Hypothyroidism. OMG! (doesn't always go away on it's own)

[NoRx4me]

About 6 -7 months ago, I decided to reduce and then stop taking my thyroid meds for a couple of reasons; I moved and didn't have a doctor (not that I had one I liked going to before moving), I don't have insurance, I hate thinking I have a medical condition that I need to take meds for the rest of my life. So, I decided that my thyroid probably was functioning better now without the psych meds and with a slightly healthier diet.

I was wrong!! I've gained 50 lb.'s and I can barely move outside of getting to work and back. I'm too tired to clean and lay on the couch all weekend long. When I get ready for work, I feel like I'm walking under water or with weights on my arms and legs. I thought I was just being lazy, in part because my kids have moved out.

I finally broke down and went to get my thyroid checked, expecting it to be functioning mildly low (High TSH). Well, the normal range for TSH for this lab was between 0.35 - 5.50. My TSH level was 75.68! (meaning, Super low functioning thyroid).

I'm pretty shocked. I didn't know TSH could be that high. I'm so thankful too, to know that I'm not just lazy (and fat!).

Moral of the story; if you've ever been diagnosed as hypothyroid, keep getting your levels checked on a regular basis.

On a side note; the difference in lab costs is crazy. Some of the big name labs are the most expensive. I went to Quest or Labcorb and the nice receptionist told me, when she found out I didn't have insurance, that it would be $150 but the lab down the street would be a lot less. It turned out to be $40. So thankful! I wanted to go back and take her to lunch!

[iwantpeace]

wow. I'm so glad you decided to go get it checked!! I hope you'll go back on your meds. There are many complications that can come from thyroid problems....low hemoglobin, fluid around the heart, etc. Please be very careful - you've come so far in your journey, it's important to keep yourself healthy, even if it means taking a synthetic hormone to keep you healthy.

Yay for not being fat and lazy. I have no thyroid problems. I'm just fat and lazy

[NoRx4me]

Thanks for the response. :-) Yea, I got back on the meds as soon as I heard that TSH number (had some in my purse).

[LCrawford67]

Holy cow, NoRx! Hope it straightens out soon!

[NoRx4me]

Thanks LC. Me too. I'm SO freakin tired!

[LCrawford67]

No kidding! With that number, I'm sure you're just exhausted!

[NoRx4me]

I had forgotten that back in '08 when I got off psych meds, after my parents threatened to take me to a psychiatrist, I blamed all my withdrawal problems on hypothyroidism and stopped talking about withdrawal, etc.

So when I told them I stopped taking my thyroid meds in Jan '12 and my TSH was now 75 (it was never above 22 before and not that high for long) they said, "After what happened in '08, you should have known better".

Uggghh! It brought back lots of bad feelings and memories. And reminded me of why I wanted to write a book about my experience with the psych industry. Maybe one day. I still have all my research and notes in several boxes.

It's pretty sad I still want my parents approval. Probably because I'm still (well... again) financial dependant on them. Life kinda sucks right now.

"Parents just don't understand" ~ Will Smith

[LCrawford67]

Don't let this get you down. Ugggh, is right. It's very frustrating when family just doesn't get it and is quick with the "I told you so." But, they don't understand and we just have to remember that.

Once you get to feeling better, get things regulated, get your energy back and lose the weight, you'll start feeling better. All of of those things are thyroid related, they're not you - just remember that.

[NoRx4me]

Thanks LC. I REALLY appreciate the support and kind words.

*tearing up a little*