Can someone give me advice about living with this disease?

[JaceX]

I just found out I have hypothyroid from the doctor last week. I had developed the flu this February, and it had put me in bed for two and a half weeks. Ever since then, I had felt horrible all the time, fallen asleep in class without fail, and not felt very sociable (only 2 parties that semester!) Since then, I have gained 35 pounds since I came home from college even with dieting and exercise. I didn't eat food for 5 days to test my metabolism. I didn't gain weight, but I didn't lose any either! I maintained weight on no food.

I am a 20 yr. old male in college as an accounting student, and in the ROTC. My freshman yr. I partied every weekend, and most of the time 3 times a week, and on my finals week, I partied 5 nights straight, studied 24 hours for my final and aced it. I am gifted with intelligence, but I have always been physically weak and been sickly. I am outgoing, and I always thought even if fate was against me, I would beat it. I spent "time" with many girls, but I had promised that I would never join a frat or have a girlfriend in college. My sophomore yr. started much the same way, but I had maintained what you could call a top 3, where I only spend time with 3 girls. I ALWAYS made sure that they understood that I was not exclusive, but whenever I started getting the vibe that they wanted something more from me, I would end the relationship. I still got good grades, and started military training. I was working out, shedding pounds, life was great.

I also had a revival of right and wrong. I didn't party. I confronted all my friends with benefits and told them not to expect anything from me, and that I couldn't keep doing this. It was wrong to them. Things were good.

But then my cousin and his girlfriend died on Thanksgiving.  I ended the yr feeling at a loss. That winter I went home where I found out something else. My step-dad wants to move to China to live (my dad lives in China already), but without the family. My mother suffers from several psychological disorders and the court ruled that she is unfit to be a parent; however, she is still able to buy groceries, make tv food, and prepare clothing for my 2 little brothers and little sister. I have always had a strong influence in their lives. That winter break my sister and I went to California for a family reunion. It was great. After I came home I immediately got a phone call. I needed to go back to Cali, my grandma was in the emergency room.

My grandma had had cancer for a while. Without going into details, there was a lot of emotion and sleepless nights in the hospital, and praying. She died several days after I returned home to prepare for the spring semester. And a few days before school began. The family was willing to pay for my ticket to the funeral, but my dad made the final call and I was to stay in college for my school. I was still at a loss.

So, February, flu. I failed several tests while I had the flu, I can say I don't even remember taking some. This past semester, I lost an uncle, two grandpas, a few friends, and several of my close-friends parents and relatives who are family to me. Total, 10 losses including my cousin and grandma. I did horrible in school grade-wise. I got injured during an air assault exercise climbing a rope, I fell 20 ft and crunched my ankles. They had been injured and I had bumped my head. I failed my PT tests, and I could not attend the military training camp that summer. I hadn't taken on any internships even after 2nd round interviews because I had expected the training camp to be my thing. So I ended up spending the summer at home with mom and the siblings (my step dad never lives at home).

My step dad went to China for my step-grand dad's funeral. He was there a long time. I had to pay the bills and buy groceries and make dinner, etc. I don't have a job, and I don't make money, I used my college funds (which are all scholarships/loans). I had to cook, clean, etc. I started teaching my brothers Chinese and trying to stop my sister's bulimia. And I never took the time to weigh myself or anything, I still exercised daily, etc.

So that is where I stand. I have gained 40 pounds since school ended, and I feel completely defeated. I pray, but if God is testing me, then it's pretty cruel. I always tell myself that God is testing me...

What do I do? I have 3 dependent siblings, college, and hypothyroidism. I am not even sure if the military will take me in my condition... I am a junior now and about to go to college to move into my apartment.

[TamraW]

Also, are you of Chinese Descent? Do you eat a lot of soy? I ask that because many members of the thyroid community believe soy is bad for the thyroid. Many hypos have given up soy and feel better.

Please scroll down this forum to a a recent poll, "To soy or not to soy" and read members' comments about soy and gluten.

:) Tamra

[TamraW]

Please post your hypothyroid lab results. I have Hashimoto's, an auto-immune condition which seemed to come on full force when I had a lot of family stress last year. I have a nephew your age who has a lot of college/family stress and he is suffering from similar symptoms. At first, I thought it was the flu, but I now believe it was my Hashimoto's attacking my thyroid. Hashimoto's is a form of hypo and we have the same symptoms. BTW- Have you had your Hashi antibodies checked? If not, please request the anti-TPO and TGab bloodwork from your doctor?

The good news is that these hypo thyroid issues can get better over time with proper medication and a healthy diet. Many people say they go back to normal once their thyroid numbers are leveled. I don't know military regs, but you may be able to join if your disease is managed.

BTW- With your mother's depression, I highly suggest she be tested for thyroid as well. Thyroid disease can be hereditary and it can go undiagnosed for years, especially in women, when docs blame depression on other things. Trust me, I've been down that road!

Here are the recommended blood tests:
TSH
FT4
FT3
TGab
Anti-TPO

Take care...
:) Tamra

[Smilerdeb]

bumping this up for others to post................