The THYROID Thread

[luvmarypoppins]

Well I started the first dose of the 150 synthroid today.

I know its going to take a while for my body to see any kind of adjustment. I am most interested to see if my heart palpatations will get less. I also feel like I am a bunch of nerves lately, but then I think that is directly related to all my familys personal problems right now.

 

[dischick4778]

Jenn - and if you are reading along, can you please comment on what the tear duct plug procedure entails.?

I know my eye surgeon didnt mention it, but due to all my personal family problems now, I dont know if I can go through all of that surgery right now, so I am thinking I might ask her about this option. I am suppose to call soon for an appt. as I think her maternity leave is over soon.

Specifically I am interested in the procedure, pain or more needles in the eyes? Do you notice them etc. etc.

Thanks so much.

So glad you are doing well and here's to many many more years cancer free!

What I have had done so far with the tear ducts was nothing major at all. In the eye doctor's office without any needles or anything he popped in a small temporary tear duct plug in each eye. It took seconds and I did not feel a thing. They are supposed to last 90 days then they dissolve and they can put in new ones.

The bad news is I don't think it's working. My eyes tear all the time and this cold weather is not helping. The skin around my eyes is so sore from all the wiping/dabbing I do. I'm actually thinking of calling eye dr to get his opinion on why it isn't working.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

So glad you are doing well and here's to many many more years cancer free!

What I have had done so far with the tear ducts was nothing major at all. In the eye doctor's office without any needles or anything he popped in a small temporary tear duct plug in each eye. It took seconds and I did not feel a thing. They are supposed to last 90 days then they dissolve and they can put in new ones.

The bad news is I don't think it's working. My eyes tear all the time and this cold weather is not helping. The skin around my eyes is so sore from all the wiping/dabbing I do. I'm actually thinking of calling eye dr to get his opinion on why it isn't working.

Just curious, do you also notice any blurriness at night while driving. I havent even attempted that yet because my eyes are constantly tearing and blurry. I can handle it and driving during the day but not at night.

Do you experience anything like that?

I hear you on the weather. As soon as I go out and hit the cold, the eye starts tearing and feels really tight with the skin etc. And then if its in a place with bad humidity, it starts up too.

I really want to do this and get it over with once and for all. I guess I will have to wait and see what other meetings etc. we will have to go to that are mandatory and required. I know my dh could go with our ds but I want to be there too etc.

 

[dischick4778]

Just curious, do you also notice any blurriness at night while driving. I havent even attempted that yet because my eyes are constantly tearing and blurry. I can handle it and driving during the day but not at night.

Do you experience anything like that?

I hear you on the weather. As soon as I go out and hit the cold, the eye starts tearing and feels really tight with the skin etc. And then if its in a place with bad humidity, it starts up too.

I really want to do this and get it over with once and for all. I guess I will have to wait and see what other meetings etc. we will have to go to that are mandatory and required. I know my dh could go with our ds but I want to be there too etc.

I do have blurriness pretty much all the time if I don't carry a tissue. I am constantly wiping away the tears to see clearly. It's very annoying and embarrassing in work meetings so I am going to have to call and see if there's anything else the dr can do. Dr. did say there are permanent tear duct plugs but he said something about not attempting that until menopause but I don't know why. I have to ask. Good luck!

 

[karajeboo]

Good morning everyone.

I am here today because there is gong to be a virtual... party to celebrate...

my 3 year cancerversary!!!

Praise God that 3 years ago today I had 3 surgeries in 14 hours, 11 hours of surgery and was in the coma for 2 days after nearly dying and I am still here today!!

Thank you all for letting me vent, for Chrstine for your wealth of knowledge and for those who have gone through all of this and will go through this too, thanks for being inspiring and listening and encouraging etc.

You are all a great bunch of dis'ers.

Blessings to you all always

Now you can all have a virtual piece of to celebrate along with me.

Congrats! Imagine a virtual glass of wine toasting you many more anniversarys to come!

