Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

nope - its deffo 4 x 120mg......:p

What's mcg?

microgram rather than milligram?

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I've never seen so many with underactive Thyroids. Thought i was the only one at one point!

May i ask... I hope i dont offend but, at what age did you find out you had the thyroid problem? As i have only met one other person who found it out as young as i was.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I wandered into the original thread as I felt lousy and was looking for an answer...... Still looking.

Been really stressed since coming to Perth 19 months ago. Was suffering from bad PMS so decided to see a homeopath. He did an all over test and said that I had a hormone imbalance (shock), my thyroid wasn't working correctly and he thought I could also be glucose intolerant. Very vague really and all he offered were "magic drops." I tried the magic drops for a few months but tbh don't really notice much difference. He also suggested I use yam cream for 3 weeks of the month - this I think may have helped as I no longer have tender breasts.

I've gained about 10 kilos, despite the fact that my OH says I don't eat enough to feed a 5 year old. We bought a wonderful bed but I awake in the morning feeling worse than I did when I went to bed. My back aches like an old woman (I'm 44 but feel 74). My BMI is 29 so I'm overweight but not obese, yet I get breathless if I talk to anyone while walking up one flight of stairs.

My hair is dry - I blamed the hairdresser for the bleach. I have to wash and condition it every day. My skin is dry. I moisturise every day too. I blamed that on the sun.

I've tried meal replacements in a desperate bid to lose weight. I have currently stopped gaining weight - but alas - no weight loss.

My mum has an underactive thyroid but her tests are always "borderline". Her sister had lots of problems and eventually had her thyroid removed. She now has really protruding eyes.

I know I'm healthy really and don't suffer anything like you ladies but I just thought I'd share my story too.

For the record - I've never been tested for thyroid problems.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I was diagnosed in my early forties but my doc thought I'd been that way for some time. Standard tests are in range so it takes a doctor who thinks outside the box to admit I have a thyroid problem. I'd put it all down to an early (surgical) menopause.

midgetjan, you sound exactly how I was when I first got diagnosed. I still have off times but on the whole am much, much better.

I don't eat enough (or badly enough) to weigh this much either. :lol:

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

It's a bitch eh?

Meant to add - I'm carrying all my extra weight exactly where I shouldn't be - all around my middle.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I was diagnosed at 19 and very very ill and was told I was very close to them not being able to help me, my thyroid was that low to the point of not working and they believe it started at around the age of 14.
My days as a teenage I have no memory of, My hair was falling out like crazy my skin was dry with a rash over it and I would sleep for 20 hours out of the day and often fall asleep at college, my weight went up and I would eat nothing,my mum would be lucky to get 2 meals a week down me. The day I went to the doctors I woke up and I could hardly see anything it was all a blur and I could not put on foot in front of the other without falling over, but somehow got on a bus and went to the doctors. He took one look at me and said you have a major thyroid problem. He even phoned my Dad to come out of work and get me and told him to I was very ill and he would be in touch. My bloods came back that week and my thyroid condition was confirmed. 16 years later and I am only just feeling back to my old happy self. It has been a hard struggle but I am finally getting there.
If you have any symptoms get them checked out people don't realise how serious a thyroid problem can be untreated, the one symptom I had really bad that gave it away to my doctor straight away was i couldn't keep my hands still they would constantly shake and I could not stop them.
Well thats my thyroid history for you all.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I'm no expert, but with those symptoms it's surely worth asking the doc to be tested?

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Hence why thyroid sufferers get free scripts in the UK!

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Same difference. Just a pity Oz don't play the same game ... :thumbdown:

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Hi midjetjan, I can relate to every thing you say.
Considering your symptom that you describe it would probably be best to go back to the doctor and mention that thyroid problems run in the family as it could be hereditary thyroiditis.
It took two years for the doctors to find mine as mine was hereditary and started when i had my first born and so it was harder to find.
I am on 120 micrograms and i vary rarely wake feeling full of life.
Hair loss is a feature of under active thyroid and can change from falling out to staying in on the way your body feels, i have been told stress is a good part of that.
I do hope that you feel better soon.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Thank you

Jan

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Yes. Yey, if you're taking that much, then you need it. Your doc knows what she's doing. You may be taking a lot to reverse a rT3 problem. I think if you split that dose between morning and say, 3pm, you might find it a bit better... then the energy is split rather than all through the day. Splitting the dose also helps you lose weight sometimes ... Ask the doc. :)

Looking back, as a child, I slept long hours (and was called dormouse by my family), had dry skin down my shins (because you sit so close to the fire, said my mum), sat really close to the fire to stay warm, got a very red face when exercising (sign of thyroid issues), always had a 'dodgy back' because it 'ran in the family'...
I was probably around 8 when this happened.
Lots of young children can suffer from T problems, so this is why I keep such a close eye on my kids. Middle daughter was showing symptoms during the winter, so I supplemented her diet with Vit C and B, plus Selenium. After a few weeks, symtoms gone, though summer is here... so ....
If it happens again, I'll get her tested.

