Working with Hashimoto's

[SophiaMia]

I am a nurse and this has really kicked my butt.  I have missed 9 months of work in the last 15.  It has taken this long to get diagnosed and it was my suggestion that my pcp test me for it.  Granted, I just was diagnosed so I am hoping that once my TSH levels stabilize, my symptoms will subside and I can go back to work.  Has anyone else had problems like not being able to work?  If so, were you able to back?

[freeatkast]

I have no choice but to work also, but it is very hard to get up and go there and try to have conversations and run meetings.  Luckily, I don't hold anyone's health in my hands as do you and I applaud you for hanging in there.  I must say, my endo tested my Vitamin D and it was low and the 1.25 pills are really helping with the exhaustion and fog.  

It is difficult because you can't see it on most people other than the weight and no one really understands except this wonderful community. I have to say, this forum has helped me from going nuts the past few weeks!

[sick and tired 47]

You sound alot like me. I have always been type A, personality. I have my moments of tears where I feel I am just being lazy and hate how this affected my husband and children. I SO thankful for a wonderful, understanding husband and children ( they are teenagers) who knew the old me... they know its not a normal for me.
I hate the sitting around the house too, but I tell myself I am taking care of myself, working on restoring my health, If I take care of me I can take care of my family so much better too.... and family is my priority.We are not crazy or lazy... we just need time  to heal. Trust me, I have to repeat this often....it is a hard concept for me to swallow.
   Good luck,god bless.

[RavingMad]

I'm a nurse too & have been working in aged care for about 13 years. I've juggled working & being a single parent the last 4 years. It's been hard as I was undiagnosed hyperT, then had a TT & became hypoT. I've battled with meds & a conversion problem then injured my back. So, after about 13 years of working a 5 day week (early morning shift), last year I finally had to drop 2 days & now I work a 3 day week. I'm still battling fatigue & really need to push myself at times. Looking back, I don't know how I coped working crazy hours & looking after a baby & the house when I felt so sick all the time. I guess it's amazing what we can do when we really have to.

Rach  : )    

[stella5349]

I have a very mentally challenging job - not physical per say. I have been a school secretary for about 13 years.

When I was hit very hard with thyroid disease I was unable to work both emotionally and physically. I quit the job I loved and was bascially home for 4 years. I worked odd jobs but always feel ill from then and quit. I had so many jobs in those 4 years.

Recently I found balance and feel the healing happening. I took a job as a school secetary prematurly during my beginning wellness phase last year and it was rough.

Here you are, at a new school and dealing with horrible issues  - I pushed to my absolute limits to hold on each day.

This year is different so far, but I think because of returning to work full force while I was still ill - did put me on a stressful situation with my peers to a degree.  There is only so much a person can hide when they feel bad ya know......

I am now looking to move out of this type of work and be more active on this disease that I have and hopefully make a certain type of living at it. I gathered up support group information and started speaking on it.

I am looking at phlabotomy and specimen processing too.  

Supersally is right - it does all happen when it is to happen.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

Once your levels improve you should start feeling better and more able to work.  However it can take a few months (or longer) to feel really good.  THere is hope and with treatment you will get your life back.

It will be like the lights come on again and the world has color!

S

[SophiaMia]

Thanks for your kind words.  It helps to know that I'm not crazy or lazy or alone.  I also miss working with patients and being a nurse.  It's a hard balancing act.   I have always been a very energetic person with a fast metabolism.  For me to sit around the house is torture.  I feel guilty and bad for my husband and daughter.  I have good and bad days, but my goal is to go back for 2 twelve hour shifts a week.  I mostly work in the ICU so there isn't too much running around.  Thanks again.

[SueYoung55]

I don't have a choice but to work. I just do my level best to hide "the fog". Then again, I am not a nurse and if I make a mistake it doesn't harm anyone. :)

[redheadaussie]

I haven't worked for over 15 years..did a cleaning job once a week for 4 years that nearly killed me! Everytime I think mentally, that I am ready to do some part time work, the old body says..nah..... have a nap instead!

[sick and tired 47]

HI! So sorry to hear this is getting you. I am/was an X ray tech for 25 years... and it took me over to 2 years for a diagnosis/thyroid meds. I am now "in semi retirement for a year" and am very blessed to be able to do this with our economy.
I truly miss the patients, colleagues, ect. but my health is 1st priority.  Sorry this has gotten you, sometimes I feel I am a big baby.  Some days I feel like **** and have no energy and we have very physical jobs.
Good news... It is getting better and better ... and I wish good days to you... with health and happy endings to your story too.