I never blog about weight because I don’t like to remind myself, let alone my family and friends who read this blog, of the fact that I’ve gained a scary amount of weight in a very short time. Three years ago I put on a lot of weight. It went on like 30 pounds at a time. I kept telling my doctors that there was NO WAY that I was eating that much food, because I was still walking my normal four miles per day, five to seven days per week, plus I worked out at my gym during the first year of the gain. I know my body, and I knew something wasn’t right, but no one was doing anything about it. Sigh.
I’ve had three major weight gains in my lifetime due to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that messes with your glands, hormones, and endocrine system. Back in the old days, they confused it with Bipolar Disorder. Pretty damn scary, right? It can also give you a puffy face, bleeding problems, pale skin, cold sensitivity, hair loss, joint pain and stiffness, swelling, dry skin, hair and nails, high cholesterol, and even cause heart failure. I also have a darn goiter (You wouldn’t really notice it unless you are a medical person) with a mass in it. Thankfully it is small enough they don’t have to biopsy it yet, which involves a needle poke to the throat repeatedly, while your head hangs off the back of the table. By the time my Cardiologist got me into an Endocrinologist, my thyroid had completely burned out, and now I have to take a hormone replacement pill for the rest of my life. I’ve been on it for about four months, and it has thankfully helped me with my exhaustion. I also have Fibromyalgia, and now I have enough energy to get out of bed on the weekends and do little things. I’m not able to do a whole day out yet, but I’m hoping I can get back to that place, someday. I miss being social and fun!
This last gain has been impossible to get rid of, because I also have massive stress, due to health issues, life, Michigan’s economy, and my work. For instance, my boss tried to lay me off the day of, and then the day before my scheduled hysterectomy, only to be warned by someone that was lay off was illegal to do, someone who is on the FMLA, so I get to keep my job until the fall. In addition to my stress, I have Dysautonomia, and my blood pressure and heart rate are both very low. If I try to exercise, stand or sit down, I feel faint and dizzy almost every time I move. Many doctors here in Michigan missed it, and I had to go to Mayo Clinic to get it all sorted out. I’ve been able to push myself to walk two miles about four days per week. Obviously, that is not enough exercise and I can’t lose the weight. If I exercise, I have to faint. If I don’t move, my heart gets weaker. And, my doctors at Mayo told me I HAVE TO get moving, lose weight, or it is only going to get worse for me. So I suffer through it and walk at least two miles a day.
Having been a former super skinny, tall (5’10″) blond who weighed 118 pounds during high school and part of my freshman year of college, I can say that ending up fat just sucks. My mom and brother both have thyroid issues and were heavy off and on all their entire lives. I saw how people treated them, made fun of them, as well as a few of my friends who were chubby in grade school, middle school and high school. I never liked seeing anyone get teased about being chubby or fat, it seemed dumb and cruel. At least I was lucky and my body stayed skinny (Well, I gained the freshman 15, and the sophomore ten, but I was still 140-ish at 5’10″ wearing a size seven in juniors) until I turned 25. I was only briefly chubby and by 26 I was slim again, then chubby again by age 28. By 30 I turned fat, to go slim by age 33 and stayed that way until I was almost 36.
Wanna know what it is like being fat? My love of shopping has died, because the clothes are so ugly, matronly, expensive, and ill-fitting. If you go out into the world, you encounter people, usually dumb guys and men who are bald or chubby themselves, blatantly judging you and letting you know that you aren’t worthy of a hello, because you are overweight. I’ve worked in bars many years and have seen either my friends or my customers who couldn’t handle walking in sober just for fear of being called a fat name. I can totally tell when someone is judging either me or someone else because of weight, and I don’t appreciate it at all. People also stop complimenting your looks. I’ve been lucky enough not to also have an ugly face, yet, god forbid a fat hater tell you look good when you actually do look good. It knocks your self-confidence down. Thankfully, I don’t let it get to me a lot, just sometimes, but more than anything I hate posing for pictures, because all it does is remind me of what I can’t do, which is lose weight like a normal person. One of my doctors hated me being fat, as she is just one of those people who doesn’t approve of any overweight people. She’d argue with me to lose weight, and even though I was still exercising and trying to cut back on my eating, it was never good enough for her because nothing was changing on the scale. Who needs to get yelled at by a doctor you pay to help you? All I needed was a darn pill, and it was denied to me for four years simply because two Indian doctors were under the assumption that I was just lazy and had bad eating habits and they refused to LISTEN to what I was saying.
Why do people hate fat people? I honesty believe that this is one of the last acceptable forms of discrimination. Think about it: Fat people often don’t get the job offers over the skinny people. They don’t attract men as much as a skinny. They pay more for the clothes, and even then clothing isn’t styled as cutely as the skinnier outfits. The get picked on at work, at home, in public. God forbid you try to eat a big meal out in public. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed an overweight person get called a fat name. There are jobs where you will not be hired simply because of your weight. Others where you are charged more for health insurance. I see waitress and bartending ads all the time that say you have to be stylish and fit or weight has to be in proportion to your height to even apply. Some people think fat chicks and fat guys are downright lazy.
Come on, so many people are overweight in America, the average clothing size for a woman is a size 14. Why do we keep picking on the fat? Instead of forcing Hollywood stars to basically become anorexic and bulimic, why can’t we appreciate our normal sized stars and quit talking about their weight or circling the fat spots on their bodies in the tabloids? Shoot, every one of those so-called curvy stars has lost weight. My girl Kate Winslet, who is a fabulous actress, is now so skinny I am freaked out. I wish everyone would realize that not everyone who is heavy is so because of their own actions or just over-eating. Chubby kids don’t buy their own groceries. Many people eat poorly and don’t exercise, and they aren’t judged for it. There are plenty of people, like me, who are overweight because of their health.
A month ago my new medical doctor put me on an ADHD medicine, to help with my mental confusion, organization, and most importantly, to raise my blood pressure. Even though I have to drink water constantly, which is good, because with Dysautonomia you need to, this medicine has also helped me shed eighteen pounds in ONE MONTH. Praise the lord. This was without any additional exercise. Just think of what I could lose if I could handle exercising more? And, it was just in time, as I’m having my hysterectomy next week and EVERYONE loves to tell me how you gain weight afterwards due to hormone imbalances. I’ve seen pictures of people before and after surgery, and it scares me.
I adore food, I have a love affair with it, it is all I think about. Probably because I never got fed at home, and my mom would even hide food and eat it with my brother in front of me, tempting me and teasing me with it. It obviously screwed up my brain, and I try to stop what I like to refer to as THE BEAST. Some of my best friends are all about food and so is my skinny husband, damn him. Seriously, I have food demons sitting on my shoulders, telling me to eat eat eat all the time. I struggle with eating every day of my life. Being an Italian, I honestly believe that I was born into an obsession with food, made worse by my crazy ass mother who denied me food. Hubby loves food, too, so it is hard for me to see him enjoy himself and not get fat. When I first met him I was slim, a juniors size nine, and I wasn’t even eating chocolate with him for the first six months of dating. At one point I asked him who he wanted, skinny hungry girlfriend or big fat girlfriend who would eat dinner with him. He picked big fat girlfriend, and sadly, he got a little more than what he expected. Sorry honey, but thank you for never mentioning my weight gain.
Weight loss has to be a way of life, never a diet for the overweight and I know that many of you already know this and struggle with it like I do. Tell yourself that it is down to life and death because you KNOW that being lighter will help you in the long run. Plus you will feel better! This is what I have done, and I am in my zone, trying to be unstoppable. I’ve had the worst ten days possibly in my entire life and I didn’t hit a candy bar, bag of chips or fast food place once. That is a miracle. For the past few months I’ve also had to quit things like caffeine and pop for my stomach troubles, and now sweets for weight loss. Even my dear love of red sauces and tomatoes have to be in moderation. I never thought I’d see the day switching sour dough english muffins to whole wheat. Sorry to go on and on, but this is how hard life is for so many people. Why make them feel worse for something that they have to deal with for the rest of their lives?
Here is a collection of photos of me through the years, so you can see what I went through. I didn’t have the strength to find pictures from every year, so this collection is as good as it gets. All this scanning took me hours.
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1995
1996
2000
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
April 2009
Today, I took this picture with my flat hair and sweated off make-up. Please keep in mind my work and home both have air conditioning issues. Still, you can see the difference from April. I don’t miss that puffy face at all.
June 2009
Updated 2/28/10 - I lost a total of 43 pounds last year, and have managed to keep that weight off. I didn’t exercise for most of the time, as I was recovering from surgery, and I ate kind of bad. More proof of the power of the thyroid!
February, 2010
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Hon, I totally get it. All of it. I was put on medication and I instantly gained 50 pounds. Add to that leftover baby weight (and my baby was 18) and then divorce, depression, Fibromyalgia, and I became 100 pounds overweight. I totally get it – I even hated sewing because I had to make too many alterations to get my clothes to fit right. Now, it’s all about my health, and the skinny-ness is secondary. I was 5 years away from the age my father was when he had a heart attack and bypass surgery. I didn’t want that for myself. Plus, I wanted to know what “skinny” felt like as an adult. The last time I was skinny, I was 18.
The one thing I wanted to mention is no matter what your weight, you are still a beautiful woman. I scrolled through those pictures and I kept thinking, wow, she is really pretty! What really matters the most is how you feel about yourself. But then, you already know that, and you are doing great!
Little Miss, you have done a great job losing your weight! Every time I see you avatar I think, “Wow, she looks so skinny!” I’m happy for you to have conquered this. Yes, the darn medicine. I had to take 15 different kinds of arthritis meds (Since I was misdiagnosed with RA and AS) and was on steroids three different times when the weight gain was at its worst. I forgot all about it until I read your comment. Gave me my round face, which I hate.
