Feelings and an underactive thyroid. - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

137,765 members161,555 posts

Feelings and an underactive thyroid.

HellyLlewelly profile image
63 Replies

Hi Ladies,

Im interested to hear how ladies felt with their underactive thyroid. Can you remember how you felt before you got treated?

This is me;

Right now its a real struggle to get out of bed in the mornings. I almost feel like a weighted blanket is holding me down. I have 0 hope for the day ahead.

I also noticed my nail clipper was working over time as Ive been trimming off broken nails and rag nails and can get no length into my nails at all.

Today Ive had a pulsing type headache in my temples, like a blood pressure type headache.

The worst so far has been a couple of months of feeling I have slipped into a severe depression. No matter what I try its feelings of resentment, feeling Im struggling mostly alone, feeling loved ones are not giving our situation much help here. People dont ask me how I am enough given that Ive been through a major surgery.

I wish I could switch off and not give a second thought to people.

Have any of you ladies went underactive post Hysterectomy? Im just wondering is there any link to me going underactive after Ive lost my ovaries etc?

I may only be showing as underactive now Ive been tested but Im convinced Ive been underactive a good few months. Ive no Mojo no sex drive no interest in anything.

Im a very young hearted 39 year old.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Helly.

Written by
HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
63 Replies
Aurealis profile image
Aurealis

Hi HellyLlewelly, I remember feeling exhausted, needing a nap before anything remotely taxing, having difficulty thinking, only being able to write very slowly and not being able to think what to write. Difficulty thinking, stiff neck, cracking joints in knees and ankles...

Wish you a speedy recovery .. I’m well now :)

in reply to Aurealis

Exactly! Really horrible. I sometimes used to sit for what felt like hours not having the energy to even read a novel, just waiting to get tired enough to go to bed. It was so very boring! It still takes ages to type anything - my fingers just won't go where they should. Or concentration is too poor to think what to type

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to

My concentration is really suffering Im forgetful and cant seem to find the words when explaining myself

Thank you x

Aurealis profile image
Aurealis in reply to

Yes, I remember sitting down and suddenly realising that several hours had passed by and I’d done nothing. As if time had sped up. The opposite of boredom really.

in reply to Aurealis

Time seems to speed up because our thought processes slow down. But I still found it boring not being able to do anything! I couldn't rest, and didn't even have the mental energy to ponder anything much or lose myself in a daydream.

Thankfully it didn't happen all the time, and now seldom or never

Aurealis profile image
Aurealis in reply to

Yes I agree it’s our thinking slowed down. Think I felt relaxed for the first time in my life. :) zzzz

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Aurealis

Ive actually felt the same lately and thought the new pregabalin was responsible its like If I dont set a timer or clock watch hours could pass and I can lose track of getting my son off his bus!

Ive actually mentally noted how the hours are flying!

X

Helly.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Aurealis

Thank you so much its great to hear you are recovered!

Helly

in reply to HellyLlewelly

Getting there, slowly xx

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to

Yes, and Im sure its something to watch, your mood and energy levels etc as maybe a top up of thyroxine is needed. My Mums eyes look very tried when she needs more thyroxine.

Look after yourself and tuank you

X

Helly.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Hi very young hearted 39 year old

First of all we need optimum thyroid hormones to enable our body to work effectively and efficiently. If we have too little, our body, brain and heart and everything else doesn't perform optimally.

Not one person in this world who has not had hypothyroid can possibly understand the myriad of symptoms it can produce.

Tick off the symptoms you have and you will probably surprise yourself:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Members who've had a hysterectomy will also respond and I believe a number of hysterecomies may have been due to hypothyroidism but doctors and endocrinologists no longer appear to have been trained in clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism, two being depression and menstrual problems.

There's no going back but you can get your health back by asking questions and also learning by reading posts.

Some hints to get the best out of your blood tests and your doctor may not do all of the ones needed, but you can get them privately through one of our recommended private labs who do home pin-prick tests. If you do decide, make sure you are well hydrated a couple of days before and arms/hands are warm.

