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Work's impact on thyroid levels.
By
Midwife of Changes
November 5, 2011 - 10:37pm
Hello-I just joined this group. I am a nurse-midwife and also have Grave's disease. I have been treated with RAI, so am now technically hypothyroid. My diagnosis took place 3 years ago . . . my replacement meds were stable within 6 months. They stayed stable until I started getting up at 4:30 AM to commute to a clinic 100 miles away. And, I worked in the evenings after work. Very long days. And not a real flourishing workplace. Add to that bad roads and a dying landlord. I became slowly hypo over several months. When I finally got enough energy to get it checked - it was 8. My endo thought I was skipping pills on purpose. I told him about the lifestyle change and he believed me. (I got horrid bronchitis and that is what tipped me off). Slowly he increased me - but nothing mattered until I changed schedules, shortening days and commutes. This experience has taught me how sleep cycles are an important part of staying well and stable for me. Getting so apathetic effects my ability to create a happy, flourishing life. Has anyone else ever had levels impacted by lifestyle changes? It is now 9 mos later and we are still making final adjustments. Wow!
By
Midwife of Changes
November 30, 2011 - 7:00pm
Auntlello - That makes sense on the sleep - cause at one end we don't have enough energy and at the other we burn up all the energy from rapid metabolism. I agree, though, that I don't have the ability to go, go, go like I did before - even when I am hyper, I get so tired. I think I am hyper now . . . and have bronchitis (a clue that my levels are off).
They say Graves disease folks are the hyper ones - and I would say type A but my Graves has made me more of a type B and it is not a bad thing. Yes, count your blessings.
Cathy Hartt, RN, MS, CNM
Midwife of Changes Wellbeing Coaching
November 30, 2011 - 7:00pmThis Comment
By
Midwife of Changes
November 30, 2011 - 7:00pm
Auntlello - That makes sense on the sleep - cause at one end we don't have enough energy and at the other we burn up all the energy from rapid metabolism. I agree, though, that I don't have the ability to go, go, go like I did before - even when I am hyper, I get so tired. I think I am hyper now . . . and have bronchitis (a clue that my levels are off).
They say Graves disease folks are the hyper ones - and I would say type A but my Graves has made me more of a type B and it is not a bad thing. Yes, count your blessings.
Cathy Hartt, RN, MS, CNM
Midwife of Changes Wellbeing Coaching
November 30, 2011 - 7:00pmThis Comment
By
Auntlello1
November 29, 2011 - 10:53pm
Two summers ago I was working more than usual, (a whole 30 hours!) but due to a change in medication my TSH rose to 36. What is really funny is whether it is 36 or even just 6 I still feel the same amount of tire, and can sleep for up to 12 hours :( Right now it is less than 1, and I can't sleep past 8 hours, but I am still dragging during the day.
My brain is a type A personality, but my body is a type B :) Maybe someday the can connect and get it right! Until then, I just ned to find the things to be thankful for. Things could always be worse!
Auntlello1
November 29, 2011 - 10:53pmThis Comment
By
Midwife of Changes
November 29, 2011 - 9:27pm
Hi Auntlello - I like your synopsis. Very true . . . and a huge lesson about sleep exists for those of us with thyroid disease. Because we need 6-7 hours of sleep/night to have good wellbeing, you may find yourself ahead of your friends who get less. I know it has changed my life . . . and I miss the births but I love what I do now, too - and I sleep more and have better overall wellbeing!
Cathy Hartt, CNM
Midwife of Changes Wellbeing Coaching
November 29, 2011 - 9:27pmThis Comment
By
Midwife of Changes
November 29, 2011 - 9:27pm
Hi Auntlello - I like your synopsis. Very true . . . and a huge lesson about sleep exists for those of us with thyroid disease. Because we need 6-7 hours of sleep/night to have good wellbeing, you may find yourself ahead of your friends who get less. I know it has changed my life . . . and I miss the births but I love what I do now, too - and I sleep more and have better overall wellbeing!
Cathy Hartt, CNM
Midwife of Changes Wellbeing Coaching
November 29, 2011 - 9:27pmThis Comment
By
Auntlello1
November 29, 2011 - 7:54pm
Well Midwife, I would have to say after 22 years it is more like my levels impact my work :)
I have given up the idea of being the kind of mother, wife, friend, sister that I wish I could be. I have learned there is a certain point when I can no longer do any more, and I just have to stop.
My family, all though they may not fully understand it, has come to realize that is just the way it is. I require 8 hours of sleep a night, and I once said this out loud one night with some girlfriends. Boy did the heads turn! They were all talking about how happy they are if they get even 6, and as much as I tried to explain to them that I can not function on that, it just seemed selfish.
Well, sometimes with this disease we have to be selfish! If I tried to do all the things I wanted to do, within a month I would be passed out on the side of the road. Last summer I tried doing more and more, and sure enough I ended up sitting in front of the flower patch unable to even get up. I had to sit there for half an hour and just rest. Sounds pathetic, but we all know our limits, and mine is unfortunately not very high :) Trying to push it a little more each day, but it is kinda like the thyroid medication. If you try taking too much at once, your in for a rough ride!
Welcome to the group, and thank you so much for sharing!
Auntlello1
November 29, 2011 - 7:54pmThis Comment
By
Anonymous
November 19, 2011 - 6:48pm
Welcome to EmpowHER and thanks for sharing your story. I too have hypothyroid and all my blood work would come back just fine. Until my doctor noticed an enlarged neck and decided to do an ultrasound and nuclear scan and sure enough, i am currently on a low dose of synthroid. So far i feel great. Am sure your story will help many women going through the same.
Best,
Daisy
November 19, 2011 - 6:48pm
Yes, def count the blessings! As much as we have to deal with some days, it is best to realize there could be a whole lot more!
Thanks for listening :)
Auntlello1
December 1, 2011 - 12:11amThis Comment