underactive thyroid just been diagnosed - anyone been there?

[Sparklemagic]

I'm just wondering if there's anyone in the same position as me. I had a blood test for thyroid function over a year ago with my previous dr. He told me it was borderline and I should re-test in six months or so.

We have since moved area, so have just got round to going to new doctor to ask for a re-test. He looked at my notes, and said in view of how crap I've been feeling, he thinks that my borderline result indicates I should start thyroxine anyway (the T4 hormone level was raised, does this mean anything to anyone?) He has re-tested me today and I'll see him in a few days when I guess the new results will let him know what dose to start me on.

I'm just wondering if this thyroxine will have an impact on me or whether I'm hoping for too much. I seem to have been ill with various things since last december, and also gave up on going to weightwatchers because despite trying really hard, the weight was crawling off at a half pound a week on a GOOD week! Since Dec, I've had two bad flu like viruses, and about three bouts of horrible vomiting/diarrhoea bugs, and have just this week had an eye infection (which I've never before had in my life!)

So sorry to blurb on but I'm wondering if any one has been in a similar position, and do you think all these things could have been related to underactive thyroid, and will thyroxine actually make me not prone to all this illness - or am I being totally unrealistic??

TIA

hi
i have underactive thyroid too and i take thyroxine.
i was boderline for years and my gp refused to treat it, i suffered from depression, various flu like illnesses and generally felt run down.
it was only when i saw a dioff gp after ds2 was born that she agreed to put me on thyroxine, it took about 3 months before i felt totally better, but in about 6 weeks you should notice a difference, its certainly possible that a low functioning thyroid will make you preone to illness as your body cant effectively fight illness if its not working properly.
you will feel so much better soon!

You should feel less tired, less cold and less lethargic once your thyroid dose is sorted
It will help with the weight too

It won't help with the v/d bugs though sorry!

Hi ya,

I am newly registered today .. just ... I noticed your post on underactive thyroid.

I am diabetic (have been for 22 years) I also have an underactive thyroid....

I am sure that even when my thyroid is slightly under it takes its toll on my well being ...I too gave up weight watchers because the weight wouldnt shift .. the doc said I was using the thyroid thing as an excuse .. but I have the maximum of 150mcg a day (now going up as I am 6 months pregnant tho !) .. and when they cut it down for more than 6 months I do notice it ... I would rather run on slightly higher dose than a slightly lower one ... but I think the worry is that too much can cause brittle bones later in life .. or after many years anyway .. it will take 6 weeks for the pills to kick in .. but give it another couple of months for you to actually feel any different ... its slow but they will get there in the end....
Take Care
Misty10
:)

oh thanks guys! That's REALLY reassuring to know that it will make that much of a difference. I think run down describes perfectly how I feel - and also, OLD. I'm in my thirties but most days feel I have the energy of someone twenty years older.

All the illnesses didn't feel right to me, I've previously been someone who got a cold a year if that...Thanks for your re-assurance!

misty, newly registered on mumsnet do you mean? If so Welcome, and thanks!

T4 being raised means that your thyroid gland is working extra hard to try to produce the thyroxine that your body needs.

In my experience it will take a week or two for you to notice a difference in your feeling of general wellbeing. I don't think your thyroid being underactive would cause you to catch more bugs though.

Hello I have been on Thyroxine for a year, the dosage has gone from 25mg to 150mg which is what I am on now. I don't feel brilliantly better or anything, just more human again, and a bit more alert, still can't seem to lose any weight though. I don't understand the T thingys, i should ask my gp but can't be bothered! oh another GP slipped in the fact that I might of been feeling a bit weepy or down (which was an understatement) but I have gone through a lot recent years!

thanks for all the comments, I will be looking forward to getting on the tablets and seeing how I go! Also found out today I have high blood pressure!! Gaaah! I'm falling apart!!

thyroxine gave made me human again and the max is not 150mcg a day, it is whatever your body needs.

Glad you got diagnosed and treated at last

Better sign in as well!

I was diagnosed when DS2 was a couple of months old. To begin with I'd put my tiredness down to having a toddler and a new baby, but it got to the point where I was ringing DH up at midday crying because I was too exhausted to get off of the sofa. I put a stone/half on in two months as well (haven't managed to lose it yet, but didn't really put much effort in - I knew I'd be having another baby) I'm currently on 175mg, and I'm still having 6 mthly blood tests even after almost 6 years of being diagnosed. I feel a thousand times better than I did before though.

can't resist moaning and adding here that since yesterday I have had a sore throat and have today gone deaf in right ear, feel snotty and was unable to get off the sofa this afternoon, fell asleep, thank god DH was home -here comes yet another bug....

Can't wait to start the medication!