Ask Me Help Desk - I am having thyroid problems

It all started approximately 8 months ago that I started losing a lot of weight (which I really liked), having small tremors on my hands, and having "hot flashes". I though that it was that I was going through the pre-menopause and went to see my General Physician. He thought that I had hyperthyroid and sent me to do some lab work. Well, he was correct and I was very hyperthryroid, not pre-menopause and referred me to an endocrinologist. This endo did more lab work and cautioned me about not taking care of my health and that I should have gone to see him earlier. He sent me to get a radiation iodine treatment to reverse the hyperthyroid. I was told that the effect would take 2-3 months for it to start working.
Just a little over a month ago, I started feeling very fatigued, having bruises on my body, very dry skin, and noticed that even though I have not changed my eating habits, I was gaining weight around my waist. Didn't pay too much attention to is until I got an urgent call from my endo, (after some lab work) and he told me that my thyroid was Zero almost totally stopped and that I needed to change my medications ASAP.
Well, I did, now I am on a thyroid medicine one a day, started feeling less tired, but still have the weight around the waist, cramps on my legs, bad circulation, dry skin, etc. I started this news medication 30 days ago.
Does anyone out there know if I will be able to lose this weight (this really concerns me) and if I will go back to normal. My endo told me that it takes time, (how long?)
Very frustrating...
Thanks for any information you can provide.

To help you best we need to know the name of the med and the amount you are taking. Different meds have different side effects.

It is always best to know what meds and the dosage prior to giving any medical advice.

The medication that the endo has put me in is Synthroid 100 mcg once a day on an empty stomach. Hope thi sinformation helps.

Are you having frequent blood monitoring on the Synthroid?

Every 6 weeks I am supposed to get bloodwork done. Why?

So you are having the bloodwork done? Is it coming back okay?

One of the side effects of the Synthroid is weight loss, so that may take some time. How long? Well that is individual for every

To answer your question "will I ever go back to normal," if you mean will you ever be back to the way you used to be, the answer is no. Unfortunately you will be on medication the rest of your life.

When you take your med it is imperative that you take it on an empty stomach as your doctor has advised. For instance, my sister sets an alarm clock and takes her Synthroid at 2 am so as to insure an empty stomach.

Yes, it may take time for the med to work, longer than 30 days.

Your concerns should be brought to the attention of your endo as only he knows your history completely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrhall41

It all started approximately 8 months ago that I started losing a lot of weight (which I really liked), having small tremors on my hands, and having "hot flashes". I though that it was that I was going through the pre-menopause and went to see my General Physician. He thought that I had hyperthyroid and sent me to do some lab work. Well, he was correct and I was very hyperthryroid, not pre-menopause and referred me to an endocrinologist. This endo did more lab work and cautioned me about not taking care of my health and that I should have gone to see him earlier. He sent me to get a radiation iodine treatment to reverse the hyperthyroid. I was told that the effect would take 2-3 months for it to start working.
Just a little over a month ago, I started feeling very fatigued, having bruises on my body, very dry skin, and noticed that even though I have not changed my eating habits, I was gaining weight around my waist. Didnt pay too much attention to is until I got an urgent call from my endo, (after some lab work) and he told me that my thyroid was Zero almost totally stopped and that I needed to change my medications ASAP.
Well, I did, now I am on a thyroid medicine one a day, started feeling less tired, but still have the weight around the waist, cramps on my legs, bad circulation, dry skin, etc. I started this news medication 30 days ago.
Does anyone out there know if I will be able to lose this weight (this really concerns me) and if I will go back to normal. My endo told me that it takes time, (how long?)
Very frustrating....
Thanks for any information you can provide.

It can take months to get your medication dose right.I started my meds in January,and finally feel better than I've felt in years.You may need a higher dose,but your doctor needs to order another profile of your current status of your thyroid.When you find out the results he will know what direction to send you.

Yes, I make a point of taking it between 5:30 and 6:00 am, and do not eat/drink anything for an hour. I had my last bloodwork done 1 1/2 weeks ago, and have not heard from the endo, so I guess the levels are going up... slowly... I have another set of bloodwork to be done in 4 1/2 weeks. I just want to be, not skinny, skinny, but not bloated with bags under my eyes and "puffy" hands. I wouldn'ty mind lsoing a few pounds and I am watching my diet, so I guess is just a matter of time.
Thanks for your responses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrhall41

Yes, I make a point of taking it between 5:30 and and 6:00 am, and do not eat/drink anything for an hour. I had my last bloodwork done 1 1/2 weeks ago, and have not heard from the endo, so I guess the levels are going up....slowly....I have another set of bloodwork to be done in 4 1/2 weeks. I just want to be, not skinny, skinny, but not bloated with bags under my eyes and "puffy" hands. I wouldn'ty mind lsoing a few pounds and I am watching my diet, so I guess is just a matter of time.
Thanks for your responses.

You may need to try another medicine.I don't take synthyoid-I take natural thyroid
I've read where quite a few people on here has had side effects with the medicine you are on.

What kind of side effects are you referring to? Because I feel like a totally different person with a different body and would like to kow what to expect as far as a timeframe and symptoms.
Thanks.

There are many side effects with Synthroid, just as there are with any medication. If you are not experiencing any by now, chances are you won't. Timeframe (therapeutic response) is approximately 2-4 weeks if taken PO (orally).

You do know to avoid any OTC meds that contain iodine, and avoid iodine containing foods, iodized salt, soybeans, tofu, turnips, high-iodine seafood and some breads.