How do you make it through a day at work?

[Guest guest]

My biggest struggle in the past year (assumedly since my thyroid problems really kicked in) has been making it through a day of work, that is, if I can even make it there to begin with. It seems like I go through phases where I'm feeling "ok" for a couple of weeks, never great, but I'm able to work my regular schedule and do my errands and chores around the house. Never any energy left over for fun, but I'm getting used to that. Maybe because of overexertion, or whatever, I get SO exhausted, where I end up sleeping 1-4 days at a time, like 12-18 hours a day. I can't even get out of bed. My regular work schedule is a nine-hour day, so when I do get to work, by 4 p.m.-5 p.m. I hit the wall. All I want to do is be home "vegging out", doing nothing, not thinking, not doing anything. I'm just SO TIRED.

So how do those of you who are hypo make it through the day? Those of you who go to a job, do you find yourself calling in sick a lot? How do you handle it with your employer? Do you work a more flexible schedule to accommodate how sick you feel, the fatigue and pain? I don't know if I should ask my Dr. if she can give me a note to give to my boss to justify my sporadic attendance? They know I have had some "health problems" I've mentioned testing for Mono and thyroid, but I haven't really sat down with my boss and told him the extent of it. How open have you been with your co-workers and supervisors about your illness? I work in public service for a city building department and I've been with the City for almost 8 years. They know I'm a good employee; I've always received excellent reviews and definitely work hard when I'm there. It's a stressful position that requires a lot of contact with the public and a lot of good judgment and analytical skills, so I have to be "on" when I'm working. I can't just hide in a back office and do the minimum. ly, when I'm tired, achy, feeling yucky, and just want to sleep, I can't really function well. I find that my concentration, memory and focus is really suffering. I'm sure many of you can relate. It's very frustrating!!

Do you have any tips and tricks to get through a full day without feeling like you want to crawl under a rock at the end of the day? How many of you had to quit work because of your thyroid problems?

I've been on 25 mcg of Synthroid for almost a month now. In a way, I've been feeling slightly worse since taking it, more fatigued on a regular basis, but I understand that's a common reaction. I'm on antidepressants, and am switching from Zoloft to Wellbutrin because the docs think that might help increase my energy. I'm hoping to be able to stop the depression meds after I get the thyroid stabilized (sounds like others have been prescribed antidepressants when it was really due to being hypo, I wouldn't be surprised if that's true in my case, too.) I've started Dr. Teitelbaum's "From Fatigued to Fantastic" supplements, thinking the extra vitamins and amino acids may help. Other than that, I'm pretty much just working and doing the minimum around the house. My boyfriend has been paying the bills and cooking dinner, not to mention helping with the cleaning and taking care of the cats, so I don't have as much to worry about (I feel so lucky to have someone who really believes me and knows I'm not just lazy; he's been really supportive...)

Sorry for the long post, I'm just getting to the end of my rope with the fatigue. Sheesh!!! Any feedback, stories of personal experience, and/or advice would be appreciated!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have the same question you have regarding making through a work

day/week. I woke up one morning (July 20th 2006 actually) with severe

stomach problems. Doctors tried to treat it but it just got worse.

It got to the point where I felt nauseous 24/7, became extremely

fatigued due to no sleep, and headaches came on with a vengeance (plus

every other symptom that goes along with being hypo). After two weeks

of feeling this way, it was to the point where I couldn't get out of

bed. My doctor ended up putting me on state disability till we could

find out what was wrong. A month later, my work let me go..they

thought I was faking everything. Of course I totally believe in

karma...5 months later they had to shut their doors because they

couldn't keep anyone in my position which was pretty much running the

whole business. Anyway, to get back on track. I'm waiting for my

thyroid test results but everyone is pretty positive that its

hypothyroid. But even since then my symptoms will come back and be

really bad for a few weeks at a time, then I feel okay enough to be

able to do things but only for about a week or two, then back to bad

symptoms again. Hopefully I will be able to take something that will

get me back to " somewhat normal " again. But I'm also curious about

being able to have (& keep) a steady job, because I will be job

hunting soon. I'd hate to get a good job then have symptoms come back

to where I'm back in bed again. I'm also worried because I have the

same type of sleeping problems you do where there are days that I

sleep 12-14 hours at a time and its hard to even get out of bed. I

can sleep 12 hours and get up and still feel exhausted and end up

taking a nap later on in the day. It makes me feel like a lazy bum

sometimes! My husband has been really supportive, hes had to take a

second job because the disability Im on doesn't pay as much as I used

to make-plus now with doctors bills, it doesn't make it easy

financially. But when I mention about how much I sleep at times, his

answer is " just set an alarm and just get up when it goes off. "

Although he's been very supportive, I try to explain to him that its

not THAT easy but I don't think anyone can truly understand unless

they go through it themselves.

