Doc says, "You're crazy!" so I ask him for a second opinion... (Seriously, thyroid UPDATE)

[Bossy Monkey]

Went to my doctor's appointment today. Here's the story to date: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=9030508&mesg_id=9030508 In a nutshell, I went to the emergency room late Friday early Saturday feeling like I was dying from what I thought was blood sugar issues. Turned out to be hypothyroid. Since then, I undid all the stupid stuff I'd been doing (resumed salting my food after a decades long hiatus, resumed taking my multivitamins after a several day hiatus, quit the goitrogens I'd been eating like candy) and underwent a miracle cure. Felt perfectly fine today, but went to the appointment anyway. We just did labs and he warned me that I might be taking thyroid medications the rest of my life. I prevailed on him to hold off prescribing anything for a few weeks to see if my iodine-increasing moves improve(d) the situation, as I expect they have or will. He was also concerned about my high white blood cell count; I'll be interested to find out if that could have anything to do with living with a cat to whom I'm allergic. We'll see.

So thanks everybody for your very powerful vibes. I'll be hearing back next week, by phone if it's bad news, by mail if good. Cross all fingers and toes.

..."Ok, you're ugly, too!" he says. (Cue rimshot.)

[Callalily]

1. I'm a little concerned for you.

I too have a hypothyroid condition and have been taking synthroid for years.

Please be aware that it is quite rare to be iodine deficient, so maybe your self diagnosis is incorrect . . . or your efforts may be unwarranted for this condition.

Remember that your thyroid is your body's "regulator". If it is not working properly, all functions, all organs are affected.

Take care.

:hug:

[Bossy Monkey]

3. As I said before, I'll certainly do what he tells me to do

but as I've been losing weight for 21 months rather than gaining, it would be pretty surprising to find that I've been hypothyroid for particularly long. Fits better with a long-term electrolyte imbalance (which one could get by not salting his food over the same period) or diabetes (for which I have a family history and some symptoms, but so far no clinical signs). My appetite came back with a roar when I restored the iodine supply. Also, I can eat fruit again; I hadn't been able to do so without immediately having to run to the bathroom all summer. Could that be electrolytes? Don't know, but whatever it is I'm healing from, I appear to be healing from it. Now I just have to try not to over-compensate; moderation, obviously, isn't my best thing.

Regardless, thanks for the information, and for vibes (twice).

[kimmerspixelated]

2. I recently read that regular iodine is not the best.

I don't have a link, but a specific type of iodine is needed as the best kind to treat the thyroid. Do some research, good luck!

[Bossy Monkey]

4. I read that kelp extract, or protein-bound iodine supplements, are best

but if iodized salt will make me better, I'm willing to take that port in the storm. I'll certainly talk to the doctor about it, or a nutritionist or dietitian if I can. And I'll try to eat more shrimp or other seafood. (Link: http://www.qfac.com/articles/august/iodine.html)

[Madrone]

5. Hashimoto's disease could have you swing from hypER to hypO.

Hyper will make you lose weight a nd could affect your digestion ie: the fruit. It's very typical for Hashimoto's to kick your thyroid into high gear, eventually going hypo and staying there.

Good luck! I'm having so many issues I don't know which way is up anymore. I missed a couple of days of work this week and went to the doctor today with a referral to an ophthalmologist today due to some random eye issues that began on Tuesday. It feels like my eyeballs are full of sand and there's ice picks sticking out of them. Additionally, I am extremely light sensitive and get worse and more sick to my stomach the longer I'm exposed to light. Ophthalmologist said today I have severe dry eye with inflammation on the insides of my eyelids and behind my eyes - almost certainly a result of my myriad of thyroid related issues. I have to put steroid drops in my eyes 4x per day now, and use the artificial tears damned near continuously.

First endocrinologist appt on Thursday. I'm about to pitch a tent on the sidewalk outside their office! lol I can't WAIT, I'm so over this bullshit.

I hope you don't have any chronic issues, but if you do indeed have thyroid problems I'm really happy that you'll be able to get a handle on it before your life becomes adversely affected. Hang in there!

[Bossy Monkey]

9. Hope it's just the electrolytes. Best wishes to you, and I certainly hope

you can get to the root of your problems soonest. I'm sure you know all about Sjogren's http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sjogrens-syndrome/DS00147 If you also have dry mouth, that might be an answer.

Best of luck with the endocrinologist. Waiting for appointments sucks, doesn't it?

[Chan790]

12. My mother has it...a severe case.

that's not the only thing that swings. Because the thyroid affects every system, organ and gland...we see personality and temperament changes as well in her occasionally if she forgets to take a pill. Depression, memory issues, sugar and salt craving, irrational anger is rarer but sometimes. That's to say nothing of the kidney issues, various stones she's developed, the need to pee every 15 minutes and the strange cravings.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. just checking in to wish you all the best. I have hypothyroid and have

been on synthroid for years now. My dosage was upped just a few weeks ago. I knew last year that I was not feeling right but it did not show up in my bloodwork until this year. x(

anyway to all of us here with thyroid issues :grouphug:

[Bossy Monkey]

10. Yes definitely, group hug to all here with thyroid issues

:grouphug:
And thanks for the best wishes.

[NNadir]

7. What a coincidence. My kids and I watched Caddyshack tonight.

I hope you feel better.

[Bossy Monkey]

8. Does Rodney use that joke? I've never actually seen Caddyshack.

Sheltered life, I know.:)

[NNadir]

13. In that movie, he is only moderately self deprecating. Mostly he insults his

antagonists.

It's a nice light diversion movie.

[where my Peeps at]

11. You can get natural iodine by consuming sea veggies

kelp, dulse, etc. I think it's good to do some leg work of your own to see if there are other ways of dealing with this, before heavy-duty drugs, surgery, etc. I know someone who had her thyroid REMOVED!:( WTF?! They act like the thyroid is optional in the body or something...