Today I get my stitches out and get the biopsy results. To say I'm nervous is an understatement......

 

[luvmarypoppins]

karajeboo - wishing you all the best today!

Update us when you can.

 

[karajeboo]

karajeboo - wishing you all the best today!

Update us when you can.

Thank you ALL for your support and kind words. Dr walked in with big smile and said, "NO cancer, however...."

It seems that the pathologist tested the thyroid itself, when the nodule came back negative, and found a micro carcinoma (papillary) on there. It's gone now and Dr feels its best to let it go for now but follow up annually with ultrasounds, just to keep an eye on the left lobe and the cluster of very small nodules there.

He said that they've seen autopsies where people have these micro carcinomas that have probably been there 30-40 years..... so even had it not come out, we wouldn't have known about it and it would probably have been fine. But since it's out, and there is nothing to test on the other lobe, we are moving on now!

Also, no thyroid hormone? He told me to wait a couple months and follow up with my family dr for the blood work, and they can then send me to an endocrinologist if needed. Is this normal?

Remember, I had all this done by my ENT......

 

[luvmarypoppins]

so happy to hear your good news!

 

[Christine]

Thank you ALL for your support and kind words. Dr walked in with big smile and said, "NO cancer, however...."

It seems that the pathologist tested the thyroid itself, when the nodule came back negative, and found a micro carcinoma (papillary) on there. It's gone now and Dr feels its best to let it go for now but follow up annually with ultrasounds, just to keep an eye on the left lobe and the cluster of very small nodules there.

He said that they've seen autopsies where people have these micro carcinomas that have probably been there 30-40 years..... so even had it not come out, we wouldn't have known about it and it would probably have been fine. But since it's out, and there is nothing to test on the other lobe, we are moving on now!

Also, no thyroid hormone? He told me to wait a couple months and follow up with my family dr for the blood work, and they can then send me to an endocrinologist if needed. Is this normal?

Remember, I had all this done by my ENT......

Congratulations!! Yes, it is normal. Your remaining thyroid gland will put out enough thyroid hormone that you will be fine.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I am having some "issues" with this new medication dose.

Anyone else have this? Mostly my biggest complaint would be that I am feeling constantly cold. Like before I had my thyroid out cold. Also I am feeling more sleepy and have taken a few small naps during the day.

I know my body is always sensitive to medications etc. the endo knows this well for sure.

Sp did anyone else notice a change from 175 to 150 like this?

The endo did say not to throw the 175 away, since she might have me take that dose maybe 2 days a week. she will decide after the 6 week blood test.

I dont know if I should call her and tell her my symptoms etc.

 

[Christine]

I am having some "issues" with this new medication dose.

Anyone else have this? Mostly my biggest complaint would be that I am feeling constantly cold. Like before I had my thyroid out cold. Also I am feeling more sleepy and have taken a few small naps during the day.

I know my body is always sensitive to medications etc. the endo knows this well for sure.

Sp did anyone else notice a change from 175 to 150 like this?

The endo did say not to throw the 175 away, since she might have me take that dose maybe 2 days a week. she will decide after the 6 week blood test.

I dont know if I should call her and tell her my symptoms etc.

Sorry for such a delay in posting. I tried two times this weekend and just got "hung up." In disgust, I just shut down and logged off.

So, based on when you started the new dose and you posted the above, it was only about 5 days. While I do think changes occur in that amount of time, you absolutely could not be hypothyroid to cause those symptoms.

More than likely, on the 175 dose, you are running "high" and you've gotten used to that version of normal--which is NOT normal. While I know most parts of the country are having a mild winter, it is February and it is normal to be feeling cold a lot. I am slight hyper and am not feeling cold much at all yet all the normal people around me seem to be cold. My carpool mate is constantly flipping my heated seats and I'm sweating.

I have upped my dose by only 1/2 tab a week. I was okay for about 4 weeks but the last 4 have been rough. I get warm really fast, I barely ever get cold and when I get warm, the palms of my hands are getting beet red. Not fun, but I am getting used to it.

