Friendship & Intro Thread
Replies
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Hi everyone!
I'm Martine, almost 19, from Paris, France. I'm mostly vegan, I haven't consumed meat or fish in years.
I've been on MFP since July '11. This is my thyroid story, copied from my profile.
I don't know what being completely healthy means. I have had asthma since early childhood, I learned to live as the sick kid.
I was also diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at 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. It never responded to anything. 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.
I had the surgery in July 2010. 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, I gained almost 30 kg during that period. The first 5-6 I needed, the rest was excess.
Whoever wants to be friends, feel free to add me, but know that my diary is closed even for friends.0 -
:flowerforyou: Welcome Someone & Izzy,
Hope that you enjoy the resources here & find the encouragement you need to succeed! :drinker:0 -
Hi ladies, just joined today. I was diagnosed with Graves' disease 8 months ago, and have hyper thyroidism. I am one of the small percentage who actually gain weight with a hyper thyroid. I have gained 50 lb in the last 18 months. But I have no excuse as I knew my appetite was increasing, I just couldn't stop eating as it all tasted so good. My goal now is to lose the 50 lb and return to my normally slim body. I am 170 cm and currently weigh 84kg. Up until 18 months ago I weighed 62 kg. I am 49 and live in Australia.
I used to be Hyper but am now Hypo after having thyroidectomy.i gained weight as well when hyper,over a period of time, since having op have gained even more. My first consultant said to me when he said I was hyper and I didn't believe him "well just think how much you would weigh if you weren't!"0 -
Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism just over a year ago. I has started gaining weight and wasn't eating any differently than before, always tired, depressed, hair was falling out. It was horrible. My doctor put me on the lowest dosage of synthroid at first but I was bumped up to the next dosage. I'm much better now except that I still have a really hard time taking off any weight at all.
Any suggestions?
Please add me if you'd like, I'd like to have more friends with the same condition for support.Thanks,0 -
Hi everyone.
My name is Melissa. I am 24 (25 in March). I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism since the day I was born. From what my mom told me the Dr's did a lot of testing and came to a conclusion that I was not born with a thyroid and if I did have one it is so small that it can not be found/located. Growing up with this was actually pretty easy, I was never fat or obese just a little chunky but super, super tall (which is funny bc the dr told my mom i could end up being super short) I am 5'9. Once i hit highschool I started the gaining weight gradually. By my first year of college I reached a weight of 255 lb. By the next year I weighed almost 280lb. Off and on between 2007 and 2012 I have been battleing my weight. On March 9th I weighed myself and found I reached 304lb. I decided then and there this time I have got to get this undercontrol. In August I found MFP. I was already down about 20lb and felt good about the strides I was taking to lose my weight. I started eating healthier and really incoorporated exercise into my daily routine. By December of 2012 I was at my altime lowest weight of 257lb and there I have been staying since then...
I have been on synthroid since I was born also. Right now I am at 200mcg a day. During the holidays I slacked tremendously on my medication and my weight suffered big time. I switched to taking my pill in the morning and that also seemed to mess me up so I decided to go back to bed time pill and I am feeling much better. I have been taking my pill right before bed since I can remember and it really seems to help me out.
Anyways that is me in a nut shell (yes I am a nut) I look forward to meeting everyone and getting to know more people who are suffering with me with this long and hard obstical.0 -
Hi ladies, just joined today. I was diagnosed with Graves' disease 8 months ago, and have hyper thyroidism. I am one of the small percentage who actually gain weight with a hyper thyroid. I have gained 50 lb in the last 18 months. But I have no excuse as I knew my appetite was increasing, I just couldn't stop eating as it all tasted so good. My goal now is to lose the 50 lb and return to my normally slim body. I am 170 cm and currently weigh 84kg. Up until 18 months ago I weighed 62 kg. I am 49 and live in Australia.
It's actually a misnomer that people with Graves are skinny. My doctor at UCSF says that's because once you've got Graves, you can flip flop to Hashimoto's and then back again. So I have the same problem. Not everyone with Graves will have this problem. It's kind of the same thing that Oprah Winfrey has.
I'm currently 47 years old. I lost 35lbs in a year eating 4500 calories a day. That was in 2008 and I weighed 210lbs. Now I weigh 240.