All blood tests have to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards. This gives a better reading as TSH drops throughout the day and doctors only seem to take that into account, even though it is from the Pituitary Gland and not the thyroid gland.

You need TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. GP should definitly test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. Everything has to be optimal.

Your aim is a:-

TSH of 1 or lower

Free T4 and Free T3 in the upper part of the ranges.

All vitamins/minerals towards optimum.

Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges for your own records and post if you have a query.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to shaws

Thanks so much for a really thorough and informative reply.

I will do all that you mention. Thank you for the useful links too.

Im doing much reading uo on this condition and seem to be a shoe in for it seeing as my Mum and sister have both been Hashimotos.

Thank you

Helly.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to HellyLlewelly

It can run in families and if we have one autoimmune condition we can develop more. I have three so far and don't want any more :)

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to shaws

Bless you how do you manage?

What else do you have?

Thanks for all your imput!

Helly.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to HellyLlewelly

I'm fortunate in that Pernicious Anaemia was diagnosed very early and I've never had symiptoms. My mother also had P.A.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to shaws

My Mother had P.A too and all of these things happened to her (Hashimotos) post labour with me so almost 40 years ago!

I dunno but we all assumed she had two babies too close and her body went into a tailspin.

She also got Ulcerative Colitis...

What a deal she got when I was born 🙈

Thank you.

Helly.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to HellyLlewelly

I don't think it was your fault :) that your Mum got P.A. In fact many women who've recently had a baby can get develop hashimoto's.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to shaws

I also have tinnitus and pins and needles in my fingers off the list, these stand out as most significant. Im plagued with right sided mouth ulcers often too.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to HellyLlewelly

I am sure you can tick off quite a number of symptoms.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

You have to request a new blood test following the guidelines above.

You need TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.

TSH should be around 1 or lower, FT4 and FT3 towards the upper part of the ranges.

Mistydeb01 profile image
Mistydeb01 in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hi, with regards to the mouth ulcers, I can sympathise with that. Have a look at Lichen Planus, I was diagnosed with this autoimmune disease quite a few years ago. When it’s bad it can be quite painful especially when the lesions are present. I was diagnosed through the dental hospital who took a biopsy from my cheek and they gave me some really good cream for the ulcers. Fortunately, I don’t suffer all the time with it, these days I probably only get an attack once or twice a year.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Mistydeb01

I looked that up, it sounds horrendously painful Im so sorry you get bouts of this. On reading this I guess Ive just got some nasty reoccuring ulcers. They are the baun of my life and Im actually wondering is it bloody tongue endometriosis as I suffer with endometriosis.

Its a hilarious thought but its always bloody followed a cycle and even though Ive had a hysterectomy in March my body still has some cyclical thibgs its hanging in to lol.

Thank you

Good luck!

Helly.

Peanut31 profile image
Peanut31

Hi

Yes those feelings are completely normal with thyroid issues.

You can’t get excited about anything, you are basically existing not living, everyday is a struggle.

I promise you, once you get on the right medication it will improve.

My thyroid journey started when I was 39 years old (I’m now 40) but looking back I’ve had it for years and not realised.

A few words of advice:

You need to be patience with this thyroid journey.

Don’t expect your GP or Endocrinologist to always know best and do the best for you, they are restricted by NHS guidelines. One treatment offered doesn’t suit all of us.

Research as much as you can and be prepared to take control of your own health. This may mean arranging blood tests privately and self medicating.

Don’t let your GP put the fear of god into you if you self medicate. It’s your life, your health.

Best Wishes

Peanut31

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Peanut31

Thanks Peanut thats great advice.

Im fighting a fog daily and literally couldn't feel the cognitive process happening to anchor myself out of a warm bath yesterday, I felt like a flopped fish, laying there with my mouth opening...

I eventually got out and had no energy to put on make up or dry my hair.

Thank you.

Helly.

Peanut31 profile image
Peanut31 in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hi

Your welcome.