My rambling point in all this is that I think you should tough it and try to get used to what your new normal might be. It's normal to feel kinda chilly and it *can* be normal to feel sleepy especially when you've taken yourself down a notch. I would tough it out and give it some time.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Thanks for your insight Christine.

I am toughing it out but guess what..

I fell asleep during the superbowl yesterday watching the Giants!! and while I was sitting there with a blanket on me because I was cold etc.

Gee, somehow I am not liking this new normal for sure.

 

[Christine]

Thanks for your insight Christine.

I am toughing it out but guess what..

I fell asleep during the superbowl yesterday watching the Giants!! and while I was sitting there with a blanket on me because I was cold etc.

Gee, somehow I am not liking this new normal for sure.

It will probably level out a bit soon. Have you checked your heart rate lately. Is it considerably slower than normal?

 

[1Grumpy9]

I haven't posted much lately because I am kind of in flux right now. My endo left the office she was in and is going out on her own. The company she was with is merging with a local hospital and they have a endo that I had gone to before (and hated) and she wasn't going to deal with that again. I need to go get my labs done for an update on my latest change in meds. The bad thing is finding a lab to do my lab work. I also have to schedule an appointment when she has her office up and running.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

1Grumpy9- sorry you have to deal with all of this. I know it can be frustrating dealing with doctors, insurance, tests etc.

Will you be staying with your old endo or do you have to go to the group one?

Will your ins. pay to have you get the blood tests at a local hospital? I know mine really wont unless its something special, like the radiation testing, (pregnancy etc).I am blessed that I just have to go to the next town for my tests.

I hope it will all get straightened out. Try not to stress too much and I hope your new labs come out well for you.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Yest ds20 and I were watching the show The Revolution. They had a gal on who had a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Of course right during the segment they interrupt it here to have us watch our Giants team coming home.

I think they are continuing it about her losing weight etc. I am glad thy ca is getting a little publicity. I also looked at her scar and it looked really good.

Also I know wdwdancer has been mia around here, but I did see her post on the thyca. boards yest. She had 150 mci of radiation and she said her endo made her stay on the lid for 3 weeks before the rai and then another 2 or 3 weeks after, Wowsa!! I cant remember, but it was a really long time for sure.

I am so glad my rad. onc. says 2 weeks before, really 15 days (I got a free day the one time for testing). And then just a day or 2 post rai.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't posted an update since I asked my questions last month. My life is nothing but choas right now.

Anyways I did see my doctor and got some bloodwork. Today she went over the results. I guess we are supposed to "brainstorm" in another appointment. Six months ago my thyroid was 9.xx and these results have it at 1.02 which to me seems like a big drop in a small amount of time.

I flat out told her I was not mean to be a chiuaha or jack rabbit. That I am simply unhappy. However I have to have surgery next week AND I'm moving in less than a month. No stress in my house, none at all.

I told the doctor I would see her for last follow up and get my paperwork for the move.

I'm not sure how or what I should drop my synthroid. I guess gradually go backwards or just stay at this dose until I get to my next post.

Thanks for listening and all your tips. I always appreciate them.

 

[Christine]

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't posted an update since I asked my questions last month. My life is nothing but choas right now.

Anyways I did see my doctor and got some bloodwork. Today she went over the results. I guess we are supposed to "brainstorm" in another appointment. Six months ago my thyroid was 9.xx and these results have it at 1.02 which to me seems like a big drop in a small amount of time.

I flat out told her I was not mean to be a chiuaha or jack rabbit. That I am simply unhappy. However I have to have surgery next week AND I'm moving in less than a month. No stress in my house, none at all.

I told the doctor I would see her for last follow up and get my paperwork for the move.

I'm not sure how or what I should drop my synthroid. I guess gradually go backwards or just stay at this dose until I get to my next post.

Thanks for listening and all your tips. I always appreciate them.

