Aa
**newbie, hello
Hi there-
I read your Thy-roidian posts and feel at home here, I hope you don't mind me saying so as a newbie. I wish I could be of some help to all of you since I know how much this sucks. Let me know, I am registered here now. I am hope I am not tooo long winded- I am 38/f/happilymarried/ 5'6 179lbs/ 1 super good teenage kid/homemaker/Hashimoto/anxiety since 1998.
Meds: 150mg synthroid, 20mg Celexa, heartburn pills, 1000mgs b12, and probably a handful of Tylenol by the end of ea day.
I am a homemaker not by choice. I gave up my career @ Disney in 1998 due to this illness, I could no longer keep the job going anymore. (ya, thats a burden on my self-esteem-the judgements people whisper have been hurtful) Without insurance, I have never received good care so the story drags into years. My TSH levels are finally normal now, but I have been very sick with new symptoms. I went to the Dr. yesterday and was put on weekly b12 shots for completely numbed out/tingly swollen, red,hands/arms/feet/legs, dizziness, weakness, body aches. She never checked my b12 level though- She said I had a deficiency 2 months ago from the last lab and says thyroid patients cannot absorb b12 like they are suppose to. Gee, thats a new deal for me.
I have a never ending itchy rash on my scalp lately. I get daily headaches, slow thought process, confusion, unorganized, forgetful, and lethargic. I have to sleep alot. I cannot drive highways (only local rds)due to panic attacks. Depression is always a struggle to manage, I am told it is because of my thyroid.
I also exhibit low blood sugar problems, I gotta eat a little frequently or else I will pass out. I have to give my husband sympathy sex to keep him happy, but I LOVE him deeply. It isn't him. I have no sensations like I used to, and no drive. I am lucky he loves me, he is very supportive.
Now for the good news. Since I have been strangely sick for so long, and now I am "scarier" sick, I need to apply for disibility AGAIN so that I can get some insurance to find out what the hell is a matter w/ me for once. Without insurance, I just politely float in and out of Dr. Offices with a band-aid. I tried applying for disibility twice already in 2000 & 2001 but was denied. They say thyroid was not justification enough. Ok well, that SHOULD be changed, but do I gotta actually die of something before they will believe me??
I am a self taught-artist now and have done some good work in my studio, I am just starting to sell my work. I am trying to do something around my illness by working at home when I am up to it. My husband works overseas 3 months on 2 off. He pays most of the bills around here including all my medical bills which are not cheap. I don't have many friends anymore because I feel alienated in many ways from normal career oriented people with this illness. I am also sensitive about people judging me without all the facts since it has happened a few times.I won't tell people all this because I am private. I almost have an associates degree (2 quarters away) but I can't go and finish now because I can't concentrate, remember knowledge, or focus on books anymore.
Sometimes I feel I have lost or am loosing but I know I have no choice but to just keep on trying and avoid whining (other than now). I always put on a front for my daughter. I know she worries, but I want her to keep doing well in school & going forward. My 30's have been lousy health wise. I know something else has been the matter w/ me as well as hypothyroid but I cannot seem to get a clear cut diagnosis. I have been to the shrink- she also agrees my anxiety/depression is thyroid related. I am getting worse. Thanks for the shoulder, any advice would be so appreciated, and keep your chins up, God seems to work it all out somehow-
Thanks from the newbie~
I read your Thy-roidian posts and feel at home here, I hope you don't mind me saying so as a newbie. I wish I could be of some help to all of you since I know how much this sucks. Let me know, I am registered here now. I am hope I am not tooo long winded- I am 38/f/happilymarried/ 5'6 179lbs/ 1 super good teenage kid/homemaker/Hashimoto/anxiety since 1998.
Meds: 150mg synthroid, 20mg Celexa, heartburn pills, 1000mgs b12, and probably a handful of Tylenol by the end of ea day.
I am a homemaker not by choice. I gave up my career @ Disney in 1998 due to this illness, I could no longer keep the job going anymore. (ya, thats a burden on my self-esteem-the judgements people whisper have been hurtful) Without insurance, I have never received good care so the story drags into years. My TSH levels are finally normal now, but I have been very sick with new symptoms. I went to the Dr. yesterday and was put on weekly b12 shots for completely numbed out/tingly swollen, red,hands/arms/feet/legs, dizziness, weakness, body aches. She never checked my b12 level though- She said I had a deficiency 2 months ago from the last lab and says thyroid patients cannot absorb b12 like they are suppose to. Gee, thats a new deal for me.
