Fatigue with hypothyroidism

[Judy53]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in Nov. 2007 and put on synthroid 50mcg. I was test back a month ago and my blood work came back ok. The fatigue is still there and it is pretty bad. I get up in the morning and a couple hours later I am so tired that I can't seem to stay awake long enough to focus to even do my house chores. Could this be due to my thyroid?

Thank you,
Judy

[Renata2020]

Getting family to understand.  Wish I had an answer to that one too!  My hubby is pretty patient with the fatigue part of this equation but has difficulty sometimes understanding when I do 'stupid' little things.  My memory isn't the best right now and I have to keep explaining to him that I am still hypo and not normal and to give me some slack.  

Its more difficult with the extended family.  At least my husband went to many doctor apts. with me and read about the disease.  How do you explain to others that you are still sick a year later? Many times, I just don't feel like attending social functions and certainly don't feel like hosting them (Holidays for example).  I was telling my husband today that the fatigue is more than a tired feeling.  My internist told me it is like living with a lead vest on.  Every movement takes that much more effort.  Or she said its like you are living under water.  Thats exactly what it is like.  I drink so much caffeine, (I know thats not good) to just try to make it through the day.

Maybe your husband could read something about it and then get a little better understanding of what this is like.  Thats why I like these forums so much, here people truly understand.

[butterfly79]

I know what you mean. I hate that you are going through this also, but it does help me to feel somewhat better knowing that I am not crazy nor the only one feeling this way. I am going to believe in what Renata is saying and hope that the healing for us is just now beginning and that we will begin to feel better soon :)!

[butterfly79]

Your post makes me feel so much better. I was getting to a point where I was scared maybe there is something else going on with me, if my levels are normal but I feel as though I could fall over and sleep all day. I told my Dr. I just wanted to see a light at the end of the tunnel, and I think you just gave me that light. I am not a very patient person, a complete type A personality, but I am quickly learning that sometimes there is just no other option but to be patient. Thank you!!!
I also wanted to say that My TSH only reached 27 (that I know of) but I felt so much worse the closer I got to "normal", when I hit, levels of 8 then 5, etc... I seemed to feel so much worse. My Dr said it is because my body couldn't catch up with my TSH and even though I was Hypo my body was still in hyper phase not sure exactly what that means for me now, but it sort of makes sense.
I was also wondering if anyone has had a hard time getting family to understand. My hubby and other family members know that my TSH is "normal", so now when I say I'm exhausted they seem not to believe me. Any suggestions?

[Renata2020]

When the Graves started, they told me it was like the accelerator was stuck down in your car, just racing your engine.  I had fatigue at that time but NOTHING like the fatigue when hypo.  It is really an awful feeling.  When I first went hypo, my TSH was over 100.  And honestly, I felt better then than I do now with a TSH around 15.  I am starting to believe that it isn't necessarily just how high your TSH is, but how long you have been hypo.  I do believe that there is some healing to be done even after the blood levels are normal.  I received great information from the National Graves Disease foundation when I was diagnosed and they said the healilng begins ONCE levels are normal.  Thyroid disease teaches us patience apparently. Hopefully both of us will come out of hypoland soon.  We just all want to be normal!!

[Judy53]

Thank you for posting Renata. Hypo seems to run in my family but I never hear anyone else complain that they are tired. I do have multiple sclerosis and celiac disease but I was never this tired until the thyroid problem kicked in. I hope the fatigue decided to leave me soon.

[Judy53]

Thank you for posting and even though it makes me feel good to know that I am not alone in this, I thought I may be going crazy. I do feel sorry for you though cause I do know how you feel. I also have multiple sclerosis and celiac disease but I was no near this tired until the thyroid problem started kicking in. Really hope the fatigue decides to leave me soon.

[Renata2020]

I wish I knew the answer to this question too.  I have been hypo since November as well (after having RAI due to Graves disease).  My blood levels still have me as hypo, (TSH around 14) and honestly am tired of being tired.  One of the hardest things is that you feel like you have been sick for so very long its just hard to get other people to understand.  Feel like I am dragging my butt around all day long trying to get something done and then have huge guilt feelings when I get nothing accomplished and take a nap.  Mentally its hard trying to convince myself that its ok to nap, that I am still sick.  I understand totally what you are saying and wish I had an answer for you.  All I can say is you are not alone!

[butterfly79]

I am right there with you. I was also diagnosed in November with Hypo TSH @27, my last test a week ago was good, my TSH being 1.92 and my t4 being 1.13, I have some energetic days (with panic attacks) and the BOOM I feel like I got hit by a truck, which lasts for days. If my Thyroid levels are normal, why do I still feel this way (I too, feel exhausted shortly after waking up and it is everything I can do to keep up with my 3 year old and 11 month old. Some days I sneak in a nap, which may or may not help, but by 8pm I literally cannot keep my eyes open.

I am wondering if it takes time for our bodies to adjust back to being at a normal tsh? Or is it supposed to be instant once the tsh is normal? Sorry to add to your post, but I have the same questions.
I wish I had some answers, for you (and me)!

My Doctor recommeded cutting my dose in half, then decided to keep it at .25, so I am not sure what to do?