You know, I never felt sexy once in my whole damn life. I’ve had a few times where I thought, oh, I look good today, like my proms, etc. Even when I look at how I dressed, everything is covered up and baggy. That MSU sweatshirt was a large, and I can see how I was floating n it. I’d wear everything up top a size or two big. Sad that I never celebrated my skinniness. I don’t have one picture from the old days where I’m wearing a tight outfit so you can see my true body size. However, I do love the black and white where I’m on the deck outside. Oh, I’d kill to be that size again, or even have good non-dry hair like that again. I miss being healthy so much…
oh can I relate tho this!! 5″4 and was 120-125 lbs, then when still walking 10-12 miles a day, i was gaining, and im like, huh? 2 yrs later and 90lbs heavier little did i know that hoshimotos ran in the family! trying to loose the weight now or i cant fit on rollercoasters.. this is soo depressing!!!!!
Melanie – Weight loss can be done with Hashimoto’s–don’t lose hope!
I hope so..maybe it will go to hyper lol
Melanie – I still get hyper periods every know and then. Never fun, but it sure is nice to lose weight that way.
I sure hope its fast
but ya, hyper can suck.
yes, and I’m still struggling.. if i get any heavier, i won’t be able to go on roller coaster rides.. i am now that fat girl
men don’t like fat girls, too.
Melanie, trust me, men love fat girls, too. There is someone for everyone–and I know plenty of heavier ladies who get a lot of attention from the fellow.
I’m sorry to hear you are struggling–but keep trying, and go to another doctor if you aren’t thrilled with what yours is doing for you.
I so know where you’re coming from… my weight has always been a struggle for me. Especially because I’m short and Italian… ESPECIALLY because my husband is a chef and regardless of how hard I try I’m never going to be the American standard of thin..
BUT! As long as my hips aren’t wider then my shoulders, I’m cool.
You’re just as beautiful on the outside as you are in …
Leese – You are Italian and married to a chef? Girl, that has to be so darn hard. (MMM, I am just thinking of the meals he cooks you. Sorry, now I’m sidetracking and dreaming of meals.) I wouldn’t mind wide hips or a big butt. My problem is my damn tummy. And my arms, which are gigantic. And my face, thank god it is slimmer now. I think that if I was the type to get lipo, and trust me, I’m not, I’d get my arms done before anything else. Have always had big fat arms, even when I was skinny. I have my grandpa’s and mothers big broad man shoulders.
Thank you!
Even when you’ve gotten a little curvier, you look damn good in every one of those pictures!
One of my dearest friends has struggled with her weight her entire life…knowing her has given me a perspective I wouldn’t otherwise have there, so I can feel where you’re coming from.
Vinyl – Well, the perk is that I got out of an A Cup when I was 26 years old, lol! Oh, thanks for the compliment. I have stopped looking in mirrors because I just hate the way I look now. It killed me to put that last picture up, yikes! Yes, my childhood BFF has had the weight issues her whole life, and seeing what happened to her helped me deal with my stuff more, if that makes any sense.
Medication is handed out like candy. No one discusses the side effects or how emotionally difficult they can be. You are a fabulous writer with a wonderful brain. You inspire others. I know that may not make you feel sexy, but I am so glad that you are on the road to shedding some pounds so you can both feel smart and feel beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your words.
Feel free to visit me at my bloggie where I’m working on my book. It doesn’t read so much as a blog as chapters of a book, but maybe you’ll get hooked . . .
http://cleaningupamess.wordpress.com
xoxoRASJ
Thanks Renee. I know that a lot of doctors give out pills, but my team knows that I’m anti pill most of the time. But in the case of the Synthroid and ADHD meds, they have made a huge difference for me.
I refuse to take pain medication. Shoot, I left the hospital last year after a surgery without any, then had to call my doc for a script because I had no idea how bad it would be! Even writing this, understand that I take six pills plus five vitamin or fish oil suppliments a day. I’ve got way to much going on not to.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I love to hear I inspire others. I try. It was hard to write this post for me, been working on it for weeks, because sometimes people have no idea what happens to people and we all could use a little reminder to be kinder and more sympathetic to others.
I feel ya! I’m 6’0 and was a constant 122 pounds up until about 6 years ago and won’t mention my weight now! I gained EXTREMELY fast. I also followed your advice from another post and did some research on Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and the symptoms fit me to a T but they’ve checked my thyroid so many times and everything comes out fine. I swear sometimes reading about your health problems makes me feel like I’m reading about me. I’m glad everything has worked out for you with your surgery!!! Thank goodness for that! …….and you ARE still beautiful! I don’t let people take pictures of me anymore either aside from last year when my son graduated, i’m done again now, lol.
Pain in the Neck – Sometimes, it doesn’t show up, but you have all the symptoms and in my case, the goiter. Have you went to an Endocronologist yet? Do so asap if you haven’t.
Oh, I sooo hear you about how hard weight loss is with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Let me tell you, I was exercising up to an hour a day for two months straight and lost NOTHING. I finally talked to one of my doctors and told him how I wanted to lose some weight before my breast reconstruction – he was a godsend and told me that because of Hashimoto’s (and also because of my forced medical menopause) that I would have a real hard time of it because my metabolism had gone into trying to store all my fat. He said I would hate it but would have to do interval training to get my metabolism moving again. So I looked into interval training and started doing that instead of just regular exercising. He was RIGHT! It worked. Also, I DID hate it at first but after a while, I didn’t feel right if I wasn’t doing some kind of exercise. I also learned not to do it every single day because your body does need the chance to recover so I do it two or three days in a row then take a day or two off. I about 13 pounds right away (may not sound like much but I’m only 5 feet tall so believe me, big difference!)
Anyway, I hope you can get some relief from your health issues so that you can be as healthy as possible. You are beautiful no matter what you weigh. But it is so important to be able to feel good about yourself too. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Teeni – Oh, boy, we have a lot in common. I am sorry to hear you went through all of this, too. Did I foget you had Hashimotos or did you never tell me? You have been plenty, and I know you will get rid of the last 13!!!
I do understand how much of a blessing it is to be tall, because I have plenty of places to store the fat. I am terrified of getting any bigger, so I am praying that I won’t have both ovaries removed tomorrow. Interval training, huh? I will have to look that up … hopefully it is something I can do. Thanks for always being supportive.
GG…you put into words what so many people feel and experience but don’t have your great writing skills. What a great post!
And, you are beautiful in every single picture.
Most of all, thanks for informing us about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I had never heard of it. And, a big thanks for pointing out that we know our bodies much better than any damn doctor. If a doc does not listen to you, it’s time to look for a new one. It’s insulting and hurtful for a medical doctor to treat a person as if they are just lazy and eat too much instead of looking for a real cause to a problem.
I’ll wind it up by saying “GOOD FOR YOU!”. You persisted until you found a answer.
You really are an amazing and very beautiful woman. Don’t ever doubt that, my friend.
TGFTG;
You look awesome in each of the photos. I see a woman maturing beautifully. I’m not just saying that. You have a lovely smile that makes me want to smile looking at you!
I concur, those pics could be of a beautiful woman who’s weight is progressing normally over the years. I was extremely skinny for the first 30 yrs of my life. I now weigh 100 lbs more than I did when I was in high school. No excuses, just genetics. I’ve never been much of an eater or very into food. So there you go.
Wow, what alot of topics you cover! From this post alone I can see that you’re a highly eclectic person. And though I’m biased (I’m a highly eclectic person), I mean this as a compliment!
I have to take psychiatric medication that indirectly causes weight gain–makes me crave sugar like mad (it’s okay for me to make this pun, since I’m making of fun of my own madness)–and it affects the part of my brain that tells me when I’m full, in such a way that I can’t tell when I’m full, so I overeat at each meal.
But I digress. To the point: You’re beautiful in all of the photos. I’d date you (if you were single, as I am), because you obviously have such an attractive personality. And (speaking from my typical male self)–I’d much rather have sex with a woman 40 pounds overweight than a woman even ten pounds underweight!
[quote]I’d much rather have sex with a woman 40 pounds overweight than a woman even ten pounds underweight![/quote]
I love you Scott. lol
Me, too, lol!
Thanks Scott!
I know you wont believe me but I think your are beautiful, your smile lights up a room!!
My mom also has Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Fibromyalgia and now severe, severe headaches, I still think they are all related to her Thyroid but of course the Dr’s say Noooooo but I call bullshit.
XTina – Reading your comment makes me light up my room now, awe, thanks. So sorry to hear about your mom. That is the perfect storm, as I have those things as well as you know. Is she seeing a Rheumatologist?
nice article!!! good information for methanks!!
the thing I see in EVERY picture of you is your radiant smile that is contagious and your twinkling eyes. I would give much to have those 2 things. You are beautiful!!
You have a great support system here to back you up in whatever you need help with. Holler at us!
Java – You bloggers ARE a fantastic support system, I couldn’t have made it through so much over the past twenty of so months. I am finally smiling more, so I hope to keep my smile in shape!
I totally get where you’re coming from. When I was in high school at 5′ 9″ I weighed 125 and considered myself fat. Like you, I’ve been up and down the scales for most of my adult life. In 2004 I was put on a high of steroids for lupus and my body completely changed. I would eat anything not nailed down and managed to gain 50 pounds in 5 years. It’s downright next to impossible to lose the weight now, what with the lupus, fibromyalgia and autoimmune thyroid issues.
Isn’t it strange how we are so critical of our body … even when we look good? It’s as if we’re just not good enough, no matter how thin or how heavy.
For whatever it’s worth, you are simply beautiful, my friend! Weight has nothing to do with it
Lupus – You were a hot mama with that weight and height, how awesome! I’m sorry you ever enjoyed it, makes me sad when I hold up a size 3 in juniors and realize how tiny I was and never enjoyed it! I’m done 35 pounds and it is just thrilling me to death. I’ve never desired to be super skinny, but you are right, size should never be an issue. I hate lollipop head girls, the look is scary and our society is alll weight and beauty focused rather than personality and talent focused.
Here is to all of the beautiful people on the inside rather than the out!
