Can you see the difference?

[NWA6]

One photo is before T3. 5yrs ago in fact. I can see and feel the difference of a less puffy face. I now have saggy eyelids because they were puffy for 20 odd years (well before diagnosis (only 12yrs ago) Ofcourse this symtom is too ‘cosmetic’ for the professionals to take note off but for me it is also proof that Levo alone was never good enough for me.

[shaws Administrator]

That's good your eyelids etc are back to normal. Isn't it strange that before blood tests were invented we were diagnosed upon our symptoms, one of them being puffiness of skin (and present-day doctors have no clue that this is the case). They will blame us for eating too much when weight gain is most probably be due to not being on a sufficient dose of thyroid hormones or the correct combination.

[NWA6 in reply to shaws]

Thank you Shaws 🤗 I’m actually a stone and a half heavier now than when I was hypo in that photo. Weight gain never used to be a problem for me (until middle age crept up!! Lol) but it’s crazy I gained 2stone before T3 only eating 1 meal a day 😩

But those eyes! I’ve had them puffy beasts on and off since I was a teenager. I thought that was my normal look.

[shaws Administrator in reply to NWA6]

When we have physical changes not many of us would instintively think of hypothyroidism. I don't think I'd ever heard the word hypothyroidism at all or if I did it was meaningless to me, before I diagnosed myself (through Thyroiduk's advice - no forum at that time).

Considering that it would appear that few, if any, professionals in these 'modern' times know any at all (they used to diagnose us upon symptoms alone and give a trial of NDT).

We patients look to the professionals to know all about common autoimmune diseases but with regard to the thyroid gland they only look at the TSH and depending on it alone adjust the dose or keep the dose at whatever level when it reaches anywhere in the normal range, i.e. up to 5 (I think). There's no awareness of symptoms at all but we'll be given prescriptions for the symptom instead of ensuring our Frees (T4 and T3) are optimal.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Wow that’s amazing! I think I need some T3 as my eyelids are still puffy with Levo (I have TED and Hashimotos). It’s great to hear a good news story! 👍

[NWA6 in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you Buddy195. I thought my puffy eyes were just my normal I was not expecting T3 to change my appearance however subtly. Good luck to you going forward 🤗

[Astridnova]

Five years ago, before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I went to a plastic surgeon to discuss what might be done about my puffy eyelids, face, and neck. He counseled upper eyelid surgery and a chin implant (owing to my chin disappearing into 'fat'). He quoted $35,000. He also commented on my 'wierd hairline'. My symptoms worsened within weeks and I twigged I had a thyroid problem. I found a doctor who preferred to prescribe NDT, and, although I have had ups and downs and readjustments of doses, I have lost weight and look much better (not to mention feel much better.)

A few days ago I went back to the same plastic surgeon for elective aesthetic reasons (vanity, you know) , but looking about ten years younger. He did not recognise me. He quoted $10,000 less (despite inflation). He thought my upper eyelids looked good and should not be interfered with. I turned my head to the side and said, 'When I first saw you five years ago, you said I needed a chin implant. Do you still think so?'

He laughed and said, "Obviously not! You are a whole different physiological proposition!"

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Astridnova]

Just a great pity that he didn't recognise hypothyroidism induced changes to your features when he first saw you.

I wonder how many hypothyroid patients he has operated on, in the end, unnecessarily? (But to the benefit of his bank balance.)

I suggest many here would like to see thyroid testing being a part of the differential diagnosis and workup for most surgery and, in the case of plastic surgery, right up front. (Yes, I know the issues about "normal range", but it would be a start.)

[Astridnova in reply to helvella]

You are totally right that those tests should be mandatory before all surgery. My chiropractor, who I hardly ever see these days, admits that many of his patients are 'sub-clinical hypothyroid cases'. Hardly ever see masseurs these days either. For years I spent much of my earnings on them.

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

I've had saggy eyelids for years, (looked like an old elephant's eyes!) Though I am in my early 70's, so... But then they started to swell. One first, and only occasionally. By the time I found out I was hypothyroid and began to take thyroxine both my eyelids swelled a lot and even my scalp felt swollen sometimes.

Thankfully that has mostly gone, though I'm still battling for proper treatment in other areas

[NWA6 in reply to Astridnova]

Astridnova! What a story 🤗 I’m having a few procedures done too! (All hail the vanity goddess 🙌)

[Astridnova in reply to NWA6]

Good luck to us both!

[shambavi18]

Thanks for your post, please let me know where you got your T3 to <email address removed> I am 20 odd years on levithyroxin and putting up with all the problems of Hashimotos without T 3. Thanks xx

[NWA6 in reply to shambavi18]

Hey shambavi18. I looked at your profile and see that you’ve been advised to get some ‘proper’ blood tests done. Are you in the UK? There are loads of private home kits you can use if your GP is not being supportive. You may not be on high enough dose of Levo, you may have low vitamin and mineral levels? There are avenues that all of us must go through before starting T3. If one takes T3 without needing it it can be disastrous and that puts all of us at risk because then T3 is labelled ‘dangerous’ when in actual fact it’s a life saver for those of us who need it.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to shambavi18]

shambavi18

It's not a good idea to put your email address on a public forum so I have removed it.

[StitchFairy]

Noses are often a giveaway too. When hypo, they broaden. On the right treatment, they become more defined. I can see that a bit in your photos.