Hello everyone, new one here!

Sister_Someone
Sister_Someone Posts: 567 Member
edited November 10 in Social Groups
He! I'm Martine, 18 years old, and I'm from France.

Here's my story, if anyone's interested.

Being completely healthy is a concept unknown to me. I have been struggling with asthma since early childhood, I basically learned to live as the kid who's always sick.
I was also diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at a ripe old age of twelve. My doctor wanted to test me because I had arrhythmia that didn't seem to be caused by anything else.
In the four years to follow, I tried every possible treatment anyone could think of. The only thing I refused were antidepressants, which were recommended because one doctor thought it might be caused by stress, as I've had a rough few years on every possible front, not just health-wise. But I didn't want something that could cause addiction in my life and my parents agreed, so I turned that offer down. I didn't need another problem. It never to responded to any other treatment I tried. I was miserable during the whole process - tired, weak and borderline underweight. Finally, after exhausting every other option, my doctors decided it'd be for the best to remove my thyroid altogether.

I had the surgery in early July 2010. Unfortunately, that doesn't . It took almost a year of trial-and-error to find the correct dose of thyroid hormone replacement medication. Because of a suddenly slower metabolism combined with terrible (over)eating habits due to struggling to keep weight on in the past, I gained almost 30 kg during that period. The first 5-6 I needed, the rest was excess.

As of February 2012, I can happily say that I'm at my healthiest and happiest ever - my hormones have been stable for the past seven months and my asthma is fairly well managed.


I decided to join this group because I don't have many MFP friends who truly understand how thyroid issues impact one's life. Feel free to add me, but if you do, please include some info about yourself.

Replies

  • shvits
    shvits Posts: 249 Member
    welcome. I just, 2 months ago, had 1/2 of my thyroid out as I was hyperthyroid. I am now able to control my eating and feel much better. I was lucky to have a world renowned surgeon who did a fantastic job. My recovery and medication has gone smoothly...though I was still a bit hyperthyroid and my endocrinologist just lowered dose a bit. Sounds as if you have had a rough patch. I had to change doctors a few times until I found one who was skilled enough to handle these issues. I found out from this site that I was supposed to be waiting 1 hour after taking my synthroid before eating. I think that has helped. Also, I do not take the generic as M.D. says dose can vary. Bon chance!
  • Welcome Martine!

    My name is Donna and I am 53. As I was reading your post some things hit home with me.

    As a child I had asthma (which has not been an issue in adult life), I was diagnosed with endometriosis in my mid20's and hashimoto's thyroiditus in my 40's (it went undiagnosed for years as I went from doctor to doctor - the best they could offer me was antidepressants to make me go away- I refused them as well.

    I feel all of the health problems that I have dealt with all my life are due to inflammation of some kind in the body which somehow is connected to or effected by hormone levels. I am now post-menopause and have not felt healthier than I do now inmy entire adult life.

    I am glad you have everything under control - there is hope!
  • tecallahan
    tecallahan Posts: 732 Member
    What a story, Martine! For someone so young to have been through so much. Thankfully, it looks like it is turning around for you!
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