Like, JJ, the one thing I notice before anything else in any of those pictures is your million-dollar smile. You are beautiful inside and out!
Birdpress, you are a doll yourself. Thanks!
Hey, nice post, really well written. You should post more about this.
Steven T.
http://www.weightcontrolforever.com/FREE!-Accelerate-Fat-Loss-Secrets.html
Thanks Steven. Sorry it took so long to reply, got a lot of stuff on my plate right now.
You really look great — more beautiful than most people are on any given day of their lives!
Pama – Please, you eggagerate! But, secretly I love hearing it, hee hee.
Wow, great set of pictures you’ve put up. I think you have a pretty inspiring story, and in case it hasn’t been said enough times, you look quite nice. A striking smile!
I know there are a lot of people who battle with hyperthyroidism, whether it’s goiters or weight issues or depression or some deadly combination therein.
Very Sick Me – Thank you for your great compliments. I am lucky enough to also have a goiter with a cyst in it, so I’m hoping it will never get any bigger. I can notice it now, drives me nuts. May I ask what you are sick with?
Great Post! Thanks for sharing your personal struggles. We ALL have struggles, for sure, and it’s nice to hear of others’ successes.
I recently found out that I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I’m 47. It was a fluke that I found out (after several doctor visits, etc) but I am so glad I now know what the problem is. I’ve researched a TON on the subject and feel very strongly about getting the information out there. So many people, like yourself, have been misdiagnosed because the symptoms are so similar to a variety of other issues/diseases, etc that it seems the doctors just pick a disease and go with it, and if the shoe doesn’t fit they try something else. Very sad.
Anyway, I’ve gained weight over the years several times (increments of 30 pounds at a time) then lost it, etc. I just classified myself as a yo-yo dieter and left it alone. I’ve always exercised, but the only exercises that seemed to help me were running and weight lifting daily. I also tried to eat well – but ALWAYS loved a pig out meal.
But now that I’ve learned so much about Hashimoto’s, I now realize that the weight gain was actually my thyroid not working properly. My eating habits (the specifics of what I was eating) were directly related to the malfunction.
I’ve gained 40 pounds since Nov 07! I couldn’t believe it! The only thing I had changed was eating more bread/pasta/pizza (things I had taken out of my diet for years). I figured maybe a 10 pound weight gain, but not 40 pounds! I’ve since learned that the onslaught of gluten in my system threw my hashimotos into overdrive. Not knowingly, I had kept my hashimoto’s at bay all of those years by eating healthy and working out -keeping my metabolism high. But recently, I was wiped out and could hardly function. I was in a fog all the time, I ached, I had no desire for sex with my husband…and the list goes on. I had about 25 symptoms (misc). My endo doc wanted to give me antidepressants and that was it. I told her I wasn’t depressed, but I would be if I didn’t get this under control (whatever it was). She told me it was impossible for me to have 25 symptoms and it be my thyroid). I quit going to her.
Long story short, but I ended up going to a bio-identical hormone doctor and got the most thorough explanation of what was going on with me. After extensive blood and saliva testing, he told me in detail about Hashimotos Thyroiditis. No one had ever explained it to me. He also told me that as a result of my thyroid issues, my hormones were off the charts low. He said I had the testosterone of a 7 year old boy (that certainly explained why I didn’t want to have sex with my husband). He said I was extremely deficient in Vit D, DHEA, Estrogen, Progesterone, and cortisol. He immediatley put me on synthoid some adrenals and vitamins. I also had a testosterone pellet inserted in my hip area. He said someone with Hashimotos could NOT take a “natural” hormone because the antibodies (which are what make Hashimoto’s different from Hypothyroidism) will attack the natural supplement. He said I HAVE to take a synthetic. It made SO MUCH sense! He also told me I need to go gluten free and soy free! He said that it has been proven in medical studies that gluten increases the antibody production, and if you eat/drink soy while taking synthroid, the medication will not work. I have tested both and he was right. I am now gluten and soy free. It’s been a difficult journey, but I am committed to winning this battle! By going gluten and soy free, I have lost 13 pounds in 4 weeks. It’s not a huge loss, but it lets me know there is a light at the end of the tunnel – and it’s not a train coming at me!
As for you….your pictures are amazing and you are absolutely beautiful! Keep up the good work and run this race knowing you are going to win!
Dana – Thanks for sharing your struggles. I have lost 25 pounds since the end of June and I’m thrilled. I’ve been on my Synthroid (Not the generic, my doctor insists on not using it) and feel SO MUCH better. Helps me with energy, and it is a god send. I can’t believe that a little pill can do all of this! I am so happy you’ve lost 13 pounds, I know what a thrill it is when you get the weight loss ball rolling. Good luck, and thanks for saying I’m beautiful, always nice to hear that!
Dana,
Thank you so much. I recently was diagnosed with Hashimotos thru a HRT doctor….I went there cause I am 36 and that was the only avenue I hadn’t yet looked into as far as what was wrong with me. They were the first to do a TPO test and found that although my Thyroid tests look perfect, its basically attacking itself. I used to be 110 all thru high school and college…which is great cause I’m only 5 ft. I’m 36 now and weigh 140…ridiculous considering I eat whole wheat everything and exercise consistently. I did manage to lose 4 pds in 3 months…eating next to nothing and execising everyday.but that’s nuts! I was told I needed to boost my immune system first, so I’ve been taking some supplements and I do feel better. They wanted me to try Iodine and Selenium supplements, but that makes me nervous. I have an appt with the endo…hoping they will put me on Synthroid at least to see if it helps. I think with that, staying away from the gluten, and taking my vitamin supplements to boost my immune system it should help. Has everyone found that Synthroid is helpful with weight loss? I have many other symptoms as well, but the weight loss and very low energy is the worst..especially since I have 2 young kids. Also found out my Prog and Testosterone are low…Any advice as to natural vs. hormone drugs would be appreciated…I am just sick of dealing with this!!!
I may be brain dead, but what is a HRT doctor?
You’re fabulous! I have gained about 60lbs in the past 7 years… it hurts to look in the mirror sometimes, but yanno what, we’re all still beautiful! Chin up sexy mama!!
Erika – Oh, thank you so much. I’ve lost 43 pounds since writing this post, and I guess I should put up the new picture. Crazy how this disease makes you go up and down so much.
I just happened across this website when I was trying to find out info on thyroid disorders. Looking at your pictures, I thought, “Yeah, she looked good when she was skinny, but my god when she has some weight on her she is beautiful!” Stop worrying about what other people think. You are a truly beautiful person, no matter what your weight. Concern yourself with your health, and let all the critics go hang.
DWALL – Thank you. I’ve lost 43 pounds since May, so I do feel better about my weight. It is hard to ignore what others think, especially when it is your doctors!
How have you lost the weight with Hashimoto’s? I am on a constant trek to find weight loss ideas. I am now learning the gluten free diet. I had lost 5 pounds in a week, by eating an orange and mozzarella cheese stick and drinking coffee for breakfast, eating a small lunch, and then eating cole slaw for dinner. Due to Thanksgiving, I got off that diet and regained the weight. I have now regained the weight. I was actually satisfied with that diet…sounds weird, but it worked. And if you think about it, that was a mostly a gluten free diet, besides lunch. I am 5’9″, weighed 140 pounds until 6 years ago. Now I struggle to be at 190….are you still taking ADHD meds, and is it easy to get on them? Are you doing interval training as someone else suggested?
Natalie – I think I lost weight during my “hyper” thyroid phases. I hear great things about Gluten free living. Two summers ago a doctor thought I had it, so I went out and bought tons of products. So expensive, and less tasty, but I know it is better for people.
Easy to go on the ADHD meds, but the first two days I could barely sleep, so I recommend doing it on a weekend with nothing else planned. They also help raise my low blood pressure which is why I stay on them, because of my Dysautonomia. Don’t do interval training. Bad joints, due to degenerative joint disease. Right now I’m extra cold to Neuropathy, so I’m not walking as much as I’d like to be, but my weight is maintaining, t.g.
Well I think you are still pretty even with the extra padding. Could a self esteem issue be a large propotion of your problem? I suspect you see a far worse image in the mirror that reality…?
Charlotte – I think it is more of society’s norm on fat vs skinny, and when you experience discrimination as a heavier person you never experience when you were skinny. I’ve seen what 40 or so more pounds does and does not get you, and that is what is scary!
I just want to thank you for your article, my daughter was diagnosed with Hashimoto at the age of 7. She is now 9 and in the past year has gained about 20 pounds. It’s hard watching the change she has gone through. I have dealt with my weight issues all my llife and wouldn’t want her to go through that. I have changed our family’s diet and are excersing together. I want to make sure she knows we are her to support her and guide her when she needs it. Thanks again for writing this article.
Yajaira – Anytime. I should update it, I’m down 43 pounds right now. I’m sorry to hear your daughter is so young and dealing with all of this.
ghettogirl, ugh, how I empathize with you.
I just got home from the Endocrinologist tonight and feel rather down about it all. Then came across your blog. Somehow, it really helps to hear the nearly exact same struggles?
I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. After much testing, and all similar issues as you, i find myself depressed, heavier than ever, still fatigued, etc… The incresed med’s my dr. prescribed have helped alot, but I’m still left with this body that is not me. Everyday I look in the mirror and almost can’t beileve what Im’ seeing. Yes, shopping is nothing but a big drag. I continue to wear same limited wardrobe, as I don’t want to buy anything larger, or yes… the matronly clothing line.
I told my Dr. tonight, THIS IS NOT ME. This is not how I look?! Im’ 45, Im’ getting married for the first time in less than 3 months, and I don’t want to look like this? On top of all this, I should be happy, this literally should be the happiest time in my life, but I’m just dragged down with this new found 30-40 lbs I’ve gained, in what seems like overnight. But I can’t give up. The whole 40′s thing is hard enough as it is.
Never in my life, no matter what weight, did I have a stomach problem. My stomache was always pretty flat, and I carried my weight more in my butt/legs. NOW… its all in my waist and stomach and again,,, I just keep repeating…
THIS IS NOT ME ? but it is. I hate to say it,,, it is.
