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Original poster

Can we have a roll call - thyroid problems - sign in here

364 replies

ivykaty44 · 29/01/2011 11:57

Can we please have a roll call on thyroid problems of either type?

pretty please casue I know there will be a few of us on here Grin

OP posts:
Bearskinwoolies · 09/02/2011 17:36

Spidookly Since my last post about B12, I did a shed-load of research about it, and taking oral supplements does help. I spoke to my gp and with his agreement have started taking them. So far there has been an improvement in the severity and number of times it happens.

He had already ordered a test for this, and has told me that if my levels are very low I may need a course of injections to bring the levels back up to normal.

UrsulaBuffay · 09/02/2011 17:37

Signing in! Underactive, 50mcg thyroxine atm

lololizzy · 09/02/2011 17:42

Underactive. on 125 thyroxine

frankie3 · 09/02/2011 18:37

I have an underactive thyroid and have been taking 125 of levothyroxine for a few years. My last blood test showed that my TSH was fine at 1.81 and my T4 level was 14.4. Is 14.4 T4 OK? I don't know what it means.

I also have low iron levels. I have low ferratin at 4 ug/L.

Does anyone know what level ferratin I should be aiming for?

blueberryboybaitonSafari · 09/02/2011 20:14

Crumble - DD2 is 8 months so feeding is less than is was 8 weeks ago. I never gained at all with DD1 as I was undiagnosed when she was born and lost 4 stone from 8weeks pg to 10weeks post delivery. I was fobbed off endlessly until DD1 was 10months by which time I was very sick. This time I was monitored in pg and kept under control not stopping PTU intil 3 days before DD2 was born I was back on the PTU by 10 weeks as I deteriorated rapidly. I have been on 400mg ptu since then and am only just dropping levels but very rapidly in the last 6 weeks.

I went to get a printout of my last 3 sets of blood results today as the new receptionist refused to give my numbers of over the phone as she didn't know what I would do with them Hmm. I need to make an appointment with the GP as December's results say I am heading for hypo if I carry on at my dose for much longer but no one has contacted me about the need for a clinical review as noted on the biochem sheet! I might request a dietician referral too as I am not sure if the eating is just habit or really hunger.

McGinger · 09/02/2011 20:51

Debs So sorry for your loss. When it comes to thyroxine and pregnancy through both of my pregnancies I had blood taken to test my levels every 4 weeks. Mind you the midwifes used to look at me and say, "you were here 4 weeks ago why are you back?" I had to tell them to take my blood, so you do have to be on at them about it, especially if you don't wee the same midwife each time.

ivy are you talking about a thyroidectomy? I have had one and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

McGinger · 09/02/2011 20:52

ahem...don't see not wee the same midwife Blush

NarcolepsyQueen · 09/02/2011 21:14

Underactive - usually 150mg, but on 225mg at the moment as I am pregnant. I found that GPs often dont know about the different requirements when you are TTC or pregnant!

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 09/02/2011 21:16

Yes please Mcginger would like to hear about your thyroidectomy if that is ok

OP posts:
Stac2011 · 09/02/2011 21:40

debs so sorry for your loss. I am underactive and have never had an m/c was harder for me ttc but i also have polycystic ovaries. When i became pg with dd i was tested every 4 to 6 weeks but this only started from 12wks when the consultant upped me 25mcg. They definately have to keep an eye on you. Your gp should be more supportive. Oh and when pg i had to be saw at the maternity hospital as the community midwife couldnt deal with it Confused

Thanks ivy i have a book on that i ought to read it lol

cedmonds · 09/02/2011 22:27

Hi marking my place on the thread I have hashimoto's and on 200 mg i was diagnosed at 8 yrs.

bessie26 · 09/02/2011 22:39

Hi, just marking my place.

I have underactive thyroid, currently on 50mcg & 30wks pg

Debs3013 · 10/02/2011 13:04

Just a quick update - just had a phone call from the hospital and the Endo has said he still wants to see me, so I have an appt. next week.