I have a never ending itchy rash on my scalp lately. I get daily headaches, slow thought process, confusion, unorganized, forgetful, and lethargic. I have to sleep alot. I cannot drive highways (only local rds)due to panic attacks. Depression is always a struggle to manage, I am told it is because of my thyroid.
I also exhibit low blood sugar problems, I gotta eat a little frequently or else I will pass out. I have to give my husband sympathy sex to keep him happy, but I LOVE him deeply. It isn't him. I have no sensations like I used to, and no drive. I am lucky he loves me, he is very supportive.
Now for the good news. Since I have been strangely sick for so long, and now I am "scarier" sick, I need to apply for disibility AGAIN so that I can get some insurance to find out what the hell is a matter w/ me for once. Without insurance, I just politely float in and out of Dr. Offices with a band-aid. I tried applying for disibility twice already in 2000 & 2001 but was denied. They say thyroid was not justification enough. Ok well, that SHOULD be changed, but do I gotta actually die of something before they will believe me??
I am a self taught-artist now and have done some good work in my studio, I am just starting to sell my work. I am trying to do something around my illness by working at home when I am up to it. My husband works overseas 3 months on 2 off. He pays most of the bills around here including all my medical bills which are not cheap. I don't have many friends anymore because I feel alienated in many ways from normal career oriented people with this illness. I am also sensitive about people judging me without all the facts since it has happened a few times.I won't tell people all this because I am private. I almost have an associates degree (2 quarters away) but I can't go and finish now because I can't concentrate, remember knowledge, or focus on books anymore.
Sometimes I feel I have lost or am loosing but I know I have no choice but to just keep on trying and avoid whining (other than now). I always put on a front for my daughter. I know she worries, but I want her to keep doing well in school & going forward. My 30's have been lousy health wise. I know something else has been the matter w/ me as well as hypothyroid but I cannot seem to get a clear cut diagnosis. I have been to the shrink- she also agrees my anxiety/depression is thyroid related. I am getting worse. Thanks for the shoulder, any advice would be so appreciated, and keep your chins up, God seems to work it all out somehow-
Thanks from the newbie~
Hi there, so good to hear from you ~
Amy- I know EXACTLY what you are saying girl and I KNOW you must go through the ringer trying to raise 2 boys and be a wife while being sick. It is no pic-nic. I wonder if there really is such a thing as SLIGHTLY hypo??? You sound alot more than slightly hypo to me unless you have something else up to??? Please let us all know when you know something. I also loose way too much hair and it no longer looks healthy. It looks thin, dry and lackluster even though I spend money on good shampoos/conditioners. The itchy sores are freaking me out to. As for your marriage- I am so glad that you and your husband have pulled together through "sickness" and in health. I know being sick makes you feel like such a burden because many times I feel like one to. That right there is enough to trigger depression if you get to feeling overwhelmed. My husband feels the burden of my illness I know- I get so sad if I dwell on it. I try and make it up to him in tender ways. I stay consciously focused on his needs because I never want him feeling that my illness is more important than his happiness. In other words, I work hard on my marriage and so does he. In fact- I have 90% of my life's commitment invested in my little family and have room for little else being sick. Otherwise, I would be involved in a professional career as well as a mom and wife. I am spread as thin as I can be already or everything would fall apart with my little family. My mom is just now realizing that there is a serious problem with my health after almost 10yrs. Her "judgements" in the past caused me to grow a bit of a back bone, but I feel resentment towards her. I learned to tune her out and alienate her. We have a surface relationship, but she is trying to buddy up now but I don't allow it because everytime I do, she does or says something hurtful. I keep her at a safe distance and she can't make it harder anymore..I let her know I love her but there is that line I had to draw. I find personal happiness in my art studio. It is the only time I become an individual and it reflects in my work. I want very much to take the studio to the next level but I know my limits and must put my family first since I have very little energy- so the household comes first. I work in the studio alot when my husband is away and my kid is in school. Our child is well adjusted but has had to do a lot more "giving" than a kid should have to. I could not help that- but in return, I have always given back my full support, attention, guidance, and commitment as best as I can. I am proud of her, she is a super good kid but she has never had it easy. She has to play a responsible role in the family to and pitch in but I have been careful not to let her feel like she is the parent. She has suffered loneliness because of my illness at times, we talked about it, my heart broke- but we found ways to avoid that from happening any more. Thanks for writing to me, and I am glad you are finding out what is wrong with you, keep us posted on your full diagnosis. I really appreciate your support.