Yam is high in female hormone I think, from memory.

Jan, go and find a good doctor in Perth. You are not healthy. You just see your symptoms as something you just 'have' but they're because you're not well. You obviously have a family history and you need treating. Back ache, etc is not healthy, and it's not normal.

Your sister sounds like she's hyper with the bulging eyes. Find out why she had her thyroid out... Was it thyroid nodules or cancer? It's an extreme op ... Perhaps you all have Graves disease? You need a test!


A sure sign that your adrenal system is out of whack.

Where are you ? Perth?

Let me look for a recommendation for you. This needs treating. Your mother being borderline is poor... if she's got symptoms then they need treating, not the numbers. Tell her to find a new doctor who will give her a 'trial of thyroxine'.

Left untreated you can risk 'thyroid damage' to your body... your organs.... The longer you all leave it, the more damage and the longer it takes to heal...

Go see a doc.

Here's someone in Perth...

Dr Salim Ismail (Desana Health) in Wembley.
He seems to be the only one worth seeing.

Dr. Salim Ismail, Holistic/complementary/alternative MD, Desana Whole health, 343 Cambridge Street, Wembley, Western Australia, Australia, 6014, (08)93839997 FAX:(08)93839164.

"I've suffered years of depression which doctors have only been able to keep under control with high doses of antidepressants. I had my thyroid tested many times by other doctors because of symptoms I displayed but the tests came back negative and nothing was ever done. This is the first that has to me, he said "Jenni, I treat patient symptom not blood test results." What a guy! I now take thyroid medication for hypothyroidism and cortisol supplements and I have reduced my Effexor medication from 475 mg/day to 75 mg/day in 2 months and I feel fantastic!" (Added Dec. 04)

Another recommendation:
A reader writes: "I have been suffering with fatigue for at least 2 years and have seen many doctors and naturopaths without any success, until I saw Dr. Ismail who immediately recognized my condition and has been able to get me back on track." (June 2006)

A fan:
"Still highly recommend him. Specializes in natural hormone therapy via compounding pharmacist Armour thyroid and T3 also DHEA, testosterone progesterone. Also has female doctor Jocelyn Cullingford working in same practice dealing with womens issues, depression fatigue PMS menopause both very thorough doctors and most importantly willing to listen and let you have some in put on your health." (August 2007)

Another reader writes:
"I have been going to Dr. Ismail for a couple of years now. I started going after having been to 6 other GPs and two endocrinologists... and feeling worse than ever. He is willing to listen and treats one with respect and interest. He adjusts treatment to fit each patient and their current state. Most importantly, he does not simply go on blood test results! He is willing to try something different to see if it will help, but does not force any specific treatment on anyone. Dr. Ismail stays abreast with the latest developments in the field. Highly recommended!" (May 2008)




Don't delay it Jan. Give him a call.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I was thinking about doing that, I am seeing Dr B a week on Monday so I will ask her. I also take DHEA mid morning and only just remember to take that, I will have to set my phone to remind me everyday if I split the dose. :)

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I used to set an alarm for 3pm. So it was 2 hours after lunch and my stomach was empty, and way before I ate dinner.

In winter, I do still split my dose... so I get continuous dosing throughout the day. In summer, my dose goes down.

Funny, innit!

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

My goodness! i never realised how bad it can affect you! i am only glad that i never got to that stage and i thought the time i am going through is bad! Im so sorry to hear about how terrible its affected you but its definatly good that your getting back on track now.

I was diagnosed when i was 12. My hair was falling out trmendously and it still isnt the same. The amount of times ive cut it short to get it all to try and grow at one length is too many to mention!xxx

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Wild Yam is a natural menopause treatment, like Black Cohosh and Red Clover.

Just be careful with any of these as some are now thought to be heptatoxic, and you really don't want to add liver problems to thyroid problems.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

That's all I'd need. - It does stop the symptoms of PMS though.

I can't believe I'm sitting here wanting to sleep and its only 5.15pm. I can't believe how much I've gone down hill since coming to Oz. Even my eyesight is failing.......

This old age doesn't come itself, as my Mum always says....

:eek: I'm turning into my Mum

By the way, thanks for the helpful posts xx

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I do hate it when I spot a typo too late to edit. :( Hepatatoxic. It's taken me several attempts to type that, too. :lol:

Many years ago when I was on the Pill I used to take Evening Primrose Oil for sore boobs. Great for dry skin, too.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Do any of you folks have extreme sensitivity in your hands to cold and heat? I don't have Reynauds, I know I have a low temperature and I've had bad circulation for as long as I can remember but increasingly I'm getting pain when I get something out of the fridge, and can't hold a cup of hot coffee. It's more than "ouch, hot", it's really painful.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I do, but i have Raynauds.

