Looking For Hypothyroidism Friends

bmeadows380

One of the biggest problems I've found with being hypothyroid, is that exhaustion and fatigue make it so very difficult to exercise, makes my joints stiff, and I'm even more exhausted after I try than before I started. I hate working out with a passion anyway, so throw in fatigue on top of that, and my willpower evaporates! I had a halfway decent walking regimen going for a while, but that eventually petered out because I never felt better; excercise doesn't leave me feeling energized; it just leaves me sore, hot, and tired. So when that's all I get out of it, it becomes very difficult to stick with it.

I like working outside in the yard in the spring, trimming bushes, cleaning up from winter, planting, pushing mowing my grass, weed-eating - I'm even hand-digging a ditchline! - and all this counts as exercise I know and can be just as effective as any workout, but the second wammy I'm also dealing with is a sensitivity to heat. Because I had thyroid cancer, my endo has my TSH extremely low - down to 0.01 at one point! - so I should be showing signs of hyperthyroid, but I'm not; I still have most of the hypo symptoms, all except for the heat sensitivity. When the temps start getting up into the upper 70's and low 80's F, I wilt and fade fast, which makes the fatigue 10 times worse.

So for anyone else who struggles to exercise, I definitely empathize - I'm there too! I'm hoping that I can get onto the NDT medication soon to see if that makes a change; I know that if I can get into walking again, it will help in my fight to lose weight. Right now, I'm doing good just by counting calories, but I know that eventually, that's going to plateau if I don't get exercise in, too - its just so very, very difficult to inspire myself to do something I detest!

deannalfisher

@bmeadows380 - my endo/primary care keeps my TSH really how (.045 right now) and my T4 high because of the type of thyroid cancer I had

if you have that fatigue/exhaustion - then your levels aren't optimized yet - no matter what your endo tells you (It took me forever to find a doc that would actually listen to me). You could also ask about a T3 supplement - although many docs seem hesitant to prescribe that.

also ask your pharmacy about the formulation in your synthroid/levo - different companies can have slightly different formulations which can wreak havoc. Personally, I can't take synthroid, but I'm ok on the generic (my TSH dropped from 3.5 to .45 in the 2 months since my doc switched me back - I started on levo when I first had my surgery)

ReKimberly

Added new people from comments, if I missed anyone I'm sorry! Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

bmeadows380

deannalfisher wrote: »

@bmeadows380 - my endo/primary care keeps my TSH really how (.045 right now) and my T4 high because of the type of thyroid cancer I had

if you have that fatigue/exhaustion - then your levels aren't optimized yet - no matter what your endo tells you (It took me forever to find a doc that would actually listen to me). You could also ask about a T3 supplement - although many docs seem hesitant to prescribe that.

also ask your pharmacy about the formulation in your synthroid/levo - different companies can have slightly different formulations which can wreak havoc. Personally, I can't take synthroid, but I'm ok on the generic (my TSH dropped from 3.5 to .45 in the 2 months since my doc switched me back - I started on levo when I first had my surgery)

I'm the opposite - I can't take the levo and am currently taking the Synthroid name brand. I had my thyrodectomy back in January 2014, and my current TSH is 0.058 - checked last week. I'm still working with the doc to reschedule the appointment that she canceled at the first of February, trying to work it in along with the thyrogen shots that she wants me to take in the spring as part of the thyroid cancer followup - and that shot will probably wreak havoc with my system for a few weeks after that. I am definitely going to switch to the natural as soon as I can get an appointment to see her.

On the plus side, I've managed to drop 30 lbs since I started the diet, and I'm watching my sugar intake and my potassium intake, and I have noticed that I'm starting to feel marginally better this time around, so perhaps my fatigue has been a combination of things!