Wow!! I am so glad I read this! I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and then later graves disease and have been on and off of medication for years. I have always been the kind that can eat whatever I want, and I stay relatively slim, with some fluctuations here and there. Now I know why the fluctuating weight. I had twins 6 months ago, and didn't really even gain that much weight at all, but a couple months later put on about 15 pounds. I didn't know that you can go back and forth from hyper to hypo. I was wondering what the hell was going on, since my thyroid is still on the high side. I need to look more into this. Thank you
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DebbyLee, you are doing a fantastic job introducing this group!!!
My name is Rosemarie, I was Dx with Hashimotos in Oct. of 2012 when I had the isthmus of my thyroid removed. Condensed version of my story-I wanted the whole thyroid removed due to multiple nodules. Surgeon insisted on "his way". He took only isthmus. Gained about 10 lbs. after surgery. Finally went to an endochronoligist. First thing she said was "why didn't you get the whole thyroid out"! Started on synthroid in the spring and have lost 15 lbs. so far. Have ultrasounds and needle biopsies every 6 months now. Nodules are still there, some getting larger. May be looking at removal some time down the road.Wish I would have known to see, consulted with an endo before letting surgeon cut. She also Dx me with pre-diabetes that no other dr. paid attention to. I think she has got a good hold on getting my thyroid & pancreas working. I was lucky, I found a good endo from getting referrels from friends & other drs. Sometimes you have to try several endos before finding one who listens/understans you.
My biggest problem with Hashimotos is I am always freezing and sooooo tired. :yawn:
Melissa, I wake up around 4 a.m. for a "potty break" every night. I take my synthriod then. By the time my alarm goes off at 6, I can have my coffee, breakfast & take other pills. It takes a while to find a "good" time to take.0 -
Welcome Rosemarie :flowerforyou:
Thanks for the compliment.
And thanks for sharing your story.
Glad you feel better. Surprised that you're still cold though. If your thyroid is optimized, I think that symptom goes away. That's a hypo thing. Might need some more tweaking. Check out stopthethyroidmadness for more info. You can search anything on there & get answers. Helped me so much.
I also take my meds at a midnight potty break... couldn't do the waiting game...
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Yes, I mentioned to my surgeon when I had my mammogram in Dec. (I am 12 yr. breast cancer survivor too) and he suggested I get in touch with endo that meds might need tweaking. He didn't feel I should be so cold still. I guess I will have to call & get some bloodwork done...again. I feel like I am always getting more bloodwork done. Thanks for the advice though. Will let you all know.0
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Hi
I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid in 1995, and currently take 200ug of levothyroxine a day.
I have yo-yo'd since the birth of my first child, who is now 18, and my weight has varied from 164lbs when I got to goal with WW in 2000 to my heaviest in Jan this year of 249lbs!
I've been fortunate and never suffered from tiredness etc - which is just as well as I work shifts on a 24/7 basis!
Kirstie0 -
Hi all -- my intro! I'm both hypo and hyper, and neither, as I had thyroidectomy for thyca (completed 1/10). I'm on steady 175 of levothyroxine daily. After some difficulties, especially in the first year, I've adjusted my levels are fine. But, surprise, surprise: my weight is not! I'm almost 34 and had no weight (or, ha, thyroid) issues before thyca. I'd love to make a dent on the 20 lbs I've gained in the last few years. As those with thyroid issues face unique hurdles with respect to weight loss, I'd love to talk to others and stay psyched. Tips, anything: I'll take it! Please be in touch. I'm the only thryoidless person I know.
