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From: bridesmom
Date: 02-14-2007, 08:11 PM (1 of 27)
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Talking about being tired all the time, I've found out that I am slightly hypothyroidic (?) (an underactive thyroid sounds better) and I don't want to take medication for it, (my Dr loves to prescribe stuff!!) Anyone have any suggestions for activating an underactive thyroid?
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Sancin
Date: 02-14-2007, 09:50 PM (2 of 27)
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Hypothyroidism is a hormone difficiency like diabetes. You need to replace the thyroid hormone to feel better. There are a lot of ads out there promising cures etc. but the fact remains, your body is not producing enough thryoid hormone.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 02-14-2007, 10:03 PM (3 of 27)
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I don't think there's much you can do to help an underactive thyroid. Remedies may increase your energy level, but they won't deal with the underlying problem. Hypothyroidism can lead to fairly benign symptoms such as feeling tired or cold, but it can also have very serious symptoms like depression and heart problems. I hope you will do a little research on the condition online to find out more about the potential consequences of leaving it untreated. The treatment of hypothyroidism is replacing the inadequate thyroid hormones -- the medication is really much like insulin for a person with type 1 diabetes. It's not anything strange or artificial -- it's simply bringing your thyroid hormone levels up to what they should be. Your doctor will do blood tests to make sure you are getting the correct dose of the medicine. I recently saw a patient who had hypothyroidism -- after a few months of treatment she said she was really feeling much better. She had a lot more energy, her mental functioning was better, and she had lost 10 pounds. Anyway, I understand not wanting to take a lot of medications, but I think this is one treatment where there are very few risks and a *lot* of benefits. It could also be that your are only slightly low, or that the blood test was kind of a fluke. Who knows -- but I encourage you to talk to your doctor if you have any questions. GMTA Sancin -- I didn't see your post before I posted this. Well put, and much more concise! http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
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From: Magot
Date: 02-14-2007, 11:57 PM (4 of 27)
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As a woman with half a thyroid I can sympathise - my half however compensates enough and produces enough thyroxin for me to be within normal levels and not need to take the substitute. You will need to have regular blood tests - you could hold off taking the thyroxin and have the bloods done again in a couple of months time if you wanted but the result is going to be the same, I reckon. I would take the thyroxin if I were in your position - it is just replacing something which you should have and bringing it up to normal levels - you will be amazed a the difference you will feel. Lack of iodine in the diet can lead to under production of thyroxin but this is EXTREMELY unlikely in any of the developed countries and the attempt to include more iodine in the diet to combat this is going to be unsuccessful, so any supplement treatment s that claim they can work this way are a waste of money. You are the only one who can decide "do I want to bother or shall I just live with the symptoms". Think of the long term reprocussions of the symptoms - overweight, tiredness, dry skin, thin hair, muscle aches, constipation - possible angina does this sound attractive to you??? love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Sancin
Date: 02-15-2007, 03:17 AM (5 of 27)
Laura, I know about hypothyroidism as my thyroid gland stopped working in my late teens. Interestingly enough my 35 year old daughter was diagnosed 2 years ago with hyperthyroidism the treatment of which is to kill the production of the thyroid gland (in her case by radioactive substance) making her hypothyroid which is easier to treat. You will feel better but it may take awhile for your physician to figure out the dosage you need. Further, it takes several weeks for the hormone to 'settle in' and reach the level your body needs, so don't get discouraged if you don't feel 100% right away. After my initial dosage which was an animal extract, I have only had my dosage adjusted 3 times in 45 years. Once after each pregnancy and again at menopause. Fortunately animal extract thryoid is no longer used as I found it had a definite shelf life which told me when I needed a new refill!  You will probably be given Synthroid or Eltroxin, which pharmacare will pay for and it is one of the cheapest medications around at any rate. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: material_pakrat
Date: 02-15-2007, 04:05 PM (6 of 27)
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Mum has this problem, and it is one thing the doctors here in Australia keep an eye on closely. She has to have blood tests to check her levels every 4-6 months, with her tablets adjusted accordingly. She even had to buy a tablet cutter, because at one stage her dose was 3/4 of a tablet. Mum found she was able to reduce some of her other medication, for high blood pressure in particular, once she had her dose regulated properly. But do some research, because it is you who has to take the medication, not all of us with the advice. 
Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 02-18-2007, 11:56 PM (7 of 27)
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Ok, you've talked me into it. I will start researching and then make another Dr appt as she tends to not call me. My rheumatologist on the other hand is fantastic. I get phone calls from here regarding my blood tests and what to do next, or to just call her. It's probably a good thing I work in the lab and get to see my test results first! Thanks gals! I could do with some energy! I have been feeling really tired and dry skin galore, plus I put on 5 lbs since Christmas which is really depressing when hubby has now lost 10. It's at least good to know there is a reason why I'm feeling like this though.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 03-06-2007, 08:12 PM (8 of 27)
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Look at me.. I have had it since I was in my 20's and I'm 72.. I take my meds every day and I do just fine.. I think mine is hereditary.. My Mom also had it.. I do not have thin hair, but I have dry skin.. I keep Belk and Clinique in business with my use of the body lotion with aloe.. and of course the other one for my face..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Sancin
Date: 03-07-2007, 02:56 AM (9 of 27)
Laura - I would think your rheumatologist could deal with the thyroid monitoring and medication. There is a connection between am stiffness and pain. You may find your antiinflammatory (joint juice) will have a dosage change. My thryroid deficiency was initially (many years ago) thought to be an arthritic condition due to morning stiffness and some short term pain. But now..... I have both and all. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: trini
Date: 03-07-2007, 07:29 PM (10 of 27)
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I too was diagnosed with hypothyroidism almost forty years ago and have been put on eltroxin. Over the past few years however, it was not as monitored as carefully and now have a slight bulge in my neck which I am told should be cut: I have not made that decision as yet. Tomorrow I collect the results of a new test and I guess I'll take it from there. My mother also had the same condition and was treated with radioactive? iodine for twenty days on an up then down scale and never had a problem after that. I guess it was nipped in the bud. I encourage my daughters to monitor their levels ,as I believe it may be heriditary in our family. I urge you to really decide on an option as with the medication, my levels were controlled with no ill effects for at least thirty five years. |
User: trini
Member since: 09-17-2005 Total posts: 74 |
From: Ann Made
Date: 03-12-2007, 05:30 PM (11 of 27)
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I too have an underactive thyroid and am on medication for T3 and T4 underactivity. We started with synthroid and when I still was in a fog and didn't do well remembering, I got another pill and a pill cutter. After several years of monitoring every 3 months my dose is now regulated and I give blood tests once a year. I do not have thin hair though it did fall out until on the medication and it came back into being thicker. I do have dry skin and brittle nails though. Do get more tests done so you can feel better. Don't leave it for years like I did and then not function at all for 3 months more before I got the meds. Worst time of my life. Ann Learning is a journey, not a race.
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User: Ann Made
Member since: 04-07-2001 Total posts: 67 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 03-12-2007, 07:44 PM (12 of 27)
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I just got started on Synthroid on the weekend. So we shall see how it goes. Am a little nervous about the added energy, as when I am normal (whatever normal is) I am burning the candle at both ends, so hopefully I'm not over the top and burning myself out! I also rarely sleep through the night, so that's another concern if I have more energy.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-12-2007, 07:46 PM (13 of 27)
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Nancy, I'm not even on an antinflammatory any more. I'm on Humira and lefluonamide. I don't take any painkillers either which is really nice. I have the feeling I'll be going back on leukavorin (sp?) though for the low white count.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: rmh
Date: 05-04-2007, 06:43 PM (14 of 27)
 Hi to all, I'm a new member as of yesterday and I'm finding this all very interesting. I too was recently told by my doctor about my under active thyroid-just a bit. This was 4 or 5 months ago now and I don't feel any difference in my tiredness and I'm still dragging myself around. I was put on Synthroid and had blood test 1 week ago and Dr. says all is at normal levels now. Why do I still feel like this? I also have other health issues at play and am wondering if some of them could be doing this to me. ( Epilepsy,injuries to back-2 broken back injuries, arthritis, osteoporitis etc.) Am wondering, with limited mobility can this be my enemy from lack of proper exercise? Any thoughts anyone? I'm using a cane to stabalize me . Proper walks to get exercise are painful and difficult. Could use a bit of imput while me and my Dr. are trying to figure this out. Thanks, Ruth |
User: rmh
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 05-05-2007, 07:51 AM (15 of 27)