The whole anti-fat phenomenom kills me. People with weight problems are just looked at like some weak, disgusting invidual. Its beyond unfair. people who have never struggled with their weight, have NO idea. And for all the idiots out there that say… “just cut down, instead of 3 cookies, only have one…” i just want to say,,,
oh duh? really? like overweight people don’t realize what it takes? its way deeper than that.
Anyway, thats my 2 cents worth for tonight. But reading your story just really hit me, and I didn’t feel so alone with it. At this point, I really have to rise above it all and just keep trying. Thank you for sharing your story.
Ghettogirlsneighbor – I have to ask, do you mean that in spirit, or do you really know me? LOL. Email me off blog if yes. I am sad to hear you have it, too, and I feel the same way about hearing “eat less.” I really should update this post, by November 2009 I lost 43 pounds since May and did nothing special to accomplish it, further proof it isn’t all of my own doing or eating.
Hey, congrats on the upcoming wedding. And, try not to fret about that belly. Many of us ladies have them. I’m trying to bring belly back. Plump bellies were all the rage back in the past. Look at all the paintings throughout time. Super skinny will go away again, and I do pray it is in our lifetime. Go get yourself a beautiful art print of a real woman painted by a master and put it in your bedroom, by your mirror. Step away from the tabloids, and avoid reality shows with skinny bitches. Go watch Ruby and see what she has to deal with. Her show debuts Valentines Day. Then you will better about your tiny belly. Seeing people make fun of her on camera is horrifying and she has lost like 300 pounds in her battle with weight.
Hi,
OMG! – there are so many of us with this problem! My Hasimoto’s just got diagnosed by an endocrinologist this week! Although I knew something was very wrong during and after my pregnancy (8 years ago). Your story is so inspiring – because basically this blonde thin attractive 30 something endocrinologist said – “Well …having that baby really wrecked you! You’re thyroid is shot and you are going into early menopause (I’m 46 yrs old) and there’s not too much you can do to move the excess (35kgs – 78 pounds) that you gained during the pregnancy”.
Oh Joy – what fabulous news!
Since August 2009 I have been on a punishing exercise regime. I do a combination of weight training/ cardio and brisk walking 5 out of 7 days religiously. And guess what – as of today March 6 2010) I have lost 1 kilo (yes that is 2.2lbs) and this goes along with a carb free – low sugar diet and I look like I have just given birth 2 weeks ago! I have been on Thyroxine for 12 months (no change in weight) and the Endocrinologist – advised that I up the dose – I will keep you posted on this…. My wonderful husband is a veterinarian and he says that most pets are given better medical treatment than humans!!
Katie J – So sorry you have it, too, but thank god you were diagnosed! And it is sad your husband knows the truth! Thanks for sharing his thoughts, I couldn’t agree more.
I as well have hashimoto’s disease. All my life I have been 5’3″ and 115 pounds. I had children (three) and of course I gained weight (192) then it started to come off. After my third child I started loosing the weight and was down to 145. I got remarried and a year after we were together or three years (can’t remember) I gained 40 pounds. So I went up to 182-185 I have been there for the past few years. Mind you I walked every day between 1 hour to 4 hours. Plus Tae Kwon Do classes twice a week and hour each day. I also work in an environment I walk more than 10,000 steps a day. Well, I have switched my eating habits constantly to see what will work better. I have tried it all, no I do not diet, I love food and make healthy choices all the time. This is my story when I found out I had Hashimoto’s disease: My family and I went on a vacation to Disneyland I was so tired I could not stay awake. I thought I would drive first thing in the morning cause that was what I could handle. Yah right! We got 10 miles out and had to have my husband drive because I was so tired. I slept all the way to my grandmother’s house, when we got there I went to bed early and woke up a bit before it was time to go. I forced my self to drive to Anaheim I made it but when I got to the hotel room I slept some more then we all went to disney got back went to bed early. Same routine the next day! I made an appointment to see the doctor for a full physical, my blood test had the results. So as a safety precaution my doctor had an x-ray exam scheduled to check out my thyroid. Once the results came back they found nodulars that were sticking out abnormally. So finally I got to go see a endocrinologist. I have been going to the specialist now for 2 years every three to four months. My TSH seems to be leveled out now but, now I am being looked out for my cholesterol. Apparently my good cholesterol (LDL) is going up with my bad cholesterol (HDL). So my adventure continues to keep seeing the doctor on a frequent basis. Although I have been going, I still feel my ups and downs. Some weeks I have the energy like I use to and other weeks I feel like just staying in bed and not doing a darn thing. I hate being fat but because I am fat and lacking in energy or time I do not run let alone walk any more. Although I have not seen any difference in my weight since I have not been exercising no gain no loss. I just want to be back in my 115 body with energy to boot and desire to do activities with my kids before they get to old (currently I have a 15, 14 and 12 year old). I am sick and tired of being sick and tired! ha ha silly I know there are other out there worse off than me and I feel guilty for feeling like this. Your site was great to read, it’s nice to hear that I am not alone there are others to talk to.
Thank you
Adriane – Try fish oil pills, they really help to lower cholesterol!
Hi, I have read your story and it sounds just like me. I had a 30lb weight gain and I wasn’t doing anything different. I am on synthroid and my doctor reccomended weight watchers. Of course it is not working. I know understand why. My thyroid. I have already diagnosed with Hoshsimotos. They say excerise more so I do and nothing. They say eat better and I do and nothing. I am curious what combination of what you think may have helped you loose the weight finally. It is really stressing me out not being able to look my best. I used to be a size 6 now a 16. I am very active and eat well. Any ideas I can pass along to my doctor would be helpful. Thanks!
Kaolsen1 – To be honest, this last weight loss of mine was nothing of my doing, just all luck due to a major surgery. I wish I could say something else to help you, but I can’t. If there is any way to speed up your metabolism, try to do it, because that could start the weightloss cycle. Not that this is good advice, but extra working out combined with less calories also has helped me out in the past. Once I start working out like crazy, weight drops off quickly for me. Hard to do, but if you can manage, try it, just take vitamins and still eat balanced meals. I can’t do it anymore due to my other health problems, but it worked in my 20s.
Thanks for sharing all your experience, I have diagnosed with goiter, and still have to go with endocrinologist. Reading your post it was like reading my own history. Just want to asked you something, did you have heavy periods, sometimes are causing me anemia, and I felt terrible.
Great article and thanks again
Molly – I had the mother of all periods – eight to ten days at a time, every twenty one days. And, guess what? Got a partial hysterectomy last year, and I still have a period, even though there is no uterus. Abnormal cells cause this, apperently. Good times, right?
Thank you for sharing this with us. I was recently diagnosed wth Hashimoto’s and I was looking for information on weight loss.
I was also told that based on the scans, I have had it for the past five to ten years. Looking back, I tink I know when it started- 2001, when I gained 40lbs in a month, followed by another 40 later. At the same time I had the mental fog, tendon pains etc which I attributed to stress and weight gain. I had varous tests at the time, but not had my thyroid checked. I was told that my migraines were the result of heritage, my leg pains were dismissed as sports injuries, I was encouraged to diet but never lost more that 20lbs, then the weight loss stopped and I gave up dieting. I feel sorry for the years lost to illness, which could have been productive. But… now I want to lose weight and my endocrinologist told me it would be impossible. I have lost 14lbs and I am stuck at the smae weight for a month now, despite dieting and exercising. Having read this, and the comments, I’m glad there is an explanation! I will certainly keep trying.
Sophia – Oh, it is so frustrating when I hear that other people went through this sort of thing, too. I’m sorry, but I’m glad you found your way here and you now know you aren’t alone.
I am so happy reading this. You are describing my life in EVERY little detail. They have yet to treat my hashimoto’s thyroiditis and I’m just palin miserable. I gained 2 pant sizes in two weeks and am totally ashamed to do anything. I can barely fit in my “fat jeans” anymore
I am 22 years old and weigh almost 230 lbs due to this crap! I used to only weigh like 125!!!! I’m losing my mind and am terrified that I’ll never be back to normal. I have never had the ’bouts of hyperthyroidism’ that they talk about *shakes head*. Thanks for writing this!
Melisa – Oh, sorry to hear you are going through this. My gosh, how hard this was for me to go through all these years … and always believing it was my fault, when it wasn’t. You have got to go to an Endocronologist, who put me on my meds ASAP. My medical doc and gyno knew I had it for 4 years and did NOTHING. If anything, I just feel more energenic on the medication. The weight loss, while awesome, is nothing compared to the joy I feel just being able to get out of bed.
My story is almost undentical to yours and I am also a Hashi’s survivor. It’s amazing how so many people are unaware of our disease and how it can so dramatically affect someone’s life. You look amazing – keep up the good work!!
Donna – sorry to hear you have it, too. Just went to the doctor today, and she’s uping my meds again.
Liked reading all the posts. I was DX in Feb 2010 after every symptom in the book affected me. Finally the 20 Lb gain got me to a friend who said, my horomones were off and did I know I have thyroid disease? No History in my family but I had an answer! Praise the Lord! I was not crazy. NOw, I can’t shed a pound, working out 8 -10 hours / weekly, watching my diet, raising 6 kids. I should be fine with where I am, but feel out of place in my own skin. Somewhere there is an answer that will work for me.
Thanks for letting me vent!
Mary
Mary – I was just telling someone today more than once I’ve gained 30 pounds in 30 days, and we all know how many calories I would need to eat to gain that much. During Thanksgiving to New Years, the most I’ve ever gained is 5 pounds, after a major fat roll of constant eating and drinking. How did I once gain 45 pounds in a month? Not by eating, that is for sure.
All I can say is damn you thyroid, you piss me off! Mine just gave me the gift of a 15 pound weight gain over the past 3 months, with me working out nearly 2 hours a day 3-5 times a week. WTF, right?
