skip to main content

Living without your thyroid - how do you cope?

17 years ago

I've checked with folks on another Forum here so some of you may be seeing my questions for a 2nd time - sorry, but now,as I posted in the Diabetes thread today, I've finally decided it's time, and really need some details.

Are any of you that are living without your thyroid, willing to provide some advice or suggestions? I'm truly nervous about this, but I'm that way with the thyroid, so my thought is, what's worse. I just really need a hand-hold for what happens after it's gone. My Dr. was VERY detailed about the surgery and also right after. But what about the rest of my life. PS, I am a type II diabetic. Does that matter?

Any help is truly appreciated - THANKS.

gneegirl

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

sarahbellum
17 years ago
I myself have not had any thyroid problems that I know of (at least not yet) although my mother did and my sister-in-law does. In my mother case, she had surgery not long after I was born (I am now 54). Apparently they removed all but 1/8th of her thyroid - why? I am not clear on that one. Actually my sister is the one that told me about this just 15 years ago. Incidentally, my mother died when she was 55 from a heart attack. Nothing to do with the lack of thyroid.
My sister-in-law did have thyroid cancer and had it totally removed with the follow-up iodine radiation. That was about 17 years ago. No problems since that time.
Neither one were diabetic, so I have no idea if that makes a difference.
What I do know however, is that thyroid cancer overall is one of the easiest cancers to cure (depending on which of the four types you have).

BTW how old are you?
october17
17 years ago
Make sure the doc works with you on proper medication after the surgery. It may take some trial and error before you feel really good.

I had trouble with my doc at first. I described symptoms and told him my mom had hypothryroid and asked for a blood test for the thyroid. He spend about a half an hour talking about my age, stress, diet, depression, menopause, etc. Then the test came back that I am hypothyroid.

He prescribed synthroid. Didn't work. Asked for the Levoxy that worked for my boss when synthroid didn't. Levoxy didn't work for me. I'm now trying armour. It's a little better, but I'm no where near myself yet. My doc still talks depression medication when I see him, I just tell him I don't want that, I want the latest thyroid drug I've heard of, and he prescribes it for me.

Just educate yourself and be prepared for possible trial and error for a while. Maybe you'll get lucky and the first thing you try will do the trick! If not, and if your doc isn't willing to prescribe anything you want to try, find a new doc. Shouldn't have to argue or convince the doc, IMHO.
Related Discussions
How do you feel when people take cuttings of your roses without y
Q
Comments (34)
It sounds like relations with your brother aren't so great, either, or else he has a bad conscience about his wife's behavior. For the sake of family peace, I'd be tactful, but I'd be clear and firm: express a willingness to share cuttings and explain how to get them to root, but make it clear that your sister-in-law is not to take cuttings without your permission, so that she doesn't damage rare and vulnerable plants. It might help if you explain that these roses didn't come for the nearest big box store, as lagomorphmom said. If you can work in an implication that she'll have a better garden in the long run if she has you as a friend and gardening ally rather than as an enemy, so much the better, but unfortunately a lot of people don't understand this line of reasoning. Good luck!! Melissa
...See More
How do you rinse/clean your shower without a handheld?
Q
Comments (13)
I have a plastic watering can that I picked up years ago in the gardening section at Walmart or K-Mart or Target or someplace like that. I think it cost about $4. It lives under my bathroom vanity and does double duty for watering my house plants AND rinsing down the shower walls. Here, I found a picture on the web. The white head part screws on/off and typically, when you see the jugs at a store for sale, the heads are screwed off and sitting somewhere NEAR the green jug part so I suspect lots of people don't even know they're supposed to come with a head. Works great.
...See More
How do you live without your soulmate?
Q
Comments (6)
Thank you for that sweet message. I miss my husband so very much. I feel that no one knows how miserable I am without my life(Norm). I don't even know what happened to him. All I do know is that his family is accusing me of his passing. They were never around and now they want to act like they know him? He always said that I am what keeps him going. All I know is that I am so lost without my heart with me. Only God and Jesus can help me and I am waiting for them. I don't think that my heart can take anymore. I wish his Dad would come to me, he is such a sweet man. He knows in his heart how much his son means to me and how much I mean to his son and loves me. I am waiting for my love.
...See More
How to cope when you hate your choice........
Q
Comments (11)
I hear you! I'm the same way. I felt every decision had to be the perfect one--it's my one shot at this, I'm spending all this $$$. It really ramped up my perfection tendencies. Then I realized that the rest of my adult life I've moved into a place and made it work. Also, most of these decisions have trade-offs. There's no one perfect choice. So with each choice there are pros and cons. I've been trying to focus on the reasons why I picked something. Also, I lack that skill of being able to visualize things (spacial perception?) so it's hard to see how a small sample will look in a large space, 3D. So I'd say to be kind to yourself. You made the best choice you could, for the reasons that were important to you. And since it's a floor, you could always buy a rug. ;) Take care.
...See More

Related Stories

LIFE 10 Ways to Cope With Grief During the Holidays

By Shelly Miller Leer

If you are experiencing loss, take it from an experienced griever — life has changed forever, but it does get better

LIFE Polar Vortex: How Houzzers Are Coping With the Storm

By Mary Jo Bowling

Spirits are staying high even as the mercury plunges to new lows. Do any of these firsthand accounts sound familiar?

PETS Dealing With Pet Messes: An Animal Lover's Story

By Tiffany Carboni

Cat and dog hair, tracked-in mud, scratched floors ... see how one pet guardian learned to cope and to focus on the love

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Remodeling After Water Damage: Tips From a Homeowner Who Did It

By Judith Taylor Designs

Learn the crucial steps and coping mechanisms that can help when flooding strikes your home

FEEL-GOOD HOME 8 Tips for Harmony in the Kitchen

By Laura Gaskill

Frustrated by the arguments that arise over kitchen duties? Check out these coping strategies

REMODELING GUIDES How to Remodel Your Relationship While Remodeling Your Home

By Mitchell Parker

A new Houzz survey shows how couples cope with stress and make tough choices during building and decorating projects

HOLIDAYS Simple Pleasures: Enjoy a Restful Boxing Day

By Laura Gaskill

Catch up with friends on December 26 without catching the stress bug by taking the easy route to entertaining at home

REMODELING GUIDES Original Home Details: What to Keep, What to Cast Off

By Laura Gaskill

Renovate an older home without regrets with this insight on the details worth preserving

POOLS 8 Ideas for Petite Pools

By Laura Gaskill

Modest in size but big on looks and function, pools like these offer a private swim space without requiring lots of room

UNIVERSAL DESIGN 11 Ways to Age-Proof Your Bathroom

Create a safe and accessible bathroom without sacrificing style

Sponsored