Hubby is not always understanding...

SueMaz · 09-08-2003, 12:03 PM

While I have a great husband for the most part, he's starting to think I'm a bit of a hypochondriac. When I complain about being tired, etc., he pretty much states that since my lab values were normal, my thyroid problem is resolved. Of course, I don't complain daily, but every now and then I feel exhausted and I guess I just wish he'd be a little more empathetic to my situation. I don't want him to pity me, but I feel he minimizes hypothyroidism.

Is there an written info that I could present to him that would state clearly that hypothyroidism is not "fixed" with a morning dose of medication?

Thanks so much!

vicandla · 09-08-2003, 02:32 PM

Please go here American Association of Clinical Endocrinology web site if you need to show your Dr. then you can go to about.com and do some research.
I too have hypothryoidism I was dx in 1999 I am in NORMAL levels, and I am still tired all the time, I don't think it ever goes away!!! My Dh does the same as yours thinks if its normal I should feel ok, well NOT!!!! If only more people could walk in our shoes they would know how we feel, you know the sad part is I don't ever remember a time when I wasn't tired! I don't know about you but I do know when my levels are off I start having mood swings first, that is how I know I need to go see my dr. I do hope the info I have provided to you helps!! Let me know if you need more!!

bananasmom · 09-08-2003, 03:16 PM

My experience has been a lot like vicandla's. I also get peeling fingernails and call my endo for a test. I'm pregnant now, and have a lot of thyroid tests. I have noticed that my TSH is always within norms (very good, actually, like 1.6), but when I need an adjustment, my Free T4 is low. I'm so glad that my doc tests more than just TSH and listens to me and my symptoms.

shenacat · 09-08-2003, 05:34 PM

Thyroid levels fluctuate on a daily, perhaps hourly, basis. Thyroid needs are normally adjusted to based on body needs, which change according to all sorts of indicators. Stress, physical activity, etc. There is no way we can flatline our needs, but we tend to flatline our medication. So of course there will be days when you need less or more meds than you're actually taking; eating food that binds to thyroid hormones is often a big reason of this. Look into "goitrogens" and try to avoid them or cook them through and through if it says they're ok fermented.

Soy is a goitrogen, so is broccoli, and lots of other stuff. (Cookied broccoli is fine though.)

(Oh and PS: It's "empathic" not "empathetic". No offense intended, it's just my little pet peeve.

JessicaE · 09-08-2003, 05:57 PM

I hope you feel better soon, and that your DH develops a little more empathy! Have you talked to your doctor about your tiredness? There are things other than thyroid problems that could be causing it, I'd hate for them to overlook something. It's awful to be in a constant state of feeling bad.

(Shenacat, the American Heritage dictionary lists both empathetic and empathic as adjectives with the same meaning, so it seems that either would be correct.

Former English major here with an unnatural interest in grammar and language usage, and a respect for people's pet peeves.)