Amanda0 -
Welcome Kristie & Amanda :flowerforyou:
I hope that you can find the tips that help you here. There have been many discussions on how to succeed. Please use search tool & find some great tips. Its definitely harder for us, but not hopeless or impossible. And it is SO worth it!!! Don't give up! :happy:0 -
Hi I'm Michele. I've had thyroid problems since I was in middle school. I used to be hyper and had a goiter so I had radiation which made me hypo. I am great about taking my meds but I still feel like my thyroid is off despite my dr saying no. I cannot lose weight no matter what I try and its frustrating.0
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Hi everyone! I have had hypothyroid for over 15 years. It was discovered while I was having miscarriages and I've been on Synthroid ever since. I also haven't been able to shed the weight I gained from either of my kids and still got heavier no matter what I tried. Each diet or lifestyle change I tried would work initially, but quickly level of and just become frustrating, and I would give up, gaining it all back plus more each time. Part of it was that I just felt so horrible all the time, and you know it takes a lot of effort to lose weight, even more difficult if you just feel crummy. I finally think I have my med levels right. I've joined MFP recently with a friend, and my weight is going down for the first time in a very long time. I feel better in general, which helps with the motivation it takes to keep going. I'm watching what I eat, focusing mainly on fruits and veggies, with healthy fats, small amounts of meat (mainly fish). I've cut out sugar and white flour, and almost all dairy (I had a bit of parmesan cheese And I've started juicing too. I feel better than I have in a long time, the weight is coming off, and I've started walking too. Looking forward to learning from you all as I continue this journey. Friend requests welcome 0
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Hi everyone. My name is Jennifer and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease a few years ago. The doctor that diagnosed me is actually a rheumatologist (my general physician didn't take me seriously at all when I went to him with weird symptoms) and he said I'm on the boarder of having hypothyroidism and may need medication. Should I find an endocrinologist? My doctor told me to wait until the end of June to decide but I can't lose any weight and I feel pretty crappy. Several people have also told me that having an endo isn't really necessary but I'm thinking it just makes sense to find a doctor that specializes in what I have. Thoughts?0
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Welcome Michele, determina, & Jenni, :flowerforyou:
I hope that you each find the encouragement & help you seek. This site is full of great people & lots of the issues you face have been discussed in posts, so it would be well worth your while to look back. I found the help I needed here, that's for sure.
Also be sure you research hypothyroidism at stopthethyroidmadness.com You don't have to feel crummy! They give so much help on that site & in the book, if you can get a hold of one.
Jennifer, please check out stopthethyroidmadness.com for answers on Dr's. It is very typical to not be treated properly, by your symptoms, and allowed to suffer for years. You have to get the answers you seek by research. And they will instruct you on how to find a Dr. that is good. I personally go to a general DR plus a naturopath. The naturopath is excellent, but expensive, however I feel fantastic! So I am happy. :happy:0 -
I'm so glad found this group! I've had Hashimoto's since 2006 and am just now learning the importance of diet in mitigating some of the symptoms. I lift heavy (which is not great for those with Hashi's) but have a very difficult time seeing results as its hard for us to lose fat and put on muscle. I am gluten free, don't eat eggs or dairy (except for the occasional chocolate :-o) and eat clean but still struggle with feeling lousy on a daily basis. Feel free to friend me! I know there are so many different diets to help with Hashi's and although I'm on medication, I'd rather focus on the whole approach then watch my dosage change. Thanks for starting this group...glad I'm not alone0
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Welcome "a" :flowerforyou:
Sounds like you're getting a handle on your health. Have you had your adrenals checked? Your diet sounds just like mine. And I'm doing strength training now also.
Hang in there, and you will see the excess wt. come off. We just can't afford to take any breaks from our efforts, takes too long to get success, and recover from any breaks.0 -
Hello, my name is Katrina, jumping in here as it is nice to find others that understand.
I have been borderline hyper for a long time, 2 short bouts of hyper, meds, treatment etc left me hypo.
I gained weight hyper and even more weight over medicated and hypo. I was also left with a huge list of allergies so my diet tends to be more of what I am not allergic to while trying to stay healthy than anything.
Weight for me has never been an issue, except maybe at the other end of the spectrum and trying to gain weight.
The whole watching what you eat, balanced diet is a learning curve and fairly new to me the last few years. I find when I am on I do ok with losing .5-1 lb a week. Throw in a prescription for prednisone and it is an easy 10 lb gain..
Officially DX..graves, with both blocking and stimulating antibodies, diffuse goiter, no Hashimotos ( biopsy confirmed) .
Currently have 2 un-diagnostic nodules ( 1 on each side) and unexplained inflammation, On Synthroid and Thyroid, Endo just ruled out Thyroiditis( acute) and waiting til Mar 4th to see a surgeon for an opinion. Restricted to only walking for exercise.
Right now I am just trying to keep things level, stop from gaining anymore and create the habit so I can lose weight. The doctor gave me a herb to try for the inflammation and I know I tend to do better if I can keep my sodium around 1500.0 -
Welcome Katrina, :flowerforyou:
Wow, kind of a lot to learn all at once. Must be quite a shock having to diet all of a sudden.
I'm interested in what herb your Dr wants you to try for inflammation?
Hope you do well. Please check out the links which can give you a lot of good info. Also many discussions here.
