I dont understand anything!

[Bethbehappy]

I am totally overwhelmed by the terminology and test thingies and amounts and changes in names meds and generic meanings and everything in this world. Is there somewhere I can go, especially when on a tired day with word finding function switched off, like a chart or something. Please someone tell me I'm not the only one.....beth

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Not at all surprised. Thyroid is complicated (despite how many doctors treat patients).

For that reason, I have produced a document which has a LOT of information, including the majority of abbreviations you might come across, and links to many sources of further information.

helvella - Vade Mecum for Thyroid

The term vade mecum means:

1. A referential book such as a handbook or manual.

2. A useful object, constantly carried on one’s person.

Please don't get put off by the number of pages!

Not everything is in this one document - my major medicines document is still separate!

From Dropbox:

dropbox.com/s/vp5ct1cwc03bl...

From Google Drive:

drive.google.com/file/d/1ZW...

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Hi Bethbehappy, I see this is your first post on the ThyroidUK forum - welcome.

Do you have a diagnosed thyroid condition and prescribed any thyroid meds? Can you tell us something about yourself as there is nothing in your profile.

We can explain things as we go along which might be simpler than pointing you in the direction of a kind of directory of terminology.

Let's start with Hypothyroidism - this is an underactive thyroid gland which requires replacement thyroid hormone - typically Levothyroxine. So do you have a diagnosis of this? If so how much Levo do you take?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Welcome Bethbehappy, we are a friendly, supportive forum and will do our very best to offer help and advice. Can you tell us a little bit about your symptoms and what medication/ supplements (if any) you currently take?

I too was at a loss to understand much of the terminology around thyroid health when I first joined. What helped me was reading articles that others recommended & looking at posts by members who sounded similar to myself.

If you need any help, just post and members will advise. 🦋

[ChilledBee]

You are not the only one. There will be so many like us that find it all so challenging trying to decipher all of the information and the terminology. It's bad enough to be chronically tired but when you are trying to summon up the energy to try and understand all of this lingo it can be so difficult.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to ChilledBee]

You are very welcome to ask any questions ChilledBee , members are always willing to help.

[DippyDame]

Welcome Bethbehappy

Have you just been diagnosed as hypothyroid?

Please can you tell us a bit about your symptoms, test results, any medication you take...

This might help get you started...thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-hy...

It's an easy read.

I think we've all had to start at the beginning and slowly learn, I certainly did.

Here, we are all in this thyroid mess together.

There are lots of very well informed and experienced members here who can help....collective knowledge is vast!

They turned my life around....after doctors failed to do so.

Feel free to ask.

You are absolutely not alone!

[SarahJane1471]

Oh Beth I felt exactly the same as you 2 years ago 😬so I feel your frustration. But I joined ThyroidUK and started reading and reading more. Starting on the ThyroidUK site there are some basics about the thyroid and testing etc. Then keep reading on here. Pick posts that you think may relate to you and carry on. I knew diddly squat about the endocrine system initially but now I could write an essay. I have found the more I know the more confident I am about advocating for myself with my GP. The people in here have been dealing with their thyroid problems for so long the their knowledge is quite frankly incredible! Without them I would not be in my way to good health.

Keep going, the fog will lift and all will become clear x