Oooh, what a lucky man he was

[helvella]

Today I have been diagnosed hypothyroid. So, what’s with the ‘lucky man’? I hear you cry. Well there are ten reasons:

One

Because my partner became extremely ill with hypothyroidism a few years ago, I have done a lot of reading and feel that I have learned a huge amount about the subject. So my story starts with me already having a fair understanding.

Two

I have four consecutive, progressively increasing TSH tests (and at least one fT4 to corroborate). Starting slightly elevated and ending well above the local range (5.75 against 4.94). And was encouraged to ask for these tests by my partner.

Three

My doctor knows my partner’s history and is, actually, a decent person.

Four

I have not been sent away to wait until my TSH goes above 10. I don’t have to despair as symptoms increase without being recognised either by me or by the doctors. I don’t have to undergo months or years of accumulating damage from lack of thyroid hormone. I will get an ultrasound soon and another thyroid test in a month (to include antibodies)

Five

I have been taking B12 for several months so do not have to worry about low B12. I also have some tablets to help with the nausea from my throat (and they are pretty effective).

Six to Ten

I have a partner who understands so deeply it would be impossible to hope for more.

How lucky can anyone be in terms of getting diagnosed and commencing treatment? Hard to get many more things right, really, in this, the real world.

What can anyone else glean from this story? My suggestions are:

o Get tested early. Get tested often. It was the clear upward trend that was ultimately compelling.

o Recognise subtle symptoms such as slight reduction in ability to focus eyes.

o Remember that it really is possible to get diagnosed before TSH goes above 10.

o Get a wonderful partner.

And yes, I am all too well aware of the stories which start off like this but don’t progress smoothly. Just have to see if a rabbit’s foot, crossed fingers, touching wood and appropriate juxtaposition of black cats and ladders work.

And no, no-one is lucky to be hypothyroid.

Rod

[Emerson, Lake & Palmer: Lucky Man. I know I would be spending the rest of the day trying to remember where the quote came from if someone else posts a line I recognise.]

[perks]

Sorry to hear you have joined the unfortunate band of Hypo's BUT as you say you are well ahead of the game knowing most of the struggles in advance... The more people I speak to the more I find with Hypo..... It's definately something in the water.... Good luck. Perks

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Thanks Perks.

Perhaps partner and I need to start the his'n'hers hypo club.

Rod

[perks]

I think you might be right as the more people I talk to the more common and on the increase I find hypo is in general... It makes you wonder what's setting us all off as in years gone by you heard of occassional cases but not on the large numbers we have now... I know it's down to more accurate tests etc etc or maybe it's just i'm noticing it more.... Keep smiling Perks

[Maggiet]

I'm so glad that you are getting sorted. You seemed so knowledgeable when you replied to one of my queries that I thought you were an endo! And that is meant as a compliment by the way. I've now come off beta blockers and betahistine. Apparently the side effects from the latter mimic hypo symptoms. I feel so much more alive and my glass is full so I'm a very lucky lady. My hubby is very supportive too and it makes all the difference. Good luck with managing your condition though it doesn't sound like you need much it so well done!!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Maggie,

Because it's you, I'll let that go - but don't you dare mention endo and me in same sentence ever again.

I did try to find out about betahistine but there is incredibly little information about it out there, at least that was relevant in the context of your question.

And I still feel very lucky. Am noticing the 'running out of ...' feeling each day but that is no surprise.

Rod

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Perks,

It certainly feels like that. Maybe the presence of this internet thing is having a profound influence? People who would once have fallen by the wayside and just become sicker are sometimes finding a cause - and that cause is sometimes thyroid-related. (And that is aside form all the radiation-related thyroid problems.)

Rod