This is too much...I'm crying as I right this. I've never felt so sick in my life, and it's been going on for months now.

I need to know: the constantly sick, aching feeling in my legs, back, chest....like the limbs themselves are sick....what is causing this?

Is it hypothryoidism? I've ben dx'ed with Hashimotos'...but find reference to muslce cramps in about 1/2 the articles I read aboutthe symtpoms. Women who have suffered from hypothyroidsim all say they felt 'awfu'...I need to know what kind of
'awful' that was? Did you feel like this; with the sore, weak muscles. (I really shouldn't say weakened muscles...not yet, at least, but definifely painful and aching...sometimes servere enough that I can't walk.

I'm having blurred vision, numbness, swollen eyes...you gals are probably sick of hearing me talk abou this stuff, but I really need the support right now from anyone else who has gone through this. 3 weeks of HRT have produced no relief from anything. Should I keep taking it?

Do I have some other sort of disease that is causing my body to feel like it's just dying off?

Sorry if I seem melodramatic...I don't mean to be, but RIGHT now, I'm an my lowest point since this all started. And I'm really beginning to wonder if I'm going to die. I feel THAT bad.

Any expereince that anyone has had with thyroid isses, or anything I"d mentioned, please, please, share what you know. I"m hanging on the hope of others...

Thanks, sisters..

Robin

Robin
I am so sorry that you are feeling so bad........I can empathise as I had an undiagnosed food intolerance for quite a while which made me feel like hell and just sitting crying saying "I just want to feel well". It is so scary when you are feeling bad. You feel that no one understands.. I still feel like that often when I eat something bad and feel awful.... no-one can quite understand anothers pain or symptoms.....
If you have been tested and officially diagnosed with Hashimotos by your docs then what you are feeling sounds to me to be "normal". My SIL had low thyroid problems and felt really bad until he got on the thyroxine. He has now lost weight and is a "new man". My mother also had thyriod problems many years ago and it made her feel really bad.
I am not a expert on Hashimotos... but having googled it ... muscle aches, cramps, or weakness are clearly listed as symptoms.
The thyroid oversees so many of our body systems so when it goes wrong it can throw the whole body into chaos... so I'm not surprised you feel so awful at the moment.
I am assuming that you are being prescribed medications... thyroxine?? If so then when they find the correct dosage for you you will feel much better (there may be a while in between while they find the right dosage.. so don't worry if you still feel odd for a while.. you may even get hyper sypmtoms if they give you too much).
If you are not getting the meds then why not? I would insist or change my doc!
Remember.. if you have been diagnosed with Hashimotos... you WILL feel bad for a while..... your body needs time to get itself sorted out... you can't expect everything to fall back into working order immediately. Your body is sick... and has been for a while....cosset it! Treat yourself like you would your best friend if she were sick. Look after yourself.. don't expect too much of yourself. With the correct meds your body will gradually regulate itself and you will feel "normal" again.
Love and HUGS Lindy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi RoundRobin

Sorry to hear you're feeling so lousy, but just to put your mind at rest so am I. I haven't been checked for any thyroid problems so I don't know if this is an issue for me but my symptoms for the last couple of months have been really really horrible and weird. I have gone from bleeding alot over the last year or so which is now reduced to spotting almost like clockwork everyday. Since the spotting I have had the most awful backache, hip ache and pain running down the hips at approximately the same time everyday (about 5pm each day) accompanied by a gush of watery spotting.

It is hard to describe pain but the pain seems to radiate from my lower back around to the hips and down the front of the legs in spasms. Some days it is really quite severe to make me feel psyically sick. It usually lasts for anywhere between 20-45 minutes and then subsides, some days I am left with a dull ache in all areas mentioned. I really can't explain this, I don't like it, but some other posts I have been involved in suggest that spotting like clockwork daily is hormonal and as this is accompanied by the pain i'm not so sure these days.

Hang in there - my life is a misery too right now.

Freuda

(((Dear Robin)))),

You poor thing! I didn't realise you felt this ill! One of our sisters -- "April24" knows a lot about thyroid issues and has been very helpful to me -- Why dopnt you write to her? I am sure she wont mind -- she will also send you some very good links related to thyroid and suport groups.