Vent anytime, as I know we all need to do so somewhere or to someone!
Oh my God- get off of the ADHD medicine- that is a symptom of Hashimoto’s. Please go to stop the thyroid madness website or Mary Shomon and read about hypothyroidism and autoimmune forms such as Hasimoto’s and Graves. It affects the adrenal glands and is suspected to cause Fibromyalgia. There is so much more to this than just “normal” TSH levels that need to be looked at.If you are gaining weight, feeling foggy, fatigued but your levels are normal, please go to these sites for more information. You are not eating too much, you can exercise 10 hours a day and it is NOT all in your mind!
Hi,
Have you ever looked into a gluten allergy with all your symptoms? It has changed everything for me…..I still have hashimotos- but NO symptoms at all after 6 weeks gluten free. Check into it….
I am on a gluten free diet, its been one month now. I feel good, not so tired, and able to wake up in the morning!! My Hashimoto was diagnosed 4 years ago, I finally went gluten free and glad I did!! I am also vegetarian, so life is a little tough, but not so bad now that I am accustomed to it.
Leena – You are eating so healthy–very proud of your determination and committment to health.
I, too, have hashimotos. And I, too, understand your feelings of hopelessness. I would be happy to give you more details, but I will warn you about the add meds. It feels awesome at first. Your head is clear, your brain is buzzing and the weight falls off. But it does not last. Two years in for me and the weight started coming back on no matter what I did. Personally I have realized that grains (any grains not just gluten) and dairy have greatly complicated my symptoms (and I’m almost convinced they could have been the cause). There is a link between hashi’s and allergies… Read more…. Good luck in your journey…
Stacey – After 1.5 years, I went off the Vyvanse cold turkey. I got really down and depressed, and all of my Dysuatonomia symptoms flared like crazy. Plus I gained back all my weight, ugh. So i went back on it and feel much, much better. So sorry to hear about your own Hashimotos!
Hi Stacey,
I read your blog which covers a great chronological mapping of your life. I totally understand your frustration with trying this and that and not seeing much success. Most physicians haven’t a clue about Hashi’s and simply offers meds to treat symptoms.
I’ve been practicing as a Naturopathic Physician for 27 years…. I’m not trying to sell you anything, just information.
I’ve put together a series of educational videos based upon medical research that DOES explain the origin of Hashimoto’s and how to use thyroid medication, if needed, and specific supplements to reduce thyroid inflammation, the underlying cause of Hashimoto’s.
If you wish to correspond please feel free. I see that you have a large following and you would be a great resource to get the word out….
thanks,
Alexander
My name isn’t Stacey, it’s The Girl from the Ghetto. If you had actually read the title page of my blog, you would have realized that.
Hi TGFTG..
I did read your blog and I’m not sure where I pulled Stacey from…. sorry for the misunderstanding.
DrA
No worries, lol.
Hey! I too have Hashimoto’s. I have went off wheat and eat gluten free foods. I have worked out, taken out sugars, etc. I was a skinny minnie for many years. Then the Hashimotos. Now, 45 pounds heavier. Its depressing. I am so self conscious of it. I am a single 46 yr old and I go out and do things and I sit and compare myself all night long. I know about acceptance but I just cannot accept this fat.
I want the weight off and what more can I do? Seriously? When I take a T-4 Synthroid and a T-3, I spend so much time in full blown anxiety that I would rather be tired then feeling like I want to kick someone’s ass for looking at me or what I perceive as odd.
How can I loose this weight? Thanks for a great honest writing about yourself. Very refreshing! Take good care, Julie
Hi Julie,
I love your post and pity the guy who’s ass you’ll kick….hahahaha
The part about the anxiety when taking thyroid medication may simply mean you are taking too much. The thing about Hashi’s is that the person needs to start with a small dose, about 1/4 to 1/3 what is normally prescribed, and then slowly, slowly work up.
The reason is because Hashi’s is kind of a volatile, unpredictable situation because thyroid hormones can be high and then low, being the combination of what your thyroid cells are making and the thyroid hormones that are released when thyroid cells break apart due to thyroid inflammation (not because the antibodies are attacking your thyroid).
I hope it’s ok to mention going to my website to view a series of videos on Hashimotos. These videos explain thyroid hormone production, the two causes of Hashimotos and ways to treat it by reducing thyroid inflammation. Reducing this inflammation will reduce thyroid cell destruction and therefore reduce the antibodies.
I am a very proactive thyroid patient. I have spent lots of time studying and researching what I can. I take articles into the doctor that I WAS seeing. He told me he had never had any patient as informed as I was. With that said, I understand that it means I am taking to much. I was only on 88 mcg’s T-4 and 11 mcg’s T-3. I started off very slow on the meds and worked up and then I would drop off and then build back up and then drop off, you get the picture. I would rather be tired then ramped up. My last antibodies were at 900. When on the meds I gain weight. I hate being fat. I have spent alot of money taking this vitamin and that herb and that synthetic thyroid medication and for that lab test and for test that I didn’t need as the doctors were trying to figure out what is going on. I would have really appreciated honesty. I had one endocrinologist tell me there is only so much I can do and I have tried it all and I do not know what to do next. That is honest. I just want to feel good and loose the weight. I have heard now for 8 years we have to get your thyroid under control before we can work on the weight. BLAH BLAH BLAH! That sucks. How long is it going to be before the Doctors get my thyroid under control?
I am so glad I read this. Im 20 yrs old and have been told I have a condition call hashmotis thyrodics when I was told this I had the umm okay look on. This worries me alot. Im 20 and weight 208. =( I cant even live a normal life. I walk and i have a three yr old and I barley go places because I am ashamed on how I look. I want to get rid of it make it go away. I want to be thin. I want to feel good about myself. I tottaly have the puffy face. I have the medications. I have the weight gain. The people looking at me. ugh.
Hi Brittnee,
There is so much you can do to help turn your life around and to not be embarrassed about how you look. Our medical system is great when it comes to life threatening conditions but it sucks when it comes to health and prevention.
Please see the post I left for Julie…
I was originally diagnosed with Hashimotos afte the birth of my third child 5 years ago. I delivered when I was 42. My TSH was at that time 7.2 . Fast forward five years and just this week it was 13.6. I started on Synthroid .25 and am now on 112mg. I have been to every doctor, endocrine and functional medicine doctor to assist me with the weight gain and to get control of my life. I have never been thin thin. I good weight for me is 135. I was 180 six weeks post partum. I now weigh 210. It just keeps adding on month after month regardless of what I eat or don’t eat. I have been told I have allergies to almost everything now, on every suppliment known to man and had a battery of bloods test. The doctor told me my ultrasound of my thyroid shows a burned out thyroid! I have had no luck whatsoever!! My daughter is getting married next year and I am dreading going and the pictures!! I have terrible insomnia and am exhausted. I have horrible edema in my hands and feet. I look six months pregnant. I have recently began having heart issue and stomach issues.
HELP!!! Tired of Hashimotos
Hi Tracey,
The most important initial approach to treating Hashimotos is to reduce thyroid inflammation. This is primarily approached by reducing TSH which is stimulating hydrogen peroxide production within thyroid cells. The only way of reducing TSH is through a thyroid medication, and this requires enough thyroid medication to get TSH below 1.0. There are other important nutrients as well and iodine and iodide must be avoided since these will stimulate TSH production.
Most docs use TSH as a marker to know if someone is taking enough thyroid medication so if you are on a dose of med that has your TSH below 1.0 then you are likely taking enough, yet many people are still having low thyroid hormone symptoms for the following reasons.
1. They are not converting the Synthroid (T4) to the activating thyroid hormone T3. So it’s important to get your Free T3 levels checked to see about this conversion. Selenium and the adrenal hormone cortisol are essential for this conversion.
2. Even if someone has optimal Free T3 levels this hormone must pass through cell membranes. The hormone cortisol greatly assists this passage.
3. The activating thyroid hormone T3 must bind to receptors within the nucleus of various cells. These receptors are made of a protein complex including vitamin A and vitamin D. A deficiency of either of these can lead to a low population of these receptors and thus poor binding.
4. Cortisol plays an important role in priming these receptors so that T3 can bind.
It is very common for people with Hashimoto’s to have low production of cortisol since this is an auto-immune condition which will lead to adrenal fatigue or adrenal deficiency.
Even when a person has optimal levels of thyroid hormones they can still suffer from low thyroid hormone symptoms due to low levels of cortisol, vitamin A and vitamin D.
Hi! I so understand the frustration about the weight gain.
Julie
Hello GFTG! Your story has been awe inspiring and you have truly made my day a much more bearable one having found you today. I am almost 49, have had Hashi’s for over 2 years now. Like you, I had a goiter, and I believe if I hadn’t, no one would have diagnosed me though I had complained of hair loss, rashes, dry skin, nails so thin and brittle they’d break in the middle, unstable weight, fatigue, insomnia. I am a retired fitness professional and have studied nutrition for years and exercise for decades. It really isn’t as simple as “calorie in + calorie out” when your metabolism is broken and my 25 pound weight gain this past year is proof of that. I get really mad when I hear this also…..’Well Angie…..just do _______” I’m like…..”OK but you know I am an expert on this subject, trained instructors all over the country, had two fitness centers, but I would have never thought of THAT!” I try hard not to be mean, but I never said things like this to people coming to me to help them lose weight, ever. It’s complicated…..VERY……due to genetics, food sensitivities, medications, and then we get an added bonus of a disease thrown into the mix, perimenopause, etc. so I get angry when people assume “You just have fork in mouth disease.”
It really sucks to have to struggle with a disease like this alone knowing it isn’t being studied because it mostly involves middle aged women and is “unsexy.” I have finally found a good internist that knew to test me for something else besides TSH and that believed what I was telling him. It took me two years to find him though. I am still struggling, reading, adding things like Moducare, Maca root, probiotics and digestive enzymes, in addition to all the fish oils, selenium. I also take NAC which is supposed to help the thyroid not be damaged by peroxide, extra C, B, D, E, Magnesium, Zinc.