Remember we have all experienced the same, hence why this forum is so popular.

If your mum and sister have Hashimoto’s then it will not be a surprise that you have it too.

I couldn’t remember if you said this has been confirmed or not (Hashimoto’s)?

I can relate to the bath thing and hair and makeup and brain fog.

You almost have to give yourself step by step instructions to function, eg, “right get out the bath, then dry yourself” I did a lot of that as it was such a struggle.

I would be frustrated, angry and lifeless. However, you will improve, but you must listen to your body and take your own health in your own hands.

I wasted too much time listening to the experts and not improving.

No reply necessary.

Best wishes

Peanut31

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Peanut31

I think Ive read enough posts on the forum to see that women seem to self supplement, I have not got a diagnosis yet as my Dr is going by the book and is having blood drawn a month after my 1st blood was drawn. Initially my TSH has shown at 4.42 and he used a range that began at 4.6 (I didnt catch the 2nd number) so in his words I dont think he thought my 4.42 was significant? Well, it bloody feels significant! Plus Im constantly with right sided mouth ulcers and wondering if there is a link.

This life is no life and Im bloody echausted all the time.

Waiting a month so happy Christmas it is for me with 0 energies!

Boo hoo

Boo hoo

Boo hoo

Lol.

Helly

Peanut31 profile image
Peanut31 in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hi

Your GP will probably not take action until your TSH reaches 10 or above this is what the standard NHS Procedure is.

He may just say to keep coming back for more thyroid blood tests every few months, waiting for that magic number 10. By this time you will probably be a walking zombie.

I speak from my own experiences as do many on here.

When I saw a private Endocrinologist mine was 6 something and he refuse to put me on Levothyroxine.

I thought that as I was seeing a Endocrinologist he would help. I soon discovered he was as much use as a chocolate fire guard.

This is when I turned to this forum and started researching. Yes, I struggled to take everything in at once but, I made notes and read the same pages over and over again. Taking screen shots of replies from the experienced members so I was armed with information.

It wasn’t until my TSH reached 12.2, I went to my GP and was started on Levothyroxine straight away after blood tests.

I note that you say you are just within the lab ranges when it comes to your TSH figure, maybe if he’s a sympathetic GP he will start you on thyroid medication before it reaches 10.

However, please note that a TSH of 4, even if it’s within the lab ranges doesn’t mean we feel well, your thyroid is struggling.

It’s how we feel, which unfortunately, doesn’t seem to mean much anymore.

Maybe you can be polite, but, firm that you wish to start on Levothyroxine?

For thyroid patients to feel well our TSH needs to be 1 or below and our T3 & T4 in the higher figure of the lab ranges.

I suspect as with most GP’s yours is only obsessed with your TSH and your T3 & T4 hasn’t been tested.

I’ve learnt that T3 is very important, it controls everything.

If you want a higher TSH reading in order to get you on thyroid medication, it’s advised you book a blood test before 9am in the morning, The earlier the better, I do mine at 8am. Tell the surgery you can only do early in the morning due to work commitments.

Don’t eat and only drink water beforehand.

Why? Well your TSH is always higher first thing in the morning and enables us thyroid patients not to have to fight with our GP’s over an increase in our Levothyroxine or to start treatment.

This is a tip we pass onto each other here, and, we ask not to be disclosed this to your GP/Endocrinologist or nurse.

Lastly, please make sure you obtain copies of your blood results, get a print out. Don’t be fobbed off by your GP or receptionist. You are legally entitled to them by law.

I think there’s a lot of information for you to digest.

Speak soon

Take care

Peanut31

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Peanut31

Oh I could kiss you peanut 😉

Thank you so much!

I wont pass that on to the medical folk and I will do this 100% for my next test having fasted and only drank water.

Im assuming it was T4 at 11 and he gave a range of 12-22 as I had asked him for T3 but it wasnt tesred so belueve he quoated me over the phone my T4 at 11.

