Thyroid Gland

[ripon1756]

Hi I live in Sunderland. I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid gland almost 50 years ago. Eventually something went wrong and after being given steroids for a short while, I was given the radioactive isotope which resulted in me becoming underactive. Fast forward 10 years and I was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis, an agonising and debilitating illness, caused by the steroids I was given for my overactive thyroid gland. As a result of this I had to have both my hip bones replaced in 1997 and 1998 respectively. Although both hip bone replacements were a success, I had 2 very nasty flare-ups and now walk with a cane.

After my first hip bone replacement, I was diagnosed with DVT in that leg and have since learned that anyone with underlying blood clotting disorders should never be prescribed steroids. I am, therefore, campaigning that anyone prescribed steroids should be tested as to their suitability. Has anyone had similar experiences?

[shaws Administrator]

I'm sorry you haven't had a response to your post but I see that 3 have liked it.

I had never heard of this condition with the use of steroids and I do know someone who does take them to control pain, so I will definitely mention it when an opening arises in a conversation.

Are you on a proper dose of thyroid hormone, i.e. is your TSH 1 or lower and are your Free T4 and Free T3's at an optimum ie towards the upper end of the range. Also ask for a Full Thyroid Function Test which will include these and at the same time ask for a Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate and get a print-out of the results with the ranges and post on a new question.

If you get a new blood test it should be at the very earliest and fast also although you can drink water.

Also allow 24 hours gap between your last dose of levothyroxine (I assume you are on levo) and the blood test and take it afterwards.

This allows the TSH to be at its highest and may prevent doctors adjusting doses to keep it anywhere within the range.

[ripon1756 in reply to shaws]

Hi Shaw,

Thank you for your reply. I will try to get my thyroid checked out further although, to be honest, I have had no real problems or issues with my thyroid apart from feeling tired (mostly in evening near bedtime). I have been making several adjustments to my lifestyle, i.e. eliminating quite a lot of sugar and cutting down on starchy foods, etc. and wheat as I want to get rid of as much cholesterol as I can especially around my stomach even though I am basically slim everywhere else as I don't want anymore Avascular Necrosis flare-ups. Please look it up as you will find it very interesting.

[shaws Administrator in reply to ripon1756]

I will do so and I do hope you will get a thyroid check too as I remained undiagnosed with clear symptoms for such a long time although I carried on without realising I had a problem. Usually doctors only do TSH and T4 but TSH, T4, T3, Free T4 and Free T3 look at a bigger picture. I will now look up your condition.

[shaws Administrator in reply to ripon1756]

I have just looked the condition up and it is very serious. I have never heard of it previously. I do hope doctors are able to halt your condition and improve it.

[ripon1756]

Thank you Shaws. We are doing our hardest to make everyone aware of Avascular Necrosis including many doctors who seem unaware of its devastating effects on people's lives.

Therefore, I would appreciate it if you could spread awareness among your friends.