can a underactive thyroid stop you working?

[myra1967]

[Clarebear]

Yes I was lucky that I was only working part-time when I was very ill with hypothyroidism, and I managed not to take much time off, but I know I couldn't have coped with full-time work. Thankfully I am feeling OK again now that I well-medicated.

Are you recently diagnosed and how are you feeling? Do you have any blood test results to post on here, as this may give us a clue with some suggestions to help you?

Clare xx

[RedApple Administrator]

Stop you working in what way? A little more explanation would enable people to respond appropriately

[Apples]

Yes and no.

It depends on your symptoms, your reaction to medication, the type of work and your employer. On medication I am reasonably fit, work and see no reason to discuss my health with my employer, others have different experiences.

[PinkNinja]

Most people respond very well to levothyroxine and are able to continue as if there was nothing wrong. Others do not and have such severe symptoms that they cannot work. It really is an individual thing. Most people are fine but a minority are severely affected.

I was not able to work for years but now, thanks to Thyroid UK, I have found it was my thyroid all along and that I wasn't responding to thyroxine. I now have changed my treatment and I am working again. I'm still not right, and sometimes I find work very difficult, but I am so much better than I was.

If you are newly diagnosed, remember that it can take a while to get to your optimum dose and may take a while after that to fully regain your health.

Carolyn x

[shezz]

I. Had to go from full time work to part time I only work 4 hours a morning now as I do a very physical work and couldn't carry on fulltime

[Totoro]

Yes, I had to leave full time work, I was diagnosed with depression but actually it was hypothyroidism. I managed to get back to work after lots of rest and recuperation with my parents looking after me but I had to again stop work after a while (I was temping this time) as I just couldn't cope either mentally or physically.

Fortunately I was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroidism and I've been getting much better. T4 only worked somewhat for me and T3 is making me a lot better. I'm now volunteering and building up my strength.

Hypothyroidism is a very individual illness. Some people have no symptoms at all and for others their body has shut down so much they are almost in a coma. Most of us are somewhere in between!

Totoro x

[babycatcher7572]

Hi yes ... I only worked 24hrs as a midwife and even this was too much as it is a very stressful and physical job .... And I was in tears much too often!! I went off sick last January and have only recently returned on a phased return. I nearly lost my lovely job so I have returned to give it another go but I'm not fixed yet as u can read in my blog. I am hoping the phasedreturn will buy me enough time to raise my dose to an optimal one but we all know this is going to be unlikely. I will have to make some tough decisions soon I should imagine......

Hugs K xx

[France1]

I am constantly saying that it is a good job (for everyone) that I was not an air-traffic controller as I think had I been I would never have been fit (or safe) to work again.

So it does depend on your job and your recovery process. I realise that I have to have different expectations of myself and learn to work around my 'better moments'.

I work as a writer from home and although this might seem like a simple 'work regime' for someone struggling following a complete TT. The biggest problem is lack of concentration, brain fog and lack of analytical ability. At the moment I just have to be prepared to get on with things as soon as I feel this clearing a bit and then when it comes back, I stop.

I am hoping that by trying to work, when I can, it will help my brain re-train or something. I used to be an academic writer and with a very sharp brain (allowing me to be useless at most other things most of the time) - now I am just useless at everything - apart from my new skill (post op) of making banana bread.

My heart goes out to anyone having to go out to work whilst suffering these symptoms. If there was any justice in this world everyone would just get the care, support and rest they deserve.

[Heloise]

Your employer would probably determine whether they wish to keep you. Are you trying to get out of work? I don't know if GP's have the authority to tell your employer to put you on sick leave. Maybe that should be your question here if that is what you want to know.

[Nic37]

Hi, what I find with an underactive thyroid is even if you are well established on treatment, the symptoms of the condition itself, exhaustion, joint pain, headaches and dizziness nov to mention for me the memory of a knat. In reality yes it does affect your ability to work especially in the early days. I stayed in bed in days off just to get by, bed with kids. But now I've reached a point I'm on the pills and know I've got to break my own cycle of inertia I won't know recovery x

[CECE30]

Hi,

its most certainly affected my ability to work.I recently had to give up my job of 12 years as i couldn't cope with the shift pattern the report writing or the stress.I managed to work for six weeks in a less stressful environment but now find myself off sick.Dr is pushing me towards anti depressants and doesn't even want to discuss increasing my levo.Feeling scared and very vulnerable as i live alone and soon wont be able to pay rent..Sorry about the negativity and unhelpful reply.Good luck