I'll be watching to see what others say because I'm curious as to how

others deal with symptoms on a daily basis.

>

> My biggest struggle in the past year (assumedly since my thyroid

problems really kicked in) has been making it through a day of work,

that is, if I can even make it there to begin with. It seems like I go

through phases where I'm feeling " ok " for a couple of weeks, never

great, but I'm able to work my regular schedule and do my errands and

chores around the house. Never any energy left over for fun, but I'm

getting used to that. Maybe because of overexertion, or whatever, I

get SO exhausted, where I end up sleeping 1-4 days at a time, like

12-18 hours a day. I can't even get out of bed. My regular work

schedule is a nine-hour day, so when I do get to work, by 4 p.m.-5

p.m. I hit the wall. All I want to do is be home " vegging out " , doing

nothing, not thinking, not doing anything. I'm just SO TIRED.

>

> So how do those of you who are hypo make it through the day? Those

of you who go to a job, do you find yourself calling in sick a lot?

How do you handle it with your employer? Do you work a more flexible

schedule to accommodate how sick you feel, the fatigue and pain? I

don't know if I should ask my Dr. if she can give me a note to give to

my boss to justify my sporadic attendance? They know I have had some

" health problems " I've mentioned testing for Mono and thyroid, but I

haven't really sat down with my boss and told him the extent of it.

How open have you been with your co-workers and supervisors about your

illness? I work in public service for a city building department and

I've been with the City for almost 8 years. They know I'm a good

employee; I've always received excellent reviews and definitely work

hard when I'm there. It's a stressful position that requires a lot of

contact with the public and a lot of good judgment and analytical

skills, so I have to be " on " when I'm working. I can't just hide in a

back office and do the minimum. ly, when I'm tired, achy, feeling

yucky, and just want to sleep, I can't really function well. I find

that my concentration, memory and focus is really suffering. I'm sure

many of you can relate. It's very frustrating!!

>

> Do you have any tips and tricks to get through a full day without

feeling like you want to crawl under a rock at the end of the day? How

many of you had to quit work because of your thyroid problems?

>

> I've been on 25 mcg of Synthroid for almost a month now. In a way,

I've been feeling slightly worse since taking it, more fatigued on a

regular basis, but I understand that's a common reaction. I'm on

antidepressants, and am switching from Zoloft to Wellbutrin because

the docs think that might help increase my energy. I'm hoping to be

able to stop the depression meds after I get the thyroid stabilized

(sounds like others have been prescribed antidepressants when it was

really due to being hypo, I wouldn't be surprised if that's true in my

case, too.) I've started Dr. Teitelbaum's " From Fatigued to Fantastic "

supplements, thinking the extra vitamins and amino acids may help.

Other than that, I'm pretty much just working and doing the minimum

around the house. My boyfriend has been paying the bills and cooking

dinner, not to mention helping with the cleaning and taking care of

the cats, so I don't have as much to worry about (I feel so lucky to

have someone who really believes me and knows I'm not just lazy; he's

been really supportive...)

>

> Sorry for the long post, I'm just getting to the end of my rope with

the fatigue. Sheesh!!! Any feedback, stories of personal experience,

and/or advice would be appreciated!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In my experience the key to coping with a job was

finding the optimum level of hormone replacement.

I was ill for years before I was diagnosed as

hypothyroid and was finding my job and relationships

at work very difficult indeed (I am a teacher).

Eventually I was hospitalised and unable to work at

all. Eventually I was diagnosed as hypothyroid and put

on 25mcg of thyroxine. This didn't help me at all.

After 6 weeks the dose was raised to 50mcg - a little

improvement - and after a few more months another

raise to 100mcg. Then I was able to return to work for

2 mornings a week. I was lucky to have the support of

an occupational health specialist who negotiated a

'therapeutic return' to work. My hours were increased

gradually until I was working about 80% of the week.

I managed the job but nothing else. My life seemed to

grind to a halt at the end of the school day. My

partner left me and I didn't think I could continue to

exist in this way. It was then that I found a private

thyroid doc who juggled with my medication and

eventually settled on 125mcg T4 and 20mcg T3.