I'm sorry you're feeling so crud. Chin up sweetie, it's Christmas! ... Sheesh, I am starting to sound more American every day


Love and ((((hugs))))

Dear Robin,

I don't know anything about the thyroid so I can't help you there, but I am so sad that you're feeling this badly. I want to tell you that I'm thinking of you and will be praying that you'll get relief from all this pain.

I am also having a tremendous amount of hip and leg pain which, at times, can be enough to make it diffucult to walk.
I can't say I know what you're going through exactly, but I will keep you in prayer.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing, okay?


Love, Deb

Thanks girls. Can anyone point me to April24's profile? It must be meno-fog, but I can't find her.

My doctor is off for the holidays, so I can't talk to her again until 12/24. Sigh. I told my husband last night that if this gets even ONE notch worse, I'm going to lose my mind. It CAN'T get one notch worse; I'm barely functioning as it is.

I've googled my new disease; the websites are confusing and contradictory. I can't tell if major muscle aches and body aches are really a symptom or not. What I see are people who say they felt "awful" until their thryoid got regulated, but I wish I knew what peope meant by 'awful'.

Funny how desparate we become when we are really ill. Actually it's not funny at all. Something has to get better....

Dear Robin, I am so sad at how bad you are feeling, and wish I could come up with some magical words to stop you being so scared, but I can't.

The only thing I could find, apart from all the conflicting research was the tried and trusted Mayo Clinic, and here is what they say-:

Signs and symptoms
Hashimoto's disease does not have unique signs and symptoms. The disease typically progresses slowly over a number of years and causes chronic thyroid damage, leading to a drop in thyroid hormone levels in your blood. The signs and symptoms, if any, are those of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of hormone deficiency. At first, you may barely notice any symptoms, such as fatigue and sluggishness, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as the disease progresses, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms, including:

Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Pale, dry skin
A puffy face
Hoarse voice
An elevated blood cholesterol level
Unexplained weight gain — occurring infrequently and rarely more than 10 to 20 pounds, most of which is fluid
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in your shoulders and hips
Pain and stiffness in your joints and swelling in your knees or the small joints in your hands and feet
Muscle weakness, especially in your lower extremities
Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
Depression
Without treatment, signs and symptoms gradually become more severe and your thyroid gland may become enlarged (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow, or you may feel depressed.

_________________

Robin, I would trust the Mayo clinic above anything people usually say on sites you are reading. We all do the same thing and simply say we feel terrible with Peri, but that explains nothing. For you, I think you need a place to read that is world recognized, and Mayo Clinic is.

I am sorry I have no knowledge of this April you want to speak with, but just wanted to add my support, and let you know you are thought of.

Hugs,
Viktoria
xxxx

(((((((((Robin))))))))))))))))

You probably feel like your about to go out of your mind....that's so terrifying. Don't worry about being melodramatic or whatever you're worried about...I'm more than happy to just listen and give hugs and support. This is a great site for that. Victoria (Flushing Lady) gave you a list of symptoms that surely sound like what you have and are experiencing....now, how do you fix it...that's the deal. Is your doctor in an office with other doctors? If not, they usually have an emergency backup physician when they are unavailable. Perhaps you can reach out to them today to see what they can offer you by way of medication or suggesting something else.

I really can empathize with you Robin and I' scared too as I've been in a great deal of pain with this headache situation for well, 4 months shy of 2 years, and now my leg, hip, butt and back pain for 3 months....I feel like I'm going out of my mind. I'm tired of being in constant pain and cry often....seeing 2 doctors and both being "puzzled" as the test results show right side disc herniation that may be compromising my right L5 nerve root but my symptoms are worse on the left. I'm now waiting to see the next on 1/14..... hoping that he can help figure this out and get me some relief as physical theraphy isn't doing much at all. I've been to this doctor before as he put the halo cast on me 12/1/01 when I broke my neck. I dropped all the MRI's I've had to his office this past Monday to see if he can look at them and recommend something I can do until I see him on 1/14. I actually sent him an email initially and he emailed me back the same day. I called yesterday to f/u on the films and reports I dropped off Monday but he hasn't called back.

I just pray each day for the strength to get through another day and try to have as much faith as I can that all this will be fixed some day. What else can we do????

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Karen

RR - have you been checked by a rheumatologist or a chiropractor. I was thinking an autoimmune like RA. My brother's g/f was just dx'ed with this last month. She has aches in wrists, arms, shoulders, and now in legs.

