Hyprothyroidism....and I just don't feel normal!

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I feel like I'm going crazy sometimes. My levels are normal, but I can't focus, I constantly forget things, important things, and I feel like I can't get out of bed in the morning. I am tired all of the time. Does anyone else feel like this??

Replies

  • tecallahan
    tecallahan Posts: 732 Member
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    You are not alone -- based on what you read in these three links below, you may need to have a heart-to-heart with your doctor. Most of us have been down this path and we transitioned to a doctor TREAT OUR SYMPTOMS - not our "levels".

    Please read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/tsh-why-its-useless/
    If your doctor is only testing your TSH, that test is useless and does not tell the story of what's going on with your thyroid.

    Also read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/t4-only-meds-dont-work/
    If you are on synthetic T4 replacement like Synthroid, it will make your TSH look "normal", but for most of us, it does nothing to relieve our symptoms.

    Finally read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/weak-adrenals/
    If all your thyroid levels T3, T4, TSH, Reverse T3, Antibodies, are all truly normal, you could have adrenal fatigue which frequently accompanies hypothyroid, especially for those that are only being treated with replacement T4 such as Synthroid.

    Terri
  • heidihurl
    heidihurl Posts: 138 Member
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    OOOhhhh I am with you all. I am so out of touch with myself. I too, am very forgetful and you know what? I was never like this...it's come on so quickly. My doctor diagnosed my problem almost 2 months ago.. I am taking something.. (sorry don't know what the name is) begins with an L... 50mg once in the morning.

    Glad to see there is a forum here on the subject.
  • heidihurl
    heidihurl Posts: 138 Member
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    Thanks for the links!!! Very informative
    You are not alone -- based on what you read in these three links below, you may need to have a heart-to-heart with your doctor. Most of us have been down this path and we transitioned to a doctor TREAT OUR SYMPTOMS - not our "levels".

    Please read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/tsh-why-its-useless/
    If your doctor is only testing your TSH, that test is useless and does not tell the story of what's going on with your thyroid.

    Also read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/t4-only-meds-dont-work/
    If you are on synthetic T4 replacement like Synthroid, it will make your TSH look "normal", but for most of us, it does nothing to relieve our symptoms.

    Finally read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/weak-adrenals/
    If all your thyroid levels T3, T4, TSH, Reverse T3, Antibodies, are all truly normal, you could have adrenal fatigue which frequently accompanies hypothyroid, especially for those that are only being treated with replacement T4 such as Synthroid.

    Terri
  • tecallahan
    tecallahan Posts: 732 Member
    Options
    OOOhhhh I am with you all. I am so out of touch with myself. I too, am very forgetful and you know what? I was never like this...it's come on so quickly. My doctor diagnosed my problem almost 2 months ago.. I am taking something.. (sorry don't know what the name is) begins with an L... 50mg once in the morning.

    Glad to see there is a forum here on the subject.

    You are probably taking Levoxyl or Levothyroxine - they are the same as Synthroid. they are synthetic T4, which is an inactive thyroid hormone. The theory that these brain-dead doctors have is that your diseased thyroid will magically take this fake T4 and convert it to T3 which is the active hormone. But since they never test your T3 levels or your antibodies, they really have no idea -- they only test your TSH and TSH only says that you have some T4. But that's not what makes your thyroid work!!

    Anyway -- that's why I keep sending these links -- we don't need to feel bad and we don't need to be told our levels are "normal" by moron doctors that refuse to treat our symptoms. Find a doctor that will.
  • heidihurl
    heidihurl Posts: 138 Member
    Options
    THANKYOU!
    OOOhhhh I am with you all. I am so out of touch with myself. I too, am very forgetful and you know what? I was never like this...it's come on so quickly. My doctor diagnosed my problem almost 2 months ago.. I am taking something.. (sorry don't know what the name is) begins with an L... 50mg once in the morning.

    Glad to see there is a forum here on the subject.

    You are probably taking Levoxyl or Levothyroxine - they are the same as Synthroid. they are synthetic T4, which is an inactive thyroid hormone. The theory that these brain-dead doctors have is that your diseased thyroid will magically take this fake T4 and convert it to T3 which is the active hormone. But since they never test your T3 levels or your antibodies, they really have no idea -- they only test your TSH and TSH only says that you have some T4. But that's not what makes your thyroid work!!