This made a huge difference to my life; it honestly

felt like a light had gone on in my head and

physically it felt like I had my own body back. All

sorts of symptoms disappeared.

Since then (nearly two years ago) I persuaded my

unwilling GP to run iron and B12 tests and found that

I was low in both. I take iron and B12 supplements,

Omega 3 and 6 supplements, calcium with VitD, VitC,

selenium and magnesium. I have just started taking

Coenzyme Q10 to help lower my blood pressure.

I split my T3 dose in two taking the first in the

morning and the second at lunchtime. This helps to

prevent the afternoon crash that had been so

debilitating. I time the supplements and medications

so they don't interfere with one another. I eat a

healthy diet. I try not to snack on sugary biscuits

etc to avoid high and low blood sugar, and I also try

to walk and spend as much time as I can in the fresh

air. I am still careful to get enough rest. If I need

a nap when I get home from work I have one, at least

that way I have good quality of life in the evening.

The time I've spent sorting out all of this thyroid

stuff has made me realise how little time I've spent

considering my own needs during my life. I still have

elderly parents to care for but I have redrawn my

boundaries. I no longer allow my job to take over my

weekends. If I can't be available for my children at

the drop of a hat then I don't feel guilty. If I do

too much then I know I will crash and it takes several

days to recover so I have learned to pace myself. I am

using free time to do the things I love but have not

made time for.

I guess this is as good as it's going to get for me,

but life is so much better than I hoped it would be

when this thyroid stuff began. I have a couple of

friends who were given thyroxine after routing blood

tests - they had never noticed symptoms and never

developed them; but for some of us there is no quick

or easy way to regain health, but it is possible. My

job is physically and mentally demanding and at 56

years old I can handle it again.

I hope this helps.

--- akamich@...> wrote:

> Hi ,

> I have the same question you have regarding making

> through a work

> day/week. I woke up one morning (July 20th 2006

> actually) with severe

> stomach problems. Doctors tried to treat it but it

> just got worse.

> It got to the point where I felt nauseous 24/7,

> became extremely

> fatigued due to no sleep, and headaches came on with

> a vengeance (plus

> every other symptom that goes along with being

> hypo). After two weeks

> of feeling this way, it was to the point where I

> couldn't get out of

> bed. My doctor ended up putting me on state

> disability till we could

> find out what was wrong. A month later, my work let

> me go..they

> thought I was faking everything. Of course I

> totally believe in

> karma...5 months later they had to shut their doors

> because they

> couldn't keep anyone in my position which was pretty

> much running the

> whole business. Anyway, to get back on track. I'm

> waiting for my

> thyroid test results but everyone is pretty positive

> that its

> hypothyroid. But even since then my symptoms will

> come back and be

> really bad for a few weeks at a time, then I feel

> okay enough to be

> able to do things but only for about a week or two,

> then back to bad

> symptoms again. Hopefully I will be able to take

> something that will

> get me back to " somewhat normal " again. But I'm

> also curious about

> being able to have (& keep) a steady job, because I

> will be job

> hunting soon. I'd hate to get a good job then have

> symptoms come back

> to where I'm back in bed again. I'm also worried

> because I have the

> same type of sleeping problems you do where there

> are days that I

> sleep 12-14 hours at a time and its hard to even get

> out of bed. I

> can sleep 12 hours and get up and still feel

> exhausted and end up

> taking a nap later on in the day. It makes me feel

> like a lazy bum

> sometimes! My husband has been really supportive,

> hes had to take a

> second job because the disability Im on doesn't pay

> as much as I used

> to make-plus now with doctors bills, it doesn't make

> it easy

> financially. But when I mention about how much I

> sleep at times, his

> answer is " just set an alarm and just get up when it

> goes off. "

> Although he's been very supportive, I try to explain

> to him that its

> not THAT easy but I don't think anyone can truly

> understand unless

> they go through it themselves.

> I'll be watching to see what others say because I'm

> curious as to how

> others deal with symptoms on a daily basis.

>

>

>

>

> >

> > My biggest struggle in the past year (assumedly

> since my thyroid

> problems really kicked in) has been making it

> through a day of work,

> that is, if I can even make it there to begin with.