How long were you on the dosage that got you from 9.xx to 1.02? When I was first muddling through all this, I was taking a dosage of .125 and I felt pretty good. However, I had my TSH tested and I was at 8.xx. I felt darn good but, obviously, my doctor was unhappy. I did ONE dosage adjustment up to .137 and within 8 weeks I was hyperthyroid and I had to tweak the .137 so I could get in the correct range.

So if it's only been 6-8 weeks since your last check, the TSH plummet isn't really too fast.

A TSH of 1.02, provided all the other numbers in the thyroid panel are within range, is a very good TSH to have. I used to hear that 2.0 was considered desirable for conception. That was before they lowered the normal range of thyroid levels so I'm not sure what is "optimal" now.

What I will say is that ANYTIME I've gone through an adjustment in meds, whether it be upping my dose to take more, or backing off, it is pretty rough, emotionally. Luvmarypoppins has just posted about her drop in dosage and, within 5 days, she wasn't feeling right at all.

Remember that thyroid hormones are VERY powerful and tweaking them affects every organ in your body. One of my doctors told me a long time ago that, even though my TSH may be "right" at some point, it often takes the organs in the body 6 months to "catch up" to that. Of course, I was fairly hypothyroid and damage is done (temporary) to the body when you are hyper or hypo. It takes the body awhile to repair. When he told me that, it didn't make a lot of sense at the time, but after going through the ups and downs for so many years, I get what he means now.

The rapid changes in your TSH probably account for much of your personality/mood changes. Give it some time to stabilize. Remember for many years you have probably been technically hypothyroid and that feeling became what seems normal to you. You will feel normal on your new dose (as long as it's in the normal range) one day. Couple all that with regular stress and it can be a rollercoaster ride. I upped my thyroid dose in December and about mid-January, I started feeling it. Pretty badly. I finally had to get into my endo this past Friday to get the blood work done. My face is turning red easily, my palms are beet red when I get warm. Then to top it off, after feeling high strung all week, my daughter's apartment at college was broken into and they all had their laptops stolen. I spent most of last weekend gathering the police data, dealing with insurance, trying to purchase her a laptop from 4 hours away. I sure didn't need that but it all feels worse when the thyroid is being messed with.

 

[lovemygoofy]

How long were you on the dosage that got you from 9.xx to 1.02? When I was first muddling through all this, I was taking a dosage of .125 and I felt pretty good. However, I had my TSH tested and I was at 8.xx. I felt darn good but, obviously, my doctor was unhappy. I did ONE dosage adjustment up to .137 and within 8 weeks I was hyperthyroid and I had to tweak the .137 so I could get in the correct range.

So if it's only been 6-8 weeks since your last check, the TSH plummet isn't really too fast.

A TSH of 1.02, provided all the other numbers in the thyroid panel are within range, is a very good TSH to have. I used to hear that 2.0 was considered desirable for conception. That was before they lowered the normal range of thyroid levels so I'm not sure what is "optimal" now.

What I will say is that ANYTIME I've gone through an adjustment in meds, whether it be upping my dose to take more, or backing off, it is pretty rough, emotionally. Luvmarypoppins has just posted about her drop in dosage and, within 5 days, she wasn't feeling right at all.

Remember that thyroid hormones are VERY powerful and tweaking them affects every organ in your body. One of my doctors told me a long time ago that, even though my TSH may be "right" at some point, it often takes the organs in the body 6 months to "catch up" to that. Of course, I was fairly hypothyroid and damage is done (temporary) to the body when you are hyper or hypo. It takes the body awhile to repair. When he told me that, it didn't make a lot of sense at the time, but after going through the ups and downs for so many years, I get what he means now.

