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Freepers without Thyroids?
self | self

Posted on 01/16/2006 1:53:42 PM PST by meowmeow

I found out today I have to have my thyroid removed (cancer - but treatable). I'm kind of freaked out as I have always been an active, athletic and thin woman. The doctor assured me I could still be active without a thyroid. But I could use some additional assurance - as in, can I run a marathon? Am I going to wake up and weigh 300 lbs? Seriously, I'm too young to become a couch potato.

Any Freepers with some experience here? I'm always amazed at what I can learn on this site.

Thanks!
Meowmeow


TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: health; help; thyroid
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I blame Chernobyl. But maybe my number just finally came up on the random disease generator of life.
1 posted on 01/16/2006 1:53:43 PM PST by meowmeow
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To: meowmeow

You can run a marathon. NYC, not Boston.
You can also scuba dive. But no snorkling.
And you will do ballet. But no modern dance.
Anything else?


2 posted on 01/16/2006 1:56:29 PM PST by RedBloodedAmerican
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To: meowmeow
I have my thyroid, but it doesn't work, because my pituitary doesn't work.

It will be hard for you, because your thyroid regulates A LOT of stuff. The hardest part will be finding a doc who is willing to adjust your meds according to how you feel, not what your tsh, t3, and t4 numbers are.

Since you are having yours removed, I would suggest you do some reading about Armour Thyroid. It is natural, as opposed to synthetic drugs like Synthroid or levothyroxine.

The biggest difference between the two is that they synthetics only have replacement t4 in them. Armour is made from pig thyroid (I know, gross), so it has the exact hormones that our thyroid produces. T3 is VERY important to energy levels, so if your doc puts you on a synthetic and you are not feeling like your old energy is coming back, give Armour a try.

A lot of docs do not like prescribing Armour, and prefer to go synthetic, so your doc might even say no to it. I have my reasons why I think that is, but it's not important right now.

Yes you can feel normal, no you don't have to weigh 300 lbs., (I am 5'10 and weigh 128), and I understand that you must be scared.

Here is a great site with other thyroid patients, many of whom who have had the same procedure. You can get a lot of answers on this site, plus talk to others about what to expect in your surgery, during recovery, and after.

thyroid forum

Feel free to FReepmail me whenever you want. I have been going through this hormone craziness for two years, and I still have more tests to go, with more meds to take. Arggh.

3 posted on 01/16/2006 2:06:57 PM PST by teenyelliott (Soylent green should be made outta liberals...)
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To: meowmeow

No suggestions to help other than to bump this thread to the top and wish you a easy recovery from that which has ya worried.....

Stay safe


4 posted on 01/16/2006 2:10:04 PM PST by Squantos (Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet. ©)
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To: meowmeow

When I had my thyroid removed, I asked if I would be able to play the violin afterwards. When the doctor said yes, I said that was great 'cause I never could play the violin before.

Actually I have no idea but I hope a little humor helps you feel better - sounds like you'll be able to weather this without a problem, best of luck.


5 posted on 01/16/2006 2:14:23 PM PST by thoughtomator
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To: meowmeow

Best wishes and prayers for you as you go through this. I had radiation ablatement of my thyroid 20 years ago, am "normal" today, medically speaking. ;-D


6 posted on 01/16/2006 2:14:58 PM PST by Judith Anne (Thank you St. Jude for favors granted.)
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To: RedBloodedAmerican
You can run a marathon. NYC, not Boston. Good 'cause I just hate Boston :)
7 posted on 01/16/2006 2:32:27 PM PST by meowmeow (Meow! Meow!)
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To: teenyelliott

thank you - that is helpful. I'm on synthroid now for Hashemoto's and the doc said I would be on something different after surgery but I don't remember what - the whole appointment is kind of a blur now. But I'll be doing lots of reading in the mean time. Thanks for the info and the link!


8 posted on 01/16/2006 2:38:16 PM PST by meowmeow (Meow! Meow!)
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To: meowmeow
No cancer fails to terrorize, but this type is among the least dangerous. After neglecting mine for a few years, I can speak from experience. I thought it was just the result of too much dental work.

Today it is considered a minor medical procedure. Best of luck to you and stop stressing.

9 posted on 01/16/2006 2:38:36 PM PST by Publius6961 (The IQ of California voters is about 420........... .............cumulatively)
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To: thoughtomator
When I had my thyroid removed, I asked if I would be able to play the violin afterwards. When the doctor said yes, I said that was great 'cause I never could play the violin before.

LOL! Actually I've never run a marathon before, but I've been training for the Cherry Blossom 10-miler (looks like I won't make it this year). After the last 5-miler I thought, well, I could do that twice. So if I can run 10 miles, I can run a half marathon. And if I can run a half, I can run a whole one. It's just math!

10 posted on 01/16/2006 2:41:07 PM PST by meowmeow (Meow! Meow!)
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To: meowmeow
You are welcome. When I was first diagnosed with Hashimotos (which turned out to be wrong), that site was very helpful to me.

Don't worry. You'll be fine.

11 posted on 01/16/2006 2:44:10 PM PST by teenyelliott (Soylent green should be made outta liberals...)
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To: Publius6961

Thank you - I know there are far worse things to have. And I'm glad I'll be able to give others the same kind of assurance some day. No experience, good, bad or moderate, is ever for nothing.


12 posted on 01/16/2006 2:46:23 PM PST by meowmeow (Meow! Meow!)
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To: RedBloodedAmerican

Tap is okay, but absolutely NONE of the old soft shoe.


13 posted on 01/16/2006 2:48:02 PM PST by Petronski (I love Cyborg!)
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To: RedBloodedAmerican

You can rope'n'roll them doggies, but you definitely cannot brand'em.


14 posted on 01/16/2006 2:48:50 PM PST by Petronski (I love Cyborg!)
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To: Petronski

How about ballroom?


15 posted on 01/16/2006 3:36:29 PM PST by RedBloodedAmerican
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To: Publius6961

That was reassuring; nice post


16 posted on 01/16/2006 3:37:02 PM PST by RedBloodedAmerican
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To: meowmeow

You getting chemo and radiation or just radiation?


17 posted on 01/16/2006 3:37:24 PM PST by RedBloodedAmerican
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To: meowmeow
I blame Chernobyl.

Did you live in Russia?

18 posted on 01/16/2006 7:15:26 PM PST by Born Conservative (Chronic Positivity: http://www.livejournal.com/users/jsher/)
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To: Born Conservative
She was stationed in Germany during the 80's (USAF). She was in Germany when Chernobyl went KABLAMO.

If your asking yourself "who the hell is this guy and how would he know that??", I'm her brother.
19 posted on 01/17/2006 3:21:48 AM PST by kb2614 (Hell hath no fury than a bureaucrat scorned.)
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To: RedBloodedAmerican

I have to have radioactive iodine treatments 6 weeks after surgery. No mention of chemo.


20 posted on 01/17/2006 8:31:48 AM PST by meowmeow (Meow! Meow!)
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