I know it's frustrating to just feel "not right."

http://www.power-surge.com/php/forums/inde...?showuser=25898


hope this works...

After doing extensive research on virgin coconut oil and the benefits (one of many) to the thyroid gland, I would highly recommend that. Google virgin coconut oil.

Robin,

I am so sorry you still feeling terrible, and in fact worse. It seems to unfair. And although I haven't suffered from what you have specifically, I certainly have been completely disfunctional and know how depressing and scary it is when you have lost control of your body. Or your mind, or whatever. Where you just can't face so much as talking to someone. It isn't fun!!

I think Viktoria is probably correct that the info from the Mayo Clinic is the most reliable, and most of your symptoms are right there on the list! Maybe it is just a matter of giving the thyroxine some time to work for you. You just started yesterday, didn't you? How long is it supposed to take to work? I know my mom and my sister will both be exhausted if they forget one does of their synthroid...so I really don't know.

I know I am not much help to you, but I just want you to know I am out here...thinking about you, and wishing you well...wishing it really HARD!! I asked Santa to bring you health for Christmas!! I hope he is listening!

Hugs
Kathie

Hi RR!! I'm so sorry you're feeling so bad. I too have Hashimoto's. Dx'd about five-six years ago. Yes, felt just HORRIBLE at first- I think because firstly, it took forever for my bod to regulate to the thyroxine. I gotta tell you I blamed EVERYTHING on my poor little out of wack thyroid and worst, the new pill I had to take every single day that wasn't making me feel better, gave me much concern. Then, now in retrospect -- I think a lot of what I was feeling was the changing and introduction to peri. Peri never ever crossed my mind, nor did my doc ever mention it. I finally started putting things together when the PA (physician's assistant) asked me a question about my concerns for "feeling hot". Description of hypothyroid feeling awful: Absolutely BLAH, no energy, palps, weight gain, lost hair, back aches, leg aches... Headaches!! Then the dizzies started. Except for the dizzies -- Now that my thyroid is regulated to a "normal" range (for the last two years), some of those terrible feelings have past. But sound peri-familiar, don't they?

Ultimately, I don't think it's the little thyroid or the thyroid meds. I do worry, since you mentioned you've started HRT, a combination of drugs we take, together with a whole body system that's fighting for "normal", may compound/amplify our "awful" feelings. Please talk to your doc as soon as possible. Tell him EVERYTHING you're taking. Don't forget supplements, if you're taking them. Know what... I never ever feel good, In fact I feel horrible, when I take vitamins. Just a thought if your taking supplements -- maybe stop. They may be messing with your Rx's. Some teas make me very nauseous. P.S. I hope you're not coming down with the FLU?!!!

Big Hug to you!
Chatty-

Cathy: Thanks to you and everyone else. So you had the muscle aches too, huh? I just talked to my doc, but he wasn't much help. They also have no way of knowing where 'the line' is. What is due to peri, what is thyroid, or stress, and then you throw in the possibility that it's the flu...

I don't think I have the flu, because I think my husband would have it also...and believe it or not, I have a really strong immune system. I rarely get infections, can't remember the last time I had a cold, and most of my tummy ailments are from IBS or from eating in restaurants too much (due to my job and being on the road all the time)...

The peri has been coming on for a long time...I haven't had a period since Feb (except one spot on Thanksgiving..one exactly...and I don't know if that counts or not...guess I'm deciding it doesn't). Cathy: do you remember how low your T4 levels went before you were put on meds? Also, when exactly did the meds make you feel better...I know the standard answer about 4 weeks for the full benefit...but did you feel anything after 5-7 days?


Thank you so much for your input on this...

Robin, i just read your post, geez honey all i can do is share with you what i have learned during the past few years and my experiences in dealing with this dreadful autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's. Here is a fact: Your thyroid is your "Master Gland" which affects and controls every single cell in your body. The longer you go without treatment the more you risk other health issues in the future. I am not trying to scare you. I was once like you to a T with the EXACT same symptoms, i couldn't even walk without pain. It turned out that i had low b12/iron levels and adrenal fatigue, both directly linked to Hashimoto's.