Just an update on things.

Have actually managed to get some results on the feeling poorly status.:thumbsup:
Spent last Monday and Tuesday at the hospital who referred me to the T,I,A clinic after having blood tests and ECGs and had the appointment this morning who thinks i have had recurrences of mini strokes and also found that i have a goiter for the thyroid.
So i have got to wait for a scan for the neck (goiter) and another to see if it shows up if i have had mini strokes.
They say the mini strokes are due to my other conditions.
I have been put on a daily dose of aspirin to thin the blood, cant remember offhand what the dosage is but will let you know.
So i have finally found out why my weight has been dropping and feeling so s-h-t.
As soon as the goiter was spotted by the doctor it was suck a relief to have it found as for a long time i have not been able to touch any area round the front of my neck and it could explain why i have problems getting the food down too.
I dont quite know what it means by the goiter (some thing else to find out about) and what they will have to do about it. But it has started to make me worry, as i dont know where i will go from here. Any ideas or help?
Hope every one is OK.
ausi.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Pleasure ... go see your doctor.

Yes ... esp cold. I take more thyroid if I can't get warm... usually works.

Also, I take coconut oil for its warming abilities.... Check it out. It boosts your metabolism within about 15 mins. You need about 1-2 tablespoons per day. Cook with it... put it in your coffee or make nice coconut sweets with it... Yum!

Ausi.
The goitre is there because the thyroid struggling. Usually goitres start because the pituitary gland is putting out the TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone). The pituitary is doing this to make your thyroid generate T4 and T3.
The more your thyroid struggles and fails to work, the more TSH the pituitary will put out to make it work harder. It starts to enlarge to compensate for the demand placed on it by the pituitary... Does that make sense?

You can get a goitre through hypo, hyper, nodules and cancer... so it pays to get it checked.

Scan and fine needle aspiration are what's required to check it's not cancerous, though nodules are rarely cancerous... about 20%. They also do a scan with ultrasound too.

Wish I'd known you were having trouble swallowing and pain... affects breathing too. Goitres can grow back and down, not just out so you can't always tell they're there... but anything affecting your breathing.. check it out.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. I hope you feel better soon.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I've just run out of coconut oil :lol: Must get some more when I go to Macro tomorrow. Not sure I fancy it in my coffee :eek: but I'll give it a try as that's the only constant in my life (one good coffee a day).

At least you are finally on the way to getting some answers, ausi. Take care. x

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

It makes sense what you are saying TiddlyPom, as i have not long been put on puffers for the breathing as they said it was asthma. But i think now that the goiter has been found,that's why.
I dont understand why i have had regular blood tests for the thyroid levels and when the results come back they say they read normal. So why did the levels not show up on the blood tests differently for the goiter.
I have got to wait to hear for the dates to go in for the scan on the thyroid (neck area) to see why the goiter is there.
And also a scan to see about the mini strokes, which they say are down to the existing conditions.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Well asthma can come as part of thyroid symptoms. I had it. Gone now though I'm on piggy stuff

Because nodules on the thyroid can cause TSH results to be masked. You can actually have thyroid cancer and still have a totally normal TSH. I don't know about the other tests such as T4 and T3, Free's etc, but if TSH can appear normal then I suspect others can too.
Does that help you?

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Hello everyone, my first post on BE for months, if not a year..... I've been following this Thyroid thread closely since my own diagnosis in August last year. Most likely diagnosis is Hashimotos, according to various blood test results, ultrasounds and nuclear scans.

Anyhow, my question today is.... did any of you thyroidees have any problems with passing medicals? I ask because we are (finally) applying for PR after nearly 4 years on a 457. I mentioned the Hashimoto's in the panel medical, and a referral was sent to my GP for a follow up letter. My GP is very twitchy and thinks that I'll struggle to get through the process, but I'm sure (from lots of reading on here) that no one has been refused on the basis of a thyroid problem. Reassurance please!!!! Did your diagnosis come up in the medical, what sort of follow up letter was sent/required etc etc.

Thanks for any input!:unsure:

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I had no problem at our medicals, the doctor just asked how long I had my thyroid condition and what consultant I was under at the hospital. As I have never seen a specialist he said all was fine and that was it. Our Visa was granted four weeks later.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I didn't have a problem with the medical either. I said I had a thyroid prob, the doc asked 'Is it being treated?' and I said 'Yes, it's under control'.

End of.

It'll be fine.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Bugger, it's just my luck that the zealot at the medical wanted it followed up... What a bloody waste of time!!! My (crap) GP wants $120 for the privilege of writing the letter.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm going for another scan today (just to appease the GP). More money down the drain.........

