So sick of it all...

[rock4god]

I know you may be sick of hearing from me and I apologize. I was learning how to deal with everything until a couple days ago. This may be caused from the cold weather. My fingers have become so dry. My nails hurt and at the bottom, it is very very dry and on some there is a tiny bit of separation of the skin from the nails. And when my hands get cold, my left middle finger tingles when I try to grip something. My lips are also CONSTANTLY chapped. All of this is very unusual for me. And for the grand finale--MORE WEIGHT GAIN! I thought it had leveled out finally.But noooo. I was weighed at the dr. office 2 weeks ago and came back today and my weight went up 7 pounds.  And my top number in the blood pressure was high (150). But I tend to be nervous when doctors take my pulse and pressure. Once again exercise was blamed! I didn't even try to defend that I had been working out until I got sick. I don't think he would buy it. I haven't told him anything else since back in January. How can I deal with this?? I'm back to wanting to crawl in my bed and never get out til summer...

[stella5349]

The answer depends on what condition is going on w/ that swelling.

[ChitChatNine]

WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY!!

C~

[rock4god]

I don't really have any problems with dryness and itching except on my face and right side of my stomach (another bizzare thing--not my whole stomach but the right side). Occasionaly my chest, arms and back get very itchy and dry. I use the Clean and Clear facial moisturizer and it seems to relieve most of the itching and a little of the pain on my face. I also have to switch now between a Neutrugena facial wash and Aveeno gentle scrub since my face can't take the salycidic acid everyday. I found doing this and using the moisturizer helped A LOT with breakouts. Guess a lot of it was from irritation. And for chapped lips I have to use the medicated Chapstique. Anything else makes them hurt more than before.

My FT4 was done at the same time as TSH and that was back in November. He's testing TSH again in April.

Another thing. How often is thyroid swelling assoiciated with problems? My doc has felt for it and never felt any.

[stella5349]

PS - no one is sick of you - we are all here to support and offer whatever for as much as we can.

[stella5349]

it is a very frustrating condition when doctors are not attentive and blame symptoms instead of looking for cause.

The best advice I can give you is learn all you can to develop a confident strength about you and your condition and keep searching with that knowledge and find a physician that helps you.

I spent years in horrible care and I know how disgusted each appt was when I went and found I gained weight - eating just a 600 calorie diet - if even that.

If hypothyroid is your cause for all this - it won't get better until you are adequently cared for and start to recover from treatment.

Keep in mind... hypothyroid is an internal disease and most symptoms like dry skin and hair are outward appearance... You MUST concentrate on the internal care issue to rid the outward problems.

I am going to assume your stomach issues could be connected with abnormal digestion - another common symptom of hypothyroidism. You can - even without medication the disease make that a better situation. If this is your problem - changing your diet to no gluten - processed foods - or sugars.. a good diet for everyone is the South Beach or Zone. Take a look at that to purify your body.

Supplements are very helpful too. Magnesium - Vit B - Vit C - iodine (in some cases) and Selenium are good things to consider.

Creams are very helpful and the skin is our biggest cell tissue we have - so always taking care of that as best as possible can help those issues too.

[Dottie500]

Regarding high blood pressure - I highly recommend buying your own blood pressure machine - not one of those finger ones etc,  Mine is electric - and make sure you get a large cuff.   You don't mention what you do do for yourself - rx moisturizers?? - I have a cream compounded as my legs get so dry as I wear support hose - I have a bottle of good hand lotion on my desk at work, in the bathroom etc. misc.  NO  fragrances - I have seen people use bag balm - which farmers use on their cows udders - to keep from chapping - A dermatologist told me long ago that moisturizer was the most important thing for my face - it maybe too light for you - but I like Burts Bees - even use their night carrot creme for those heavy dry spots

[laura1967]

You don't have to have irregular cycles to have PCOS. Also, was this Free T4 done at the same time as a TSH and how long ago?

[rock4god]

My FT4 was tested and came back at .83 (ranges-.56-1.26 or something like that). That's it. PCOS has never been suspected. I don't have any trouble with being irregular or anything. And my stomach pains showed up a few days ago. I've been dealing with symptoms for almost a year now. I am just so confused. Feels like my body (and mind) is falling apart.

[laura1967]

Hi there. Bear with me while i ask you some questions and history. What other labs did you have done other than a TSH? Did you have any other thyroid labs done?  Any antibody testing done for Hashimoto's or Graves disease? Ultrasound done?
Have you been to a gynocologist yet? It sounds like you warrant some checking on your female stuff as well. PCOS can cause all kinds of horrible symptoms and lots of weight gain. It would also cause stomach pain and cramps, etc.

[rock4god]

Oh and I've also developed some MAJOR cramps in my stomach and hip area (very weird). It's mostly when I get hungry that they occur.