Deena
Tina- What is Adrenal insuff?? That is something I am unfamiliar with. On your swelling - I was told to watch salt intake, I have all that swelling/tingling/numbness (perephial neuropathy) to even with a low salt diet, but any extra salt will aggravate my/your condition & make make you more miserable feeling. Stay away from the drive thrus and all junk foods. I crave that stuff but only allow myself a treat once a week in a happy meal form. I NEVER order the full size combo deal, it is a big enough (salty) portion for 2 people! Only in small quantites and in moderation should you eat those things being as sick as you are. I was also told to drink as much water as I possibly can, maybe it will help you to even though it isn't a cure. I have not heard of them changing their ingredients for levothyroxine, but just to be sure- I'd call the pharmacy and ask. I wanna get my thyroid taken out to for the exact reasons, but I am hearing more and more that that isn't a cure all in many cases so PLEASE let me know what you have heard on the subject???? How long have you been taking b12 by injection? I really hope you get to feeling better soon, and keep on top of those Dr.'s or you will end up lost in a pile of paperwork like they always do to me. I also have to stop letting that happen, I am learning to be a pain in their booties. Thanks for writing, This is such a great place to vent huh???? I really really needed to do that to since I get so uncertain of the future, and worn down from the not knowing. Thanks for writing to me & thanks for the support. I really hope you are able to find out more soon. I will be around the boards as time allows to read up on what is going on. Let me know if you ever need a shoulder~
Deena
Amy- I know EXACTLY what you are saying girl and I KNOW you must go through the ringer trying to raise 2 boys and be a wife while being sick. It is no pic-nic. I wonder if there really is such a thing as SLIGHTLY hypo??? You sound alot more than slightly hypo to me unless you have something else up to??? Please let us all know when you know something. I also loose way too much hair and it no longer looks healthy. It looks thin, dry and lackluster even though I spend money on good shampoos/conditioners. The itchy sores are freaking me out to. As for your marriage- I am so glad that you and your husband have pulled together through "sickness" and in health. I know being sick makes you feel like such a burden because many times I feel like one to. That right there is enough to trigger depression if you get to feeling overwhelmed. My husband feels the burden of my illness I know- I get so sad if I dwell on it. I try and make it up to him in tender ways. I stay consciously focused on his needs because I never want him feeling that my illness is more important than his happiness. In other words, I work hard on my marriage and so does he. In fact- I have 90% of my life's commitment invested in my little family and have room for little else being sick. Otherwise, I would be involved in a professional career as well as a mom and wife. I am spread as thin as I can be already or everything would fall apart with my little family. My mom is just now realizing that there is a serious problem with my health after almost 10yrs. Her "judgements" in the past caused me to grow a bit of a back bone, but I feel resentment towards her. I learned to tune her out and alienate her. We have a surface relationship, but she is trying to buddy up now but I don't allow it because everytime I do, she does or says something hurtful. I keep her at a safe distance and she can't make it harder anymore..I let her know I love her but there is that line I had to draw. I find personal happiness in my art studio. It is the only time I become an individual and it reflects in my work. I want very much to take the studio to the next level but I know my limits and must put my family first since I have very little energy- so the household comes first. I work in the studio alot when my husband is away and my kid is in school. Our child is well adjusted but has had to do a lot more "giving" than a kid should have to. I could not help that- but in return, I have always given back my full support, attention, guidance, and commitment as best as I can. I am proud of her, she is a super good kid but she has never had it easy. She has to play a responsible role in the family to and pitch in but I have been careful not to let her feel like she is the parent. She has suffered loneliness because of my illness at times, we talked about it, my heart broke- but we found ways to avoid that from happening any more. Thanks for writing to me, and I am glad you are finding out what is wrong with you, keep us posted on your full diagnosis. I really appreciate your support.
