Underactive Thyroid.

[IMightCry]

Hello, I am in my early 30s and a week ago I was told that I have underactive thyroid. My mother has it so I always knew there was a chance but I did not think for one minute, it would be this early on.

I don't understand much about it yet but know its when things start slowing down. My body has been aching for about 4 weeks and my hands also hurting/numbness in my fingers (also pins and needles) I have been feeling extremely tired- but this could also be because of my work and how strenuous it is.

I am on lethyroxine now and I was talking to a friend earlier who said there will be good days & bad days. We couldn't go into depth that's why I'm posting on here. I don't understand. When will I get bad days? Will they be so bad that I can't do my strenuous job?

If anyone can offer any advice. It'd be gratefully received.
Thank you.

You have to ask your GP for the application form (I suspect to reduce fraud). It's really easy.

They give you the form, you fill out your parts then give it back to them and they fill out their part to confirm you're eligible then they send it off. Not long after an exemption card arrives in the post.

Has to be renewed every 5 years, but it's the exact same process each time.

More info here:

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/exemption-certificates/medical-exemption-certificates

Can I just check, people saying to get a copy of results each time.
Is that after each blood test? Or is there a different test once you are diagnosed?

Thyroid disease is treated abysmally in this country and those that appear to do well have no idea just how terrible it is and the suffering that thousands of people go through.

OP you will likely be fine but do some real reading up of your condition, just in case you ever need to advocate for yourself. You cannot glide by on vitamins, you will need at a bare minimum Iron, Selenium, B complex, Magnesium and Vitamin D in decent doses.

After each blood test

Thank you everyone for your advice. I intend to do some reading tonight.

@Ilovefluffysheep Thank you for sharing your story and letting me know about Thyroid UK. I will have a look on there.

I was at the doctors today for a smear so I asked about the exemption form and I filled it out there and then.

This is all so overwhelming for me. Do I need to change my diet?
I want this aching to go so much.

You don't need to deal with all of this at once. It's a lifelong diagnosis and that on its own can take a little processing time - emotionally that "lifelong" label feels significant even though it's usually an easily managed condition.

Personally on your question about diet changes, I'd be inclined to say wait 4 weeks. Because if you start meddling with everything all at once it's harder to work out which of those things is having a useful effect and which isn't. Whereas if you make gradual changes you can identify the cause and effect.

But really it's a question for your GP and a dietician. Especially if you're considering significant changes.

Be careful about timing of taking the levothyroxine and any supplements or other meds. It's a bit delicate, so needs a min 4 hour gap before/after indigestion remedies and some other meds.

I know a pp mentioned it needs taking first thing on an empty stomach with a 30 minute wait before caffeine (or ideally any food/drink tbh).

Keeping it by your alarm clock or something so you get into the habit of taking it first thing might be easiest if you're not used to having to take regular medication, but I'm sure you'll find a routine that works for you.

@CatherineOfAragonsPomegranate

Thyroid disease is treated abysmally in this country and those that appear to do well have no idea just how terrible it is and the suffering that thousands of people go through.

OP you will likely be fine but do some real reading up of your condition, just in case you ever need to advocate for yourself. You cannot glide by on vitamins, you will need at a bare minimum Iron, Selenium, B complex, Magnesium and Vitamin D in decent doses.

So true. I had no idea until I came up against it myself. The level of knowledge/understanding doctors have of thyroid conditions is shocking.

About ten years ago I felt really poorly, tired with weight gain. An amazing locum gp did all the blood tests and I was diagnosed with a severely underactive thyroid. Have been taking levothyroxine regularly since, and have an annual blood test to check the levels. I lost loads of weight really easily and at 67 am fit enough to lead an active life. Honestly read up about it to make yourself as well informed as you can be, take the levothyroxine and you'll be fine. It's a condition that is stable and well managed with the right amount of medication. Don't worry.

@Ilovefluffysheep

It's scary to be honest.