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Living Without a Thyroid
Hello to ALL and Happy New Year!...My goodness, I can't believe there is finally an online Thyroid forum. With Oprah opening up and talking just recently about her thyroid problem has brought light to this issue...thank heavens. I decided to search for info again after giving up a few years ago. Today I found this forum and a few other sites too. At times I've felt alone and a bit nutty since having a Total Thyroidectomy due to several benign nodules and thyroiditis.
My primary care doctor (Internist) discovered I had a goiter back in Aug. 1995. I had been very hoarse for a few years and had run low grade fevers, but never, ever was a Thyroid problem mentioned. Tests were always within "normal range." I've been taking Levoxyl since right after my surgery. I don't think I really fully understood what all a thyroid gland’s function was. It was never explained to me pre-op , or post-op the effect not having a thyroid would have on me. I was just given my med and told I could return to work probably within a week. Trying to adjust to proper level of med was unbelievable. I felt like I was going crazy. Several trips to ER with rapid heart rate...being told I was having panic attacks. Moodiness, fear and feeling lethargic was overwhelming. None of my symptoms ever validated. I also developed high Blood Pressure and went into full blown menopause. Could have been a coincidence I guess, but wow. I was trying my best to stay strong and not be a bother, or a boo hoo cry baby. I just needed to buck up i thought. Here I was, 46 years of age and my life turned upside down. I tell you, my husband and family always have been a great support. I think this is what has kept me sane.
I'm just guessing and thinking my many years of dieting...losing and gaining weight perhaps effected my metabolism and Thryoid (maybe, maybe not). My doctor never really gives me an answer. He just says my lab work is normal and my Levoxyl 125 dosage fine. Are many of you under the care of an Endocrinologist? Here I am now at 59 years of age and 13-14 years post op and I still don't know what's best for me. I'm wondering too if taking Levoxyl instead of brand name Synthroid has been the best thing for me all these years. I'm reading that some of you have had problems with Synthroid. Levoxyl has not caused me any real problems. I have to say...I'm probably a bit nutty anyway :-)... I do laugh and enjoy life daily...And I do realize how lucky I am not to be dealing with a catastrophic illness, or disease. I'm just very thankful for this forum and the ability to connect with you all. Sharing stories and information wonderful and so very helpful. Thank you...Susan in CA :-)
My primary care doctor (Internist) discovered I had a goiter back in Aug. 1995. I had been very hoarse for a few years and had run low grade fevers, but never, ever was a Thyroid problem mentioned. Tests were always within "normal range." I've been taking Levoxyl since right after my surgery. I don't think I really fully understood what all a thyroid gland’s function was. It was never explained to me pre-op , or post-op the effect not having a thyroid would have on me. I was just given my med and told I could return to work probably within a week. Trying to adjust to proper level of med was unbelievable. I felt like I was going crazy. Several trips to ER with rapid heart rate...being told I was having panic attacks. Moodiness, fear and feeling lethargic was overwhelming. None of my symptoms ever validated. I also developed high Blood Pressure and went into full blown menopause. Could have been a coincidence I guess, but wow. I was trying my best to stay strong and not be a bother, or a boo hoo cry baby. I just needed to buck up i thought. Here I was, 46 years of age and my life turned upside down. I tell you, my husband and family always have been a great support. I think this is what has kept me sane.
I'm just guessing and thinking my many years of dieting...losing and gaining weight perhaps effected my metabolism and Thryoid (maybe, maybe not). My doctor never really gives me an answer. He just says my lab work is normal and my Levoxyl 125 dosage fine. Are many of you under the care of an Endocrinologist? Here I am now at 59 years of age and 13-14 years post op and I still don't know what's best for me. I'm wondering too if taking Levoxyl instead of brand name Synthroid has been the best thing for me all these years. I'm reading that some of you have had problems with Synthroid. Levoxyl has not caused me any real problems. I have to say...I'm probably a bit nutty anyway :-)... I do laugh and enjoy life daily...And I do realize how lucky I am not to be dealing with a catastrophic illness, or disease. I'm just very thankful for this forum and the ability to connect with you all. Sharing stories and information wonderful and so very helpful. Thank you...Susan in CA :-)
Hi Susan.....Welcome to the thyroid forum! It is amazing to be here and see all the members here isn't it? Just to know that you are not alone is awesome, but to find people who absolutely understand what it feels like to be sick with this is a miracle.
I always had the buck up attitude as well........this thyroid issue has taught me a very valuable lesson there.
I also love that whenever any of us get our new lab work, we share our numbers with each other.....we share our lives with each other here....we do give our personal opinions at times :) ....and hope that our own personal experiences will help others.
Just wanted to say welcome!
Also most importantly, do you feel completely well after all these years post op? If so, do you have any advice for others here on how you overcame all this?
If you do not feel up to par yet, maybe you would like to share your most recent lab results.
Were you ever tested for Graves disease or Hashimoto's disease? These are both autoimmune diseases that attack your thyroid...even though you had it removed the antibodies can still remain. When a person has hashi's, my endo explained the importance of keeping the TSH supressed to between .50-1.0, in order for the body to heal properly. Just some thoughts for you if you are still not feeling well.
I always had the buck up attitude as well........this thyroid issue has taught me a very valuable lesson there.
I also love that whenever any of us get our new lab work, we share our numbers with each other.....we share our lives with each other here....we do give our personal opinions at times :) ....and hope that our own personal experiences will help others.
Just wanted to say welcome!
Also most importantly, do you feel completely well after all these years post op? If so, do you have any advice for others here on how you overcame all this?
If you do not feel up to par yet, maybe you would like to share your most recent lab results.
Were you ever tested for Graves disease or Hashimoto's disease? These are both autoimmune diseases that attack your thyroid...even though you had it removed the antibodies can still remain. When a person has hashi's, my endo explained the importance of keeping the TSH supressed to between .50-1.0, in order for the body to heal properly. Just some thoughts for you if you are still not feeling well.
Hi Sue, I can only speak from my experience, but if I had seen an endocrinologist years ago, my life and my health would be better now. It was a relief to get information we needed to understand which treatment would be best. The first few years, I just accepted whatever my doctor said, but when things became complicated, I started taking a more pro-active role in my care and asking lots of questions.
Welcome to the forum, Susan.
:o)
I've used Levoxyl and Synthroid both. I haven't noticed any difference. Some people prefer one over the other. I'm taking Levoxyl now, but if I had to switch back I don't think it would bother me.
It's good to hear that you have a fairly normal life these days. We like to hear that sort of thing.
I'm just about done with my Endo, I think. My GP can handle my care just fine unless something unexpected comes along.
:o)
I've used Levoxyl and Synthroid both. I haven't noticed any difference. Some people prefer one over the other. I'm taking Levoxyl now, but if I had to switch back I don't think it would bother me.
It's good to hear that you have a fairly normal life these days. We like to hear that sort of thing.
I'm just about done with my Endo, I think. My GP can handle my care just fine unless something unexpected comes along.
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