    Anyway -- that's why I keep sending these links -- we don't need to feel bad and we don't need to be told our levels are "normal" by moron doctors that refuse to treat our symptoms. Find a doctor that will.
  • hygienequeen1
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    I feel the same way. I am working with a new doctor, well actually a PA. She tested not just my tsh and t4, but also my t3 and rt3. I meet with her again tomorrow. I can't wait to see what she tells me. It is awesome to find someone who actually listens and does not just diagnose by numbers, but by your symptoms.
  • shalomabeth
    shalomabeth Posts: 63 Member
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    well its levothyoxidine i take 50 mg i lost 20 lb since jan if im off my meds i gain so meds to help
  • pen2u
    pen2u Posts: 224 Member
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    Check out the Wilson's Temperature Syndrome site @ http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/ for his take on this. Most endos won't even discuss it, unfortunately. I've taken the thyroid & adrenal supporting herbs from the site & find them very helpful (high quality, organic.) I wish I could afford to go outside my HMO & see one of the docs listed on the site, but in the meantime I do what I can to get my body temp up. I suspect my daughter has the same problem, and I wish I could afford to get help for her as well.
  • BrionyTallis
    BrionyTallis Posts: 90 Member
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    Ditto!
    Thanks for the links!!! Very informative
    You are not alone -- based on what you read in these three links below, you may need to have a heart-to-heart with your doctor. Most of us have been down this path and we transitioned to a doctor TREAT OUR SYMPTOMS - not our "levels".

    Please read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/tsh-why-its-useless/
    If your doctor is only testing your TSH, that test is useless and does not tell the story of what's going on with your thyroid.

    Also read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/t4-only-meds-dont-work/
    If you are on synthetic T4 replacement like Synthroid, it will make your TSH look "normal", but for most of us, it does nothing to relieve our symptoms.

    Finally read this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info/weak-adrenals/
    If all your thyroid levels T3, T4, TSH, Reverse T3, Antibodies, are all truly normal, you could have adrenal fatigue which frequently accompanies hypothyroid, especially for those that are only being treated with replacement T4 such as Synthroid.

    Terri
  • MommaKit79
    MommaKit79 Posts: 852
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    I feel like I'm going crazy sometimes. My levels are normal, but I can't focus, I constantly forget things, important things, and I feel like I can't get out of bed in the morning. I am tired all of the time. Does anyone else feel like this??

    I have the same problems! I am also having an issue with hair loss as well as feeling tired a lot and not being able to get up. I also get very moody and lose control of my temper a LOT more then I would have before (nothing horrific but, just lose patience a lot quicker). I have a 2 yr old and a 7 yr old step-daughter so losing patience quickly is NOT a good thing, especially with a 7-yr old that tests every ounce of patience you have. NOT TO MENTION losing weight is a struggle but getting their slowly!!

    My thryoid is enlarged but, TSH levels seem to be normal but, borderline...and I have the antibodies that will cause Hypothyroidism EVENTUALLY. WTH is that supposed to mean?!?! I have read up and it is Hashimoto's Thryoiditis. It is when your thryoid is enlarged but your TSH levels still seem normal and it will eventually develop into Hypothyroidism. It is annoying ebcuase I have all these symptoms yet no one can find out why! I had to wait 5 months to get in to see the Endocrinologist (new patient) and now I have to wait til July for a follow-up. She said if my "symptoms" havent improved and i still feel crappy she will see what we can do. but, now, I have to worry about losing hair enough that it will be noticeable.

    I have read a couple article that were posted and they were very informative...THANKS!! Here's hoping we can get things worked-out!! I wish a LOT of times the Dr's would treat the symptoms and not the "lab results."
  • Daydreams406
    Daydreams406 Posts: 249 Member
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    Those are some of the symptoms I experienced as well. My Dr.'s were forever putting me on anti depressants to try to control it. I read the links here and talked with my dr. and I am finally doing something different that seems to be working for me :) It is a really great feeling!
  • montanadanni
    montanadanni Posts: 184 Member
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    others have mentioned this but i will repeat:)

    you need to find a good doctor who treats your symptoms and finds your ideal range, NOT JUST NORMAL RANGE. i have hashimoto's and my thyroid is slowly dieing and i felt like total and utter crap! went to my pcp and she said my thyroid was a bit high. she treated me only till it was barely in 'normal' range. well, my symptoms were stil killing me and she refused to up my dose... so guess what, she is not my doctor anymore. i have an amazing endocrinologist who observes my throid through labs and through symptoms.