Deena
Tina- What is Adrenal insuff?? That is something I am unfamiliar with. On your swelling - I was told to watch salt intake, I have all that swelling/tingling/numbness (perephial neuropathy) to even with a low salt diet, but any extra salt will aggravate my/your condition & make make you more miserable feeling. Stay away from the drive thrus and all junk foods. I crave that stuff but only allow myself a treat once a week in a happy meal form. I NEVER order the full size combo deal, it is a big enough (salty) portion for 2 people! Only in small quantites and in moderation should you eat those things being as sick as you are. I was also told to drink as much water as I possibly can, maybe it will help you to even though it isn't a cure. I have not heard of them changing their ingredients for levothyroxine, but just to be sure- I'd call the pharmacy and ask. I wanna get my thyroid taken out to for the exact reasons, but I am hearing more and more that that isn't a cure all in many cases so PLEASE let me know what you have heard on the subject???? How long have you been taking b12 by injection? I really hope you get to feeling better soon, and keep on top of those Dr.'s or you will end up lost in a pile of paperwork like they always do to me. I also have to stop letting that happen, I am learning to be a pain in their booties. Thanks for writing, This is such a great place to vent huh???? I really really needed to do that to since I get so uncertain of the future, and worn down from the not knowing. Thanks for writing to me & thanks for the support. I really hope you are able to find out more soon. I will be around the boards as time allows to read up on what is going on. Let me know if you ever need a shoulder~
Deena
Also i wonder if they have added something new to levothyroxine, i have been on it for 2 yrs but never had these symptoms.
You all sound like me, I thought I was getting MS also but they have ruled that out. Everyone around me thought I was nuts and prolly still do, I also have Adrenal insuff., I was deadly sick for 5 months before it was discovered, I was always told I was hypo but found out it was thyroiditis (goiters and nodule) might be having it taken out to see if these syptoms go away, my endo tells me that these symptoms are not my thyroid but my second opinion from internal med doc seems to think some of them may be. I have delt with pain and numbness since December now and it drives me crazy, i take b12 vitamin everyday and had a few shots but it didnt seem to do any good. My feet and ankles have been swelling lately also.
Tina
Tina
Hi! I am also new to this disease.(April) I just saw an endo. 3 days ago and he ordered a ton of blood work. We know I am slightly hypo. but VERY symptomatic. He thinks it is Hashimotos but I don't go back until September. And he says I need some fine tuning. Glad to know I am not crazy.
Your symptoms are so familiar that I just had to respond to you. I have had an itchy, scabby scalp for years and nothing helps. Now my hair is so thin and I have always had a thick mane. I have an autoimmune arthritis that started in my late 20s and apparently, all of this is related. I have been treated for severe depression. Had SEVERE depression after first child(he is 8) and all of the thyroid stuf started after I bit the bullet and had another child(14mos.) You know when something is wrong with you! But I know my wonderful husband is so sick of me being sick. I am almost 38, have been married for 13yrs.(on the 27th) I have 2 beautiful boys and I am SO TIRED and lethargic. My depression ALMOST destroyed my marriage. I thank God for my husband every day. Sex is a chore. I want to - I just am so tired and have extreme vaginal dryness - which they also think is thryroid related. The doc. drew all my hormone levels as well. So I know how you feel!! Hang in there. I know you feel like giving up when Dr.s just don't seem to listen! Keep on keeping on and vent here like everyone else. I hope you feel better soon! ~ Amy
Your symptoms are so familiar that I just had to respond to you. I have had an itchy, scabby scalp for years and nothing helps. Now my hair is so thin and I have always had a thick mane. I have an autoimmune arthritis that started in my late 20s and apparently, all of this is related. I have been treated for severe depression. Had SEVERE depression after first child(he is 8) and all of the thyroid stuf started after I bit the bullet and had another child(14mos.) You know when something is wrong with you! But I know my wonderful husband is so sick of me being sick. I am almost 38, have been married for 13yrs.(on the 27th) I have 2 beautiful boys and I am SO TIRED and lethargic. My depression ALMOST destroyed my marriage. I thank God for my husband every day. Sex is a chore. I want to - I just am so tired and have extreme vaginal dryness - which they also think is thryroid related. The doc. drew all my hormone levels as well. So I know how you feel!! Hang in there. I know you feel like giving up when Dr.s just don't seem to listen! Keep on keeping on and vent here like everyone else. I hope you feel better soon! ~ Amy
Thanks for such sweet letters, and for your support!