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8 years ago I was depressed, lacked energy,etc. I joined the gym (I still go!) and blamed my depression on a job I hated. A year later with no new energy, workouts that weren't working, I went for my physical. My doctor noticed an enlarged thyroid and long story short, after needle biopsy (negative:not cancer!), they removed 90 percent of my thyroid. I have been on the Synthroid since 2000 with no problems. This is a simple "fix" and thank goodness the medication is cheap! Barely hits the co-pay. I still hated my job and have since left it but my energy swelled and the workouts started to give results. Depression went away! I too hate meds but this is simple. Just go with it, you won't regret it and frankly, I my case, there is nothing I can "do" to overcome my condition so I just take my little pills each day! There are worse things to deal with!! sandy/Giftgal |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 05-07-2007, 09:35 AM (16 of 27)
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Hi Ruth, welcome!! I understand what you mean. I have been on Synthroid for a few months now and I still fight with a lack of energy. I am betting that it's to do with the lack of physical exercise as well as I imagine you are in constant pain which can also make you plain old exhausted, and other meds can also do it. (I also have rheumatoid arthritis). I was going to the gym but quit 2 years ago and am really wishing I hadn't. I found when I was physically active, even if only a little bit, then I felt better all around. And I found the pain was much less once I got going to the gym and working those old muscles. Plus having something like that to do, to keep me on track also helped with the depression from the pain. My husband and I have decided that starting today we are going to go out for walks each day, even in the rain (lovely BC weather - you know). Good luck! I hope you find something that helps you!!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: vickki
Date: 05-07-2007, 05:21 PM (17 of 27)
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My cousin has rheu.art.as well...Her hands are the worst,however 3 years ago she trained for a marathon in the us and hasn't taken meds in 2 years....She now runs 20 miles a day....Rain or shine she's on the road running.....Her mom had it and her sister as well as my daughter and 2 more nieces.....My daughter takes no meds but exercises as well.....So exercise is the answer for them... |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: rmh
Date: 05-09-2007, 09:36 PM (18 of 27)
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Hi everyone again, It sounds like exercise is going to be my magic source of getting better. That may be putting it strong but I am thinking in the same direction as all of you I think. I think I may speak to my doctor about depression too. I don't know if I have it but it wouldn't hurt to have a frank talk with him about this and see what he says. I'll let you all know what happens when I see him at end of month when I have my appointment. I'm still trying to figure out how to get this exercise though since I'm using a cane now. Maybe I'll have to figure out how I could get an exercise machine for home to make it easier for me. They sure are expensive though. Oh my! Challenges, challenges, challenges!! Ruth 
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User: rmh
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 05-10-2007, 09:39 AM (19 of 27)
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My doctor is always suggesting water exercise. That way the water keeps you buoyant, and also protects the joints. I haven't done it yet, I keep doing other things like yoga, and walking, but I bet for you, that may be the ticket, if you have a pool near by. They have all sorts of classes, for all levels and it wouldn't be like going into one of the gyms where all the cute little young things are working out, making us feel like old worn out fogies!!!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: rmh
Date: 05-10-2007, 03:12 PM (20 of 27)
 Hi Bridesmom, I thought that the water exercies would be good for me too a couple of years ago. I signed up, went to the gym, and was all excited about finding a solution to my problem. My first time ever going to a gym, naturally I was a bit nervous in not quite knowing what to expect. As I walked into the pool area I saw the other 8 or 10 women in the pool all different ages and I was suddenly struck by fear. What a big baby I thought. I can do this. Everyone else can. So can I. As the instuctor began the class showing all of the proper ways to do things it became clear that there were alot I couldn't do because of my limitations. I think what bothered me more was the fact that everyone noticed and I felt like all eyes were on me. The instructor was kind and told me to just go as far as I could. I went a number of times and never got over feeling like I was the center of attention. A place I don't like being. I know - BIG BABY right? 52 years old and I can't take a little embarrassment. So you guessed it. I stopped going. And I vowed never to go back again. If I could have the pool all to myself and the instuctor I'd be happy but it just doesn't work that way. I have thought about this since, and keep talking to myself that I can get over this but it just isn't happening for me. Any thoughts? I don't like to stand out. Am I just creating my own obstacles? Is anyone else like this? Sure could use some help. Thanks ladies. Ruth |
