When will I feel better?

[choirgirl]

I just had a TT on Dec 20.  I was lucky.  The cancer was contained within the thyroid, so no RAI.  But, I have started on synthroid 125 mcg on Sunday 1/6.  When should I see results? It's been so long since I "started' a synthroid regimen.  I was on 88 mcg for 10 years before my surgery with Hashimotos.  All I know is that I am always tired.  Is it the surgery, the dosage, or the fact that I am a teacher and teach 300 students?  I'm just tired and wishing to have energy again.

[choirgirl]

Don't stop until you get a good endo who believes you when your levels are "technically" fine, but you feel lousy.  They can monitor your levels and tweak them until you get it right.  I had 14 years of Hashi's and really didn't get the meds figured out for about 6 months to a year, but then I felt really "normal" for 13 years, so it's not too bad, really.  My endo's who believed what was "normal" for everyone was not necessarily "normal" for me and I was on a medium dose of synthroid for years and managed really well. Hashi's isn't so bad, it really isn't.  I know it's scary to know that your thyroid is being attacked by your own immune system, but they are really getting good at controlling this disease now.  Just pay close attention to how you feel with the meds, keep in close contact with your doctor and have it checked frequently at the beginning of getting the dosage right and then every 6 months to yearly (whatever they suggest) to make sure everything is fine.  I'm 38 and I've had Hashi's since I was 24, had 2 children with it, and did well.  Good luck with everything, getting it diagnosed and then getting the meds right is the hardest part.  Once they diagnose you, half the battle is over!  :-)

[Jessi63]

Can you give me some insight on Hashimotos.  I was just diagnosised and don't know what to think of this.  I don't have any goiters or nodules that they seen on the ultrasound.  Any advice on how to get through mentally and physically would be appreciated.

[choirgirl]

I guess I thought if I was feeling better I was over the worst, but I think I'm not quite ready for my hectic schedule to begin again - School 5 days a week, teaching 15 voice students after school, playing piano for the Country Club Friday Nights, 3 great kids and their schedules, great husband and dinners, clean house, etc. etc. etc.  Thank goodness the school musical was in November!  I jumped in with both feet and now I'm back in bed.  I think I'll try to take a day off here and there to just sleep.  Thanks for letting me vent!

[ChitChatNine]

The surgery itself takes alot out of you .. it may not physically feel draining but it is very draining and shock to your system.  It took me a good 3 mos to actually start to say I felt good and was this really possible???

Also, the emotional component of cancer .. just that word alone, can really take a toll emotionally on you whether you feel its impact or not at this time .. it is there .. it is hanging over you and that alone takes some time to digest.

Cheryl

[utahmomma]

Hey, but you got passed over for many of the HUGE blizzards last month.

Can you get a sub for an hour every other day?  I'm sure that you could get a medical release - at least for a few weeks??  Hey, doesn't hurt to ask (if you have to mention ADA, it's a good one - trust me, I used to be on the school board down here)

Hey - it's like 20 to midnight.  Log off and get some sleep!!

[choirgirl]

No prep period, I'm one of the ones teaching "productivity" so I teach every hour of the day.  I took today off just to sleep for a while.  Hoping you will feel better soon too!  My neighbor to the south - we got 8 inches of snow Wednesday, while you only got 1-2  unfair!  :-)

[utahmomma]

Mostly the fact that you teach 300 students!  :-)  

Actually it will take about 6-8 weeks for your TSH levels to regulate on your new dose.  The surgery takes it out of you too but feeling "normal" again is a distant dream for many of us.  Naps are good - do you have a prep period?  Your energy will come back (well, most of it) but you need to give it time and give yourself time to heal.

Sending healing thoughts to you my neighbor to the north!  :-)