Thyroid

gparks
gparks Posts: 56 Member
in Introduce Yourself
It's so good to see everyone doing well. I am in a slump and is sinking fast; it's hard to work out almost everyday, to the most part eat healthy and not lose any weight. I am at a serious stand still which is mainly due to my thyroid problem. (hypothyroidsm). The good news is that due to me eating healthier accompanied with exercise, I am not gaining weight, the downside is I am not losing either. I don't want to give up, but it's so hard and I am at a lost. I have an appointment to see an oncologist next week. Is there anyone else going through this. This siguation is taking me through a lot of crazy emotions. I have not exercised in over a week and I know that is not helping the situation and I am working hard to get back on the right track.

I am praying for positive solutions when I have my appointment next week. I will continue to support and encourage my MFP Family as they have always helped me. Keep up the good work family!!!!

Replies

  • asp415
    asp415 Posts: 1,492 Member
    I do not have this health issue, but wanted to say hang in there. We all reach plateaus, it's only a temporary situation, you will lose it. I understand its harder for you due to your thyroid, but I know you can do it.
  • gparks
    gparks Posts: 56 Member
    Thank you!
  • sweetNsassy2584
    sweetNsassy2584 Posts: 515 Member
    Are you currently taking meds for your you thyroid condition? I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was 18. I've taken medication ever since and I have successfully lost weight.
  • JennaM222
    JennaM222 Posts: 1,996 Member
    Are you taking medication? When I was first diagnosed, i started my medication and with that + exercise and better food decisions, I lost 36 lbs in about 8 months.

    I stopped taking my medication the last 4 months and honestly, been a bit bad with food abnd beer and gained back 17 lbs. Getting back on my medication this week - thyroid medicine must be taken for life!

    Good Luck!
  • caryofilles
    caryofilles Posts: 1
    As someone who suffers from this also, the most important thing is to listen to your body. Have regular blood tests to keep levels regular. And try to move extra everyday. Even if it just a walk around the block. One BIG problem that comes with tis that DRs sometimes under estimate is the depression that comes with it. Stay positive :smile:
  • dedication6
    dedication6 Posts: 184 Member
    I've been through it!! Once your meds are controlled you'll feel better. Have your Vitamin D level checked!!!!! Mine was low (I now take 5000 IUs a day)

    I swear as soon as I started taking the vitamin D the weight just melted off!!!

    good luck!

    wanted to add...

    You're meds will change due to weight loss/gain. So as you lose weight they will change. When I first found out what my problem was I had blood work done every 3 months. Now I have it done every 6 months.
  • conniemaxwell5
    conniemaxwell5 Posts: 943 Member
    Maybe none of my business but why an oncologist and not an endocrinologist?

    Seeing a specialist to get your TSH levels under control should help. My best suggestion is to get moving. I had a thyroidectomy almost 8 years ago and had gained about 35 pounds back over the years. I started exercising last fall, and more diligently as of February, and I've lost 44 pounds along with 14.2% body fat. You can do this but it may take the help of a good doctor that understands that you are trying to achieve weight loss.
  • ElizabethKalmbach
    ElizabethKalmbach Posts: 1,415 Member
    Keep after it. I'm just coming off a 6 month stint of working my butt off for NO CHANGE AT ALL, except for my health worsening... I continued to work out, and now they've finally located my problem - a bunch of vitamin deficiencies, including B12. Now that my anemia (from lack of b12 and low iron) is being corrected, I'm feeling 1000% better, and weight is starting to come off again. Chin up, girl, and keep hitting the gym. You can still get strength gains, and the better you maintain, the faster you can start to lose as soon as they get you sorted. You are not alone.
  • e_is_for_erin
    e_is_for_erin Posts: 83 Member
    I completely understand your frustration! I have a thyroid issue. I haven't been diagnosed, doc says it's borderline and I go in for check-ups every 6 months. It's very frustrating to see all my friends lose weight so easily and I'm over here struggling to lose a pound! Don't give up, you are not in this alone!
  • khoff170
    khoff170 Posts: 19
    I have hypothyroidism also and agree with cary & Jenna that maintaining meds and regular appointments with an endocrinologist are the way to manage it - or at least that's what I do. I also avoid added salt because the hypo makes me retain water like crazy and water = weight (at least on the scale). The other thing about hypothyroidism is the moodiness - and that can really add to feeling down on yourself for trying hard but not losing weight - or so it is with me.

    I started with an endocrinologist and then once my TSH levels were stable for 12 months I was able to switch to my regular doctor who is an internist for 6 month check ups.

    Do the best you can for just 24 hours each day and let yesterday go and try not to worry about tomorrow. You're not alone in this and we support you!
  • gparks
    gparks Posts: 56 Member
    Currently, not on any meds, but will talk to my doctor more. I guess the onocologist is to rule out anything serious. I saw doctor about two years ago and the only thing that was suggested was an operation but I declined. I would like to try medication first before opting for surgery. My thyroid have now become a goiter (swollen thyroid). Thanks for all the positive feed back.
  • khoff170
    khoff170 Posts: 19
    Currently, not on any meds, but will talk to my doctor more. I guess the onocologist is to rule out anything serious. I saw doctor about two years ago and the only thing that was suggested was an operation but I declined. I would like to try medication first before opting for surgery. My thyroid have now become a goiter (swollen thyroid). Thanks for all the positive feed back.

    You may want to go to http://www.thyroid.org/ and find an actual thyroid specialist (as opposed to an endo doc that mainly treats diabetes) as they specialize in goiters.
  • dedication6
    dedication6 Posts: 184 Member
    Currently, not on any meds, but will talk to my doctor more. I guess the onocologist is to rule out anything serious. I saw doctor about two years ago and the only thing that was suggested was an operation but I declined. I would like to try medication first before opting for surgery. My thyroid have now become a goiter (swollen thyroid). Thanks for all the positive feed back.

