I want my life back

[MelissaRenee]

Hi, I'm new to the community.  Earlier this month (September 2009) I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease. My T3 and T4 results came back normal I was diagnosed off of an high Thyroid Peroxidase value (206) and an marked increase in thyroid size as measured via ultrasound over 6 months. I am 23 years old. The symptoms fit my life to a tee. I can ever put a date to when I first started noticing physiological and mental changes that correspond to my diagnosis. Two years ago I (my senior year of college). Previously I never weighed more than 125lb (I'm 5'5). I now weigh 197 lbs.  I was diagnosed with mild depression 2 years ago and though I am not anemic, my doctor concluded it was the only think that could explain how weak and, fragile and tired I have become.  No energy, low immunities, unable to concentrate of focus, emotionally unstable.  This is simply not me.  Two years ago I was a energetic, involved, social , very athletic, focused, NEVER WEAK OR SICK… I started taking synthroid a week and a two weeks ago (a week on 25 mcg, and a week on 50 mcg. My question is this, many people that I’ve talked to say that not all of their symptoms disappear with medication.  How do I know if I will get my life back? I realize that a lot of the weight gain has to do with the depression and inability to exercise.  I don’t want to count on being back to my old self again only to find out that I wont. Will I be energetic and clear minded once again with proper dosing?  Will I struggle with my weight for the rest of my life?  

[Barb135]

It's very likely that once your thyroid levels get to the right point for YOU - you  might find your depression, weakness, low energy, inability to focus, along with other symptoms will either go away or diminish greatly.  

I know they say that typically weight gain due to thyroid issues is only 5-10 lbs, but I'm sorry, I beg to differ --- I gained right at 30 lbs in just a little over 3 months -- I'm only 5" tall and never (even when pregnant) weighed more than 120...........until my thyroid started going.  I think I "cycled" between hypo and hyper for years, but was never diagnosed but thinking back on specifically the weight issues --- all of a sudden I'd gain 15-20 pounds and no matter what I did I wouldn't be able to lose them, then suddenly, they'd just "drop off" for no reason and I'd get outrageously skinny.  When I was 46 yrs old, I actually dropped all the way down to 79 pounds........ugh....

I had gotten to the point a while back where I was almost starving myself, plus exercising like crazy and still gaining........I've finally gotten to the point where, with just a bit of effort on my part, I CAN lose weight again - I'm down about 4 pounds over the past 2 months, which is not a lot, but at least it's going the right direction.  

All that said -- I guess I will be the one to tell you that although some have gone through the thyroid he// for years even after being diagnosed, I was apparently one of the lucky ones.  I was diagnosed about 18 months ago and like Stella and Deb, I'm much better than I have been in many years -- but it didn't take me nearly so long to get there once I got on med and started getting my levels back to what they should be, as it did them.  

So yes, it CAN be years to get better, but it also might not be -- we are all different and react to med, etc differently.  Just concentrate on getting well.  And never lose sight of Deb's "light at the end of the tunnel" --- it really is there.  

Best of luck.........

[Smilerdeb]

There sure is hope.
I never got back the 100% ME but did get back the 99% of the old ME.
And after suffering with Graves and Hyperthyroidism for many years and Agoraphobia for 26 years (which mysteriously disappeared after RAI), I feel better now than I have in over 20 years.
I am not the same ME...I am a stronger more compassionate ME.
Going through he//, it does change you. It changes your way of thinking, it makes you stronger and also more tolerant of other people and situations.
It does change your life but for me, it changed it for the better.
AND I have lost 11kilograms after RAI (with no exersise) but just by getting my levels stable.

I finally LIKE the ME I am now.
There is light at the end of the tunnel....just never lose sight of it and never give up.

[stella5349]

Hello - I struggled for years after I lost my thyroid . It a very difficult disease to manage and very misunderstood in the medical communities.

There is hope. I will say after a 7 year battle for me - I am better now than I ever was. It took the grace of god's strength and my consistant energy to keep plugging along to find the answers I needed for me.

I will not sugar coat the truth... it was he// for me and it was the most mentally challenging issue I ever endured. - but I am better and very thankful.

There is hope

[gimel]

If you have the time, please read my two posts to Susan615, from earlier today.  I think they may explain some of the reasons why thyroid patients often end up with lingering symptoms, and also encourage you to approach your doctor for testing and adjusting FT3 and FT4 with meds as required to alleviate symptoms.  Also recommend this link.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

[loonette]

We are all hopeful to have the energy or ability to concentrate that we once had.  I must say without being too gloomy that it is a constant battle.  Some have a tougher battle than others.  I must also say that while I am certainly going through my own issues (look on my past posts and profile), I have not had some of the symptoms as bad as some others.  I had thought for awhile I had early onset Alzheimer's which is a bit scary.  I didn't want to admit that I just seemed plain dumb and I'm a teacher!!  I have Hashimoto's too although now I don't have a thyroid so am not sure I still have it.  

It do not want to say it's impossible to get your life back.  I suppose it is how you view this diagnosis.  I just keep taking the next thing on.  Now, I am going to be working on the correct dose for me, keeping in mind it takes a thyroid medication 6-8 weeks to work fully through your body.  I am taking 125 mcg Levoxyl (levothyroxine) after a Total Thyroidectomy and papillary cancer T2 diagnosis.  The fuzzy thinking has not stopped for me.  I still feel like people have to repeat themselves 2 or 3 times before I fully understand.  I will still leave a conversation or piece of reading and ask myself, "What did they say?"

Weight for me has always been an issue.  I think only 5 -10 lbs can be considered due to a thyroid condition if I read Dr. Lupo's Expert Forum site correctly.  The rest (darn it) is diet and exercise.  I plan on eating a little healthier, exercising more, and perhaps taking on some yoga for meditation purposes.

Hope this helps.  This site is a good one.  Take care.