go? Thank you for asking. Saw my primary on Tuesday in the midst of another migraine. Caught between wondering what's worse migraine issues or thyroid issues or if they are intermingling. He has increased my thyroid meds, ordered new bloodwork, an MRI, referred me to an Endocrinologist---gave me a shot of Toradol in the office which did nothing for the headache. Another headache on Wednesday felled me for the day and new meds knocked me out but did not relieve the monster. Pain in head this morning--not willing to label it a migraine yet. Ugh!
|
|
|
Post by lifelongd on May 4, 2017 19:56:09 GMT
Pat, I am so sorry that you are going through what you are going through. I agree with Neen and Laura in terms of getting a doctor who listens to you in terms of your symptoms and doesn't just go by the blood work numbers. Glad that your primary gave you a referral to an endocrinologist. My experience has been mixed with endos. Some of them don't listen. I have switched a few times.
I truly hope you feel better and that the doctors figure out what is going on and are able to treat it appropriately. Many gentle hugs!
Liz
|
|
pbnj
Transcendent Member
184.4--xxx--140
Posts: 1,361
|
Post by pbnj on May 7, 2017 15:20:38 GMT
DebDoesWW , neen , pinotgrigio , mattlaura , lifelongd , Tagging you all in hopes one of you might know! My headaches have increased daily since starting the Levothyroxine. Has anyone else noticed this? I take it in the morning before food or other meds . By 9 a.m. I have a headache that lasts most of the day. Will be talking to pharmacist today about possibly taking it at bedtime to see if that helps.
|
|
|
Post by pinotgrigio on May 8, 2017 14:19:21 GMT
pbnj - no experience with headaches. I eat breakfast 30-60 minutes after and I also drink a lot of coffee (although I went down to 1 cup/day when we were TTC/pregnant). I know some people successfully take it at night, but I'm not sure what the window is (how many hours of not eating beforehand).
|
|
|
Post by neen on May 8, 2017 14:27:12 GMT
pbnj, no experience with headaches. It could be from the levo. I have read that some of the fillers used in the generic affect people. I take name brand Synthorid and pay the extra my insurance wont cover (anywhere between $25-35 a month), but to me it's worth it.
|
|