Here is a fact about Adrenal Fatigue:

If you have been hypo for several years or more before getting a diagnosis, or if you have been through chronic/severe stressful situations your adrenal glands have been overworked, in other words in "Maximum Overdrive" (thats how i refer to it as!) to compensate for your already low functioning thyroid. Chronic stressful situations have already further stressed your hard-working adrenals. A large number of hypo folks have low functioning sluggish adrenals, or Adrenal Fatigue. In other words, they are screaming 'Time Out!"because they've become weak. Here are just some symptoms of low cortisol:

Continuing hypo symptoms
Shakiness, nervousness
Heart palps
Panicky feelings
Weakness
Unable to handle: ANY stress, interaction with others, and unable to focus/concentrate
Rage or sudden angry outbursts
Overreacting to minor things
Paranoia
Flu-like symptoms (this is also a symptom of anemia)
All-over body aches
Taking days to recover from even the most minor stressful situations
Being clumsy,confused, inability to concentrate
Anxiety, weepiness

Vitamin B12 deficiency, or low B12/iron levels can also occur with low thyroid function (hypo). Pernicious Anemia (or low B12) is an autoimmune disease as is Hashimoto's. Autoimmune diseases often and do happen together. Low B12/anemia can leave you feeling horrible with symptoms such as:

Headache
Psychological Symptoms, mental confusion
Pain in legs and difficulty with walking and coordination will happen, together with muscle paralysis (if long -term untreated)
Reduced sense of touch
Numbness and tingling in arms and legs
Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and, at times, chest pain.

Robin, no joke....i had ALL OF THE ABOVE symptoms.....A-L-L.

It can't be stressed enough that if you are given a diagnosis of Hashimoto's that you also must be tested for low B12/or b12 deficiency, (and that also goes for Adrenal Fatigue/Low Cortisol) and if your result is borderline (in normal range but on the low end) discuss with your doctor. You risk permanent nerve damage the longer it goes untreated.

I will send you a PM

I feel such a lemon --- I got confused with the other April! ....

This is the April I was talking about Robin -- so sorry about the confusion. But, anyway, she's here now ....

April! I've been looking for you--thanks for finding me!!!

I've talked to my doctor about my adrenals, but she says they are 'fine'. I asked her about adrenal fatigue and she said it was nonsense. I am not easily intimidated by MD's as long as I have some hard science to back it up. What tests specifically should I be asking for to see if my adrenal gland are functioning normally?

Regarding the B-12 stuff: interesting. Would taking supplemental sublingual B-12 help? I have some and used to take when I was under stress.

And finally, what are you taking: Synthroid or Armour? I opted for generic Synthroid at this point, but ackowledged I might need to switch to brand name for more precise dosing. It's been on it a whopping 3 days so obviously I'm not feeilng anything right now...any relief that is...

I appreciate you finding me...can't wait to read your responses...

Gez:

You--a lemon? NO way! You'are a peach!!

Tell that dr of yours that i said "B******t!" You should ask about a 24 hr saliva test for adrenal function, or at least a blood test, called a Serum Cortisol. I had the blood test done this past summer and while i was in normal range i was TOO low. I heard the saliva tests are the most accurate, but if you have low cortisol- period-it will show through in your blood. It was strongly suggested to me that i needed to go on Adrenal support by way of taking either Isocort (it's a herbal supplement) or even better taking Cortef (which is the actual hydrocortisone in a tablet form). I started having symptoms of low cortisol last November '06. I was crying all the time at the drop of a hat. I was a wreck. i went to my primary care dr (PCP) and explained my symptoms to him and asked if i can try hydrocortisone at 20 mg a day--he agreed. I started taking it last Dec 20. I instantly started feeling better. After a while i played around with the dose off and on and even weaned myself off of it for a while---BIG MISTAKE--but immendiately put myself back on, and, would'nt you know it, those awful symptoms went away. Since i only have what appears to be Adrenal Fatigue i may not have to be on it for life, just until my adrenals start working fine on their own, everyone is different, some need 6 months, others one to two years, some for life. It can't hurt you because 20 mg (broken up in 4 doses so you take 4 times a day so as to go easy on your adrenals) is just about the minimal dosage. some people need and take more than that.

You may have to order the saliva tests on-line, i believe you will need a dr's prescription too. Or if you can't afford one, or your D**** dr wont give you one, there are home tests you can do (i will send you a PM because i have to go to the STTM web page to get them because i can't remember all of them) Funny but most of those tests i did came back positive for Adrenal Fatigue, and now that my serum cortisol tested in the low range that to me is proof enough. Unfortunately, for now, i can't afford the saliva tests.

