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Can I get disability for having Thyroid problems?
I'm 38 years old. I got diagnosed for many things in my early 30s fast. I have hyprothyroidism, diabetic, and anemic. I've had some very heavy and painful periods that lasted more then a week I got so tired of it so I had surgery done and now I no longer have periods and can't have kids. I feel so depressed, my mind is so out of sorts I can't concentrate, I'm ALWAYS tired, ex left me cause I was not interested in intercourse. I'm just not myself. I use to be so up beat, energetic, always on the go and now I feel so tired, old, and what's the use really type thinking. I'm so tired of this. It's hard to get up and go to work. And at work I can't concentrate, just want to sleep. Also, my hair has thinned, skin so dry and thick and now noticing pains in my muscles and bones. I can't lose weight for the life of me. I have so many problems I don't know what to do. I take diabetic pills and insulin, along with iron pills for anemic, and thyroid pills for my thyroid along with aspirin, chelestrol, and depression meds. If you look at a week I feel good maybe two days out of the week and just want to stay home and sleep the rest. What should I do? I'm lost. I've thought of just applying for disability but not sure if i'm able. I'm calling out for help!! Any ideas?
I am worried that your symptoms are indicative of severe hypothyroidism. We really want to help, so let's start with you posting your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report.
What did the doctor say about your extremely low T4 and T3?
What did the doctor say about your extremely low T4 and T3?
Hello I'm a 51 year old male I'm 385 lbs. I'm always tired and cold. I have trouble thinking and I'm depressed all the time.I have approx. 30 symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have had some of them going back 7 years.no imntrest in sex and no energy.
I was diagnosed with sever afib. I have had several procedures for my heart and spent a lot of time in the hospital for it.
I have had a cardiac ablation procedure.
My depression has gotten worse as has my other symptoms. Last month I was taken to the er with a temp. Of 105. And dizzy and chest pains.also my entire body broke out in a red rash. My blood pressure drops to 53....I was in the hospital for 2 days on IVs ....they could not figure out what the issue was. They said it looked like a viral blood infection. They have done lots of tests over the last year and finally did a thyroid test and found my t4 and t3 extremely low. Ohi also have been having tremors in my hands for a few years. They have gotten very bad and all of my hair is falling out..I have been unable to work for several months..
I don't know what to do. Any ideas???thanks everyone
I was diagnosed with sever afib. I have had several procedures for my heart and spent a lot of time in the hospital for it.
I have had a cardiac ablation procedure.
My depression has gotten worse as has my other symptoms. Last month I was taken to the er with a temp. Of 105. And dizzy and chest pains.also my entire body broke out in a red rash. My blood pressure drops to 53....I was in the hospital for 2 days on IVs ....they could not figure out what the issue was. They said it looked like a viral blood infection. They have done lots of tests over the last year and finally did a thyroid test and found my t4 and t3 extremely low. Ohi also have been having tremors in my hands for a few years. They have gotten very bad and all of my hair is falling out..I have been unable to work for several months..
I don't know what to do. Any ideas???thanks everyone
Even though you are taking thyroid meds there are several things that can preclude you achieving symptom relief. Your concern and your symptoms are very familiar to us. I have great confidence that we can help. Please start by posting your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also, what is your daily dosage of Levothyroxine? If tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, please post those, along with ranges.
Hi I am a 43 year old female and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism almost 16 years ago, I am currently taking levothyroxine but I am having major problems due to the hypothyroidism for the last six months or so have developed extreme fatigue, depression, achy muscles, headaches, memory/concentration problems and unrestful sleep. Is there any hope for additional diagnosis if the medication isn't seeming to help? Is it possible to qualify for partial disability for a health issue such as this, it's hard getting up and having enough energy to go to work feeling like this every day.
We are very aware of the difficulty in getting adequately tested and treated for hypothyroidism in the UK. We might have some good suggestions for you. If you are interested, please first post your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also, what thyroid med are you taking and what daily dosage?
