I have finally gotten a diagnosis. I now know why my weight loss virtually stopped, why I can’t sleep and in turn why I suffer from extreme fatigue. I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid at the end of October. My test results were so terrible that my doctor actually asked how I was able to get out of bed. I replied I’m a woman who has two kids, three dogs, a husband, job and a house to run how could I not. When I filled out a checklist of symptoms for Hypothyroid I should have checked the symptoms I didn’t have because it would have taken me less time. Who knew a butterfly shaped organ could cause so many problems? My doctor put me on a medication called Syntroid and asked me to come back in two weeks. I went back to show her I was still standing and to talk with her about other symptoms that were still bothering me.
I had been suffering from extreme dry mouth, neck pain/swelling and I suffered from chronic laryngitis. I’d already been told by several doctors my fatigue and all my symptoms were either in my head or I was suffering from depression. I knew they were all wrong and kept seeking answers. So I took a bold approach with my new doctor who finally agreed I wasn’t depressed and my fatigue wasn’t in my head when she told me to just wait out my other symptoms. She said we could do an ultrasound, but she thought it could wait. I told her I thought it shouldn’t wait since my symptoms were interfering with my quality of life. So the ultrasound was scheduled and performed. I received the results on November 15th that I have a large nodule located on the right side of my thyroid and several smaller ones on both sides. A biopsy of the largest nodule was suggested and performed last Tuesday.
I had a needle biopsy and let me tell you it was uncomfortable! It may not be an invasive procedure but it does hurt more than a pin prick. They did four passes with small needles. What makes it hurt is how they pump the needle up and down to gather tissue for the slides. It took about five minutes and hopefully I won’t have to repeat it. I should have the results on Monday.
Overall I am feeling better. I’m still extremely tired; I’m told it’ll take a bit to regulate my medication. I’m thankful that I’m still here because that means I have another day to make my life healthier.
Until next time I hope you find what you’re searching for.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed with mild hypothyroid -- on top of my Fibromyalgia. Such fun.
Anyway, I had a reaction to it. So, if you do know that it is 'common' and there are alternatives.
Re: Dry Mouth ... it can be caused by medication. Buy a toothpaste called BioTene. Expensive but necessary as dry mouth leads directly to tooth decay.
GOod luck, Lyle
Hi there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your hypothyroid story w/ everyone. I too have hypothyroid and had this condition for 5 years. I'm currently taking Lyvoxal to help regulate my condition. I do have the typical symptoms to include hair loss (good looking bald guy) and some weight gain. The worse (and I mean worse) is the depression. I'm a pretty resilient guy but there have been times where I just can't cope. Finding laughter and fun in life has been just very difficult for me. I know life is too short, but at times this condition can bring you down.
Thanks again.
Steve
Hi Steve,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading. I suffered hair loss too. But it's coming back now. I lost my hair on my arms, legs and head too. I've not suffered from depression but I do know that with all the other symptoms it has to be terribly hard. Keep researching and talking with others who suffer from thyroid problems and talk with your doctor about the different meds available. Life is short but thyroid disease doesn't have to rule it. Take care!
Sadly, I often gain weight due to my hypothyroidism. Fortunately, desiccated porcine thyroid supplements can lessen this hypothyroidism symptoms.
ReplyDelete