> It seems like I go

> through phases where I'm feeling " ok " for a couple

> of weeks, never

> great, but I'm able to work my regular schedule and

> do my errands and

> chores around the house. Never any energy left over

> for fun, but I'm

> getting used to that. Maybe because of overexertion,

> or whatever, I

> get SO exhausted, where I end up sleeping 1-4 days

> at a time, like

> 12-18 hours a day. I can't even get out of bed. My

> regular work

> schedule is a nine-hour day, so when I do get to

> work, by 4 p.m.-5

> p.m. I hit the wall. All I want to do is be home

> " vegging out " , doing

> nothing, not thinking, not doing anything. I'm just

> SO TIRED.

> >

> > So how do those of you who are hypo make it

> through the day? Those

> of you who go to a job, do you find yourself calling

> in sick a lot?

> How do you handle it with your employer? Do you work

> a more flexible

> schedule to accommodate how sick you feel, the

> fatigue and pain? I

> don't know if I should ask my Dr. if she can give me

> a note to give to

> my boss to justify my sporadic attendance? They know

> I have had some

> " health problems " I've mentioned testing for Mono

> and thyroid, but I

> haven't really sat down with my boss and told him

> the extent of it.

> How open have you been with your co-workers and

> supervisors about your

> illness? I work in public service for a city

> building department and

> I've been with the City for almost 8 years. They

> know I'm a good

> employee; I've always received excellent reviews and

> definitely work

> hard when I'm there. It's a stressful position that

> requires a lot of

> contact with the public and a lot of good judgment

> and analytical

> skills, so I have to be " on " when I'm working. I

> can't just hide in a

> back office and do the minimum. ly, when I'm

> tired, achy, feeling

> yucky, and just want to sleep, I can't really

> function well. I find

> that my concentration, memory and focus is really

> suffering. I'm sure

> many of you can relate. It's very frustrating!!

> >

> > Do you have any tips and tricks to get through a

> full day without

> feeling like you want to crawl under a rock at the

> end of the day? How

> many of you had to quit work because of your thyroid

> problems?

> >

> > I've been on 25 mcg of Synthroid for almost a

> month now. In a way,

> I've been feeling slightly worse since taking it,

> more fatigued on a

> regular basis, but I understand that's a common

> reaction. I'm on

> antidepressants, and am switching from Zoloft to

> Wellbutrin because

> the docs think that might help increase my energy.

> I'm hoping to be

> able to stop the depression meds after I get the

> thyroid stabilized

> (sounds like others have been prescribed

> antidepressants when it was

> really due to being hypo, I wouldn't be surprised if

> that's true in my

> case, too.) I've started Dr. Teitelbaum's " From

> Fatigued to Fantastic "

> supplements, thinking the extra vitamins and amino

> acids may help.

> Other than that, I'm pretty much just working and

> doing the minimum

> around the house. My boyfriend has been paying the

> bills and cooking

> dinner, not to mention helping with the cleaning and

> taking care of

> the cats, so I don't have as much to worry about (I

> feel so lucky to

> have someone who really believes me and knows I'm

> not just lazy; he's

> been really supportive...)

> >

> > Sorry for the long post, I'm just getting to the

> end of my rope with

> the fatigue. Sheesh!!! Any feedback, stories of

> personal experience,

> and/or advice would be appreciated!

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____Get the free Yahoo! toolbar and rest assured with the added security of

spyware protection.

http://new.toolbar.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/norton/index.php

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is what I thought, more art than science when it comes to getting the right hormone dosage with the medication and trying different things until we figure out what best allows us to function in our daily lives. Part of me really resents the fact that I don't seem to be able to do as much as other people, and I'm definitely not having as much fun. But I see that bitterness and resentment aren't really going to get me well again, so I'm trying to appreciate the things I can do and the fact that I do have better days where I can go to work and do the things I need to do.

I go back for blood tests in June for F-T4 and TSH levels, so then begins the figuring and adjusting and re-testing. I see this is going to be a long road to recovery.

It sounds like you have developed a really good attitude in terms of being willing to care for yourself first. I know teachers can find that especially difficult, as so much seems to be expected of them outside of normal school hours. That seems to be key in giving your body enough time to rest and recuperate. I hope I am able to figure out what works best for me. In my case, my boyfriend really is so understanding of my not feeling well, and he's really pitched in and taken over a lot of the stuff I was having to worry about in terms of the bills and the household, so I'm really lucky in that regard.

Thanks again,

Re: Re: How do you make it through a day at work?

