Just diagnosed and SUPER scared!!!!!!!!

[vamps-n-tramps]

my doc is putting me on synthroid as of tomorrow. i'm scared and confused. i don't know anyone who has hypothyroidism.....what the he!! caused this? how long have i had it, can it kill you?....OMG i'm losing it!!!!!!!!! i'm so scared i have been crying all day. i read about it on the net an i swear it freaked me out even more!!!!!!! now i read that synthroid may not be the best thing to take?? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!

[purplecat]

Don't be scared. I started Synthroid a little after I began Atkins. It has literally saved my life. I was falling asleep at any given moment, gaining tons of weight, etc.. There's other drugs for hypothyroidism but I've had nothing but good results thus far. Hypothyroidism is not like high blood pressure or diabetes. It won't cause any end organ damage (eyes, heart, liver or kidneys). It will just make you feel so at a loss of control of your well being - dry hair, weight gain, low body temp, feeling cold all the time, etc. These are only a minimum of the symptoms I had. I also had a goiter with cysts on my thyroid. It was a battle to get treated. I ended up switching docs and thank God he helped me. I NEVER again want to feel the way I felt before taking Synthroid. It will be ok.

[vamps-n-tramps]

thank you!!!! i'mk trying to hang in there! no wonder i'm always cold!!

[purplecat]

It's a bad feeling. I was the one with a blanket wrapped around me in the middle of summer.

[Alexa]

Hey Niko,

Purplecat is right - don't be scared - the meds will probably make you feel a whole lot better.

Even so, I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis . In answer to your question hypothyroidism (which I'm assuming you have) is a chronic medical condition, but it is seen as easy to treat and so death doesn't enter the equation. I was really upset when I found out too - and I'll be honest it took some time for me to sort myself, lose the weight I gained when I had it and didn't know. My mental clarity was also affected for around 6 months - but that was pre-diagnosis. Atkins has been a huge part of me getting back to feeling like my old self - and you're already clued up on that!

As to why you got it - there are likely environmental and genetic reasons. Pollution is seen to be a big factor, which is why it is becoming more common. Families have a pre-disposition to it too - so you may want to warn your family, especially older women who gain weight easily and seem tired. In my family my Mum, Dad, sister, Aunt and Grandad all have it.

In the US your treatment appears different, but I think generally make sure you are happy with your Dr and remember that bloodwork is not always the same for everyone - so if you don't feel right tell them. Also you need time to relax and look after yourself. Everyone is affected differently, but I personally feel that since I got it I need more sleep - I just accept this and it helps. Also I'm always cold and losing weight does not help!

When I first got it reading around on the internet about it scared me half to death - so be careful what sites you access. There are a range of thyroid problems and it is easy to confuse yourself with someone suffering something else and more complex - though obviously I don't know your circumstances). A good site is: http://thyroid.about.com/ The woman on there has a book too which I found useful, it is here: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Well-Hy...7623601&sr=8-1

I hope you start to feel better soon and please don't worry - it can be a horrible shock but I've accomplished most stuff in my life after I got it and day to day I don't think about it.

[vamps-n-tramps]

Thank you both so much for you thoughtful responses! i guess i'm still in shock as i only found out yesterday, over the phone no less, with no explination, or chance to speak to the Dr! so i feel like i'm reeling, falling backwards into a black hole. i have really wierd allergies and i'm so afraid of a reaction to the synthroid. i know it is something your body produces naturally but it's frightning!!! I'm starting my pill today so we'll see how it goes. i guess i'm just worried that a more serious condition my have caused this. I have an appointment with my Dr. in six weeks so i guess i have to wait untill then to talk to him. I'm hanging in there for now. this anxiety is killing me, but once i take the first pill and see how i react i think i'll feel better!

[Alexa]

I hope it goes well - i think there are different brands available in the US, so if you react, hopefully you can try another.

[OzLover]

Vamps,

Have just read this thread & I'm a bit upset with your doctor. Mind you this is just my opinion... I'm shocked that your doctor would give you a diagnosis over the telephone. I find that to be very unprofessional. The doctor should have given you this information with you in his/her office so a full explantation could be given. You would have had the opportunity to ask questions etc... I would ask for an appointment ASAP so you could ask questions & receive an explanation as to what hypothyroidism is.

I'm sorry you have had to find out like this. This is not an uncommon diagnosis. I would suggest if you don't get any satisfaction from your doctor in an explanation to find another doctor.

Glenda

[vamps-n-tramps]

Thank You Glenda i thought the same thing. i am looking for a different Dr. i am feeling a bit better with the meds , but i've had a killer headache and a pain in my chest. but i hate to call my current Dr. ahhhh i'll figure it out!

[iyamamaschke]

It's ok Girl I know how you feel though. I am here with you. I have been HYPO for ummm....6 years now after my second was bord. I got soo soo fat before they found out what was going on and after I got on the meds it definately helped.

Some people do well on the synthyroid alone I however do not. My body does not properly convert my T4 into my active for of T3 so even with treatment I felt horrivble. That is until I was perscribed cytomel along with my synthyroid. It changed my life. Not all people are like me but, I am glad I found what works for me it's amazing how much better you will feel in 2 weeks. Plus the bonus if your thyroidwas out chances are when you get your levels in check you will lose weight too.


Sarah