Yes try B12 tablets, at 1000 or 2000 mcgs a day (should say so on the label) You can buy at Walgreen's or just about any supermarket or drug store. Sublinguals work best. I am on that and i get the injections as well. The oral tablets did nothing for me. You may eventually need the injections, but for now stay on the sublinguals religiously.

I started off taking Synthroid (the generic levothyroxine) in August of '05 at the lowest dose of 25 mcg. While i did feel better, after a few months i started having hypo symptoms again and i had to keep increasing the dose. I got to the highest dose that my then endo was going to put me on which was 150mcg and guess what--i was STILL SICK!! By October of '06 i was close to a major meltdown and realized the Synthroid was doing nothing for me. I kicked the endo to the curb, went to my PCP and got on Armour Thyroid....within 2 days i was well enough to return to my job again. It was amazing....Amazing.

How much Synthroid are you taking? Is it a low dose? And how does your dr know your adrenals are fine? Ask her.

I'll send you that PM now

Who me? I'm flattered you remembered! And how are you my friend? I hope things are much better for you!

Hi RR & Aprill, wow Aprill, your description of adrenal fatigue fit me to the tee!! I take Levoxyl. I too, in the early days, in denial, tried to wean my self off at one point early on. BAD DECISION. Woah! I had an episode of double vision, scared the pants off me.

My advise is to just be diligent and hang in. Get a second, third, or specialist (endo) opinion if you can. If I knew now, what I didn't know then -- I'd have gone to see an endocrinologist at the very beginning. The general MDs just don't seem to be prepared for mid-life-women issues. Would have saved me a ton of grief/dollars. Our health is paramount and I beleive we should seek out the very best when we don't feel well. And thank goodness for PS -- This site is phenomenal!

Hope you're doing better today.

Hugs,

I can relate to your symptoms. When we are literally consumed with fear of the unknown, it really acts as a brick wall. When I was that way, I didn't know what was worse, the physical symptoms or the fear that was driving the physical symptoms to new heights. I don't have any smart advise to give you. It is almost as if we live in a tunnel of fear, completely cut off from any rational thinking and wishing someone would just say we are okay. Because we are. We just don't know it because we don't feel it with all the symptoms going on. Stress is horrible on us. We can't think straight; we can't rationalize and come to a sensible conclusion - we are captive to our emotions and I mean literally bound by them.

The only thing that worked with me was time, more time and I literally had to force myself not to look up symptoms. The internet can be a scary place, especially when self diagnosing. We seem to zero in on the worst case scenario and can't shake it off. B/P gets involved, breathing shallow and before you know it - we are consumed by something terminal. Been there; done that!

All I can do is send empathy your way and tell you there is a light to the end of this madness. One just has to slow down and take "baby steps" towards it.

oh Sybilruth....wiser words were never spoken.....we could all learn from you...Round Robin...hope you are hanging in there....we are all rooting for you....

Robin what dose did your doctor start you on? Your tsh could had dropped! Look at the side effects on your fact sheet.
My brother started on .1mg and right away he started having hyper symptoms. Doctor back off and drop it to .25, so far he can tolerate a lower dose.
What was your last tsh?

Snowmoon: I"m not going by my TSH; I'm going by my Free T4, which is way too low...but I'm having more bloodwork in January, so we will see. I've only been on the thyroxine 3 days...too early to jump to any conclusions yet...

3 days is plenty of times to have a negative reaction, you may have started on a to high of a dose.

Some people need a period of being desensitize at a lower dose before they get their levels under control!

Body aches are very common doing Peri, you may have develop fibromylgia, a form that seems to hit peri menopausal ladies sudden and severe. I have it myself!

I agree with Snowmoon, I was started at 1 mcg too, and had a terrible reaction. I'd say within 3-5 days... I knew something was terribly wrong. And yes, my TSH had swung to the other extreme and I exhibited the hyper- symptoms. (Thought I was having a heart attack! Felt like my heart was doing flip flops in my chest and my heart beat was soooo fast -- it's normally nice and slow). For whatever reason, my doc doesn't lab request the T3/T4 levels. Just the TSH.