In my experience the key to coping with a job wasfinding the optimum level of hormone replacement.I was ill for years before I was diagnosed ashypothyroid and was finding my job and relationshipsat work very difficult indeed (I am a teacher).Eventually I was hospitalised and unable to work atall. Eventually I was diagnosed as hypothyroid and puton 25mcg of thyroxine. This didn't help me at all.After 6 weeks the dose was raised to 50mcg - a littleimprovement - and after a few more months anotherraise to 100mcg. Then I was able to return to work for2 mornings a week. I was lucky to have the support ofan occupational health specialist who negotiated a'therapeutic return' to work. My hours were increasedgradually until I was working about 80% of the week. I managed the job but nothing else. My life seemed togrind to a halt at the end of the school day. Mypartner left me and I didn't think I could continue toexist in this way. It was then that I found a privatethyroid doc who juggled with my medication andeventually settled on 125mcg T4 and 20mcg T3.This made a huge difference to my life; it honestlyfelt like a light had gone on in my head andphysically it felt like I had my own body back. Allsorts of symptoms disappeared.Since then (nearly two years ago) I persuaded myunwilling GP to run iron and B12 tests and found thatI was low in both. I take iron and B12 supplements,Omega 3 and 6 supplements, calcium with VitD, VitC,selenium and magnesium. I have just started takingCoenzyme Q10 to help lower my blood pressure.I split my T3 dose in two taking the first in themorning and the second at lunchtime. This helps toprevent the afternoon crash that had been sodebilitating. I time the supplements and medicationsso they don't interfere with one another. I eat ahealthy diet. I try not to snack on sugary biscuitsetc to avoid high and low blood sugar, and I also tryto walk and spend as much time as I can in the freshair. I am still careful to get enough rest. If I needa nap when I get home from work I have one, at leastthat way I have good quality of life in the evening. The time I've spent sorting out all of this thyroidstuff has made me realise how little time I've spentconsidering my own needs during my life. I still haveelderly parents to care for but I have redrawn my boundaries. I no longer allow my job to take over myweekends. If I can't be available for my children atthe drop of a hat then I don't feel guilty. If I dotoo much then I know I will crash and it takes severaldays to recover so I have learned to pace myself. I amusing free time to do the things I love but have notmade time for.I guess this is as good as it's going to get for me,but life is so much better than I hoped it would bewhen this thyroid stuff began. I have a couple offriends who were given thyroxine after routing bloodtests - they had never noticed symptoms and neverdeveloped them; but for some of us there is no quickor easy way to regain health, but it is possible. Myjob is physically and mentally demanding and at 56years old I can handle it again.I hope this helps.--- <akamich (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote:> Hi ,> I have the same question you have regarding making> through a work> day/week. I woke up one morning (July 20th 2006> actually) with severe> stomach problems. Doctors tried to treat it but it> just got worse. > It got to the point where I felt nauseous 24/7,> became extremely> fatigued due to no sleep, and headaches came on with> a vengeance (plus> every other symptom that goes along with being> hypo). After two weeks> of feeling this way, it was to the point where I> couldn't get out of> bed. My doctor ended up putting me on state> disability till we could> find out what was wrong. A month later, my work let> me go..they> thought I was faking everything. Of course I> totally believe in> karma...5 months later they had to shut their doors> because they> couldn't keep anyone in my position which was pretty> much running the> whole business. Anyway, to get back on track. I'm> waiting for my> thyroid test results but everyone is pretty positive> that its> hypothyroid. But even since then my symptoms will> come back and be> really bad for a few weeks at a time, then I feel> okay enough to be> able to do things but only for about a week or two,> then back to bad> symptoms again. Hopefully I will be able to take> something that will> get me back to "somewhat normal" again. But I'm> also curious about> being able to have ( & keep) a steady job, because I> will be job> hunting soon. I'd hate to get a good job then have> symptoms come back> to where I'm back in bed again. I'm also worried> because I have the> same type of sleeping problems you do where there> are days that I> sleep 12-14 hours at a time and its hard to even get> out of bed. I> can sleep 12 hours and get up and still feel> exhausted and end up> taking a nap later on in the day. It makes me feel> like a lazy bum> sometimes! My husband has been really supportive,> hes had to take a> second job because the disability Im on doesn't pay> as much as I used> to make-plus now with doctors bills, it doesn't make> it easy> financially. But when I mention about how much I> sleep at times, his> answer is "just set an alarm and just get up when it> goes off." > Although he's been very supportive, I try to explain> to him that its> not THAT easy but I don't think anyone can truly> understand unless> they go through it themselves.> I'll be watching to see what others say because I'm> curious as to how> others deal with symptoms on a daily basis.> > > > > >> > My biggest struggle in the past year (assumedly> since my thyroid> problems really kicked in) has been making it> through a day of work,> that is, if I can even make it there to begin with.> It seems like I go> through phases where I'm feeling "ok" for a couple> of weeks, never> great, but I'm able to work my regular schedule and> do my errands and> chores around the house. Never any energy left over> for fun, but I'm> getting used to that. Maybe because of overexertion,> or whatever, I> get SO exhausted, where I end up sleeping 1-4 days> at a time, like> 12-18 hours a day. I can't even get out of bed. My> regular work> schedule is a nine-hour day, so when I do get to> work, by 4 p.m.-5> p.m. I hit the wall. All I want to do is be home> "vegging out", doing> nothing, not thinking, not doing anything. I'm just> SO TIRED. > > > > So how do those of you who are hypo make it> through the day? Those> of you who go to a job, do you find yourself calling> in sick a lot?> How do you handle it with your employer? Do you work> a more flexible> schedule to accommodate how sick you feel, the> fatigue and pain? I> don't know if I should ask my Dr. if she can give me> a note to give to> my boss to justify my sporadic attendance? They know> I have had some> "health problems" I've mentioned testing for Mono> and thyroid, but I> haven't really sat down with my boss and told him> the extent of it.> How open have you been with your co-workers and> supervisors about your> illness? I work in public service for a city> building department and> I've been with the City for almost 8 years. They> know I'm a good> employee; I've always received excellent reviews and> definitely work> hard when I'm there. It's a stressful position that> requires a lot of> contact with the public and a lot of good judgment> and analytical> skills, so I have to be "on" when I'm working. I> can't just hide in a> back office and do the minimum. ly, when I'm> tired, achy, feeling> yucky, and just want to sleep, I can't really> function well. I find> that my concentration, memory and focus is really> suffering. I'm sure> many of you can relate. It's very frustrating!!> > > > Do you have any tips and tricks to get through a> full day without> feeling like you want to crawl under a rock at the> end of the day? How> many of you had to quit work because of your thyroid> problems? > > > > I've been on 25 mcg of Synthroid for almost a> month now. In a way,> I've been feeling slightly worse since taking it,> more fatigued on a> regular basis, but I understand that's a common> reaction. I'm on> antidepressants, and am switching from Zoloft to> Wellbutrin because> the docs think that might help increase my energy.> I'm hoping to be> able to stop the depression meds after I get the> thyroid stabilized> (sounds like others have been prescribed> antidepressants when it was> really due to being hypo, I wouldn't be surprised if> that's true in my> case, too.) I've started Dr. Teitelbaum's "From> Fatigued to Fantastic"> supplements, thinking the extra vitamins and amino> acids may help.> Other than that, I'm pretty much just working and> doing the minimum> around the house. My boyfriend has been paying the> bills and cooking> dinner, not to mention helping with the cleaning and> taking care of> the cats, so I don't have as much to worry about (I> feel so lucky to> have someone who really believes me and knows I'm> not just lazy; he's> been really supportive...) > > > > Sorry for the long post, I'm just getting to the> end of my rope with> the fatigue. Sheesh!!! Any feedback, stories of> personal experience,> and/or advice would be appreciated!> > > > > >> > > __________________________________________________________Get the free Yahoo! toolbar and rest assured with the added security of spyware protection.http://new.toolbar.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/norton/index.php