I agree with what others said earlier about interval training. It can be done on a recumbent bike so there is no stress on the body…..just pump hard in intervals for 2 minutes followed by 1 min. active recovery for about 30 minutes.. It “shocks” the metabolism much more than steady state aerobics . Also, swimming or pool aerobics is great for non impact toning work, swimming with a pool noodle, etc.. I know all of this, but must confess, I sometimes can’t find the energy to go and do it.
I also want to say that Dr. A has good advice, updated and recent information, and I would love access to his videos. Please forward him my email address. I want to ask him questions about TH1 and TH2 immune system dominance that is being discussed currently amoung chiropractors.
I tell myself always…..”THIS TOO SHALL PASS!” and keeping that as my mantra, trying to stay positive.
You are so right!! It sounded like you were talking about me. Glad to see a fitness instructer is having the same difficulties (not really but you know what i mean). If I hear one more doctor tell me I need to work out and eat right- I’m going to scream.
Good luck to you!! I look forward to hearing any new information you have to share
Feeling absolutely at the end of my rope again…..it was nice and sad to stumble on this page. My heart goes out to all that are suffering with Hashimotos. I am also type 1 diabetic and have been since I was 7. I am now 49 and at a time that I need to be healthy and look forward to doing things with my husband and kids, I fight everyday to find the energy to get out of bed. Life is really busy since I also look after my dad since my mom, my best friend passed away. She had Hashimotos as well and for years I begged the doctors to test my thyroid. I just recently had an ultrasound and found out that my thyroid is atrophic due to longstanding hypothyroidism. I was only just put on meds about 3 years ago. I am so struggling to find the right combination to help me feel well-not like I have the flu everyday. I am not a good converter so I am on T4 and Cytomel as well. The Cytomel has really helped my brain fog and the muscle aches. That is what I have to hang on to because the weight gain, hair thinning and loss, dry skin, fatigue, nasty periods, well you all know …..all that is still with me. I am beginning to feel like this is going to be my life. I watch what I eat because of my diabetes. I eat healthy and I exercise. I get in over 10 000 steps a day as well. Nothing has changed. I had read that you should not be on natural thyroid if you have Hashimotos. I have tried Synthroid but my levels and my symptoms do not change. Has anyone tried any other type of synthetic thyroid medication combination that is working for them. Please share and enlighten me. Thank you and I will continue to pray for help for all of us.
Hi TM…
This is a difficult situation to be in because it sounds like there’s some interactions going on with blood sugar, thyroid issues and likely some adrenal exhaustion.
I have found that the absorption of thyroid hormones in the gut can be a problems as well. I suggest not using Armour with Hashi’s because when the pig cells are broken apart in the digestive system they may be absorbed and stimulate the antibodies to the enzyme (thyroperoxidase) and the protein (thyroglobulin) in the pig cells, the same ones your own thyroid have.
Another alternative is to use a compounded T4 and T3 from a compounding pharmacy. The T4 is the same as what’s in Synthroid and the T3 is the same as cytomel. The advantage is that some pharmacies will formulate them in a sublingual troche. This resolves the problem that some people with absorption problems have. The most common absorption problem is yeast or candida in the gut. This causes that white coating that’s seen with thrush and make absorption very difficult…
Hope this helps…
doc
Hi!
Thank you for your very inspiring post. I was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism and it’s really frustrating for me as a triathlete. I used to be 108-110 lbs., and now I’m at 124 in a span of one month. It’s also frustrating because I can barely run, bike and swim that much. I had so many plans for this year, even preparing to do the qualifying for the national team. But I had to forgo all these because of this thyroid disease. Thank you for inspiring me to go on with life and to fight this debilitating disease. Please continue your blog… I will be forever appreciative of it now that I’ve read it just when I needed it the most. Thanks again!
A naturopathic doctor suggested I try taking one teaspoon/tablespoon (whichever you can take) of fresh coconut oil before eating, three times a day (before breakfast, lunch, dinner).
After just one day of doing this, I woke up suddenly having a normal temperature (36.6 degrees Celsius). The next day, I had 36.8 degrees Celsius.
I’ve been struggling with hypothyroidism for quite a while and as a 21-year old athlete, I really tried every single treatment available to speed up my recovery. Coconut oil really does great wonders… I’ve underestimated it all this time!
Word of advice: it’s better to harness the oil yourself. Buy a coconut with a half-green and half-brown color. To fill in a regular-sized jar, it takes about 5 coconuts. It takes more effort but it’s definitely worth it; better than virgin coconut.
And for another plus, in just three days, I’ve already lost 4 pounds! I’ve also, for the very first time after more than a month, went back to bike training today. I’m so thankful for everything I’ve learned from all the blogs and forums, and hopefully, by sharing this, we all get to fight this disease.
Try it, please. It’s more than worth your time and effort. Good luck!
Wow, that is certainly worth trying. Thanks for that tip!
Please try this and share your results. I am very curious. What is in the coconut oil? Also, how do you harness your own oil out of a coconut. Thanks! Julie
PS: Gained another 10 pounds in 5 days.
Dearest friend:
I too have Hashimoto’s, was diagnosed 4 yrs ago. It took nearly 4 years to figure out what I had. I lost neary all my hair, I put on 50 lbs and was so tired I could barely move around the house. I have been taking levothyroxine for 4 yrs now and it does help some, but I still cannot lose the weight. I am not a junk food eater or ove eater, but it jsut doesn’t seem to come off. I am 65 years old and work 35 hours a week and I still feel tired when I get home. Sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder where the girl my husband married went. I am still not a bad looking women for my age (except for the weight) but my husband never complements me or even looks at me anymore. My frieinds all bug me about my weight and I just can’t get it off. I ride my bike 2 miles a day and walk 1 mile, but still nothing happens. Anyway, I do know how you feel and sometimes I just cry by myself in the bedroom. I am so happy for you being able to take off the weight. You were beautiful before and you are even more beautiful after. Don’t kid yourself, when you’re heavy people really do change toward you and your self confidence really suffers. At least mine has.
God Bless
Maryline – My mom is nearly bald for the same reason–and it makes me so mad that the only doctor who realized she had a thyroid condition was a Rheumatologist I sent her to, and saw myself.
I’m sorry you have went through all of this. I know you are exercising a lot, but I hope you can keep it up.
And, you are right, people do treat you differently when you are heavier. Really bothers me … but not everyone has the ability to lose weight.
Hi Maryline,
I was touched by your story and the sharing of your frustrations. I feel inspired to respond by sharing a few insights. They are not necessarily meant to be directed to you but to anyone who is having a difficult time with weight loss. I am not selling anything or promoting but simply wish to participate in the community.
Thyroid hormones do play a role with weight management because they stimulate the metabolism or function of almost every cell and in our body. Low thyroid hormones will cause weight gain but there are other factors, the primary one being blood sugar dysregulation.
When insulin is elevated this hormone prevents or slows down the conversion of fat into glucose. This means that fat will not be excreted from fat cells…. like the door is shut and insulin has barred the door.
This is why the Atkin’s diet works so well for many people because eating primarily proteins and above the ground vegetables lowers insulin.
People eating primarily carbohydrates and low fat diets will have elevated insulin levels and no matter how few calories they eat they cannot lose weight.
Also, regarding the Synthroid, this is a synthetic thyroid hormone that mimics the primary thyroid hormone our gland makes. This hormone is known as thyroxine or T4. It is not the thyroid hormone that’s primarily responsible for activating our metabolism. It must be converted to another thyroid hormone referred to as T3. The 4 and the 3 refer to the number of iodine atoms attached to each of these hormones. The conversion of T4 to T3 is a simple process of removing one of the iodine atoms.
Some people do not convert T4 to T3 all that well and will therefore still have some low thyroid hormone symptoms even though they are taking Synthroid.
To know how well the body is able to make this conversion can be tested through labs. Simply request labs for Free T4 and Free T3. They may fall into the normal reference range of the lab but look to see if they are suboptimal. They should be right in the very middle of the range.
I truly hope this comment has shed some light.
Alexander
When I read this it was like reading the story of my life. I am turning 40 this year and have been suffering with most of these problems for the last 15 or more years. Just beating my self up day in and day out. I been depressed and putting my self down for years, saying thing like “Im just fat lazy and crazy”. I always settled for less that I wanted because of the feeling I had towards myself. Up and until I read this post I still didn’t get it fully. I have suffered for the last 6 years and thought I was losing my mind along with my hair and nails. I have gained 100 pounds in the last 4 years and struggled to lose weight only to gain it back with more, every time was harder than the last. I have clothes in my closet from size 12-22. I was gaining weight so fast thast i grew in and out before I had the chance to wear it twice. Never once thinking that it was medical then when i couldnt even get out of the bed and just wanting to cry all the time I went again to my Dr. and heard the same thing exercise and eat better. I asked to see a pshycritist who did nothing but here take this… I mean time and time again meds and meds and more meds. I hate taking pills and wanted a an answer for what was making me feel this way a solutition for what I was going through. I couldnt understand how life could get like this…. was i really going crazy? OMG i’m turning into someone that had no control…. I cant live like this… I WONT live like this. So I made a “list” took my crazy lady list to the Dr and said I have a LIST he said I dont have time for a list. Too bad I said… and nothing came from that appointment yet again… cryed all the way home again. I went on the internet an looked up my symptoms and fibromyalga came in to play. So I called the dr and said make meam appointment and thats when things started. I was sent for blood work and found that my thyroid was not working, the results came back in the low 100. Now that someone else said somethings wrong i was taken seriously. It is a work in progress but atleast its moving. I want to thank your courage and strength to share your story.
Cathrin – First, while I am thrilled you are finally prescribed medication, I am horrified that a doctor would dare tell you “I dont have time for a list.” I want to scream for you, because that seems so cruel. If you can stop seeing that doctor, I suggest you do so.
