[terri64]

#1059296

My doctor tells if I do not take my pill. I will die. I recently changed doctors because my other endocrinologist could not regulate me and when I took the as prescribed. I became hypoactive and gained 30 lbs. I stopped taking it and lost the weight instantly. I am 5’9″ 122 and have a fear of gaining weight. I associate my thyroid pill with weight gain and my new doctor lowered my dose but I still cannot get myself to take even though I know I could hurt myself. Is anyone else feeling this way or have suggestions to overcome it? I do workout regularly but that weight came on anyway.

[Bobbi]

#1173938

Some of the weight we lose while hyperactive is MUSCLE. Muscle weighs more than other tissues, so when we lose muscle, it looks like we’re losing weight. When we get back to normal thyroid hormone levels, we regain muscle, and this looks like we’re gaining weight. But muscle weight is GOOD weight to have. It keeps us strong. And it burns more calories, even at rest, than other body tissues. Muscle is also the dominant tissue in our hearts, and our hearts can be permanently harmed by allowing the hyper condition to persist.

The bottom line is that y ou are choosing to be unhealthy, possibly even debilitated, rather than see a few pounds of “good” weight go on a scale. That is not a healthy choice.

[gatorgirly]

#1173939

Hi Terri,

I gained about 30 pounds also, not from the anti-thyroid meds (I took PTU) but from being hypothyroid after RAI. It has been really difficult for me since I was a cheerleader and gymnast up until a few years ago and always in great shape at an ideal weight. However, it is slowly coming off as I get my levels regulated and watching calories very carefully.

At 5’9″ and 122, you are underweight (according to the NIH) To fear gaining a few pounds by taking a pill that could save your life, it sounds like you need to talk to a professional. I struggled with eating disorders and now enjoy food. I think one of the best people to speak with is a dietitian, and since most endocrinology offices employ nutritionists or dietitian for their diabetic patients, you can probably ask for an appointment regarding your fear of weight gain.

Bottom line: you NEED this medicine or a more permanent treatment (surgery or RAI) and have to find a way to let the weight gain be a temporary side effect until you’re well again.

[Carito71]

#1173940

Hello Terri,

I don’t want to be overweight either. I don’t think anyone in this forum wants to be overweight but gaining weight when you need to gain it b/c you have lost it when you were hyperthyroid is not a want but a need. Being underweight is dangerous as Bobbi pointed out.

I agree with all the other posts and gatorgirly has a point. You should talk to your endocrinologist or to your general Dr about seeing a dietitian or a nutritionist.

There are people who were hyperthyroid and became euthyroid, who are in great shape (healthy weight). That should be everyone’s goal in this forum … to become euthyroid and maintain a healthy weigh for our height.

I’m currently taking Methimazole and at my last appt I was hypothyroid and I have noticed that some of the weight is coming back. I’m afraid of becoming overweight but I don’t want to die, so I take my medication and I eat healthy (I have been eating healthy for a while b/c I also have Celiac Disease). I have started walking again and my goal is to continue doing so and to continue incorporating healthy exercise into my daily routine. If you don’t take care of your body, it will continue to give up on you and I doubt you want that.

Check this out:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/results_underweight.html?pounds=122&inches=69

I hope our posts help you take the treatment you need and to look for healthy ways to maintain a healthy body and weight.

Welcome to the forum.
Caro

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