Saying that, I do need to get all my levels sorted out because I'm still dragging my arse around every afternoon, barely able to stay awake. If I sit down, it's terminal....so I just keep on moving. I have been known to fall asleep mid children's bedtime story reading.....whoops!

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Sounds like you're a bit low.

You might like to look through this and see what people take which might help you supplement a bit.

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/supplements/

Also this:

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/shames/a/supplements.htm

Don't supplement if you're due for tests though. Get test first and then supplement so you don't affect results.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

[QUOTE=webgum;7292205]Hello everyone, my first post on BE for months, if not a year..... I've been following this Thyroid thread closely since my own diagnosis in August last year. Most likely diagnosis is Hashimotos, according to various blood test results, ultrasounds and nuclear scans.

Anyhow, my question today is.... did any of you thyroidees have any problems with passing medicals? I ask because we are (finally) applying for PR after nearly 4 years on a 457. I mentioned the Hashimoto's in the panel medical, and a referral was sent to my GP for a follow up letter. My GP is very twitchy and thinks that I'll struggle to get through the process, but I'm sure (from lots of reading on here) that no one has been refused on the basis of a thyroid problem. Reassurance please!!!! Did your diagnosis come up in the medical, what sort of follow up letter was sent/required etc etc.

Thanks for any input!:unsure:[/QUOT


Hello webgum. I have just seen your post and i have hashimoto's and had no problems with the medical.
Same as TidlyPom, was asked if it was being treated with tablets and i answered yes and all was fine.

Good luck to you.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

By the way, i am going for my first scan on the thyroid (neck area) first thing in the morning.
Will let you know how i get on.
I must say it has been pretty quick as i only saw the doc at the hospital last Friday and they rang last night to say they want me in for the scan tomorrow.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Thanks everyone for your help.

I'm going to my doctor tomorrow morning to "write the letter". This is all the result of the incompetent doctor at the medicals. She barely looked at us, and managed to examine me, hubby and our two kids in about four minutes flat. It was a complete joke (especially when you think what you have to pay) and I'm sure she picked up on the Hashi's purely as she was so incompetent, she didn't know anything about it. BUGGER!

My scan yesterday showed that all the nodules are still there (no surprise there) and the whole thyroid had the appearance of the changes expected in Hashi's. I am curious about my new blood results (get them tomorrow) and I hope that my GP will shove up the thyroxine dosage a bit.

Cheers!

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Good luck with it chick.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

In future, don't tell them you have Hashi's... just say you are hypothyroid.

It's the Hashi's thing. Makes them think you've got something... serious. :D

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Hello peeps, I'm on a roll with this now!

Just back from (another useless) Dr. We composed the letter together, for which he charged me $99.

My latest results show that TSH is 1.05 (down from 4.55 when first diagnosed) but TPO is still well over 1000IU/ml. FT4 is 14 and FT3 not reported.

Do the antibodies always stay high? GP said yes, "until the disease burns itself and your thyroid out". Hmmm.

I then asked him, what is the score if my TSH is within normal limits and I'm still tired as anything. He said, "well it could be anything, depression, lack of sleep". And then ushered me out of the surgery. Thanks for the help, mate!

I also asked if it would be sensible/advisable to get referred to an endocrinologist, to which he helpfully replied "if you want to".

Gee wiz, do I feel supported (not).

Any advice, anyone, on when you have symptoms but blood results are seen as normal?

Take it easy, chaps!

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

[QUOTE=TiddlyPom;7288809]Pleasure ... go see your doctor.



OK have decided Monday I'm going to call the doctor.

I woke up feeling awful and hubby asked what was wrong. My reply was;

1. "When I came to Australia I felt like Tigger, and now I feel like Eeyore"

I think this just sums it up......

Time for action I think.

Thanks for prompting me.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

Does anyone know how long the transition will take to do ANYTHING ... if it's ever gonna! ... :confused:

Nic's still not losing any weight, and getting very frustrated wit it all now ... :(

She's currently doin these 'shakes' and eating one meal a day ... no weight loss at all!

It seems she simply cannot lose any weight any more!

I tell her to exercise more maybe, but she'll say that all she used to do was cut back on what she eat, and her weight would drop off! Now she's banging her head on the wall it seems!

So can someone tell me ... once you've got a dodgy thyroid, is that it as far as your weight goes ?!?!

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I think its different for different people.I know i still struggle,the only way i can lose weight and keep it off is if i
1. cut out carbs
2.cut out the booze
3.excerise
If i dont do all three,the weight is back on.

Re: Thyroid Thread - Part Deux
 

I fully understand where you are coming from......

I'm on those shakes too and having only one meal a day (no carbs) and can't lose weight. Like Nic I used to be able to cut down on my calorie intake and lose weight - but now I starve and still gain weight!!!! :mad:

It's so frustrating.