What are these "other factors" they are saying can affect our thyroid levels?

Last time my blood was drawn after 4pm I know for sure as my son was out of school and my hubby brought us both. I always get the latest appointment. So my tsc was 4.42 after 430pm and my T4 was 11 if this means anything.

Ive been struggling so much I think I can convince him to treat me, even if its at my own insistence, hes a very good family Dr and knows I have a disabled son to raise.

Thanks so much.

Helly.

Tina_Maria profile image
Tina_Maria in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hi there, well if your T4 was 11 and the range is 12-22 you should definitely being treated! Never mind the TSH and no wonder that you are feeling so low.

I know that they probably won't consider treatment, however I believe that there is a statement somewhere, that if the patient has severe symptoms, a course of levothyroxine should be given to see if that will help. There is a caveat though, if they start you on 25 mcg that even might be too little and you may not feel much different, but it will probably mean that you need more, so I would say that you feel a little better so they will consider raising the levels to 50mcg, which should start to make a difference to you. In theory, if you are not over 50 years and have no history of heart disease they should start on 50 mcg, but they probably won't.

I had severe brain fog, feeling cold all the time and my concentration was completely shot - not a good thing when you are trying to make a living as a scientist! :-) But once I was on the correct medication, all symptoms improved and I felt like a different person, who could think clearly again.

Don't give up, fight for it (I know that it is not easy if you are not feeling well but try) and bang on about it with your GP, unless they start treatment. Also, head the advice regarding blood tests and fasting and you will have a better chance to get your point across!

We've all been there, it seems like a struggle, but it is worth it - so good luck, you can do it! All the best!

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Tina_Maria

Thanks so much Tina Maria.

Im going to try pushing for my bloods on thursday morning.

I really need this reading to be high to get treatment asap..I couldn't get up today my body physically weighted down and the sadness over me, I kept my son off nursery so I wasnt rushing to put him on amd off the bus and get myself ready.

Im really struggling..

Thank you.

Helly.

Essexlil profile image
Essexlil

Hi, I do think autoimmune disease in women can be hormone related. I started with Sjögren's syndrome after my hysterectomy, although I have my ovaries I did go through a mini-menopause.

I think my thyroid has been struggling for many years but not showing up on blood tests which were done once a year for Sjogrens until a couple of years ago. Mysterious symptoms which I'd had for many years cleared up as soon as I was given levothyroxine, i.e. Food intolerance which attacked about once every couple of months. I don't think it was food intolerence now, but reactions in my gut because of untreated thyroid inbalance.

I'm only on 50mcg and blood tests show fine, but I feel very stressed most of the time, sometimes overwhelmed and depressed, and my weight is gradually going up.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Essexlil

I can completely get that you took a mini menopause anyway lots of women say this happens regardless as the ovaries can go into shock when the mothership gets removed.

Bless you.

Ive no idea what Sjorens is, I must look it up.

Can you not insist that you could push for a higher dose of L/thyroxine if you feel so stalled, your GP can surely understand you wanting to push past this blip.

Many women also find a low dose antidepressant can take the edge off menopause symptoms, Im on Fluoxetine as it has the added benefits of preventing sweats And headaches which Im prone to.

Some women on the Hysterectomy support group can grt by on just the Fluoxetine without hrt, sadly thats not me.

What about add back hrt if you feel your ovaries have been a bit abused? Do you know you can get a hrt patch from 25mcg upwards?

Good luck.

Helly.

JoeNa profile image
JoeNa

Hi Helly,

Only yesterday, I was thinking about the past year & what a change I have been through. This time last year, I sat & sobbed my heart out to my husband & told him that I doubted I would even make it to next Christmas. I was depressed (tearful about everything) , bone-achingly tired & it felt like all my joints were swollen & painful. I’d also gained about 3stone in weight in about a year.

I finally realised (thanks Dr Google & this forum) that all my symptoms could have been down to hypothyroidism & basically said this to my GP. I’ve now found a sympathetic GP, am correctly medicated & feel like a new person!