I am under active and i get my bloods done twice a year it is like a on off illness and you have to suffer from it to know what it is like the tiredness is awful and i also suffer with anxiety an depression and weight gain but lately i,m feeling fine but sometimes i get so mad and angry for noting and yes this is the thyroid kicking up but it,s hard to control when you feel like this so yes i think people should get a disabilty payment for this we should be helped more
I am sure you would really rather get your life. If your problems are all related to being hypothyroid, but without adequate testing and treatment, there is a lot we can do to help you. If you will please post your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges shown on your lab report, we can better assess what is going on and offer advice.
I am 29 years of age with hypothyroid and I have filed for disability due to lack of strength and energy I am always tired constantly depressed have severe anxiety attacks and never want to be able to do anything loss sight of who I was can't function long enough to complete anything tried going back to school constantly failed and still trying I always made good grades it depresses me even more can't do normal activities always upset or just can't think right believe I have had it all my life but not recognized but just started to affect me more these past couple of years hopefully I will get my disability and I take medicine for depression and anxiety and for my thyroids .
In preparation for getting the doctor to test and treat you effectively, you will get some good insight from this link.
http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html
http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html
hi i am glad i found his site was told i had under active thyroid 6 weeks ago had rapiad heart beat so tried leeping all the time could not sleep at night been put on tablets now just had second blood test today to find out if tablets are working i have gone from a very confident and out going persons to one who just wants to stay at home and slep all the time hope there is light at end of tunnel
I'm 22 with hypothyroid and I was not diagnosed with it till I was in 8th grade but I was born with it. The doctor I had back then misdiagnosed me and told my mom other reasons why I had problems as I got older I developed a learning disability that made it hard for me in school mind you still I was on no meds dealing with this then the depression came into play but no one knew. Once I hit middle school since that's when you become a women I gained weight so much I use to weigh 55 and then all of a sudden I weighed 95 big jump my mom almost lost me in 8th grade because of not being treated plus it stunt my growth big time I am 4'5 when trying to get a job for benefits to get my medicine doesn't happen for I get looked at differently. Once I had help in middle school my new doctor I had gave me medicine ann told my mom to put me on disability to help me once I got older she never did but I'm old enough now where I am taking matters into my own hands
It's all based on individual issues and even more individual with the doctors treating you and what they document. The common disability claims associated with thyroid are fibromylasia and depression that get approved but it takes alot of time.
i did the alsup process took 2 years i could have won but its not worth it in the long run . you can get short term disability for anything as long as your doctor supports you not being able to work which can be tricky ,, document everything!!
There is a company called ALSUP that will do all this for you. You just call them. I got 1/2 way through the procedure and realized there was no way i was going to pass so i just stopped the process.
COMMUNITY LEADER
As already pointed out by the above posters, we really to see your lab results, with reference ranges, in order to be able to help you.
I'm curious about your other conditions, as well as the hypothyroidism, though. What type of anemia do you have? Has your iron been tested to show that's what you actually need? Have you had vitamin B12 levels tested? B12 deficiency can be caused by Pernicious Anemia, as well as other things. B12 deficiency also causes the most debilitating fatigue imaginable, as well as brain fog, inability to concentrate, numbing/tingling in the hands/feet, etc.
Did you have a total hysterectomy? If so, are you replacing reproductive hormones, such as estrogen/progesterone? Have you had those levels tested to make sure they are adequate?
What type of diabetes do you have and is it under control?
Your thyroid, reproductive system and pancreas are all part of the endocrine system and hormones must all be balanced in order for you to feel best.
While your symptoms may be caused by hypothyroidism, all the other things mentioned, could also contribute to your feeling of unwellness/depression.
I'm curious about your other conditions, as well as the hypothyroidism, though. What type of anemia do you have? Has your iron been tested to show that's what you actually need? Have you had vitamin B12 levels tested? B12 deficiency can be caused by Pernicious Anemia, as well as other things. B12 deficiency also causes the most debilitating fatigue imaginable, as well as brain fog, inability to concentrate, numbing/tingling in the hands/feet, etc.
Did you have a total hysterectomy? If so, are you replacing reproductive hormones, such as estrogen/progesterone? Have you had those levels tested to make sure they are adequate?
