Many thanks to those of you who replied to the question I asked on the Helpvine. Apologies for the delay in responding.
My story I'm sure is no different from all the others I've read. I've had invaluble support just reading everyone elses story. So folks here's my story as yet untold and unfinished.
January 2010 : gave up smoking - did a deal with my husband, he gives up sugar, goes on a diet, takes more exercise, I give up the 20 a day habit.
March : I noticed that husband was fitter than I was. Chris is an asthmatic, I've always been able to swim longer & faster, walk faster and in fact the ciggies had never been a problem, have always been fit and active.
May : By now husband has lost two stone - I have gained it. Fell off my bicycle due to severe cramps, by now aches & pains were / are part of my daily life. Assum at 58 I have arthritis, need to get this sorted and get my life back!
June : Blood test. Dr. actually rings me . . . this has never happened to me - in fact haven't been to see a Dr since small gynea op 15yrs ago. Quote " I need you to come and see me we have a problem with your thyroid" Unquote.
What is a thyroid? I then spend the next couple of hours on the internet - I'm confused and scared! But take the pills and all will return to normal!
Ok, so we start with what I now know to be the universal 50mg Levothyroxine. Now up to 125mg, I can't say that anything has impoved - I have since developed a swollen goiter which sometimes is painful, and even more breathless. Can't bear to wear anything around the neck (great in this weather!) Seem to have good days & bad days - have been prescribed diclophenic to help with joint and muscle pain, but can no longer tell which hurts the most!
December : Not convinced that pills are working - how long before these work? Last blood test showed 4.3 and that it needed to come down to 1.0 (assume they are talking TSH)- also showed this time low white cell count - keeping on eye will have further blood test in six weeks.
However on the plus side - have still stopped smoking, I still manage to hold down full-time job, look after aging parents and enjoy my grandchildren. Yes I'm tired, I hurt and I get depressed and sometimes very scared, but as an optimist, there are just somethings in life that can't be allowed to get the better of you.
Thanks for all the support and your stories, they all help.