I’ve given up gluten (though I’m not 100% strict) and I’ve tried reflexology- which, if nothing else, helps me relax for an hour or so.

Please don’t give up, or dispair too much (easier said than done!) This forum is amazing & has done so much to help me this past 12 months.

Good luck, eyes front, keep going - you will feel better. X

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to JoeNa

JoeNa thank you.

I have been dreading the 40th birthday upcoming, getting pictures of myself out previous to last year and really hating that Ive lost myself so badly. Exercise has went to s$it post hysterectomy post bowel shave and now Im underactive T.

Its just been a whammy. As someone always achieving their goals and into fitness etc its just hit me hard. I feel old and like Ive lost it. Frumpy and past it. Looking S$it for 40 and not Fit for 40.

As my mojo has left me I cannot bring myself this side of the year to do diey changes, I do like a mince pie at Christmas 😉...

I will try and push this thyroid issue through and get the me I know and RESPECT back in 2019.

I fully undertake both diet and exercise in the past this has never been an issue for me until now.

I was thinking the whole time the hysterectomy had floored me, more than likely a combination of both.

Lots of hugs

Chins are up 😉 eyes are forward if a little impaired by my chubby cheeks!

Xx

Helly.

fiftyone profile image
fiftyone

I was in my late 30's when I started to feel very, very tired, exhausted after doing the simplest task and then started getting headaches, my vision was strange, felt as though I was looking at life behind a glass wall. I was given a brain scan and lots of tests - all except thyroid - It took four years before a locum did a thyroid test and found I was hypo. Now, I am 74 and when I am not on enough levo, even by a tiny bit, my sleep is disturbed, I nod off during the day, I experience pulsatile tinnitus, tired, can't be bothered.

eeng profile image
eeng

All these symptoms are common in people with hypothyroidism, plus a lot more. There's a list somewhere on this forum and you can probably relate to a lot more of them too. It's not surprising that you experienced an increase in symptoms post-surgery. Many people with hypothyroidism become low or deficient in Vitanin D, B12, Folate, and Ferritin (stored iron) and major surgery will have lowered your levels of Ferritin and probably B12 (due to the anaesthetic). Get your doctor to do a new set of tests including these nutrients (we need really healthy levels of these to make your thyroid hormones work properly). Post the results here and people will comment. There is hope!

DippyDame profile image
DippyDame

It all sounds very familiar HellyLlewelly but with the correct treatment you will improve. You have come to the right place...I can vouch for that.

Read, learn and follow members advice carefully...better than most medics who know little about the thyroid.

Shaws has given you great advice above. The truth is there is no quick fix ( think headache/painkiller) it's a long, slow, steep learning curve and needs patience and determination but worth every step and wobble along the way.

Good luck from this very young hearted 73 year old, now recovering after decades of ill health.....thanks solely to the amazing people here.

Beverleyb profile image
Beverleyb

I had hypo symptoms straight after a hysterectomy, I slept until 11 am most days , then after being awake for two hours would need another nap, I used to walk every where but my legs wouldn't move ..I felt depressed because of the many symptoms ..I had panic attacks when I went out..etc etc, didn't have a clue about hypothyroidism , I felt like this for ten years, until a doctor noticed I had a goitre, I had my thyroid removed and spent the next ten years trying to find suitable medication..I remember I felt better at 62 than I have all my life.

Binky45296 profile image
Binky45296

My first notable symptoms was at work, my legs felt like brick and was in pain with them, started falling asleep at work, then it just got worse couldn’t stay awake for more than a few hour, pain was unreal in legs, no energy to even cook, life was just one huge struggle. It’s all ok now, not completely gone but settled only to find out last week I needed HRT as well as I have hit my menopause.

Lovecake profile image
Lovecake

My hysterectomy was needed due to an unknown growth on my ovary. So it all came out. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s 5 yrs later.

But it turns out my TSH was high (5, top of then range) for several years but I was not told they had even tested. I had migraines and fatigue and other symptoms.

