Recently Diagnosed - Success Stories w/ Treatment?

BiPolarBear · 07-22-2009, 05:28 PM

I've recently been diagnosed with having hypothyroidism and it explains a LOT! Everything from super slow metabolism, extreme hunger, fatigue, dry hair, and digestion troubles. I have yet to start any sort of treatment for this because I'm waiting for more blood work to come back (antibodies).
Has anyone who has started treatment for their thyroid condition lost any weight? This is what I'm most concerned about. I want to lose weight so bad! But I've been eating like mad lately because of my hunger. Has your energy returned after starting treatment? Has your hunger been normal? I'm worried because I've heard horror stories that even after beginning treatment, thyroid levels are normal but their metabolism is not and they remain overweight! I don't want to be overweight the rest of my life. I'm only 18 and I suppose that's a major concern of mine. I want to feel good about the way that I look and weight is a huge part of that. Thanks for your responses.

*Patricia* · 07-22-2009, 09:06 PM

When I was diagnosed in 2001. My dr told me that I only needed to exercise 3days a week. I did that but didn't lose weight at all. I really just maintained, but I was still heavy. I started working out everyday for an hour a day. Once I did this, I really lost weight and had a lot more energy. I still had some s/e from the thyroid, such as losing my hair, feeling cold, and dry skin. There's a book called "Living with Hypothyroidism". I thought this book was really helpful. Hopefully, this helps you.

proudmama16 · 07-26-2009, 10:09 PM

I haven't lost any weight. I actually gained weight. I had an increased appetite but then again everyone is different. Hope it works out for you. =)

proudmama16 · 07-26-2009, 10:11 PM

I haven't lost weight. I actually gained. I had an increased appetite. Everyone's body is different though. Hope it works out for you. =)

mat301998 · 07-26-2009, 10:45 PM

Hello! I had thyroid cancer removed in 1998. Difficulities with thyroid-like symptoms traced back to at least 1988--TSH always was fine, up to day before cancer removed. Have been on synthroid since after radioactive iodine treatment, around mid-September 1998. Haven't lost weight due to med but have had great energy. My script has been changed a few times over the last 10 years...sometimes increased, other times decreased. I see a endro every 3 months. Almost seems like a waste--he reviews the blood test results, asks a few questions, does a quick exam--check for swelling, listen to heart and check pulse, sets 3 month visit and writes scripts all for $214. But I won't miss these appts, since I had cancer. To your question about weight loss--I didn't lose any weight due to synthroid. I went to a ladies center, like curves for 3 to 4 days a week for 5 weeks and lost noticable inches. Weight remained the same...suppose I gained muscle mass, but I was smaller all over weighing the same amount. My schedule changed, was diagnosed with pcos last September and have since gained weight and inches! My Endo ordered a RMR--which determines metabolism rate, it was found to be very slow. So if you too have hypothryroidism, pcos, slow metabolism weight loss will be a challenge. It's not impossible, just a challenge. Hope this helps!

BiPolarBear · 08-12-2009, 02:03 PM

Thanks so much for all of your replies! I finally have an appt with a new endo (I've been going to Children's Hospital but now that I'm 18 I need an endo that sees adults) in November -- it's far away, but the only appt I could grab because I'm starting college at the end of the month. I'm planning on using the fitness equipment provided there at college because I need to do something proactive about this weight gain. It's killing me (literally) and I hate it. :[