Cathy, did you have to drop down to a lower dose? Isn't it scary to go hyper, much worse then feeling hypo!

Hi Chatty! While i am not criticizing all endos, i have been through 2 in a liitle over a year and both kept me ill and did not fulfill their promise of getting me better. The first one, back in early '05, was very reluctant to put me on Synthroid and i was without a doubt quite hypo (i had high thyroglobulin antibodies and my TSH was rising, when mine goes above a 2 i start having hypo symptoms...everyone is different, though). she put me on the lowest dose and then refused to raise me when i started getting sick again (from hypo) within 2 months. By Jan of '06 she was history and my PCP increased it for me (to 50 mcg) without question. I could never understand what the endo was so scared of. I immediately felt better.

The 2nd endo increased me to 150mcg after i started getting hypo again in Spring of '06 (here i go again with my story! but thats ok, i'll make it short) It helped for a while, then by the end of that summer Hypo symptoms made a comeback. My thyroglobulin antibodies (ordered by my PCP) were 773 (normal range is <20, Quests range is 0.0-2.0, every lab is a little different, probably) I was QUITE sick....i couldn't work (for a week)...something HAD to change....the Synthroid was doing nothing for me. Endo #2 ignored me, saying over and over "It's not your thyroid, you are depressed, here's an antidepressant" I refused! (been there, done that already) She was history by that Fall.

My PCP took me off the Synthroid and put me on Armour in Nov of '06...i was out of the brain fog and could think clearer within 2 days...i was much better and able to return to work.

I am still on Armour and it has not failed me yet!

Snowmoon: I'm not experiencing any hyper symptoms...BP is lower than usual, actually, and my pulse is in it's typical range of 55-65. Also, no chest discomfort. I'm going to wait and see what the blood results in January show...but thank you for caring---I appreciate it more than know..

Yes, .25 too. Every time we increase my dose I get aprehensive -- but have been okay! Everything I've read recommends starting low and building up. I'm so sad I started out the other way. Agree-Hyper definately worse than hypo. Alas, I've been on a pretty constant dose for the last two years. Increased a little this year. But okay. Just had labs done... Still at 2.3.

Hi Aprillv, I've heard the "it's not your thyroid, you must be depressed, here's an antidepressant", response too!!! No way! But from my PCP at the time. Good grief!! The thought of persuing an endo was my "last hope" so to speak, for the quest to feel best. Luckily I haven't had to go the route and am pretty happy with my new PCP and current dosage. I'll ask about Armour the next time an increase/decrease is suggested. Thank you!! I must ask you... When you said you felt so sick... How were you feeling??? I had the blahs and the aches something aweful. I could fall asleep anywhere (which is not like me, on the go-go!!!). I can tell now when things get off, I recognize the blahs and excessive tiredness first symptoms better now. CC

The word "Terrible" is an understatement as to how i felt, it was like having a permanent case of the flu, mono, and the "Grip" (that is a word the old folks often used to describe their body/muscle/joint pain) 24/7. It was so bad i just wanted to isolate myself from the rest of the world. I hurt and was so dizzy and short of breath i could barely move. There were days i had to miss work. I let minor tasks and housework go because i just didnt have the strength to do it. I couldn't exercise. If someone gave me a blank check and told me all i had to do to get it was go off my Armour and started having those hypo symptoms again, but i'd be a millionaire along with it, i'd tell them to keep their money. That, my dear, is how bad i was. I never want to be there again

Those are fabulous descriptors!!! Like the flu/mono!!! I hadn't heard "the Grip" before... but yes. And I remember when I'd try to exercise, swim or play tennis, it just got worse. RoundRobin? Have we helped?

Yes,yes, yes! Tremendously helped---thank you SOOOOO much! I now know I'm not losing my mind. I think I just have to accept the fact I'm not going to feel well until my body gets itself back on track. It's not going to happen overnight. I'm being monitored by three doctors, having bloodwork every 4 weeks....taking my meds carefully. What more can I do?

It's hard to accept that I can't even perform simple tasks anymore. Yesterday I felt well enough to bake cookies, and afterwards my husband wanted to take me out for a sandwhich at a nearby pub. Oh my God, you would have thought he asked me to climb Mt Everest. I couldn't make it through the sandwhich...leg cramps, body aches, headaches, dizziness. Had to be helped out of the restaurant and then lay down in the back seat of the car. It was ridiculous. I can't even go out for a sandwhich???? Guess not. If I do ONE thing in a day, I have to lay down afterwards and completely rest. That's how bad it has gotten.