Hashimoto’s is in the family. I was told the migraines were due to being on HRT.

Well. I am now on T4 plus a little t3. I have taken the amazing advice from people on here and got my vitamins and minerals checked and optimised.

The biggest difference is keeping my vitD level over 80 (range 50-199). This has reduced my migraines and the severity of them.

I take vitD spray, pro biotic, b complex. And use magnesium lotion at night (most nights). And eat liver a couple of times a month.

(As advised on here, good quality vitamins and vitD is a spray)

Am dairy and soy free and (almost there) gluten free. I have found that too much corn gives me tummy ache.

Read as much as you can on here. I have to read things many times before they sink in.

I’m not 100%. But I feel I can cope with a lot more now. I even went Christmas shopping with my daughter and survived!

Don’t give up. You will feel a lot better. But it takes time. And you can still have dips. Hashimoto’s is sneaky like that.

Just rest when you need to, it’s fine, think of yourself while you build your strength again.

Take care 😊

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Lovecake

I screen shot your recommendations on the vut D spray etc. I will get this 2nd blood test done am in fasting and try and push for the thyroxine, my Dr is very very affible thank Goodnees he will sort me out Im sure of that xxx

Bible1000 profile image
Bible1000

Hi my tsh is 37.7 I feel exactly the same as you I even have trouble with my vision. Its horrible and its miserable like a hole I can't get out of.vhsving bloods done privately to c if anything has improved. I feel awful. Lonely and confused. I used to walk 4 miles a day walked 4 digs looked after my granddaughter shipped and cooked. I do nothing now my husband has to care for me. I hope things improve for you as your not alone. I've tried t4 t4&t3 ndi nothing has worked for me. I had radio active iodine what an idiot. But had graves and Hashimotoes. D x

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Bible1000

Is that TSH level not showing like you are a Zombie or something half dead? Why do you think its so high? My Dr gave mine to me as 4.42...he used a range that was 4.6 to me, suggesting I was not significantly affected and he said my T4 was 11 used range of 12-22 but as Im new to this it all means nothing to me.

Why did you have radioactive iodine it sounds scary? Like out of a Marvel Comic! Not as a treatment no?

Im just worried my Drs say my levels arnt significant yet they SIGNIFICANTLY have me fooked excuse my tongue.

He myst treat this I cant go on like this. I have to have bloods repeated in a month but Im gonna push them for 2 weeks away as Im miserable

Thank you

Helly.

Bible1000 profile image
Bible1000 in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hi thx for replying. Your right I'm absolutely knackered. I feel sick can't eat can't walk can't function. I have terminal cancer as well so these months are so important. Seen 4 NHS consultants absolutely useless said anti depressants. Saw a private thyroid doctor he was good but gave me natural thyroid which I tried for a month I was so ill and I think this was the start of the decline in my lower thyroid it was 8.4 when I saw him. Came off this he said and NHS said try thyroxin. 50 and t3 10mcg did that for 3 weeks and felt worse so again this did not help thyroid. They would not test bloods as I had them done NHS 10 days ago which showed 37.7 I have gone back to T4 75 been on it for a week now had private bloods dine today so c what tsh t3and 4 are doing. I feel sick I'll and never manage to get up for anymore than an hour it feels like I'm in prison. My poor husband. Love d x

Lovecake profile image
Lovecake in reply to Bible1000

Have you put a post on here in your own name? With all your latest test results and ranges? I’m sure someone could advise in some way that might start you on improvement to your health and well being.

Sending you a big hug and a hug for your hubby. 🤗🤗

You will get there in the end, but I know it will take a little while to sort.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to Bible1000

Oh dear Lord,

Im so so sorry to hear about your terminal cancer. I dont really know how anything I can say could possibly help you my sweet. Im a miserable witch atm with my poor husband suffering me but I need to find the light, I should be ashamed at myself the way Im feeling when you have the diagnosis you do.