I always recommend seeing an endocronologist, rather than just the regular doctor when it comes to thyroid conditions. Even now, my regular doc ran my thyroid level at a visit, and couldn’t understand why my thyroid doc raised my dosage. He told me to stop taking 1 pill a week, but I listen to the doc who prescribed it, not him. Everybody in medicine has a different opinion, but I rely on the person with the most education & experience to treat the condition. I hope you are able to do the same, because the way you were living is no way to live.
I am 5’3 and 180 lbs. I cannot get his weight off no matter what I do. I eat a low calorie diet, I exercise 5 days a week. I am on a thyroid pill once a day for the rest of my life, it has helped me with the mood swings and the being tired all the time but my weight isn’t doing a thing. I told my Dr. that I am not a snacker. I don’t keep junk food in my house and I don’t eat out and I don’t think he believes me. I have had the hardest time finding a good endocrinologist. Your Doctor is supposed to help you and so far I don’t feel helped.
Tracey – I am so sorry to hear that. I do know how hard it is to lose weight, esp. when you diet and exercise and take your meds!
Maybe you can keep a food & exercise journal and bring it in to your doc, and ask what else you can do? Other than that, maybe you can consult a nutricianist. That is, if you can afford it. I need one myself, but don’t have the extra $ to do it.
Hi
I came across your post tonight and i am so thrilled to see that you have found a way to control your weight. I cant add anything else to what others have written. I am at loss of what to do. The more medication I take for the Thyroid both T4 and T3, the more weight I gain. Apparently some plagued with Hashimoto can develop a paradoxal case where the body does not quite absorb the Thyroid meds plus shutting down even what your own body used to make. I gained 20 pounds over the last year with exercising 6 days a week and watching what I am eating. I am kinda giving up on working out as the more I go, the fatter I seem to get. Plus it is just extremely hard with the lack of energy. I am tempted with the ADHD meds..:) I would love just some moral support. I feel alone in this battle and most of my friends don’t have a clue of what I am going through. would love to email you if you allow it.
hey there,
omg, you said all the things that are happening to me….my face looks sooo fat like when i was on steroids for my lupus in the 80′s, but my body may have actually lost a bit of weight. it is so embarrassing to look this way at high school reunions or wherever. my doctor says my hormones are at a normal level so he won’t give me thyroid meds…though i have been diagnosed w/ hoshimoto’s thyroiditis. i just started taking an anti depressant lexapro and now i am taking adderall. adderall seems to make me hungry….yikes. im not sure what to do. when the doctors say i look like i gained weight it makes me want to eat more and i feel defeated. i am beginning to realize it is my face that looks deformed. unlike the beautiful you, i have always been an average looking brunette w/ a nice figure who looked nice in clothes. w/ the onset of this hoshimoto’s that is not the case now….people just right me off as a person and igmore me…i don’t know what to do….thanks,,,,molley
Molly – Thanks for sharing your story.
Adderal makes you hungry? I thought ADHD meds were supposed to do the opposite. Hmmm…
Molly,
Like you, I was always fairly attractive, brown hair, shapely and like shopping, had nice outfits, etc… Until the Hashimoto’s struck! 50 lbs later, my face was huge, puffy, pastey looking, on top of gaining weight everywhere else. It was embarrassing to see people I hadn’t seen in a long time. The surprised look, and trying to act like they don’t notice. Then yes, people at like you don’t exist. Is’nt that awful? I’d recently got married too, and it was almost like people thought I just kicked back and gained weight after getting hitched – so not the case!
So anyway, hang in there. Just wanted to say you’re not alone and I can relate!
Carrie
Thanks so much for sharing your struggles with Hashimotos. I am 62 years old and was diagnosed last summer after finding a new physician, an internist. Since that time he does blood work and adjust my thyroid med accordingly. For about 3 months in the Fall I was doing great energy wise, able to get out of bed and actually running in the park 2 miles. Then I had an ear infection and an antibiotic interfered with the synthroid and my symptoms returned. For the past 4 months I have no energy, and have alot of trouble getting out of bed to go to work, and have not been exercising. Fortunately my weight is not too bad. I have suffered with overweight my entire life, and at least I have been holding stable at around 150 pounds at 5″3 inches. Your story, and the stories of other sufferers, have really helped inspire me and know that at least other people out there understand and cope with this disorder.
By the way, you are one “knock out” looking young lady in all of your photos, and you are beautiful inside and out! Thanks for being there for all of us readers.
Thank you Marilyn!
Hi, just reading your blog! I ahve Hasmitos and struggling to loose my weight. What specifically was the name of the ADHD medication that helped you loose yours???
I eat reasonably well, and have been the same weight for 3 years since diagnosed. Tried 2 personal trainer and still the same weight!!!!
Look forward ot hearing from you
Hillswph – Sorry to hear you have Hashimotos, too. My ADHD medication is Vyvanse.
Wow… Your story really hit home for me. In high school I was 110. Im am now 23 and 200lbs. I really started to gain weight after a car accident back in 2007 and it was then I found out I had Hashimotos. I have been taking Synthroid for almost 3 years now and cant seem to get more than 5lbs off. I find it hard to go to sleep at a normal hour and end up sleeping most of the day. I dont know if I should switch doctors because he isnt very aggresive with my medication. In fact he was quick to put me on Lipitor for cholestorol which made me so sick, so i stopped taking it. I wish there was something I could do just to have energy. I went from wanting to be skinny to wanting to lose just enough weight so I can get through a whole day with out taking a nap.
I did not know about the ADHD meds but I am going to ask my doctor about that.
Thank you so much for posting your story, it helped me see I am not the only one out there.
Melissa – I take ADHD meds for ADHD and Dysautonomia, not for Hashimoto’s. I’m not sure your doctor would prescribe it, just so you could lose weight.
You can try taking Fish Oil to lower your cholesterol, or try eating foods with less cholesterol. And, your doctor should at least check your vitamin D level.
Do you know that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and its complications are often mistaken for Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s about 5 years ago, however I’ve had it since I was 16 years old. It wasn’t until I was 32 that my thyroid went out and I was misdiagnosed with just plain old Hypothyroidism. Then I had to be taken off meds after 2 years because it went back to normal, which didn’t make since if I had Hypo, but in reality it was Hashimoto’s. So I’ve been on Thyroid med for about 10 years. When I went into menopause 1 1/2 years ago, I put on 30 pounds, bang. I cannot lose it, no matter what I do. I walk 3-4 miles a day, 5-6 days a week, nothing. I eat 1200 calories, nothing. But when I eat 500-800 calories I can actually lose weight. But who can maintain that. My hair is falling out, I am having difficulty swallowing, I have shortness of breath, I have lost the outer 1/3 of my eye brows, I have mild depression – mood swings which I thought was menopause but now I’m doubting that. I want to scream. I hate shopping too. I never wear shorts or dresses because my knees are fat. I sometimes notice that I feel swollen all over, and then it will go down – also related to Hashimoto’s. I have multiple nodule around my thyroid, which is goitorous. At almost 51 years of age, I really think my thyroid is burned out. I also was reading that celiac disease can be found in people with Hashimoto’s and that eating a gluten free diet can help. I’ve experienced digestive problems since I was in my 20′s. Geeze, I sound like quite the mess. I see my doctor in 3 weeks, I can’t wait. I have also read where they can put you on T3 along with T4. I’m going to ask. They say the T3 is what boosts metabolism.
Diann – Have you been tested for Celiac Disease and low vitamin D? You might have something else going on other than Hashimoto’s.
I hear you on the fat knee thing–I’ve also got Venous Insufficiency, and my legs, which were once long, thin and lovely, are now swollen with blood trapped in them, giving me fat knees.
I too have bn struggling with this for the last yr. After my second daughter I am 75lbs over weight. It so discouraging when u work out & no weight comes off. I have also bn told I have adhd but at first i lost a ton of weight but it all came back. If u don’t mind me asking what is the name of the medicine ur on for adhd? I want my energy back to so I can play with my children instead of always watching them with my husband. I’m tired of the I used to be’s I just wanna by old self again. By the way u look gr8!
I take Vyvanse for my ADHD–but it turns out that I had Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmunine disease, which was the real culprint behind my lack of strength and exercise tolerance.
Thank you so much for sharing about your struggles with Hashimoto’s. I was diagnosed with this 5 years ago and have struggled with very similar symptoms (very tired, weight gain around the stomach area, even though I exercise nothing helps in dropping the weight – always cold, etc).
I thought I read on one of the posts that taking a non-synthetic thyroid med. does not really work for Hashimoto’s. I have not taken anything for this yet because I am just so unsure. My doctor didn’t think it was that bad to take any medications – although a scan showed very bad scarring and dysfunction and lumps … No empathy. I get really down sometimes with this and feel like I am always making excuses and apologizing for my weight gain.
I have felt so isolated with this disease and now I don’t feel so alone. Really appreciate the input and the comments on here from everyone! Thank you so much Girl from the Ghetto! I love your blog and feel like I’ve known you for years! I can really relate.
Your blog has given me much hope and even has helped me laugh! Thank you!
I look at it this way–if a suppliment, drink, or other type of food was so important to help cure thyroid disease, then why wouldn’t all Endocrinologists be prescribing it to their patients? The only other thing my doctor wants me to take is Vitamin D–and all people in the northern half of the U.S. need to take it, as we don’t get enough sunshine.
I think Synthroid works the best to help with all the symptoms of thyroid disease, if not the only thing that works.
I’d never listen to a salesmen peddling a drink or suppliment, because they’ll tell you anything to get you to buy their sham products. I’d certainly never want any reader to listen to the people leaving comments here about what miracle cures help them–because I’m concinced most of them suspiciously sound like salesmen.
You should be under the care of a good Endocronologist if you want to start feeling better–and if you are with one now and don’t feel better, switch doctors.
