Hi there! I'm new!

sometimes_blondie

So, where do I start? I just was diagnosed with hypothyroidism two days ago. I have been experiencing a host of strange symptoms that I thought were anemia. I had been a vegetarian for over half my life, and thought I wasn't getting enough iron. After much research, it seemed like there was more than that going on. The cold just hits me like a knife. My husband would get so mad because the paint would peel off the walls in the bathroom from my long hot showers! X D The forgetfulness, mild depression, frequent body aches. Of course the big tip off was my weight. I've been on MyFitnessPal for quite some time now. I had been able to lose most of my weight before, but it seemed to take a ton more effort than other people. I workout frequently, usually Jillian Michaels workouts (the longer ones, because I like the intensity) and eating cleanly. But then it started to pack back on when I went into matainence mode. I now need to lose about 50 lbs to get to my ideal weight for my frame. I have been exercising and eating clean and it just wouldn't budge! So I went to get tested for thyroid issues and I do have hypothyroidism. I was actually crying happy tears, because it just explains so much! Right now I've been started on Levothyroxin which seems to be what most people start out on. I know this isn't a miracle weight loss pill, but at least some of my symptoms that have hindered my efforts will be addressed. It's also fantastic to find others out there that are going through the same thing. Even on FB when I let it be known to my friends, I was shocked at how many people out there were going through the same thing! Anyhoo, I thought I'd let you all know you got a new member in this forum! :happy:

sometimes_blondie

BTW, I'm no longer a vegetarian. I've been reading about the effects of soy on your thyroid and now I'm avoiding it like the plague!

debbylee22

:flowerforyou: Welcome!
I am slightly new to this too, found out in May. This condition is somewhat complex & I've been "researching" like crazy! I swear I've turned into a lab-tech! :laugh: The most valuable site I've found for answers is stopthethyroidmadness.com . What is obvious once you start digging, is that those who suffer from hypo have to work at getting things right themselves, because this disease has to be treated by the symptoms, not just numbers in a blood test. Many Dr.'s fail when treating thyroidism. So keep track of your symptoms & do research! There is much to learn, and many ways to find relief!
I'm so happy to be getting health & energy back now! And my levels are still not "perfect" but getting close.
Reading through past topics on this group will do wonders also...
Blessings,
Debby

sometimes_blondie

Thank you! I've noticed a lot of people saying that a gluten-free diet helps a lot with the symptoms, so I'm going to look into that. I know that I've had my only success with weight loss when I limited gluten (before diagnosis). I also felt better. It's hard though, I'm a carb lover!

shvits

Happy you found out what your problem is! BUT now the problem of finding the correct dose of medication. and the type of medication you need. I take synthroid (brand name not generic) and cytomoel. The cytomel gives me energy, otherwise I take 2 hour naps plus sleep 8-9 hours at night. I take cytomel in a.m. and at about 1 p.m. You will need a good endocrinologist to work with to find the correct dose and the right medication for you. Not all docs, even endocrinologists are able to find what works for you. Good luck.