This thyroid mucking with our thoughts is hard, Im sure its depressing you as you deal with such a host of nasty side effects, I cant even begin to understand how you must be feeling.

PM me if you wamt to talk more.

I will even phone you if you eould like to hear someone on the other end of the phone! -- whatever You need.

Your rest up. There cannot be expected to do much other than try and give and receive love from your family at this time.

My prayers are for you and you are in my thoughts

Xxx

Helly.

Bible1000 profile image
Bible1000 in reply to HellyLlewelly

Hi i was told once by a great friend who was going threw a terrible divorce you can only deal with your own problems and i understand how I'll and fed up you get. As I do. Thank you for your lovely words and kindness. With love d x

From the name, I suspect you are either Welsh or married to a Welshman! That right?

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to

Husband family name - We are Northern Irish but who knows the heritage eh, I must get him to investate he always thought his name was Scots?

Shows you what we know 😂

Lol.

in reply to HellyLlewelly

Llewellyn is definitely a Welsh name, lol. The "Ll" sound is apparently found in no other language on earth. If you never heard it, imagine the spit of an annoyed cat and try to produce the same sound by hissing in a short burst through the corners of your mouth with the rest of your mouth closed. Then vocalise sharply at the same time. Don't spit over everyone though!

Then try saying the place name Llangollen! :-D

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to

😂😂😂😂

Thats truly brightened up my day.

Im hissing like a half demonic cat and drooling on myself lol.

Knowing my husbands parents such straight forward meat and two veg people, I bet they never once questioned their herritage!

I believe you. Llewellyn even sounds Welsh when you say it the way a Welsh lady would! Ive always loved the comparison to Laurence Llewellyn Bowen as both my husband and I were art students and I specialise in Interiors (well I did before I got chronically ill)

We love Laurences Flair and passion! We fight something terrible about home decor and even over assembling our Christmas tree lol lol. As soon as he realises he is sous chef the better!

Helly.

in reply to HellyLlewelly

Try hissing just a little and not so hard, with tongue just touching the roof of your mouth in front - just as you do to make an ordinaly "L" sound, then make the L sound and hiss gently but sharply at the same time. Keep practising 😂😂😂

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to

I really dont think Ive Welsh blood in my...Im hopeless at this lol x

in reply to HellyLlewelly

Well, Scottish or Irish are nearly as good :-P

Yes I can still remember how I felt BEFORE starting on Levo AFTER my Thyroid was removed in 2015. ( FANTASTIC ) now still trying for feel 75/80% of how I felt then. Trail and error comes to mind.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to

Bless you. I know from having the hysterectomy sometimes its a weigh up, I dont know if I will ever feel the way I did when I was at my best pre Op, I just know I coukdnt go on as before...

Have had my thyroid tested for over 25 years due to chronic fatigue and that family history yet this is the 1st Ive showed underactive.

Im worried my GP wont find my TSH 4.42 too out of whack to treat me. Im really suffering at this level. My get up and go has got up and gone x

FancyPants54 profile image
FancyPants54

You have been plunged into medical menopause if you have lost your ovaries. Are you on hormone replacement because a lot of the symptoms you have are also crossovers with menopause and lack of oestrogen.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to FancyPants54

Yes thank you Fancypants Im on a super high dose of combined hrt to cover all the nasties yet Im exhausted!!! Even my anti depressant isnt giving me any energy yet its definately belped my mood from a 0 to about a 7.

Im not having the insomnia or sweats anymore and prior to hrt I felt mentally unstable too it was a truly horrific experience with no hormones!

Helly x

FancyPants54 profile image
FancyPants54 in reply to HellyLlewelly

Why are you on combined HRT if you have had your womb removed? You don't need the progesterone if you don't have a womb. It's progesterone that causes the problems with HRT and might be adding to your fatigue.

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to FancyPants54

Its with progesterone for year 1 as unfortunately I was riddled with endometriosis on my bowel and pelvic cavity, the progesterone is to keep the endometrial cells at bay but Im not sure how effective that has been. I will have endometriosis for life as it regenerates from a cellular level, has its own hormone supply and unfortunately estrogen fuels it.