[Guest guest]

Being as you started with such a tiny dose, in your particular case, you should have been retested at about 3 wks, then upped very quickly to just a little higher on the T4 (not too fast, but this is entirely too slow--enough to slow you down even further, I might add!!). I don't usually say this about the short time span, but you are just starting, so this testing needs to be done quickly (at THIS dose, that is), then upped probably another 25 mcgs. THEN start on the testing at 8 wks routine and upping doses at THAT speed. IMO. I don't remember any test results, but if you have Hashi's, they are usually a moot point, rather by symptoms.

How do you make it through a day at work?

My biggest struggle in the past year (assumedly since my thyroid problems really kicked in) has been making it through a day of work, that is, if I can even make it there to begin with. It seems like I go through phases where I'm feeling "ok" for a couple of weeks, never great, but I'm able to work my regular schedule and do my errands and chores around the house. Never any energy left over for fun, but I'm getting used to that. Maybe because of overexertion, or whatever, I get SO exhausted, where I end up sleeping 1-4 days at a time, like 12-18 hours a day. I can't even get out of bed. My regular work schedule is a nine-hour day, so when I do get to work, by 4 p.m.-5 p.m. I hit the wall. All I want to do is be home "vegging out", doing nothing, not thinking, not doing anything. I'm just SO TIRED.

