[Anonymous]

#1075891

Wow. No. I would not say that bouncing around is “normal.” On the other hand there are some issues that might play into your problem. You might want to keep a log of food intake and exercise. Is there any difference in what and how you eat from summer to winter? Do you get significantly more exercise in the summer as opposed to the winter? And could that cause some of the weight fluctuations? I think that as we gain weight, we might need a higher dose of replacement to be “normal” — and as we lose any significant amount of weight, we might need to lower the replacement dose to remain “normal.” Is there any change in the time of day and proximity to food/vitamins between summer and winter? Vitamins and minerals (and some enriched foods) can interfere with the absorption of the replacement dose into the blood. There can be fluctuations, then, in how much replacement is needed based on this type of issue.

I hope this helps,
Bobbi — NGDF Online FAcilitator

[Anonymous]

#1020062

Hi there,

I’m new to the forum and pretty much have been living what I think is a ‘normal’ life after treatment of severe hyperthyroidism with Graves disease eye symptoms.

I had my thyroid surgically removed in October 2004 – reason they did that instead of RAI was due to some sort of hurth cell nodules and my severe eye symptoms. Since then, my eyes are doing pretty dang good – they’ve receded for the most part and only irritate me a day a week on average – dryness, sensativity to smoke (if in restaurant or bar).

Anyhow my question is for other similar patients that have had treatment for hyperthyroidism – is it normal to bounce around on your synthyroid levels? It’s been 3.5 years since my surgery and every doctor I see is CONSTANTLY adjusting my dosage of synthyroid. The trend tends to be in fall they cut my dose to .125mcg and then spring it goes to .175mg. In between they usually through in a few .150mcg, but recently those have been coming back too low. It’s a little frustrating, because I feel this is why I can’t get my weight to stabilize. I swear I’ve gained and lost the same 5 pounds at least 4 times in the last year. I don’t mean to be going through doctors, but we moved in the last year so it’s taken me two doctors to get a good one that’s covered by my insurance. It just gets frustrating because I’ve improved my diet in the last two years and am pretty active and the only thing that happens is that I gain weight and every doctor says to ‘exercise more’. The synthyroid dose is the only variable changing – does it really affect this so much? I want to integrate a more active exercise routine, but I want to wait until I get a dose that sticks around for 6 months so I can fairly evaluate the new element. This repeatative two months and test thing gets old.

I would describe myself as 5′-6″ medium build, athletic. I think my ideal body weight was around 155 +/-. When I was sick, I lost all my muscle tone and was down to 132 pounds. The year after surgery I gained weight and was up to 165. Today, I’m at 178. It’s pretty scary pushing 180 pounds, but it’s funny – if you looked at me you wouldn’t guess it – I’m not flabby, I have slight contour of ribs, my legs feel more solid than ever before. No rolls, no stuffed sausage look like most women that weight this much. It’s wierd – it’s like my body has been on a mission to replace more than the muscle I lost! I’m starting to believe the whole muscle weighs more thing and only care how my clothes fit, but I’m concerned. My husband and I want to conceive a child this year – I would like to be a lower healthier weight (according to BMI chart) to conceive. My doctor is onboard and trying her best to get me ‘regulated’ and give advice prior to conceiving. I’m just a little worried that this will never stabilize – if I can’t keep my weight consistent now – how am I going to when with child?

If there is anyone out there with similar experiences or has helpful advice, I would be appreciative. Likewise, I’ll do my best as a member of the forum to help out new patients/members with tricks I learned to ease the eye symptoms.

Thanks,

Jessie

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