Guest guest Posted August 9, 2008 Report Share Posted August 9, 2008 Clara, Bad days are the days when I just have no energy and I do little that is taxing. Those days I will putter around and read or paint. Or sit and weed the flowert garden. Good days are those days when I wake up and have energy! Then I take advantage of it and rush around cleaning the house. I never get up in the morning until I feel like it. My normal time for getting up is 10:00 am. If I got up before that I would be worthless! The days of getting up by 8:00 are long gone. I had thought that after transplant I would have lots of energy.but I don/t. But, then I also have fibromyalsia.......perhaps you do too. You should see an rheumytologist to see if you have arthritis, fibro, or Sjogrens. Sjpogrens causes very dry eyes and mouth along with sore and tired muscles. But, remember liver disease in itself causes fatigue! Just because you may look fine you aren't.......I know.most of us look healthy and people don't realize we are REALLY ill..You have to learn when to do what........to what you can each day and be happy you can do that much. Deb, You are safe.don't worry about any of the radiation touching you. They use a very small dose of radiation.....otherwise it would kill the patient. Feel free to hug her. " her chemo and radiation treatment next week and thought I better ask if there are any precautions I need to take considering I have PBC " Blessings, Joanne http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/publications/newsletter/Summer06/fatique.htm Fatigue and illness Why do we feel tired when we're ill? In many illnesses-such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and liver disease-as well as infections, fatigue can be a major issue. Brain function drives the fatigue in these diseases, even though all of them occur outside of the brain, AHFMR Senior Scholar and Calgary hepatologist Dr. Mark Swain points out. " When we become sick with the flu or a bacterial infection, we feel tired, as well as losing our appetite and so on, " explains Dr. Swain. " The body signals the brain to produce these symptoms or behaviours. It's important for us to conserve energy and not move around and do things-so we'll get over the illness and get back to normal. Unfortunately, with a chronic disease, we don't get over the illness. The stimuli to the brain keep happening. Our bodies try to adapt but they never fully do so. " Throughout his career as a physician and researcher, Dr. Swain has attempted to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for people suffering from liver disorders. More than 100 known forms of liver disease affect everyone from infants to older adults. Liver damage can result from viruses, cancer, autoimmune disorders, alcohol, drug use, toxins, and obesity. Liver problems Dr. Swain studies, diagnoses, and treats such liver problems as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. He investigates the basic mechanisms of liver inflammation and the changes in neurotransmission within the brain that occur in the context of liver disease. He is especially fascinated by the effects of liver damage on symptoms in liver disease, particularly fatigue. Dr. Swain studies how the liver might signal the brain, with the end result that the person feels tired. Fatigue is the symptom most commonly mentioned by people with liver disease, but its cause is a puzzle. Since fatigue is an unspecific symptom (in other words, it can be caused by a variety of health problems), it is difficult to determine whether it is caused by the liver disease or by something else, or by a combination of factors. This is one reason why fatigue is difficult to study, understand, and treat. Peripheral fatigue Many people with very severe liver disease suffer what is called peripheral fatigue as a result of muscle atrophy. Patients with less severe disease often experience fatigue not related to muscle deterioration: that is, fatigue that comes from changes occurring within the brain. The severity of the fatigue in these individuals does not relate to their liver function. This means that some people who have severe liver damage may not feel tired at all, while others with minimal liver damage may feel totally exhausted. " Fatigue can be the main feature of many forms of liver disease, and can be anywhere from mild and trivial to completely incapacitating, " explains Dr. Swain. " The thing that's most difficult is that there's no correlation between the severity of the fatigue and the severity of the liver disease. Some people will say, 'If I have cirrhosis, why do I feel so good?' Others will say, 'Why do I feel so bad?' I think, inherently, some people are more tired than others because of the different ways individuals adapt to the signals which their bodies are sending to their brain. " Dr. Swain hopes that his research may someday allow physicians to better target the treatment of fatigue as a symptom, improving quality of life for patients with liver disease and possibly for those with other chronic diseases as well. Dr. Mark Swain is an AHFMR Senior Scholar and a professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Selected publications Swain MG. Fatigue in liver disease: pathophysiology and clinical management. Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology 2006 Mar;20(3):181-188. Kerfoot SM, D'Mello C, Nguyen H, Ajuebor MN, Kubes P, Le T, Swain MG. TNF-a-secreting monocytes are recruited into the brain of cholestatic mice. Hepatology 2006 Jan;43(1):154-162. ____________________________________________________________ Fashion Design Education - Click Here! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/Ioyw6i4vDzHko3KNnXlKFRilCRvG9mbpx\ 4IsSE9Re8w72YVHpxiAgx/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 Hi kj After this length of time, you should have had your L-thyroxine increased by another 25 mcgs T4. Make an appointment with your GP to get another thyroid function test, but make sure this test includes TSH, Free T4, Free T3, a test to see if you have antibodies to your thyroid gland and also ask to be tested to see where your ferritin (stored iron) level lies. The latter is very important, because if it is very low, your body will be unable to absorb the L-thyroxine. Luv - Sheila is it normal to have good days and bad days when first starting treatment for HypoT? I am in my 7th week of 25 mcg L-thyroxine and have felt slightly increased energy levels. .. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.7.1/1687 - Release Date: 23/09/2008 18:32 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 Hi kj Are you taking 200 mcgs Selenium daily, at least 2000 mgs Vitamin C, liquorice (in the form of liquorice root or drops) and Siberian Ginseng. All of these will boost your adrenals and help you get better quicker. Luv - Sheila Today, this morning the sun is shining and I am having a mental argument with myself about whether to take a walk or not and will I suffer for it afterwards. I am also noticing that even though I now have a sound medical reason for my fatigue that I am not getting much sympathy or understanding from others in my life who expect me to take my pills and just carry on.kjIn thyroid treatment , "miriam_hinch" <miriam_hinch@...> wrote:> > If you can master the techniques of pacing you will find that energy> levels are predictable unless some unforeseen event occurs like a> sleepless night.> > Miriam> No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.7.1/1687 - Release Date: 23/09/2008 18:32 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 > > Hello Alice, > > I undestand what you are saying I am Hypot and have been feeling > unwell ever since it was increased up to 125 mcg. I have been off > work and a couple of people have said after me being off for a few > days " Are you feeling any better? " Well, I had to explain to my > daughter, " I am probably going to be unwell for a few weeks until I > get my meds sorted; but try not to worry. " I think people find it > difficult to understand. At least you will get support on this forum, > it has been a godsend for me. 125 mcg sounds like a high dose, jeez I hope I feel better before I get up to that. > > I am also considering going for a walk; but am realising I think I > have enough energy to do stuff but when it comes down to it I do not. In the end I opted for a short walk just around the corner to post my application form to join the British Thyroid Foundation and to get a newspaper. My legs ached all the way but the fresh air helps me a lot. > Yesterday I maybe pushed myself a bit as I avoided having a nap in > the afternoon; but today I am going to give in. This is exactly what happened to me yesterday. I took on too much and did not get my afternoon nap. That nap is so important to me, I seem to get a slump between 3 and 5 pm, it's good to know that I am not the only one. Today though I have rested this morning to make up for yesterday and am hoping to tackle a bit of ironing this afternoon. I work from home doing admin for my partners engineering business but I also have the responsibility of four house cats and heavy domestic duties around the house. Sometimes I get so overwrought with all that I have to do I could chuck the hoover out the window and run away! kj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 The iron feels like it weighs a ton at the moment, and I have RSI in my elbow just to add to all my aches and pains. kj In thyroid treatment , " sheilaturner " <sheilaturner@...> wrote: > > Hi Miriam, > > I guess some of us are saying....Oh, if we only had the enrgy to pick up the vacuum cleaner... > > Luv - Sheila > > > > If you are at the point of throwing the vacuum cleaner out of the window > then that is way too much stress. :-) > > Miriam > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.7.1/1687 - Release Date: 23/09/2008 18:32 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 ha ha, you sound just like my old schoolfriend who has just retired to France with her hubby, she regarded 'iron' and 'ironing' as swearwords and never did any. I do have a tumble dryer and do hang my clothes up straight from the dryer but they still need ironing and dp (dear partner) works in a mucky industry so needs a clean tee-shirt everyday. Thankfully I am now at least paid for my efforts unlike when I was wifey when all these services were free and taken for granted. My son has been in his own place for over a year now but still brings all his washing and ironing around to mum and dad. I jokingly told him before he left that I would give him ironing lessons but as yet he hasn't enrolled! The best compomrise that I have with these two guys is that dp does the washing for himself and ds (dear son) and I do all the ironing. Thats about as liberated as I am gonna get from these time and energy consuming tasks I think. kj thyroid treatment , " moosborne@... " <moosborne@...> wrote: > > > > An iron kj? whazzat????? LOL > > I only use one if I am going somewhere very special. > > A good solution if you have one and can afford the expense, is to use a tumble dryer for clothes that needed ironing. Take them out immediately the cycle stops and put them on a hanger. Crease-fee. Lovely jubbly. > > And if it is not your clothes that we are talking about, then a master-class could be arranged to teach the technique? > > ; Mo > , > > > > > > > The iron feels like it weighs a ton at the moment, and I have RSI in > my elbow just to add to all my aches and pains. > > kj > > In thyroid treatment , " sheilaturner " > <sheilaturner@> wrote: > > > > Hi Miriam, > > > > I guess some of us are saying....Oh, if we only had the enrgy to > pick up the vacuum cleaner... > > > > Luv - Sheila > > > > > > > > If you are at the point of throwing the vacuum cleaner out of > the window > > then that is way too much stress. :-) > > > > Miriam > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > ---------- > > > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > > Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.7.1/1687 - Release Date: > 23/09/2008 18:32 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do you value your online security? - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/security ________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 Hello KJ, I was