Time to dust this thread off.
Since I have last posted, I experienced the onset and subsequent worsening of a hypoactive thyroid and finally an effective treatment.
I began to notice that I was ALWAYS tired and the problem seemed to just keep getting worse. I was exhausted all the time. Which then leads to a lower activity level, weight gain, lack of mental clarity (from fatigue) and frustration that I couldn't perform at my usual levels. Eventually it lead to a bit of depression, as I was gaining weight, exhausted and foggy. I couldn't keep up with anything. Work and everyday life were killing me.
It got to the point where I would wake up at 6:30am for work, be home by 5:30 and in bed by 6:30 or 7:00. On the weekends when schedules weren't an issue, I would sleep til 10, take a 2-3 hour nap around 1:00pm and be in bed by 8:30. All I thought about was sleep.
I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid. I was given medication and found some relief. I unfortunatly waited way too long to come back for my follow up bloodwork. At which point it was determined that I needed to double my dose. What a surprise, I felt even better.
When I reflect on the onset of my hypothyroidism (and when you read this you probably think the same thing), I wonder what took me so damn long to get to the doctors? Firstly, I think it is because the ailment progesses very slowly. It creeps up on you in such a subtle way that you don't notice it in your day to day until it is really bad (at least in my experience).
Additionally, I think I probably did what a lot of women do. I beat myself up over it. When I was tired, I blamed myself for being lazy. When I was gaining weight, I blamed myself for not being motivated enough. When I didn't get things done at home or work, I layed on another heaping helping of guilt.
Don't even get me started on the vicious circle of wight gain and fatigue. You know, the one that goes like this: I weigh too much, because I am too tired to work out, but I am too tired to work out, because I have gained this weight. Yadda yadda yadda.
Fortunately, I have an incredible doctor. She is an intelligent and compassionate woman that I greatly admire.
I believe I am technically what you would call a subclinical hypothyroid patient. I may not be remembering this correctly, but with a regular thyroid, you want your TSH levels between 2-5 (lower generally being better). When I was tested, my levels came in at a 7. I believe you are considered subclinical with TSH levels between 5-9. I know we have health professionals on the boards (feel free to correct me, as I can't find my notes/test results from my last visit). I will tell you what, it didn't feel "sub" anything. I am usually a trooper, but this kicked my ass.
A topic overview and symptoms of hypothyroidism can be found
here on Webmd.com.
I didn't experience all of the symptoms, but I did experience the following:
- Brittle hair.
- Dry skin.
- Feeling tired, sluggish, or weak.
- Memory problems, depression, or difficulty concentrating.
- Constipation. (Prepare for TMI in 3,2,1..I unfortunately had the opposite of constipation).
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods that may last longer than 5 to 7 days.
- Weight gain
Webmd.com also says:
Quote:
In general, how bad your symptoms are depends on your age, how long you have had hypothyroidism, and the seriousness of the condition. The symptoms may be so mild and happen so slowly that they go unnoticed for years. The older you are, the more likely you are to notice symptoms.
Mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism often causes no symptoms or vague symptoms that may be attributed to aging, such as memory problems, dry skin, and fatigue.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism during and after pregnancy include fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, depression, and memory and concentration problems. Some women develop a goiter.
Because of the variety of symptoms, hypothyroidism can be mistaken for depression, especially during and after pregnancy. In older people, it may be confused with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other conditions that cause memory problems. |
So long story short (too late) I am feeling so much better. The difference is night and day. I have energy, clarity, healthy hair ( I know, it's vain, but nice nonetheless), regular periods, a calm digestive system (to put it in nice flowerly language). The only souvenir I have left is the weight gain. I'm not thrilled about it, but when I contrast it against they way I used to feel while living with undiagnosed hypothyroidism, it doesn't seem so bad. I know that I am able to lose the weight now.
I have gotten back to working out and have really been eating healthier. The weight is slowly coming off. I know I will eventually get to my goal. I am just happy that I now have the energy to get there.
More to come....