Nice to meet you. :happy:0 -
I am using Boswellia Serrata. Unfortunately the only formula I could find with out soy/silicone/shellfish also contains Devil's claw. So it is a combination herb. He gave me a blood work sheet with my CRP to test in a month and see if it is working.0
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Hello! I just found this group - I was diagnosed with hashimotos about nine years ago, not too long after the birth of my second child.0
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Welcome Andrea :flowerforyou:
Hope you enjoy the group and that you find success with your weight loss!0 -
I have felt like complete crap for about 5 yrs now. After I had my third baby I had to go to a specialist because I have low platelets and I had explained the way I was feeling and she said it sounded like the thyroid. For the next 2 years I requested thyroid tests from my PCP's. It came back abnormal once and normal 2 other times. In November I asked to be checked for an antibodies test because I had read about it while reading about my low platelets(I have anti platelet antibodies). They ran the test after I demanded it, and low and behold I had the antibodies. I just started taking meds Jan 15, and I swear I'm feeling better. I am kinda worried it may be placebo, but who cares right? I feel better, not 100% better, but BETTER. To make it even better I've lost 5.6 lbs in 10 days. I haven't been able to lose weight in forever.
Just wondering....Can I feel better this quick? How do I know if the mg of levothyroxine I am taking is right(my T3, T4, and TSH are all in normal range)? I should of asked the Dr but I was so excited( not about being "sick" but knowing that something was wrong and I was going to be able to feel better) but does the presence of antibodies automatically mean Hashimoto's? Any diet recommendations? I have been eating around 1200 calories. I have read that it can hurt your metabolism. I just started getting it back and I don't want to screw it up by eating too little. I would rather feel healthy more than anything else.
Thanks for any help, you can offer.0 -
Welcome Amanda :flowerforyou:
That's wonderful that you are feeling better so fast. There's a great site to read up on, stopthethyroidmadness.com . It taught me so much! I was new to this in April 2012. There's much to learn about the balancing act of this, and we have to do the research to get the treatment needed, as you found out!
Most of us find that gluten-free, avoiding raw goitergens (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, soy, etc) really helps. Also low carb or clean carbs...
I had problems with running down my metabolism in years past, by eating too low of calories. Rotating calories helps a lot. Say you're eating 1200 as your low day, eat 200 cals more each day, for 3 days, then start over at 1200. Higher protein, lower carb, and getting exercise! I also found adding virgin coconut oil to my diet really helped release the weight & feel better.
There are links listed that will help you research too.
Congrats on the weight loss!! :drinker:0 -
Hi! I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about 10 years ago - my medication has been pretty static for the past few years, but as I get older I'm finding it more and more difficult to lose weight. The fact that I have an office job and spend most of my day sitting on my *kitten* probably doesn't help either!!! Lol. I'm hoping by being on MFP I'll start to get the motivation to get myself moving and lose at least some of the excess weight!0
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Welcome Bing :flowerforyou:
I hear you, I also have an office job. Sounds like you know what you gotta do... it seems hard, till you get a habit started, but once you fit exercise into you life, you will feel so much better & see the weight begin to go down. 0 -
Hi! I'm a myfitnesspal newbie, a 2 year thyroid cancer survivor AND fairly recently diagnosed with Celiac disease (5 months ago). I've had a helluva time losing weight after my thyroid surgery...ugh. I've lost 20 pounds since dealing with stomach issues and ultimately having to go gluten free. But, even after I radically changed my eating habits and calorie intake, I've ONLY managed to drop 20 - in roughly 7 months. It's been a huge struggle. After reading some of the posts, it could be a lack of T3 (and maybe being in my mid 40's...aging stinks) so I'll need to check that out. However, I'm now using my fitbit and myfitnesspal to really track my progress and to truly see what sort of effort it takes for me to lose weight. This looks like a great group!0
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:flowerforyou: Welcome!
Congrats on the 20 lbs. lost. That's actually terrific, actually. I think for most people with hypothyroidism we're lucky to lose 1/2 lb. a week, at doing really well dieting & exercising, with no slip-ups.
Keep up the good work! This group has a lot of helpful links & diet tips that will help you with dieting with thyroid issues. Be sure to look around! :happy:0 -
Hi Everybody,
I am 36 years old and have had hypothyroidism for 14 years. I developed it when I was pregnant with my 2nd son. One synthroid ever since.0