first diagnosed just over 2 yrs ago and like you was given 25mcg of branded Synthroid (L-thyroxine). I did not notice a big change while on the 25mcg. I went back 6 weeks later for a follow up consultation and blood test and at that point was increased to 50mcgs per day. I did extremely well on that for a further 9 months at which point I needed to increase again but only slightly. I am now only on 75mcgs 3 days a week and 50 mcgs 4 days a week - I have been stable on this for the past 8 months. Shortly after increasing to the present dose I upped my excercise regime and found a problem with exhaustion, sickness and headaches a couple of hours after the classes. Further blood workup showed me to be hypoglycemic and hyperinsulinemia (low blood sugar/high insulin). The short version of this tail is that I changed my diet to a low glycemic food intake 3 main meals a day and 3 snacks a day - meal 'meal' containing protein and carbs. I also need to take vitamin B12 every day and this I take wiht my Synthroid firt thing. Other vitamin pills: I no longer take a separate vit C tab I used to take 1000mgs ; I could never tolerate 2000 mcgs as this would give me the runs! I also do not take a separate Selenium pill. I do however, take a vg grade of multi vitamin with lunch and an Omega 3 capsule with dinner. For me this combo plus my low GI carbs and plenty of protein of all kinds is working a treat. I think the thing to remember is that every body is different and we all have to find our own level of all meds, supplements etc. How does your Dr feel about your taking vitamin supplements? In the beginning days of taking Synthroid my Dr told me to get a good quality multivit and even told me where to get it locally! I am lukcy I found a vg Dr here in the US. Also I was told to get Omega 3 capsules and take them regularly. Last time I saw her she told me to keep taking the Omega 3 but I really didn't need the multi vit. I ignored that last bit and still take the multi vit as well as the omega 3 as I know it does me no harm. I think it is great that you feel you want to excercise - more power to you but Chuck gave you great advise take it one step at a time. I find even now if I do a little too much it can make me over tired and I just have to remember my age (58) as if that has ever stopped me! And i have to remember that being hypot and hypoglycemic has a real affect on me should I forget or lapse back into my old habits. But for now life is good - I play golf regularly, take yoga and another fitness class, walk, ride my bike (when I have time and its not raining)and walk the beach every week. So have faith and I hope things straighten themselves out for you soon - they will but unfortunately there is no quick fix; it does take a bit of time. It sounds like you have a Dr who is talking to you and working with you over there in the UK and believe me that is more than half the battle. Mine before I left the UK didn't want to know and I went undiagnosed for at least I believe 15 yrs. Many many others on this forum have suffered far worse than I have for a lot longer........ Sigh I hope some of this helps - keep cheerful there is light at the end of the tunner M. > > Hello, > > is it normal to have good days and bad days when first starting > treatment for HypoT? I am in my 7th week of 25 mcg L-thyroxine and > have felt slightly increased energy levels. Because of this I have > today overloaded myself with things to do needing to catch up but have > ended up breathless, overwrought,very fatigued and with stiff and > aching legs. This seems to have been the patern for me since about > week 5. I am keeping a journal. > > kj > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 DP needs a freshly laundered and IRONED t-shirt every day to go into work in a mucky job kj? Did I hear that right LOL Oh yer bike I would tell him ! LOLOL Mo dp (dear partner) works in a mucky industry so needs a clean tee-shirt everyday. granted.Thats about as liberated as I am gonna get from these time and energy consuming tasks I think.kjthyroid treatment , "moosborne@..." <moosborne@...> wrote:>> > > An iron kj? whazzat????? LOL> > I only use one if I am going somewhere very special.> > A good solution if you have one and can afford the expense, is to use a tumble dryer for clothes that needed ironing. Take them out immediately the cycle stops and put them on a hanger. Crease-fee. Lovely jubbly.> > And if it is not your clothes that we are talking about, then a master-class could be arranged to teach the technique?> > ; Mo> ,> > > > > > > The iron feels like it weighs a ton at the moment, and I have RSI in > my elbow just to add to all my aches and pains.> > kj> > In thyroid treatment , "sheilaturner" > <sheilaturner@> wrote:> >> > Hi Miriam,> > > > I guess some of us are saying....Oh, if we only had the enrgy to > pick up the vacuum cleaner...> > > > Luv - Sheila> > > > > > > > If you are at the point of throwing the vacuum cleaner out of > the window> > then that is way too much stress. :-)> > > > Miriam> > > > > > > > > > > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------> ----------> > > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message.> > Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > > Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.7.1/1687 - Release Date: > 23/09/2008 18:32> >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Do you value your online security? - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/security ________________________________________________>Do you value your online security? - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/security ________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 Hi Kj, Yup! try not to overdo it as you body has a lot of healing to do as hypo affects every cell in yur body. Good days Bad days Hello,is it normal to have good days and bad days when first starting treatment for HypoT? ------------------------------------TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical practitioner before changing medication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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