I was telling malchava about this privately, but I was raised with this Puritan work ethic which instilled in me the notion that if I'm not working, producing, cleaning, being busy...then I"m a lazy, no-good loser. I have my mother to thank for this. She never slept late on weekends, never missed a day of work (even if she had a 101 temp and was vomiting). "Idle hands are the devils playground." It was practically our family motto. And I'm realizing it is at the core of why I'm freaking out about being so disabled by these new issues. As dumb as this sounds, I simply don't know HOW to 'take it easy' without feeling tremendous guilt.

That is going to have to change. Quickly!!!!

Robin you've really got me worried about you. Having to be helped out of a public place, that to me indicates that you are quite ill. Are you on Synthroid (i cant remember if you mentioned that) and if so how much? Did you have blood test for Thyroglobulin Antibodies? (can't remember if you mentioned that one either, oh well!) You're being monitored by 3 doctors? And you are still ill? And you have to wait 4 weeks for bloodwork? Don't these@#!$%^&*&@#ng doctors care aboiut how you feel? I'm sorry but i MUST voice my 2 cents, if any of these docs were qualified you would be on the proper medication and at the LEAST feeling well enough to function on a normal daily basis (no i don't mean the energy of a 20 year old)

Out of respect for your mother i will not say what i am thinking, but i will say that ahe has got to understand what you are going through, and it is not in your head!

Listen i will send you a PM, i'm having a late dinner now so you may not get it immediately. I'm home all evening

April: I think I overdid it yesterday...did too much in one day. Yes, I'm concerned. Right now, my goal is to get through Tuesday and then I'm going to get my blood work done 3 weeks earlier (the hell with the docs) and see what is going on with my TSH and Free T4. I also think I am going to ask for RA titers.

I feel badly that you are spending all this energy worrying about me. I'll be okay--I PROMISE. Yes, this is probably the sickest I've ever been, but I'm a smart cookie, I've got stones the size of Texas, and my husband is super supportive.

Right now, I'm my own worst enemy. I'm not resting, I'm not taking it easy, and it's showing. We're going away for my birthday to the Caribbean (although I spent extra money to buy insurance that covered the possibility of my having to come home sooner if I get sick from my pre-existing thyroid issues). I told my husband flat out that if he wanted to do any sight-seeing, he will be alone. I'm planting myself in a beach chair in the shade, and sleeping for 10 days. No cell phone, no family, no lawyers, court dates, nothing. And our room is on the beach. (i.e. no walking). We can't afford it, but I just don't care!!!

God bless your husband for his support! Mine was and is still supportive, he has major health ailments himself but stood by me when i was going through the worst of this. I don't know how he survived.
I thought i'd post my thyroid labs here. They were drawn this month on the 12th:

TSH: 0.03 (normal ranges: 0.40-4.50) My last one taken back in September was 0.01

Free T4: 1.0 (normal ranges: 0.8-1.8) Last one back in September was 1.3

As you can see, my TSH is suppressed and( although it may seem to look like that of a hyperthyroid patient) the TSH is supposed to be when you're on Armour (not sure if that is true for folks on the synthetics, such as Synthroid) If i was truly hyper my Free T4 would be above normal ranges, same holds true for the Free T3.
My Free T4 needs to be bumped up a little, at midpoint range. I am on 3 grains (180 mg) of Armour and am slowly increasing every 2 weeks until i get to 4 grains (240 mg) I do not have hyper symptoms, no racing heart, no palps, no chest pains, no sweating, no shakes, no anxiety, my heartrate runs between 70-80 at rest. My BP runs around 118/76 at rest. I'm doing and feeling fine.

Just for the record, here are my labs after 14 months on Synthroid (started on 25mcg and ended up being on 150mcg) and when i was ready for a major meltdown from hypo symptoms (taken 10/27/06, from a different lab):

Free T3} 6.20 (2.39-6.79)
Free T4} 3.24 (0.58-1.64)
TSH} 0.03 (0.34-5.60)
Thyroglobulin Abs} 773 (0-40)

Here is the basic thyroid panel you should have done:

Free T3
Free T4
TPO antibodies
Thyroglobulin antibodies
Ferritin (for anemia)
Vitamin B12 (again for anemia)
Vitamin D

I hope that helps some

Enjoy your vacation and REST!!