    i cannot stress to educate yourself on the thyroid and to dig up a great doctor to treat you. :) good luck!
  • hygienequeen1
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    yep too much reverse t3 and not enough t3. Armorthyroid it is.
  • Soozie1978
    Soozie1978 Posts: 138 Member
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    My hypothyroidism went undiagnosed for about 40 years as I was sent/went to different specialists for different symptoms. When I was finally diagnosed, I was put on Levoxyl. I would feel better for about 2-3 weeks, then plateau and then feel worse again. Fortunately, the doctor I was seeing was willing to do bloodwork and adjust my dose about every 6-8 weeks. This went on for about 2 years at which point I changed doctors due to a change in insurance. The new doctor believed in Armour (natural thyroid supplement made from animal thyroidsI) he first 2 weeks were hell as my body adjusted, but after that, I never experienced the plateaus and lows again. It was easier to find a good level that worked to relieve my symptoms - weight gain, hair loss, ringing ears, muscle cramps, brain fog, no energy, female issues, and many others. I have been seeing a doctor of osteopathy for the last several years who will look at my bloodwork and treat thyroid, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone levels, and all the other things that can go wrong as a body ages. It's nice to have them in balance and not running to different doctors to get conflicting diagnoses and treatments. Both my daughters and my mother were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis after mine was finally detected. I am so glad that my daughters can avoid some of the problems that I dealt with my whole life! My insurance does not cover the doctor I see now, but will cover prescriptions and lab work. I find that the money I spend is well worth it to feel like I actually have a life!
  • tecallahan
    tecallahan Posts: 732 Member
    Options
    My hypothyroidism went undiagnosed for about 40 years as I was sent/went to different specialists for different symptoms. When I was finally diagnosed, I was put on Levoxyl. I would feel better for about 2-3 weeks, then plateau and then feel worse again. Fortunately, the doctor I was seeing was willing to do bloodwork and adjust my dose about every 6-8 weeks. This went on for about 2 years at which point I changed doctors due to a change in insurance. The new doctor believed in Armour (natural thyroid supplement made from animal thyroidsI) he first 2 weeks were hell as my body adjusted, but after that, I never experienced the plateaus and lows again. It was easier to find a good level that worked to relieve my symptoms - weight gain, hair loss, ringing ears, muscle cramps, brain fog, no energy, female issues, and many others. I have been seeing a doctor of osteopathy for the last several years who will look at my bloodwork and treat thyroid, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone levels, and all the other things that can go wrong as a body ages. It's nice to have them in balance and not running to different doctors to get conflicting diagnoses and treatments. Both my daughters and my mother were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis after mine was finally detected. I am so glad that my daughters can avoid some of the problems that I dealt with my whole life! My insurance does not cover the doctor I see now, but will cover prescriptions and lab work. I find that the money I spend is well worth it to feel like I actually have a life!

    100% awesome -- how wonderful for your daughters to get to benefit from your struggles. My mother had awful hypothyroidism and ballooned to 300 pounds at 5'1". She developed all sorts of related issues - high blood pressure and cardiac issues. She faithfully took her Synthroid for many years and spent most of her life sitting in a lounge chair too fatigued to do anything. I sure did not learn anything from her about how to deal with this -- and now at age 60, I am finally figuring it out!! But I'm not there yet -- I still have awful leg cramps and ear ringing/vertigo issues. Each of us is different... but one thing is for sure - there's hope out there if you find a doctor that will treat your symptoms and not just your TSH labs!! I know, I know, I am a broken record...

    Terri
  • ginnylee74
    ginnylee74 Posts: 398 Member
    Options
    My hypothyroidism went undiagnosed for about 40 years as I was sent/went to different specialists for different symptoms. When I was finally diagnosed, I was put on Levoxyl. I would feel better for about 2-3 weeks, then plateau and then feel worse again. Fortunately, the doctor I was seeing was willing to do bloodwork and adjust my dose about every 6-8 weeks. This went on for about 2 years at which point I changed doctors due to a change in insurance. The new doctor believed in Armour (natural thyroid supplement made from animal thyroidsI) he first 2 weeks were hell as my body adjusted, but after that, I never experienced the plateaus and lows again. It was easier to find a good level that worked to relieve my symptoms - weight gain, hair loss, ringing ears, muscle cramps, brain fog, no energy, female issues, and many others. I have been seeing a doctor of osteopathy for the last several years who will look at my bloodwork and treat thyroid, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone levels, and all the other things that can go wrong as a body ages. It's nice to have them in balance and not running to different doctors to get conflicting diagnoses and treatments. Both my daughters and my mother were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis after mine was finally detected. I am so glad that my daughters can avoid some of the problems that I dealt with my whole life! My insurance does not cover the doctor I see now, but will cover prescriptions and lab work. I find that the money I spend is well worth it to feel like I actually have a life!

    100% awesome -- how wonderful for your daughters to get to benefit from your struggles. My mother had awful hypothyroidism and ballooned to 300 pounds at 5'1". She developed all sorts of related issues - high blood pressure and cardiac issues. She faithfully took her Synthroid for many years and spent most of her life sitting in a lounge chair too fatigued to do anything. I sure did not learn anything from her about how to deal with this -- and now at age 60, I am finally figuring it out!! But I'm not there yet -- I still have awful leg cramps and ear ringing/vertigo issues. Each of us is different... but one thing is for sure - there's hope out there if you find a doctor that will treat your symptoms and not just your TSH labs!! I know, I know, I am a broken record...

    Terri

    Terri,
    Keep those broken records coming. You have helped us all so much with your information and encouragement. Every time someone posts new problems with hypothyroidism, we all on here gain more information either from the person posting or your suggestions from your "broken record". Keep it up. :drinker:

    Ginny:flowerforyou:
  • tecallahan
    tecallahan Posts: 732 Member
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    Terri,
    Keep those broken records coming. You have helped us all so much with your information and encouragement. Every time someone posts new problems with hypothyroidism, we all on here gain more information either from the person posting or your suggestions from your "broken record". Keep it up. :drinker:

    Ginny:flowerforyou:

    awwww shucks... :blushing: :love: :heart: I know I am intense - so thanks for the kind words, Ginny!!