The rapid changes in your TSH probably account for much of your personality/mood changes. Give it some time to stabilize. Remember for many years you have probably been technically hypothyroid and that feeling became what seems normal to you. You will feel normal on your new dose (as long as it's in the normal range) one day. Couple all that with regular stress and it can be a rollercoaster ride. I upped my thyroid dose in December and about mid-January, I started feeling it. Pretty badly. I finally had to get into my endo this past Friday to get the blood work done. My face is turning red easily, my palms are beet red when I get warm. Then to top it off, after feeling high strung all week, my daughter's apartment at college was broken into and they all had their laptops stolen. I spent most of last weekend gathering the police data, dealing with insurance, trying to purchase her a laptop from 4 hours away. I sure didn't need that but it all feels worse when the thyroid is being messed with.

Christine,

I am so sorry to hear about your daughter's apartment and your stress dealing with everything. I hope you are getting everything straightened out without too much headache.

As for me and the meds, I haven't been tested since early October. Then the TSH was 3.60 which the doctor said was okay for me. I've been taking 50mcg of synthroid since September and haven't been tweaked.

I guess it was starting in early November that I started to feel bad again and then by December I was really not feeling well.

This is a little TMI by I normally have the same "flow" every month for 5 days and this past month I barely was at 2 days. For someone that wants to be pregnant, I thought I was successful but now I'm thinking it's because my thyroid numbers are messed up again.

I don't know that I'm going to change the meds right now with all I have going on. I will only see this primary care doctor one more time before the move and right now I'm focused on the other surgery and don't want to risk more changes and will just wait until I get to TX and processed to the new clinic.

Thank you so much for the insight. I know that I have to wait for meds to adjust and you are right my old normal is not my new normal but I do think that there is a happy medium that isn't necessarily the perfect number especially if my thyroid functions some and then it doesn't.

 

[Christine]

Christine,

I am so sorry to hear about your daughter's apartment and your stress dealing with everything. I hope you are getting everything straightened out without too much headache.

As for me and the meds, I haven't been tested since early October. Then the TSH was 3.60 which the doctor said was okay for me. I've been taking 50mcg of synthroid since September and haven't been tweaked.

I guess it was starting in early November that I started to feel bad again and then by December I was really not feeling well.

This is a little TMI by I normally have the same "flow" every month for 5 days and this past month I barely was at 2 days. For someone that wants to be pregnant, I thought I was successful but now I'm thinking it's because my thyroid numbers are messed up again.

I don't know that I'm going to change the meds right now with all I have going on. I will only see this primary care doctor one more time before the move and right now I'm focused on the other surgery and don't want to risk more changes and will just wait until I get to TX and processed to the new clinic.

Thank you so much for the insight. I know that I have to wait for meds to adjust and you are right my old normal is not my new normal but I do think that there is a happy medium that isn't necessarily the perfect number especially if my thyroid functions some and then it doesn't.

Yes, I always forget how hard it must be to manage thyroid levels when you've still got your own gland in there doing it's job occasionally. A light menstrual flow is definitely a sign of hyperthyroidism. You definitely want to work on those levels since you are TTC. What I've also found is that the TSH and other numbers take awhile to catch up to what's going on in the body.

About three years ago, I started having a run a pretty significant heart palpitations. After I had them for about 2 weeks, the first thing we checked was my TSH. It was 0.50 which is pretty much where it has always been. So, we decided it wasn't my thyroid levels. I then spent the next two months visiting a cardiologist who could find nothing wrong with me except, yes, my heart was having benign palps all day long. I went back to my endo, who ran another thyroid panel. At that point, my TSH had dropped to 0.03, fairly close to zero, the lowest I've ever been. He then pulled me off my thyroid medication for 4 days straight and then had me start up again on a lesser dose. I felt better within days and have never had it happen again. So, it really was my thyroid yet the numbers were behind.

You could actually have a much lower TSH at this point, given your menstrual symptoms.

It's just so frustrating, isn't it? I hope you are able to find someone better to work with you in your new location.

I'm sorry that you spent all this time here and I didn't even get to meet you? Are you happy to be leaving? And how do you like this weather? When you first got here, it was Snowmageddon. This year, it's like living in South Carolina. Weird weather!