O/T Thyroid expectations

Ccassaday - I had lab work done in October and the results came back with hypothyroid. It's taken me 3 months to get an appointment with an endocrinologist. I specifically wanted the practice that I am going to because they also do biopsy if required and also treat bone density issues. My first appointment is this Wednesday and I've done quite a bit of online research. From what I understand, they don't take out the thyroid with surgery unless cancer is involved or some huge goiter. Usually the medication fixes it and frankly I can't wait for mine (lol). Mayo Clinic online had interesting information.

check out the health and wellness forum, lots of info on thyroid there.

also, go to the website, stopthethyroidmadness.com. LOTS of info

I have was dx'd with hypothyroidism around 1995. So my is underactive as opposed to your possible overactive. However, I worked in the medical field for almost 20 years discussing lab results with our patients so I feel that I can answer your question. You will be put on a thyroid med if it is determined that you fall in the abnormal range. It will take about 6 wks for the meds to kick in. In 3 mos you will be sent for bloodwork to make sure that your level is stabilized on the dosage that was prescribed. Surgery only occurs when thyroid cancer is involved. Then it is oblated. Some family docs will refer their patients to an endocrine to maintain your thyroid treatment. However, your family doc can also treat your thyroid disease. I wish you much luck. You will see a world of difference once the medication starts working. BTW Synthroid is the brand name. There are many generics but some endocrine specialists prefer that patients take the brand name. Not all insurances cover brand name or may charge a higher co-pay.

I cant imagine having to take another 6 weeks off of work. Someone of the fatiguemay be also from my sugar.I understand predisone like it does with sugar can cause thyroid issues. I have never felt this way before and all I want to do is cry. I want to feel better.Thanks for all of you for responding.

One other thing can the thyroid cause your legs and feet to swell. I have normal blood pressure.And if so will medicine take care of that.

On 1/19/2014 ccassaday said:

One other thing can the thyroid cause your legs and feet to swell. I have normal blood pressure.And if so will medicine take care of that.

This link is from Wiki. It explains in detail the symptoms and treatments of Hyperthyroidism. It's a little complex. If you have questions about specifics, post back and I will try to answer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthyroidism

On 1/19/2014 ccassaday said:

I cant imagine having to take another 6 weeks off of work. Someone of the fatiguemay be also from my sugar.I understand predisone like it does with sugar can cause thyroid issues. I have never felt this way before and all I want to do is cry. I want to feel better.Thanks for all of you for responding.

I understand how you feel. Before I was diagnosed I could barely stay awake at work. It was an awful feeling. Thyroid disease is hereditary and is not caused by life style. You will get better but it will take some time. Wishing you well.

On 1/19/2014 ccassaday said:

One other thing can the thyroid cause your legs and feet to swell. I have normal blood pressure.And if so will medicine take care of that.

I don't believe that it can cause swelling. At least not to my knowledge.

I was given Synthroid several months ago. It caused heart palpitations. Next time she did blood work, it came back borderline & she left it to me if I wanted Synthroid. I took it. I never noticed any notable difference back then or now. I experience palpitations when I took the smallest gram, so now I just cut it in half and take half every day and notice nothing.