Friday, March 27, 2009

Again...

A few years ago, probably about 4 or 5 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My grandmother, mother and sister all have this condition. I was put on synthroid. About 2 months later, I stopped taking the synthroid and my thyroid levels have been normal since then.
I noticed about a month ago that my neck looked 'fat'. I asked a few family members if it looked fat, and everyone said no...but I knew it was. I went to my OB/GYN the Wednesday for a well woman visit, and she felt my neck. She said that my thyroid is in fact enlarged. She sent my blood over for a TSH level.
I just got called this morning and they said that my TSH level is elevated (31.4...normal is 0.3-4.0), which means that I, once again, have hypothyroidism. I'll be started on synthroid again, and my blood will be re-drawn in 4 weeks to check the TSH level again.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism:
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
  • Coarse, dry hair
  • Dry, rough pale skin
  • Hair loss
  • Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you)
  • Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss
  • Abnormal menstrual cycles
  • Decreased libido
I have a vast majority of those symptoms, but just chalked it up to motherhood, little sleep and poor diet. I guess I should have trusted my instinct about my 'fat' neck! ;) Hopefully I'll be feeling more energized soon!

1 comment:

  1. kristen, I am so sorry you have to deal with this. I willbe praying for you and I hope your symptoms lessen and things get better. Do to my situationi have similar symptoms if you ever needto vent or anything please know I am here for you. Take care

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