And good for you for ditching those doctors!

The holidays are a time notorious for overdoing!!! This vacation sounds like the perfect RX for you!!! I am jellous. You're going to have a marvellous time. There's nothing like watching the waves to renew your spirit. Happy holidays and Happy Birthday to you!

Hi everyone---thanks to all who have responded to me. I never expected this thread to get this big. Last night was another trial--but not for me; this time it was hubby's turn. In the middle of helping me shop for groceries he doubled over in pain. We went home and the pain got worse (first flank, then settling on the right side of his pelvis.) After 5 hours it was three times worse, and I called an ambulance. It wasn't fun; we had downpours last night and the temps warmed up just enough so that there was all this rolling steam on the roads (like you see in horror movies!). I followed the ambulance to the hospital, where we stayed all night and they finally decided he had passed a kidney stone. He has to pee into these coffee-filter type things for the next 2 days.

It was his first ride in an ambulance (as a passenger), his first time ever in a hospital bed, and his first time getting to see what it is like from my side of things---scared and sick. Geez, can this year GET any more 'interesting'? I dearly hope 2008 is calmer!

My gosh girl, with all these events, one after another. Glad DH is ok, and things will get better, follow your instincts in 2008 and thereafter! Happy holidays!!

Hi Robin -
Just read your post and I am so sorry that you and your husband are going through so much. I hope that both of you start feeling better soon! I am with you on the thought of hoping that 2008 will be a better year - This past year has been the craziest year Ever!
Keep us posted on how you are doing. You'll be in my thoughts....
Christina

Hi RoundRobin

Just read through this post and just wanted to say I'm so sorry your having such a difficult time. You are getting lots of wonderful advice here already so I really don't have much to add. I have been hypo for about 8 years now and remember all to well the feeling of being so ill. I like April don't like the fact that they are only checking your blood every 4 weeks. When just starting treatment you need to have your levels checked weekly( If I remember correctly mine was checked weekly for the first 6 weeks) I too get monthly b12 injections. Please get your level checked. A low B12 can cause so much of what your discribing. It can take a few weeks unfortunetly after starting thyroid meds to begin to feel better...and its a gradual thing. Please hang in there and if I can help in any way let me know.

Cathy

I talked to my endo today and she said essentially the same thing; as long as I am not feeling well, she wants to do weekly testing. If I"m feeling better, and the symptoms dramatically improve, then I can go to monthly testing. I also asked her about Armour; she is very open to using it if I don't get the results I need from the T4 alone. We're leaving for vacation Jan 19 so I'm having my blood work done next week.

I keep forgetting to ask her about the B-12...I'm going to send her an email right now about that.

Thanks for the kind thoughts...hubby and I, despite the horrible year, still have a lot to be grateful for. We're both still standing, breathing and able to laugh. At times it gets to the point where all I can do is just see this all as one big pie-in-the-face from the Almighty. My daughter is healthy and happy; as long as she is okay, I feel like I can handle anything that comes along. My daily prayer is that nothing bad happens to her...I just want her to have the opportunity to live a full, happy life full of possibilities that I didn't have at her age. She's at her Dad's until the 5th of Jan. This is the very first Christmas since she was born that I won't be with her--not easy, but at least I know she is safe and well cared for. That's another thing I'm grateful for: I have a good relationship with my ex, and with his wife. They're both kind, stable people and she enjoys a good relationship with both of them.

I've got a lot of thinking to do for my new year's resolutions...the list is going to be a lot more simple and basic this year. Good health, no surprises, that's about it. I don't need to learn a new language or go sky-diving, or even lose 10 pounds. Just want my health stable.

It's such a cliche, but soooo true: When you have your health, you have everything. I don't think I realized how meaningful that phrase really was. All the money and cars and jewelry and houses mean nothing if you don't feel well.

I hope it's a healthier year for all us Power Surge sisters!

Robin i'm so glad your endo is willing to let you try Armour, and the weekly blood testing is sooo much smarter than monthly. and insist on a B12 test as well.
I just had to chime in after reading your post. See things are looking up already!