Myliljay- I am sorry you started this so young, you are still young very though and I really hope your health improves more. It is sad that you started so young with these issues. You so hit it on the head when you wrote about how these problems ruin relationships and jobs- LOL- not funny, haha. I really feel alot more validated now. I just wish it wasn't such a shadowy illness. It is one thing to tell people you have cancer and they go "oh my, I understand" but it is something totally different to tell someone "I have thyroid problems." They think you have a headache, or they think you needed an excuse for gaining weight or something else. Some thyroid people are fine with the right dose while the rest of us who are not fine appear to be hypochondriacs. I believe thats a big part of the problem. Thanks for writing to me, I really enjoyed reading your letter. I am always avail to talk or try and cheer you up when you need that~
Leanne- I wanna read your post but I don't know where to go, I was fumbling through and didn't find it. You really remind me of me alot and thanks so much for writing to me- It sounds like you have your plate full at home. I know your kids probably keep you super busy even when you are spent. I hope your husband is supportive of you with these problems you have. You sound pro-active and very determined, thats great- I am sure your family loves you deeply, and thats what family is for, to support eachother. I know you feel that same sense of being a burden- but you didn't choose this, and you seem to make good lemonade with the lemons ya got. I am determined to find a way to get a diagnosis, (i will pay as I go) I have to since it isn't really a choice. I am going to go to a new dr.and request current blood testing for my b12 deficiency - ( I have no idea if thats what i really have since this cocky dr. never checked) Then, I will move into the next phase if the b12 comes back ok. That will be Diabetes screening , then-Lupus, and finally MS. Just one thing at a time till I know an answer. I chose MS last since you seem to think that isn't the cause. I have done lots of research and I think maybe it could be diabetes in conjunction with thyroid but I really can't be sure since I am suspicious of Lupus to. I have so many symptoms. Maybe, I am like you and just have a lousy thyroid and they won't find a thing........................The neuropathy thing is worse now, and new I might add. I have havd thyroid problems for 10 yrs and never had neuropathy so awful like now.
Thanks for your inspiration, you keep your chin up to, your a sweet person. I am here if you wanna talk~
Moonwind- Thanks very much, I have really vented alot in the last couple days....lolo I look forward to getting to know you to.
Myliljay- I am sorry you started this so young, you are still young very though and I really hope your health improves more. It is sad that you started so young with these issues. You so hit it on the head when you wrote about how these problems ruin relationships and jobs- LOL- not funny, haha. I really feel alot more validated now. I just wish it wasn't such a shadowy illness. It is one thing to tell people you have cancer and they go "oh my, I understand" but it is something totally different to tell someone "I have thyroid problems." They think you have a headache, or they think you needed an excuse for gaining weight or something else. Some thyroid people are fine with the right dose while the rest of us who are not fine appear to be hypochondriacs. I believe thats a big part of the problem. Thanks for writing to me, I really enjoyed reading your letter. I am always avail to talk or try and cheer you up when you need that~
Leanne- I wanna read your post but I don't know where to go, I was fumbling through and didn't find it. You really remind me of me alot and thanks so much for writing to me- It sounds like you have your plate full at home. I know your kids probably keep you super busy even when you are spent. I hope your husband is supportive of you with these problems you have. You sound pro-active and very determined, thats great- I am sure your family loves you deeply, and thats what family is for, to support eachother. I know you feel that same sense of being a burden- but you didn't choose this, and you seem to make good lemonade with the lemons ya got. I am determined to find a way to get a diagnosis, (i will pay as I go) I have to since it isn't really a choice. I am going to go to a new dr.and request current blood testing for my b12 deficiency - ( I have no idea if thats what i really have since this cocky dr. never checked) Then, I will move into the next phase if the b12 comes back ok. That will be Diabetes screening , then-Lupus, and finally MS. Just one thing at a time till I know an answer. I chose MS last since you seem to think that isn't the cause. I have done lots of research and I think maybe it could be diabetes in conjunction with thyroid but I really can't be sure since I am suspicious of Lupus to. I have so many symptoms. Maybe, I am like you and just have a lousy thyroid and they won't find a thing........................The neuropathy thing is worse now, and new I might add. I have havd thyroid problems for 10 yrs and never had neuropathy so awful like now.
Thanks for your inspiration, you keep your chin up to, your a sweet person. I am here if you wanna talk~
Moonwind- Thanks very much, I have really vented alot in the last couple days....lolo I look forward to getting to know you to.
Welcome to the forum. this is great place to come for advice friendship . Or if you just need to vent.
I will look forward to getting know all of you.
Love Venora
I will look forward to getting know all of you.
Love Venora
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