[Bobbi]

#1066763

Some weight gain is normal when our hyperthyroid condition gets "fixed." Some weight gain is actually GOOD weight to gain. Why? Because when we are hyperthyroid some portion of the weight we lost was lost muscle. Muscle weighs more than other tissues, and while hyper we tend to have it waste away from our legs, arms, chests, and elsewhere. Having strong muscle keeps our metabolisms up; conversely, losing muscle lowers our metabolism, which means we cannot eat as much without gaining weight.

When we regain normal levels of thyroid hormone in our bodies, muscle gradually comes back. This will appear as weight gain. It is not strong muscle until we have conditioned it with prudent exercise. But, over time, it will regain its strength and it will raise our metabolisms allowing us to eat more without gaining weight.

Now, undoubtedly, you haven’t seen 9 pounds of muscle come back on in six weeks, but some of the weight gain could still be due to lost muscle and the lowered metabolism (you are no longer hyperthyroid), and the fact that you cannot (or should not) get the kind of exercise you normally would if you were healthy. It takes time and patience while the body is going through all of these changes. If you are eating wisely, and keeping nutrition in the forefront, and start getting exercise again, when your doctor tells you it is safe, you should find that, over time, your weight will become normal again.

The Levoxyl "IS" thyroid hormone. It is chemically identical to the body’s own T4, which converts to T3 as needed by the cells. Getting the right amount will put you at a normal level of hormone. You will not "be" hypothyroid if you are on the right amount of replacement hormone, and it will allow your body to function normally again.

[hyperteacher27]

#1018728

Hi All,

Just got back from the doctor’s office and my doctor began the visit with "How are you feeling? I bet not that great?"

I replied "well…for a few weeks (Dec 15- Jan I was feeling the best I have felt in YEARS! Nearly all hyper symptoms gone and just happy and healthy. Lately I notice I’m colder and more tired, but really nothing I can’t handle. A welcome change if you will from sweating profusely and having way too much energy due to a heart that is about to pound out of my chest. I have noticed my clothes are starting to all get tight (giggle) and my muscles have been quite sore, which I hope you will tell me is normal…but other than that I’m feeling ok."

Turns out my blood work shows I am already hypothyroid and the scale shows I have gained 9 lbs in the 6 weeks since I was weighed the day of my RAI. Ugh! I mean, I knew I must have gained some weight, but this is shocking to me. I am 5’1 and have weighed about 99-101 my entire life. From late high school to late twenties it never fluctuated. I am an overall healthy eater who does like sweets. But I eat balanced, fairly small portioned meals. I exercise once in a while, always have. More so at some points in my life, but not doing so has never drastically affected my weight. Weighing 112 is just so weird to me and for it to come on so fast! No wonder my muscles hurt! I feel like they must be in shock too! I hate to sound like I am complaining about weighing such a normal weight, but please respect that it is relative to me that this news comes as shocking.

Anyway, I am going on Levoxyl starting tomorrow morning. I don’t know the dose. She faxed in the prescription and I’m picking it up soon, but she said it is a pretty moderate dose.

Any insight as to if Levoxyl will help me lose some of the weight and the muscle soreness or if this is all something I need to do on my own? I mean I am willing to exercise harder and even cut out the sweets, but it would be nice to hear that the hormone replacement helps?

Doctor doesn’t seem worried or skeptical as to way it is all happening to fast. I am still happy I chose RAI and truly do feel so much better in so many ways.

Just would love to hear some words of encouragement I guess ” title=”Smile” />

And sorry I don’t post my lab numbers. Again, the sophistication of the times is such that I get blood drawn a day or two before I see my doc and I arrive and it is all in her computer. I trust her. I don’t ask for a print out.

Hope all is well with everyone else. Hope to hear from some of you soon.

[enough3]

#1066764

That is good news! In my opinion, the worst is over for you!!

Now you can start taking your lev and move on:)

I’m sure 9 lbs seems like a lot for someone your size (petite). Hang in there. you will have some control again once the lev kicks in and your body stablizes. From ALL that I have read on this site..and let me tell you..it’s plenty..lol….you will slowly lose a few lbs. on your lev.

At any rate, eat good and exercise 3 times a week ” title=”Wink” /> and enjoy feeling better!!!! Hurray!

[hyperteacher27]

#1066765

Thanks guys! You’ve both been really helpful and supportive on here! I do appreciate it.

[Tamara2010]

#1066766

Hello, Are you a teacher? How long did they tell you; you couldn’t go back to work post RAI? How long could you not be around kids after RAI? I have a baby and am scared because I don’t want her thryoid to be affected from my RAI. Just worried Mom. Are you glad you got it done? Thank you. ” title=”Smile” />

[hyperteacher27]

#1066767

I am a teacher, but I teach high school. Not sure if it matters all that much. I went back to work after three days. Had RAI on a Monday and was at work Thursday. I think that all doctors and hospitals are different. My doctor is super laid back and I think that if there were a TRULY SERIOUS risk of exposure to others she would take it seriously. She told me to use disposable items for three days, where everything else I read said not to throw anything away because then the contaminated items would be in the trash exposing my little sweat droplets or whatever to goodness knows who! I mean it can all get SO scary when you start reading too much, but honestly she just said don’t share a bed with my fiance for three nights. Use disposable goods for three nights. Keep a distance of approximately 3-6 feet to all individuals for three days and that is really it. I mean at first I was certain that things I touched without gloves would contaminate my fiance and I forever. I was like, what if the iodine just stays on a book I was reading for example and I pick it up in a week and it keeps destroying my thyroid more and more. Nuts right? Well now I’m just SO glad to have done it. It worked so fast for me, and I am super grateful for that. It was the smartest medical decision I could have made at that time. I was miserable and I did not have to stay miserable for as long as it sounds some people do. Obviously be careful with the exposure to your baby and follow the precautions given to you, but do not stress!! Good luck!!

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