What type of diabetes do you have and is it under control?
Your thyroid, reproductive system and pancreas are all part of the endocrine system and hormones must all be balanced in order for you to feel best.
While your symptoms may be caused by hypothyroidism, all the other things mentioned, could also contribute to your feeling of unwellness/depression.
Working is important. When our thyroids aren't balanced we just don't feel ourselves and don't want to do anything --we might even feel like we can't do anything. If you need to take a short time off from work for debilitating symptoms then you need to. For example, last year I was having a rapid heart rate doing minimal activity-- since my job is a lot of walking , I could not work till that was controlled. I was out of work for 5 weeks--I had no choice--I was fortunate to have disability insurance at my work and also took an intermittent FEMLA (which turned into continuous for 5 weeks). Once I was feeling better I was able to work and I looked forward to returning to work--it wasn't easy and I had to start back at half days (since I generally work 12+ hour days). Believe me I had to have major documentation from my MD to even be on the FEMLA on a weekly basis--it was like pulling teeth--I was the sickest I had been in my life--I had made multiple trips to the ER for rapid heart rate which caused chest pressure and also because I was very hyperthyroid I had uncontrollable shakes--thye hyperthyroid also caused me to have muscle weakness from muscle wasting--you would have never know I had been doing 1.5 hours of the elliptical on a high level at the gym a month prior--all this turned my world upside down. However , there is hope...so ..don't throw in the towel--you will get better. Better days are coming. I came to this site and have found hope in the many stories I have read--people who have walked in my shoes--people here know what it is all about--like they say in the above comments--learn all you can because many mds dont know enough about the thyroid--I will admit that even though I am a nurse I did not know as much as I do now. I guess that is why they have specialists like endocrinologists. The thyroid causes more havoc than your average person or average md know. We with the thyroid problem know because we live it every day. As far are for you with the diabetes--learn about that too---try to implement the changes --you don't have to be perfect all the time just most of the time--you can do it. Best wishes for better days and a happy and healthy new year:)
To answer your question about getting disability for thyroid problems - I seriously do not think you can get government disability. If you have private short or long term disability insurance through work, that might be a possible.
The good news is you came here which happens to be the best thyroid forum on the web. It sounds like you hit your low point and thats when people get fed up with the medical system and seek an alternative information route to "get better".
To feel optimaly healthy with a thyroid disorder sometimes requires the patient to learn more about this condition than the average Dr knows about. Its not as tough as it sounds, and unfortunately, many medical schools just briefly go over thyroid treatment, so this leaves us with Drs that do not treat this condition as well as they should.
If you learn, listen and become your own thyroid health manager, you will eventually manage this huge "bump" in your life.
As far as going to work while feeling thyroid symptoms, just know that others have done this, some even changed jobs that were more thyroid friendly. Of course, with Diabetes also, you are getting the double whammy so to speak.
Light exercise (stretching), a whole foods diet of some degree, naps, and vitamin B6,12(alertness) and magnesium glycinate (for muscle pain) are your best friends right now.
Lastly, as others mentioned, try to post all your thyroid and any vitamin / mineral labs for experienced opinions to help you make sense of all this.
LM
The good news is you came here which happens to be the best thyroid forum on the web. It sounds like you hit your low point and thats when people get fed up with the medical system and seek an alternative information route to "get better".
To feel optimaly healthy with a thyroid disorder sometimes requires the patient to learn more about this condition than the average Dr knows about. Its not as tough as it sounds, and unfortunately, many medical schools just briefly go over thyroid treatment, so this leaves us with Drs that do not treat this condition as well as they should.
If you learn, listen and become your own thyroid health manager, you will eventually manage this huge "bump" in your life.
As far as going to work while feeling thyroid symptoms, just know that others have done this, some even changed jobs that were more thyroid friendly. Of course, with Diabetes also, you are getting the double whammy so to speak.
Light exercise (stretching), a whole foods diet of some degree, naps, and vitamin B6,12(alertness) and magnesium glycinate (for muscle pain) are your best friends right now.