So how do those of you who are hypo make it through the day? Those of you who go to a job, do you find yourself calling in sick a lot? How do you handle it with your employer? Do you work a more flexible schedule to accommodate how sick you feel, the fatigue and pain? I don't know if I should ask my Dr. if she can give me a note to give to my boss to justify my sporadic attendance? They know I have had some "health problems" I've mentioned testing for Mono and thyroid, but I haven't really sat down with my boss and told him the extent of it. How open have you been with your co-workers and supervisors about your illness? I work in public service for a city building department and I've been with the City for almost 8 years. They know I'm a good employee; I've always received excellent reviews and definitely work hard when I'm there. It's a stressful position that requires a lot of contact with the public and a lot of good judgment and analytical skills, so I have to be "on" when I'm working. I can't just hide in a back office and do the minimum. ly, when I'm tired, achy, feeling yucky, and just want to sleep, I can't really function well. I find that my concentration, memory and focus is really suffering. I'm sure many of you can relate. It's very frustrating!!

Do you have any tips and tricks to get through a full day without feeling like you want to crawl under a rock at the end of the day? How many of you had to quit work because of your thyroid problems?

I've been on 25 mcg of Synthroid for almost a month now. In a way, I've been feeling slightly worse since taking it, more fatigued on a regular basis, but I understand that's a common reaction. I'm on antidepressants, and am switching from Zoloft to Wellbutrin because the docs think that might help increase my energy. I'm hoping to be able to stop the depression meds after I get the thyroid stabilized (sounds like others have been prescribed antidepressants when it was really due to being hypo, I wouldn't be surprised if that's true in my case, too.) I've started Dr. Teitelbaum's "From Fatigued to Fantastic" supplements, thinking the extra vitamins and amino acids may help. Other than that, I'm pretty much just working and doing the minimum around the house. My boyfriend has been paying the bills and cooking dinner, not to mention helping with the cleaning and taking care of the cats, so I don't have as much to worry about (I feel so lucky to have someone who really believes me and knows I'm not just lazy; he's been really supportive...)

Sorry for the long post, I'm just getting to the end of my rope with the fatigue. Sheesh!!! Any feedback, stories of personal experience, and/or advice would be appreciated!

[Guest guest]

Not well.

In fact I too am kinda circling the bowl here. So far

I've been muddling through, but lately have had to

take more time off work. Lab results come in after a

few months, everything is pronouned as being tickety

boo, so I don't even have the benefit of Official

Permission to feel crappy.

I can't really consider giving up working because the

benefits pay for meds for which I would otherwise have

to mortgage the house, but it's getting harder to get

up and face yet another day of pain and fatigue and

pretend everything is all right.

Over the years I've spent thousand$ on various dietary

supplements, all of which seemed about as effective as

taking sugar pills. And because I test normal in

everything, I have no access to anything else for

treatment.

I'm not sick enough to be hospitalized, just feel

crappy enough to make life scary.

Sorry, guess this isn't much of an answer, just needed

to vent.

nin

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Looking for earth-friendly autos?

Browse Top Cars by " Green Rating " at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

,

Yes, like I said, I've almost been feeling worse since I started the Synthroid. The vitamins seem to be helping a bit with the energy levels, but I'm still so achy and dead on my feet by the end of the day. As it's another 4 weeks until I can get my labs done, do you think it would be worth it to handle getting labs done myself? My TSH was 6.25 back in April; don't know what my Free T4 and antibody levels were, but was diagnosed with Hashi's.

Thank you so much for sharing your opinion. It means a lot!

How do you make it through a day at work?

My biggest struggle in the past year (assumedly since my thyroid problems really kicked in) has been making it through a day of work, that is, if I can even make it there to begin with. It seems like I go through phases where I'm feeling "ok" for a couple of weeks, never great, but I'm able to work my regular schedule and do my errands and chores around the house. Never any energy left over for fun, but I'm getting used to that. Maybe because of overexertion, or whatever, I get SO exhausted, where I end up sleeping 1-4 days at a time, like 12-18 hours a day. I can't even get out of bed. My regular work schedule is a nine-hour day, so when I do get to work, by 4 p.m.-5 p.m. I hit the wall. All I want to do is be home "vegging out", doing nothing, not thinking, not doing anything. I'm just SO TIRED.