User: rmh
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: Longblades
Date: 05-11-2007, 11:24 AM (21 of 27)
| Ruth, my Doc. warned me that it can take several months before you notice the good effects however perhaps it is time to tell your Doc you are not noticing an improvement? It does sound like you have lots on your plate that could complicate things. Some herbal preparations will interfere with the thyroid Meds. For me it was Black Cohosh, which I had to stop taking. Good Luck. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-11-2007, 01:14 PM (22 of 27)
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They told me to avoid all soy products, also.. I do know that my so called 'depression' is the kind affected by lack of light.. Now that the days are longer I'm feeling all sassy again..( Note< that I cannot say fat any longer, or won't say it..) I could still be classed as fat , but with my weight loss at 27 pounds, I feel sassy enough to deny the word "fat" .. I will always be heavier than others of my height.. I really do feel good in the warmer weather since we have so much more daylight.. I have been walking more and I know that helps, also..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Sancin
Date: 05-11-2007, 05:15 PM (23 of 27)
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Ruth, you may indeed be making your own obstacles or you may have been in the wrong class. I have always found water exercise groups the least prejudiced, largely because most of me is underwater. Once you get onto how of the exercises the instructor should just let you go at your own pace and way. She should tell you to ask her for any individual assistance. If she doesn't, speak to her privately. I must admit that the first exercises I went to I thought people stared but after awhile I realized that the group had been together for a long time and were simply interested in a new comer. There were a number of the exercises that I couldn't do and nobody said a thing, as there were some things others couldn't do, but after awhile I found I could do more and more because of the eventual stretching and support of the water. Having said all that, I must admit that I haven't been for a long time and plan to go back every week. This time I am going to simply go and water walk as the stretch and bend exercises are too early in the morning for me. While I am now stiff in the morning specific to my arthritis, for many years the hypothyroidism was the cause, though not at painful as the arthritis. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: rmh
Date: 05-19-2007, 12:57 AM (24 of 27)
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Hi to all, I haven't been at my computer for a while now, I've just been really busy spending time with friends, shopping and making a couple of tops for summer and I even did a bit of baking today. I'm just trying to do as much as possible to take my mind off of myself. It's helping too. I think I will try the water exercises again soon now and try to get past my fear of water and my fear of being too much the center of attention. I think it's time for me to try and stop thinking so much and start doing. With the nice weather on it's way I want to try and take full advantage of it and do as much as I'm physically able to and what I can't do I just can't do-PEROID. Time for a new train of thought. If I keep telling myself this I am sure I will be able to motivate myself better than I have been. So now that I have a plan for myself I think that I will be able to set my mind to this. I don't like the thought of causing my own problems. So that's my plan . It sure is nice to know that others are going through some of what I am too. And it's good to hear suggestions from all of you and hear of your experiences. Ruth |
User: rmh
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 8 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 05-19-2007, 01:07 AM (25 of 27)
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Ruth, just remember whenever you need some support or a gentle push just drop us a note and I know the great group of people here will be there for you!!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: prairielady
Date: 05-19-2007, 10:14 AM (26 of 27)
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Wow, I'm so amazed there are so many of us that are hypothyroid! I wished I had known earlier to avoid soy products, I've been through quite an ordeal lately because of using them. I've been on Synthroid for 3 years now, and for the most part my dosage has been good for me. What a wonderful blessing to have the meds we need for this. Just a few short (?) years ago, there were none... Faye |
User: prairielady
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: Karebear
Date: 06-03-2007, 09:16 PM (27 of 27)
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I have been on eltroxin for about 25 years!! It is pretty amazing how many of us have this "hypo" thing. I did attend meetings some 20 years ago to find out if there was something other than taking a "pill". It was my understanding that in most cases you need to take something. The posts on this topic are very informative!! I have been taking this pill for a very long time.. and never thought about it anymore. Thank you Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338 
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