Its a very vicious cycle...

I am more than likely due to have another laparoscopy to remove bowel endometriosis in the near future.

Helly.

wagnermia profile image
wagnermia

Hi there. I read your post yesterday and what you are going through is the same journey as myself... now 3 yrs+ after hysterectomy/ovaries removed I am getting better and settling in to my ‘new normal’ - some women breeze through this surgery but, quite frankly, I’ve yet to see one who doesn’t have some sort of struggle.... w ongoing search to find something, anything, to be source of why things were so so very difficult. Truth is that there isn’t one such thing 😏 My experience was any issue prior to surgery, whether physical health or mental, became grossly magnified after. Any thing I did before to manage (weight, mood, energy etc) no longer worked. It takes time to figure out what will now. I could go on and on w this but will end by saying I understand and it will get better. You will find the path forward. The following was very useful for me this past year... They also have a super interactive FB group that I participate in. Broad based information w specifics that include hrt management, adrenals, thyroid etc. (although not nearly as comprehensive/valuable re thyroid as this group!) thesurmenoconnection.com

HellyLlewelly profile image
HellyLlewelly in reply to wagnermia

Thank you so much Wagnermia,

I really am interested in when you found out your thyroid was playing up?

Since my hysterectomy ok so Im 9 months, I have 0 motivation 0 will power as a person who was very keyed into my needs before I dunno, I suppose I dunno how long the thyroid has been affecting me.

The past few months are different for me and I have been taken by a depression and feelings of resentment and in a repetitive thought pattern thinking of those who have let me down (we had a very serious diagnosis on our child that has had some people run away or question or simply just not support us) I have an anger that is not me and I want my more optimistic self to shine through again.

I felt straight after my hysterectomy before hrt like a csr driving with no headlamps on, in the dark...It was not nice as mentally it was unhinging me...I felt spiritually a bit different too I know it sounds odd but my lost ovaries were almost nudging me to acknowledge them, that they had been mine and maybe thank them as they did give me my son...its just a very surreal experience that Im still in recovery from, mainly due to my bowel endometriosis diagnosis, Im still not 100% in that area and could be due more investigative/excision surgery.

If you could go on, do, Im genuinely interested.

I feel these organs are to be looked st completely differently, having lost them a part of me honestly does believe that the body as a whole is better than losing some intricate parts but unfortunately we cannot decide what we keep if we are diseased/ pained/ threatened etc etc.

I just have more respect for my womb and ovaries now and tbh dunno at 9 months past hysterectomy if I could recommend it on...only because Im not myself yet and I dunno what Ive lost that was a part of the intricate make up of me!!

Plus it doesnt cure Endometriosis....

X

Helly.

Bonnie51mom profile image
Bonnie51mom

Hi I was diagnosed last year with Under active Thyroid also but I had my Historetomy in 2005 I am out of bed at 7 am every morning doing something my hair has fallen out a lot and I gained weight

san_ray70 profile image
san_ray70

I was diagnosed just after I remarried and relocated, so I had a lot going on, but I have never lost my libido, even though we are getting older. My doctor told me I could lose weight despite my condition because of my meds. 125mg Levothyroxine. 3months ago I joined S.W. and have lost nearly 2 stone.

You may also like...

Underactive Thyroid or not?

Hi, I am new to the site but I have been taking Levothyroxine since the early 90s. I never really...

Feeling down and tired with an underactive thyroid

I have an underactive thyroid, i take 120 grams of levothyroxine and am constantly feeling down and...

Underactive thyroid for 20 years and still feel really ill - help!

seriously struggling... His GP regularly tells him his blood tests are 'normal' (he has never been...

New diagnosis of underactive thyroid

it all! Ive had a mild headache on and off since starting drug , and was just wondering how long it...

Underactive thyroid crirical

Hi? I've underactive thyroid for a long time. Ive been very ill for months but now I'm terribly...