So how do those of you who are hypo make it through the day? Those of you who go to a job, do you find yourself calling in sick a lot? How do you handle it with your employer? Do you work a more flexible schedule to accommodate how sick you feel, the fatigue and pain? I don't know if I should ask my Dr. if she can give me a note to give to my boss to justify my sporadic attendance? They know I have had some "health problems" I've mentioned testing for Mono and thyroid, but I haven't really sat down with my boss and told him the extent of it. How open have you been with your co-workers and supervisors about your illness? I work in public service for a city building department and I've been with the City for almost 8 years. They know I'm a good employee; I've always received excellent reviews and definitely work hard when I'm there. It's a stressful position that requires a lot of contact with the public and a lot of good judgment and analytical skills, so I have to be "on" when I'm working. I can't just hide in a back office and do the minimum. ly, when I'm tired, achy, feeling yucky, and just want to sleep, I can't really function well. I find that my concentration, memory and focus is really suffering. I'm sure many of you can relate. It's very frustrating!!

Do you have any tips and tricks to get through a full day without feeling like you want to crawl under a rock at the end of the day? How many of you had to quit work because of your thyroid problems?

I've been on 25 mcg of Synthroid for almost a month now. In a way, I've been feeling slightly worse since taking it, more fatigued on a regular basis, but I understand that's a common reaction. I'm on antidepressants, and am switching from Zoloft to Wellbutrin because the docs think that might help increase my energy. I'm hoping to be able to stop the depression meds after I get the thyroid stabilized (sounds like others have been prescribed antidepressants when it was really due to being hypo, I wouldn't be surprised if that's true in my case, too.) I've started Dr. Teitelbaum's "From Fatigued to Fantastic" supplements, thinking the extra vitamins and amino acids may help. Other than that, I'm pretty much just working and doing the minimum around the house. My boyfriend has been paying the bills and cooking dinner, not to mention helping with the cleaning and taking care of the cats, so I don't have as much to worry about (I feel so lucky to have someone who really believes me and knows I'm not just lazy; he's been really supportive...)

Sorry for the long post, I'm just getting to the end of my rope with the fatigue. Sheesh!!! Any feedback, stories of personal experience, and/or advice would be appreciated!

[Guest guest]

Yes, it would be worth getting your own labs, if you could get them like right now, but only if you could be allowed to up your own thyroid med a tiny bit. It really sounds like that teeny tiny amt was just enough to gear down your own thyroid, but not enough to replace anything in your body tissues that need it so desperately, i.e., even less thyroid hormone available to your body. I have seen doctors up it slightly at the 3 wk level, but only on these starting small amts, not later when the amt taken is larger and has a more profound effect on everything. Will he let you up it yourself, if you discover that it's still entirely too low? Some will some won't.

Re: How do you make it through a day at work?

,

Yes, like I said, I've almost been feeling worse since I started the Synthroid. The vitamins seem to be helping a bit with the energy levels, but I'm still so achy and dead on my feet by the end of the day. As it's another 4 weeks until I can get my labs done, do you think it would be worth it to handle getting labs done myself? My TSH was 6.25 back in April; don't know what my Free T4 and antibody levels were, but was diagnosed with Hashi's.

Thank you so much for sharing your opinion. It means a lot!

[Guest guest]

Believe me, I'm right there with you, know exactly what you mean. If I was

able to retire today, I would, and that's not exaggerating.

Re: Re: How do you make it through a

day at work?

> Not well.

> In fact I too am kinda circling the bowl here. So far

> I've been muddling through, but lately have had to

> take more time off work. Lab results come in after a

> few months, everything is pronouned as being tickety

> boo, so I don't even have the benefit of Official

> Permission to feel crappy.

> I can't really consider giving up working because the

> benefits pay for meds for which I would otherwise have

> to mortgage the house, but it's getting harder to get

> up and face yet another day of pain and fatigue and

> pretend everything is all right.

> Over the years I've spent thousand$ on various dietary

> supplements, all of which seemed about as effective as

> taking sugar pills. And because I test normal in

> everything, I have no access to anything else for

> treatment.

> I'm not sick enough to be hospitalized, just feel

> crappy enough to make life scary.

> Sorry, guess this isn't much of an answer, just needed

> to vent.

> nin