Please help me help my sister

scapoodle · 07-22-2008, 09:51 AM

My sister was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and underwent surgery to remove half of her thyroid. She was later put on synthroid that she couldn't take with her bcp because it caused her cycle to come on and not stop. I'm talking like 3 week cycles and the synthroid gave her major headaches. After months, she just stopped the synthroid and is still taking the bcp. She has a tremendous amount of weight around her middle that I have been trying to help her get rid of but all she can do is sleep. She has absolutely no energy. Oh! I forgot to mention that she has had ovarian cysts for as long as I can remember and now has them on her one ovary that she has left and her uterus. She also has a 6 year old and plans to have another.

But back to the matter at hand. I gave her some B complex vitamins this weekend to try to help her with her energy level and she said it gave her a bad headache. Now she took it Sunday and didn't take one yesterday. And had the headache yesterday. I thing the vitamin would have been out of her system. We try to walk when she's not tied up with my niece. Ladies help me help her. I don't know what to do. She won't take multi-vitamins. She said they make her back hurt in her kidney area. I don't know what to do. What's your experience with vitamins?

Renee3600 · 07-23-2008, 02:38 AM

Is she sure the synthroid was causing the headaches? If so, she could ask her doctor to prescribe armour for her and see if it helps. If she plans on having more kids then she'll want to get her thyroid under control first. The best doc for her would be an endocronologist if she hasn't already been to one. Good luck, I hope she improves.

Lilysprite · 07-23-2008, 04:34 AM

Ok, If she is hypothyroid, she NEEDS to be on the synthroid. That is what is causing her to not have energy and gain weight. When your thyroid isn't working or has been removed, then you NEED synthetic meds to do what the thyroid isn't. Your thyroid causes energy. Your metabolism is run by the thryoid. If there isn't a thyroid, or it doesn't work, you will be tired, gain weight have NO energy and tons of other stuff. I had thyroid cancer, and had my entire thyroid removed. When I stop my meds for scans, I automatically gain 35lbs, and SWELL and basically have no energy until I go back on meds, and then it takes awhile. Yes, the headaches are probably from stopping her meds. There are bcps that are compatable w/ synthroid. Another piece of advice, if your thyroid levels are off, then you are at HIGH risk for either miscarriage or mental retardation of the baby. She needs to get back on the med asap and have bloodwork drawn. She needs to get to an endocrinologist.
HTH.

scapoodle · 07-23-2008, 09:25 AM

Thanks ladies. I will tell her to find an endo immediately. She goes to the dr monthly and since she stopped the synthroid, the headaches went away. I told her about armour. I've been lurking reading the hypo threads for a while. Her doctor says that her levels are good and everything is ok except for her weight and blood pressure. Again thanks. You don't know how much this means to me. I'm so worried about her.

Renee3600 · 07-23-2008, 04:55 PM

You (or your sister really) might want to keep in mind that a lot of times labs come back normal, but the symptoms are still presisting. It sounds like that's her case with the low energy, weight issues and blood pressure. Thyroid replacement meds should help with that. It sounds like you're being an awsome sister looking out for her like this, I hope she listens to you and gets to an endo.

scapoodle · 07-23-2008, 05:35 PM

I'm working on it Renee. I told her about this thread and she said that to see an endo is $75 and as soon as my niece is back in school and she doesn't have to pay for camp, she's going to make an appt. I owe you ladies big time. You best believe I'm going to dog her until she goes. It hurts to see her so depressed and tired all the time. Thanks again for everything.

Lilysprite · 07-24-2008, 07:22 AM

I'm glad that you are such a great sister. Hopefully she will get in soon. I know what it is like to not want to pay, I have NO insurance and basically am uninsurable for another 4 yrs due to my cancer. But for her sake, It is important to get seen. Hope this helps a bit.
take care!

Black Lilly · 08-02-2008, 06:52 PM

Whooo- boy. That's awful. I am sorry to hear how poorly your sister has been feeling. I understand how scared you both must be not to have answers and to feel so lousy.

Please visit this website for help with thyroid issue: http://www.realthyroidhelp.com.

It will explain why the T4 isn't making her feel better. Please also research Cushing's Syndrome. PCOS and Cushing's look like each other, but need to be treated very differently.

Good health and good luck to you both!