Course, matters would be improved if I could figure out how to fit more sleep in a night..... lol

kimishah15

Hi,

Please add me!
I am hypothyroid with Hashimoto and need friends for motivation to hit the gym again!

allybuddy

Was put on Levothyroxine in January and have since gained 5lbs. I know that doesn't seem like a lot but I work out 4 days a week and eat a relatively healthy diet. If anything I should be loosing weight. I was wondering if Hypothyroidism has something to do with this gain. My Dr said that gaining weight shouldn't be happening, my levels look good and that my body may be trying to adjust.

deannalfisher

bmeadows380 wrote: »

deannalfisher wrote: »

@bmeadows380 - my endo/primary care keeps my TSH really how (.045 right now) and my T4 high because of the type of thyroid cancer I had

if you have that fatigue/exhaustion - then your levels aren't optimized yet - no matter what your endo tells you (It took me forever to find a doc that would actually listen to me). You could also ask about a T3 supplement - although many docs seem hesitant to prescribe that.

also ask your pharmacy about the formulation in your synthroid/levo - different companies can have slightly different formulations which can wreak havoc. Personally, I can't take synthroid, but I'm ok on the generic (my TSH dropped from 3.5 to .45 in the 2 months since my doc switched me back - I started on levo when I first had my surgery)

I'm the opposite - I can't take the levo and am currently taking the Synthroid name brand. I had my thyrodectomy back in January 2014, and my current TSH is 0.058 - checked last week. I'm still working with the doc to reschedule the appointment that she canceled at the first of February, trying to work it in along with the thyrogen shots that she wants me to take in the spring as part of the thyroid cancer followup - and that shot will probably wreak havoc with my system for a few weeks after that. I am definitely going to switch to the natural as soon as I can get an appointment to see her.

On the plus side, I've managed to drop 30 lbs since I started the diet, and I'm watching my sugar intake and my potassium intake, and I have noticed that I'm starting to feel marginally better this time around, so perhaps my fatigue has been a combination of things!

Course, matters would be improved if I could figure out how to fit more sleep in a night..... lol

Did thyrogen pre-RAI - I kept working out but recommend dialing it back - I had to do a few mad dashes to puke

KassLea22

I have hypothyroidism as well. i'm 26 and I got diagnosed when I was 14. I guess I'm on the less common end of people with low thyroid because I'm actually very thin and I have a very high metabolism. However, aside from way, I can totally relate to a lot of the other side effects and issues that come with hypothyroidism. I personally think the most important thing is finding a medication that works for you, and getting the correct dosage. And of course making sure you're taking your medication every day. I was on Synthroid for years, and when I switched to levothyroxine I noticed a complete change in my energy level.

snowboardermom

Add Me! I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's after my second child was born. I was 33. I'm 49 now and have been on Armour Thyroid ever since.

zilkah

Hypo here , I'm on T3 only as I have a conversion issue. Feel pretty good when medicated but still have my super off days sometimes . Would love friends ! I know the crappy feeling

Kale0209

Recently diagnosed after five years of struggles. Looking for friends on here too Please add me!

Marcieo91

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after my daughter was born. I gained 35 pounds in 1 year. Then had 2 more kids. I'm currently down 21 pounds 54 to go!

chachadeb

Recently diagnosed hypo. Just started taking Nature Throid, working with my naturopath, last month had ultrasound and FNA on goiters. In the process of learning what I can and want to connect with everyone. Feel free to add me. Just want my energy back!

leahrgrant

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 2011. I take cytomel (t3) and synthroid. I am have a hard time losing and keeping it off. Fatigue is a big issue for me as is water retention. I have tried many different approaches nutritionally and am frustrated! I am starting peri-menopause now and it feels more challenging to maintain, never mind lose! I am glad to find this discussion.

jamielynn525

I have been hypothyroid for like 15 years. After having a (surprise) baby at 39 - I haven't felt right since. My levels keep coming back ok, so I did some research and just ordered a thyroid supplement from Zhou for around $20 and have seen a HUGE difference in my energy levels. Now, this may not be for everyone, but I suspected that my thyroid was causing the weight gain, depression, anxiety and just general feeling of being unwell. I still take synthyroid and am doing 1200 calories a day, and have lost almost 3 pounds this week! Best of luck! I know the struggle!

Fuzzipeg

I'm so very pleased for you, jamielynn. Congratulations on the special delivery too. I think many of us are sold short on the need for supplements like selenium which helps the conversion of t4 to t3, I also do better with a level of iodine in my support system too. All too often we have to think outside the conventional box because much slips past our advisors. We do have to think for ourselves and be careful not to over do things.