I recently moved to Pittsburgh and “started over” with all new doctors after years of dealing with Endocrinologists elsewhere. I’ve been treated for Hypothyroid, and they were always adjusting my dose and telling me to take Vitamin D, stop taking Vitamin D, increase, decrease, take one dose one day and another dose on the opposite days. I’ve had multiple biopsies for these “nodules” that are on my thyroid and I also have a goiter. Not once did anyone ever mention Hashimoto’s. Recently the new Endo sent me for yet another biopsy and the Radiologist, of all people, said he didn’t think I needed it, as my thyriod looked more indicative of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. At first I was angry as I thought, “Who is the Radiologist to undermine my doctor?” And I thought, “I’ve been going through this for years, I think they know what’s going on by now” (I’m a nurse, so everyone thinks I should know everything about every disease, but ofcourse I don’t) Later, though, I looked it up and started to realize, that he was probably right. I never understood why I was so much more tired than everyone else (I would tell people that I was exhausted and I got the impression that they believed I was just lazy), or why I could diet and exercise and actually GAIN weight (again, I got the impression that people thought I was closet eating and that I should know better since I am a nurse.) Not to mention the weird palpitations that would wake me in the middle of the night (which were chalked up to anxiety) I’ve always thought there had to be something else. Something the doctors were missing or some symptom, some magic symptom that I wasn’t mentioning at my appointments that would give them the “AHA!” moment that you always see on TV and in the movies right before everyone lives happily ever-after. Turns out it wasn’t really me, it was them. They were failing to see the whole picture. I’m really tired of being ridiculed by doctors over weight gain that I can’t control. (I should probably mention that I am also diabetic and weight gain is highly frowned upon)
Having grown up one of those “skinnies” that you talked about, I have also had a hard time with all these fluctuations in weight. I’ve gained and lost and gained again, and every time I lose I tell myself I will NEVER be that fat again. But it always occurs again, and seemingly out of my control. It’s almost as if I go to bed a thin girl and wake up having put on 30 pounds. And at that first warning sign, I cut out anything that might make me gain more, but I keep right on gaining. I have body issues now that I never had before (like that flappy skin on the underside of your arm that likes to wave at everyone and draw even more attention to itself)
I’ve rambled about all of this, when really I just wanted to tell you that I found your blog inspirational on so many levels. It sortof made me feel better to know that there are other people out there with the same issues and that there is a way back. Thanks!
I know exactly what you’re going through. I have a similar story. As a teenager I was skinny (5’8″ at 115 lbs), but after 23 I started gaining weight gradually. I am now 33 and weigh 180 and have been at this weight for a few years now. I exercise everyday and bike for 10 miles /day weather permiting. At around 25 I started having irregular periods and spent a lot of money on ultrasounds and all kinds of tests (don’t have health insurance) and no one could tell me what was wrong with me. I was so frustrated. After 2 more years I started feeling like crap everyday: tired, dizzy, depressed, anxiety attacks, heart palpitations. Finally, after doing some research on the internet I saw an endocrynologist and was diagnosed with Hashimotos (hypothyroid). I started taking Levotyroxine, but was still miserable. On top of everything I started having horrible hot flashes also. My endo blamed it on my thyroid. I knew something else was going on, so I stopped seeing my endo and went to my family doctor who did a full hormonal panel and last year diagnosed me as being menopausal. I haven’t had a period in the last 6 months and I feel awful almost every day. I am considered obese at 50 lbs overweight, but I know that I am more fit and exercise way more than most people I know. I lift weights, which help me build strenght and muscles, and helped me tremendously with my confidence and self-esteem. I don’t think of myself as fat. When I look at myself I see a fit and sexy woman. I don’t really care what anyone else thinks. What I’m trying to tell is this: do the best you can, love yourself just as you are, and do not give a damn about what anyone else says or thinks about you. Once you have a more positive outlook about yourself and show confidence, people will start treating you with more respect. And nothing is more attractive to a man than a confident woman who knows she’s sexy and believes in herself, no matter what size she is. I know it’s not easy, but hang in there girl!
This scares the heck out of me. (sorry, this is long, but I really, really need to vent, and you don’t know me, so why not?!) I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s about 4 months ago. My TPO levels were sky high, but my TSH was 4.5 (normal by the appearantly out-dated lab results). The more I read about this disease, the more frightened I get, and the more I realize that I’ve probably had it for 20 years. Is that possible? Basically, I gained about 30-40 lbs in a VERY short time when I was about 20. It coincided with a bunch of things: Mono the summer before, birth control for the first time, and my first migraines. Who knows which was the culprit, but my guess is all of them. Anyway, I probably lost about 10 of it, and then my body kept the rest for the next 8 years. All the while, I was having migraines and panic attacks. Just thought I was crazy, though I did have the presence of mind to drop the pill. At about age 28, I went on the Atkins diet (hey, it ws the 90′s and it was the hot thing). This in combination with a weightressing job in a busy restaurant helped me get back nearly to the weight I was in high scool. I kept it there about 5 years while I was in grad school, then I moved to NYC, and put most of it back on due to regular take-out. I too am a complete foodie.
So now here I am again. I’m 5lbs shy of my highest weight (maybe 10, I don’t really know for sure what that weight was). I went to the G.P. and expressed my concerns (Was dilegent with WW and excercise for nearly a year and my weight wouldn’t budge). I requested they test my thyroid as per my sister’s suggestion (she is Type 1 diabetic with Hypothyroid). Sure enough my results indicated some sort of thyroid issue, so they sent me to and endo. He confirmed it, but basically said there is nothing they can do until my TSH levels go up! I’m sorry, but that is an unacceptable answer. Meanwhile I’ve gained 10lbs (no mistery though, I have to say. Went on Vacation, and ate like a crazy person). I’m terrified that it’s going to keep going. I’ve been logging every morsal of food I eat in a calorie tracker, and plan to bring it to the NEW doctor (no way am I going back to the “come back in 4 months for another blood test doc). I’ve noticed that my weigh stays the same uless I eat less than 1000 calories. If I eat more than 1500, I gain. So depressing.
I have made a few changes that seem to have made a difference, but I’m afraid to do much for fear that I’ll send myself into hyper mode. The weight loss isn’t worth the insanity it causes. The one thing I added to the mix was a supliment called 7-keto. It is a metabolite of DHEA, and I swear it brought my waking body temp up in a week. I’ll be currious to know how it has effected my blood tests. I do not really feel better though. I am actually jittery AND lethargic.
I just want to find a doctor that will tell me what I can do outside of starviing myself. It’s all very depressing, and makes me want to just say “screw-it” and ignore the problem. Then I’ll just be depressed about that though. UGH. Gee, if you read all that, you deserve a medal.
FYI, you are stunning regardless of size, but I completely understand your frustration. Know that there are plenty of folks that look at you with envy.
I have always thought I had some kind of adhd, and I knew I had thyroid troubles even though my levels were normal, I had all the other symptoms. I had lost 80lbs with the lap band and kept it off 4 years. then my went from hyper to hypo and gained it back. I cannot loose a pound, and recently heard about adderol. I am going to talk to my doctor about it next visit.I am only 5′ I cannot afford all this weight.
reading your post was like reading my life’s story. I have to agree with the other people, you stayed beautiful with fabulous hair. I have hashimotos and will share with people my story, I too have gone from thin to fat, most of my life I have been on thin side-normal but have periods of 2-4 yrs being heavy. (currently heavy). I hate being fat, people/drs. dont get it, I have done absolutely nothing differently and have gained weight. I am a registered nurse and will tell you, that hashimotos was a long and tragic time to be diagnosed. I was misdiagnosed by my drs, I was getting so hot in 50degree weather I was getting heat rashes. they were red and inflammed and was told it was mrsa. IT wasnt. I have fought with drs. about it being my thyroid and had to fight to get them to run the labs to diagnose it. I know if I wasnt a nurse I still wouldnt know what is wrong with me. My symptoms- rapid weight gain- I gained 40lbs in like 3 mos. Intense fatique, I was sleeping 15hrs a day- having to take a nap in the closet at work, and very hot-it felt like I was in a car with window rolled up all the time. after I would eat I would get painful heart palpations and IBS which they put me on lopressor and changed to toprol when it didnt help. I would take myself off both because neither stopped heart palpations and they made me tired as well- my blood pressure during that time was 80/40. I had to fight with dr over and over because every month I was gainning 4lb, 3lb, 7lb, 5lb,…. I increased my meds and felt better, dr finally agreed with the amt. after seeing me improving. ok here is the kicker, and best advice I can give. I have found in the last 3 mos that glutten is causing my symptoms to be worse. I have gone on a glutten free diet and heart palpations and IBS have improved significantly! I also dont need to nap like before. I am also finding it to be that high carb drinks and foods also have made me exhausted. I would like to suggest to people- cut wheat out of your diet and go on a lower carb diet, see if that helps with energy. Drs couldnt get it, that if I am so exhausted how on earth was I going to exercise? I found your site to be very helpful and have learned more than what drs have taught me on my own. Thank you
I can relate so much to you and I am happy things are starting to go your way. I have Hashimoto’s disease, when it was finally discovered it had completely destroyed my thyroid. I take medicine everyday. I started on 50mcg, 75mcg I’m now on 100mcg. I am still gaining weight so much I vomit while awake and in my sleep. My frame is too small for this weight. I also have fibromyalgia, that is a chore in itself. The difference is my heart rate is high it can be over 100 at rest sometimes. I have been diagnosed with SVT ( supra ventricular tachycardia). So the likely hood of getting a stimulant is out and I understand that. I was tired of doctors looking at me as if I was lazy. I love sweets but I cut down to once a week, I would eat whatever snack (1) I wanted. I bake my food. I would eat fried food maybe 4 times a year. I know this because I would count the months from my last visit and it’s usually 4-6 months apart. I am not into exercise but I have tried different thing, ie. belly dancing, aqua-fitness and the weight is still coming on. I’m too fatigued to try the boot camp again (and too old trying to keep up with 20yo). I need help I’m falling back into this…This weight is making me miserable. I’m sick of people thinking I’m lazy, and I’m starting to give up on myself.