Before and After Pictures. Very scary

This is today. Even Dr Skinner said I looked terrible. Please note the sore skinning nose. Didn't someone write about that recently?

[nobodysdriving]

WOW

that is very different

can't remember when you saw dr S? how are you doing? getting a bit better?

[Hidden]

Hi NBD, I was hypo but untreated in the first picture, but I still had some energy and was enjoying dating again after a terrible divorce. I still enjoyed things especially music. I would go to gigs and stand for a couple of hours. Now I don't enjoy anything, I can't go to gigs because I can't stand. Music was my therapy. Non existant sex life too :-((( I saw Dr Skinner 3 weeks ago. I don't even have the energy to smile anymore. My GP had cut my dose and I got very poorly, very quickly. I started on a low dose, sanctioned by Dr Skinner, of NDT with 200mcg of Levo. He really wants me to be on T3. I honestly had no idea I looked this bad. Sorry for the sob story! XXX

[nobodysdriving in reply to Hidden]

'he really wants you to be on T3', are you going to do this?

I can sympathise with some of the things in your 'sob story', please do not worry about talking to us about that!

[Hidden in reply to nobodysdriving]

My first thought about T3 was i can't afford it, £2.50 per tab scared me somewhat! SInce then i've seen that it needn't be that expensive. I'm on a very long waiting to see an Endo who i know precribes T3.

SOmetimes I can be a bit too open, but feel i'm amongst friends.

My eyes only look half open. i have a lot of swelling here. my gP thought I was overmedicated when clearly the levo hasn't done a thing! My skin is awful and I'm aging at a rapid rate.

[nobodysdriving in reply to Hidden]

I'm happy you are finding a way, you are very clever, you will get there x

[Hidden in reply to nobodysdriving]

Thanks so much. Yes hopefully i will get better, if only to wind up the gp, lol! XXX

[Hidden]

Hi Helcaster

I am so sorry you will get better. Among many options out there it must be something that will work for you and then you will smile again ! You don't look bad just sad and tired and that's natural to feel/ look that way if you are unwell.

Sending you love and plenty of hugs xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Edysia, Thanks so much for your response. I'm hoping in a year to put up another picture with me looking much improved. I'm experimenting with treatments the way so many have, I'm sure there is something out there that will improve my health. We just have to remain strong and not lose hope. Some days that is so hard, I've had a very blubby day today, but tomorrow may be better. We just have to retain our fight and determination. We are so lucky to have this forum, apart from constantly educating us it also is amazing support because we have so much in common!

I really hope Elysia you have found a new strength to get better. Thinking of you, like so many others on this site.

Hugs, XXX

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi HC, thanks for posting these pics, I am well aware of what this awful disease does to us, and I hope others will take note of the obvious difference.

It never ceases to amaze me how docs ignore such signs, let alone symptoms. Looking forward to hear you are doing well and the real 'after proper treatment' pics!

much love Jane xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I think it does help to take pictures to your doc of how you used to look before hypothroidism took a hold. My new GP doesn't know how young I used to look at 49, I was dating a 29 year old then lol! It's so depressing how things have changed. Maybe a bit of before and after is needed at my new GP's who cut my dose based on TSH results!

Determined get to back to aging disgracefully!!

Much love back Jane. XXX

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Helcaster, I have started to accept fact that I am ill and that it might not be an easy fix. I am a surviver but my life was full of things that really exhausted me mentally and physically and now something else hypothyroidism!. I got very depressed recently but I am still here, and trying.

Xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That's so good to hear Edysia. Extra stress is devastating to our symptoms. You have to be really focussed on yourself, and try and push any C*** to one side. You're not strong enough at the moment to deal with it.

We're all in this together and it's great we can pass on experience and tips. It will make us get better a lot sooner!! XXX

[tarrago]

Never give hope. I was aging very fast, feeling suicidal etc.... with hashimotos. Since i cut out wheat and diary, and taking a one hour or 2 walks everyday, i have been feeling so so much better. I am taking diotroxin (t3 with t4). My endocrinologist has even reduced the dose as i feel so well. I take all vitamins also and have a b12 injection twice a month

[Hidden in reply to tarrago]

Hi Tarrago, I am so pleased to hear you are finding your way through this and have seen some real improvement! I've cut gluten quite a bit, but I also think dairy might be a problem, If I eat a lot of yoghurt for instance my diarrhoea gets worse. Have you tried the lactose free products?

[mstp]

I can't see the before picture.

[deb25426]

I was under my endo for 11 years and have really only been feeling "normal" for the last 4 yrs! But.. I still av ads when I can't function properly. I take 125 mcg t4 and 10mcg t3... Any more and I go hyper. Any less any I feel c**p! I was so lucky with my endo... I do hope you feel better soon. Just wish my back problems could be solved with tablets!! But take each day.. Xxx

[Hidden in reply to deb25426]

Hi Deb25426, It's really poor it takes so much time to be properly treated. I'm so glad you have a good endo. Amazing what just 10mcg of T3 can do. How long before the T3 kicked in? XXX

[deb25426 in reply to Hidden]

You know I can't honestly remember! I think as I wax on 20mcg t3 I was brilliant but hyper with hot sweats bad palpitation etc and going thru menopause too it was a nightmare! But went down to the 10 and that all stopped. I just suddenly realised one day oh..I don't feel tired at lunch time anymore...xxx

[Hidden in reply to deb25426]

WOW, So happy for you! I've gone through the menopause, a lot gets blamed on that in my experience! Fingers crossed the T3 in NDT will give me a boost. Thanks so much. XXX

[Triciatextiles]

Dear Helcaster

I have looked at your before picture on your profile - yes you do look very different. I had the same problem, I was horrified when I saw a recent photo of myself. I now take a small amount of T3 with my levo and unless I am deluding myself many of my wrinkles have gone! my face looks less distorted and more natural.

I couldn't believe what difference a small amount of T3 could make to my well being and my appearance!

Its well worth a try.

[Hidden in reply to Triciatextiles]

Hi Eshopper, it really is a shock to see the changes. I don't remember looking well or nice for so long now. I'm hoping the addition of Armour will help, it's only been 3 weeks, trouble is I'm right out of patience!

So pleased you are erasing the wrinkles and a bit happier with yourself. XX