Lastly, as others mentioned, try to post all your thyroid and any vitamin / mineral labs for experienced opinions to help you make sense of all this.
LM
ALL your symptoms are consistent with being Hypo (low) thyroid. You are under-medicated and need a dosage increase. Fatigue and low sex drive are common as well as all the other symptoms you list.
The heavy and/or irregular periods are common with low thyroid. Maybe if you were treated properly the surgery would not have been needed. MAYBE.
Unfortunately most Dr's do not know squat about treating Thyroid patients properly. In order to feel well again. You are going to have to get VERY proactive and be your own best advocate.
Please report your lab results here including the reference ranges which are usually listed in parentheses to the right of your result. Write down exactly what the lab report says as being specific about the type of tests run is important.
If you do not have the lab report you can ask for it. In the USA it is law that if asked the Dr is required by law to provide the report to you. So ask for it. Don't just get a verbal phone call or vague tests are "normal". sort of thing.
If the Dr is ONLY testing you for TSH that is the 1st clue that you are NOT on the right road. Going only by TSH will almost assuredly keep you feeling like crap.
You may have to demand and not take no for an answer to be tested for "FREE T4" and "FREE T3". be VERY specific about the "free" test. As if you do not ask for that test specifically you will likely get the "total" T4 and total T3 test done. "TOTAL" test are outdated and are very limited in value. The "free" test actually counts the available hormone that your body can use. The total test counts both usable and unusable hormone. Clearly you only want to know the usable or "free" hormone.
You have to be patient with this as it takes time and you may have to go to several Dr's before you find one who has a real clue how to treat you. But you have to be persistent, patient and a strong advocate for yourself. Otherwise Dr's will roll over you like a steam roller and you will likely feel like you've been run over by a steam roller. Find the right Dr who will listen to your symptoms and test for the Free T4 and Free T3 and you'll be on the road to recovery.
The heavy and/or irregular periods are common with low thyroid. Maybe if you were treated properly the surgery would not have been needed. MAYBE.
Unfortunately most Dr's do not know squat about treating Thyroid patients properly. In order to feel well again. You are going to have to get VERY proactive and be your own best advocate.
Please report your lab results here including the reference ranges which are usually listed in parentheses to the right of your result. Write down exactly what the lab report says as being specific about the type of tests run is important.
If you do not have the lab report you can ask for it. In the USA it is law that if asked the Dr is required by law to provide the report to you. So ask for it. Don't just get a verbal phone call or vague tests are "normal". sort of thing.
If the Dr is ONLY testing you for TSH that is the 1st clue that you are NOT on the right road. Going only by TSH will almost assuredly keep you feeling like crap.
You may have to demand and not take no for an answer to be tested for "FREE T4" and "FREE T3". be VERY specific about the "free" test. As if you do not ask for that test specifically you will likely get the "total" T4 and total T3 test done. "TOTAL" test are outdated and are very limited in value. The "free" test actually counts the available hormone that your body can use. The total test counts both usable and unusable hormone. Clearly you only want to know the usable or "free" hormone.
You have to be patient with this as it takes time and you may have to go to several Dr's before you find one who has a real clue how to treat you. But you have to be persistent, patient and a strong advocate for yourself. Otherwise Dr's will roll over you like a steam roller and you will likely feel like you've been run over by a steam roller. Find the right Dr who will listen to your symptoms and test for the Free T4 and Free T3 and you'll be on the road to recovery.
Are you on thyroid medication? If so what type do you have your most recent lab results? If you do post them here, include referenc ranges provided for each. Did your MD do TSH only, or did he do Free T3 and Free T4? Post these also if he has. It is very hard to determine how you are doing with your Hypothyroid condition without thse lab results and ranges, ranges very from lab to lab. So we need both. If you are on medication, it is obvious that you still have symptoms, all the problems including weight gain, fatigue/energy level, depression, concentration etc are signs that you are not getting enough T4 and T3 from your medication and need a dosage adjustment. If you do not have the labs noted as Free T3 and Free T4, then rquest your MD order them and ask for a printed copy of the results afterwards. By law they must give you a copy. Then post the results. Best Regards FTB4
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