Anyone diagnosed with hypothyroidism after opiate addiction?

[CourtyB]

Just wondering if anyone else has been through this roller coaster of hypothyroidism because of these pain meds? Weight gain, fatigue, swelling, constipation, aches and pains- I thought all these things were because I was on suboxone. Went to the dr they ran some labs and it has actually been my thyroid. So because I was a selfish idiot I will be taking medication for the rest of my life. My body is a wreck and I never once thought about what I was doing to myself while I was using.

[CourtyB]

I was wondering if you were/are feeling depressed? If so did taking thyroid meds help? She (my doc) wants me to wait a while before starting an antidepressant. I have cried for 3 days straight about how I feel and the weight gain, it's getting old. I'm sure my husband is getting sick and tired of me complaining too.

[Amandag78]

Hey, i thought thats what the problem was.
Glad you got it sorted out now.
Your not selfish, you just didnt know.
When i first said one of the things that you could have wrong with you is your thyroid or hormones out of whack, it was because my aunt (doc) had suggested i get mine tested, she said long term drug abuse can throw our bodies out causing a hormone imbalance, but we dont realise we have a problem till we quit drugs.
Dont worry, a thyroid problem isnt that bad, at least you know what it is now.
With meds, you should be back to normal.
   : )

[msdelight]

Hi Courty , welcome to the forum and congratulations on getting off the pain meds. Although I agree, we have all idiots for abusing our bodies. But I'm not sure that the pills cause hypothyroidism. This is a condition some people develop because of a pathology in the thyroid gland. It is often hard to accept an illness that requires lifetime medication, but a good attitude will go a long way in helping you manage it. You probably wont even notice the med. Please see a good endocrinologist though to rule out anything serious. Don't blame yourself.