    You may want to go to http://www.thyroid.org/ and find an actual thyroid specialist (as opposed to an endo doc that mainly treats diabetes) as they specialize in goiters.

    Willing to drive to Michigan? My Dr is the BEST!! DR Kwasi O Boakye Md, in Hillsdale, MI ...look him up! If you decide to go this route you will need a reference from your family Dr.
  • thinbeautifulnonsmoker
    thinbeautifulnonsmoker Posts: 12 Member
    I have hypothyroidism. The method of healing I have chosen is non-pharmaceutical.

    EXERCISE: I have increased my exercise dramatically as vigorous and sustained exercise is an incredible healer -- helping the body to regulate moods, hormones, insulin and metabolism, just to get started -- exercise fights and improves or eradicates disease, increases energy and ousts depression. Everyone who exercises with vigor and regularity has to start it much of the time before the "feel like its" and the energy to do so have shown up. First exercise. Then feel like it. Then have energy.

    DIET: It's hard and I often blow it, but whenever I can I avoid anything that contains ANY sugar, anything that contains ANY white flour. I try to use smaller amounts of "clean" (not factory farmed) meats, eat mostly fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and entirely whole heirloom grains in small quantities. And nuts and seeds also in small quantities. Oh, and did I say SEAWEED. Seaweed products are high in iodine which helps with hypothyroidism. And probiotics are also a good idea.

    Here's a great article: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3139/13-Ways-to-Treat-Hypothyroidism-Naturally.html

    Anyway, I have not lost all my excess weight yet, but I'm not giving up. :) I will not let hypothyroidism stand in my way. I intend to cure mine with healthy choices.
  • WalkingMermaid_
    WalkingMermaid_ Posts: 205 Member
    I have Hasimoto's Thyroiditis, before I was diagnosed I gained 70lbs in less than a year, and had a whole bunch of other problems with it. Once I got started on meds I felt heaps better, but the weight never shifted.

    Fast forward to this year, my thyroid specialist tested me for celiac (positive), and apparently he states that all thyroid patients, celiac or not, should stay well clear of gluten. The weight is now coming off.

    The more I researched this, the more I found the connection between gluten and the thyroid, it's definitely something worth looking into if you have a thyroid condition. I also don't eat dairy (except organic eggs), meat, fish, soy or corn. This leaves me with a diet that is mostly plant based and non-processed. It's the only thing that works for me, both in terms of weight and energy levels.
  • nmabrown
    nmabrown Posts: 1
    I have hypothyroidism and my doc told me that I would not lose much weight w/o being on my meds. Once I started back on them I started to lose more, but I'm at a stand still right now. Last time I dieted and then stopped I gained back my weight plus an extra 20 lbs!! So I'm sticking with it, even though its discouraging at times. I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis, so it makes exercise hard most times, especially during a flare up. Hang in there.
  • socajam
    socajam Posts: 2,530 Member
    I have hypothyroidism. The method of healing I have chosen is non-pharmaceutical.

    EXERCISE: I have increased my exercise dramatically as vigorous and sustained exercise is an incredible healer -- helping the body to regulate moods, hormones, insulin and metabolism, just to get started -- exercise fights and improves or eradicates disease, increases energy and ousts depression. Everyone who exercises with vigor and regularity has to start it much of the time before the "feel like its" and the energy to do so have shown up. First exercise. Then feel like it. Then have energy.

    DIET: It's hard and I often blow it, but whenever I can I avoid anything that contains ANY sugar, anything that contains ANY white flour. I try to use smaller amounts of "clean" (not factory farmed) meats, eat mostly fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and entirely whole heirloom grains in small quantities. And nuts and seeds also in small quantities. Oh, and did I say SEAWEED. Seaweed products are high in iodine which helps with hypothyroidism. And probiotics are also a good idea.

    Here's a great article: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3139/13-Ways-to-Treat-Hypothyroidism-Naturally.html

    Anyway, I have not lost all my excess weight yet, but I'm not giving up. :) I will not let hypothyroidism stand in my way. I intend to cure mine with healthy choices.

    I agree with you on the white flour, sugar and salt. I also have to stay away from any form of cereal or oats which is bloats me up. I would be very careful about the goiter, if it is swollen. Personally I would have the goiter remove, it does not serve any purpose and can eventually affect your swallowing if not removed.

    One of the things with thyroid disease is that one have to watch their diet very carefully. I am very particular about what I eat: no tofu, soy products, no salt water fish (too much iodine), crabs, lobster etc. I gave up meat and chicken 20 years (that was a personal choice), but I have never felt better.

    As long as I watch my diet and exercise I feel fine, without exercise I am very lethargic.

    I had my thyroid remove over 20 years ago.
  • lmelangley
    lmelangley Posts: 1,039 Member
    How long is your "slump"? I have hypothyroidism and it took me over a year to lose 45 lbs - and I did it mainly through diet. But, I had a couple of really trying times where I'd go into a plateau and hang for like a month. What I did each time to shake it up - and this may sound odd - is that I had a really big meal. We're talking steak, potatoes, a roll, desert - that kind of thing. The kind of meal where you completely abandon your calories for the day and enjoy yourself. Each time, I started losing again within 3 days. It was like I had to just shake up my body and my routine to get it moving again.

    Also, I've found that I need to eat at least 1325 calories a day to lose, even though MFP puts me at 1200. You may need to try different things, too. The most important thing to remember is that you won't see a change overnight. Give anything new you do at least 3 days - a full week is better - before you decide it isn't working.

    It's hard, but patience really is the key to losing weight.

Categories