It won't help me now but maybe it might help for the future

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 10/02/2011 17:32

I am so glad they want to see you and hopefully this will mean for better care in the future Smile

OP posts:
Stac2011 · 10/02/2011 20:26

thats good news debs

bessie, hope the cons are keeping an eye on your levels Smile

mollymole · 10/02/2011 20:43

just like to say how helpful this thread is,
not knowing anyone else who has had RAI or thuroid problems this thread has really given me more insight into this condition

eddiemccready · 10/02/2011 20:59

So sorry debs. I hope seeing the endo will help things for you.

eddiemccready · 10/02/2011 21:05

Does anyone find people's attitudes towards thyroid problems really dismissive? I'm not looking for 'poor you' all the time, but I have really felt so ill at times but because I looked ok other people thought I was exaggerating. I'm just glad dh has a good understanding of things.

McGinger · 10/02/2011 21:05

ivy

I had a thyroidectomy in September 2001.

The way mine worked (because they could not rule in or out cancer) they removed the right side of my thyroid which was then checked in the hospital lab whilst I was still under.

Obviously the sample came back as positive for cancer so they removed the left side and stitched me back up.

It was quite a lengthy procedure, but I don't know how much of that was due to awaiting results.

The wound itself was quite long, and was stitched internally, I had what I called Frankenstein balls at either end of the wound like this...

-O---O-

I was on a LOT of morphine for the first day after the op, and had a lot of pain relief over the next couple of days, so don't remember very much about the stay in hospital. I think I was in for 4 days total (so 3 nights) I DO remember telling DH that I couldn't feel my extremities at one point!

I was uncomfortable for a wee while after, it took ages for me to be able to hold my head up properly (not because I couldn't just because it felt strange)

My voice was very croaky after the surgery, you probably know this but they have to move your vocal chords out of the way during the surgery and there is a tiny chance your voice will always be croaky if they damage the chords, however my voice returned to normal after a couple of months (it was quite a while and I was starting to panic about it as I am a singer, but it just takes time for the bruising on your chords to heal)

They took the stitches out a week after the op, the cut one bead off and whipped it out by pulling from the other end, that was incredibly pain free!!

The bruising was scary, I wore turtle-necks and scarf's for a long time after the surgery, however I hadn't heard of arnica (nor did anyone tell me about it) and I think taking it after surgery would be of great benefit (it worked on my section bruising!)

My scar now is practically invisible, infact if I didn't point it out you probably would not notice it at all. I have in the past pointed it out to people and they were amazed as they had never noticed it.

I recover well from surgery (including 2 sections I have had 10 ops in 10 years) so I recovered well from the anaesthetic and the surgery in general. I had to have a further op 2 weeks to the day after the first, to remove infected lymph nodes, the stitches were the same but vertical, they hurt like buggery coming out!

I hope that has helped, but if you have any questions at all just ask. If there is anything I can expand on just let me know.

lololizzy · 10/02/2011 21:28

Have never used contraception and have never been able to conceive. (with any partner). doctor says this is down to thyroid..but my pituitary is bad too. though i think it's the pituitary making the thy worse?

Stac2011 · 10/02/2011 23:28

yeah eddie i have had that from people its as if because they dont know what it is, means your not ill.

lolo have you saw a gynacologist? I had to for my 2nd dc (for pcos) but he wanted to ensure my levels were good before getting pg. Have you had any assistance? I had clomid and metformin, next step was ivf but got bfp.

mcginger sounds like you have been through a lot, how are you now?

Original poster
ivykaty44 · 11/02/2011 08:07

Thank - you McGinger for sharing.

OP posts:
McGinger · 11/02/2011 14:14

stac I am very well now, thank you! This month I am 9 years cancer free. I still have annual check ups at the hospital, and will for a while yet.

My only bugbear is the level of thyroxine I am on. They say it is more than adequate to suppress any thyroid tissue left over but I don't think it is high enough.

I have very very slowly gained weight over the past few years and I go through spells where I am just exhausted all of the time. I recently had my bloods taken at the GP's and they said adequate so I am going to have to discuss it with the consultant the next time I see him.

Stac2011 · 12/02/2011 00:56

mcginger i was complaining to the gp about my levels today, he said i am at the upper end of the normal scale but like you i am tired and the weight gain drives me to distraction. He has ordered bloods but feel i may need to fight to be upped. I hope the cons helps better than your gp.

Sorelip · 12/02/2011 10:19

Underactive, on 125mcg thyroxine daily.