Anyone have any cheese to go with my whine?

Hi ladies,

It's been a while since I posted, but I really need to chat. It's been a little over 5 months since I had my hysterectomy (they took it all). I've done the hormone roller coaster and am still trying to straighten it all out. I've had serious issues with my sex drive and went in almost 3 weeks ago to discuss it again. They finally did some blood work to test my estrogen progesterone, and testosterone levels. She decided to throw in a thyroid test just for giggles. I don't know how familiar you are with thyroid function, but a normal TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level is anywhere from 0.5 to 5 (the higher it it, the slower your thyroid is). Mine was 57! They started me on synthroid, 0.025mg. I got rechecked last Friday, and it's improved to 21. Still not anywhere near normal, but getting better, at least. They doubled my dose today. My estrogen was also really low, so they doubled my dosage of that, too, putting me at 2mg/day. I also take 100mg of prometrium (my progesterone level was normal).
I just feel really tired. This hormone thing is driving me nuts. I'm so tired of all of this. I guess it's just one of those days, huh?
I don't guess I'm really asking for anything from anyone. I just needed someone to talk to.
Thanks--

{{{kellybelle}}}
I have the cheese you grab the glasses.
My synthroid had to be adjusted twice after my surgery. Your level is still whacky so your going to be tired. Try to take it easy and rest when you can. Right now nothing else matters. Have you been to www.HormoneJungle.com lately? The connection between the thyroid and our hormones has been discussed there a lot. Here's a and a hope that you feel better soon. Thanks for posting. It's good to hear from you. Karlene

I really appreiciate the message here and at home. Thank you so much. I have faith that today will be better. I pray for the patience to deal with my children (they're driving me out of my skull, and I have NO patience!), and for the medicine to kick in. I'm ready to have energy and not feel depressed.
Well, I need to get ready for work.

Take care,
Kelly

I was just doing some research on thyroid disease, I was considering going to an endocronologist. Did you get diagnosed from your family dr or an endo?? I have experienced alot of fatigue and depression. It seems these are relative, is this what you have found out??

I am actually a little relieved that maybe there is an answer out there to what is going on, I just can't wait to feel like someone close to me again

Thanks for the input even if you feel like you were whining some of us needed your input.

DLK

Hey DLK
I went into the regular clinic here on base and saw a PA, actually. I specifically asked for this particular one (she's really nice and understanding). She had initially said that I sounded depressed and wanted to treat me for that, but said she wanted to run hormone tests (novel concept that the doctors didn't seem to want to do!) and a thyroid test "just for fun". It was pure accident that we found out the big problem! They haven't mentioned referring me to an endocronologist, so I think we're just going to treat it here for the time being.
After I found out, I told my mom, and she got tested, too. We're still waiting to find out her results. I'd recommend the TSH test to *anyone* experiencing fatigue and depression! It's a simple blood test.
I felt really pouty the day I initially wrote this post, and just a couple of days after doubling my dosage of synthroid and estrogen, feel better already. I'm not 100% by any means, but I sure feel much more like my old self And as a bonus, I have *no* appetite! Maybe I'll lose those extra pounds I put on in the last 5 months!
Let me (us) know what they say!
Kelly

Kelly:

You are exactly right none of my drs have wanted to run any type of hormone test, I think since all the bad publicity concerning HRTs has come out. They told me it is common to use the Prozac family of drugs to treat the emotional disorders related to hormone imbalance. I am not confident with that though, especially if it could be thyroid related etc. I would rather know what is up physically so I could rule out needing to go to a therapist, etc for the emotional side. I haven't had much success with Prozac, they are trying to regulate it or maybe move on to another med.

Whatever, it is good to know other professionals are willing to find out exactly what's up. I am going to make an appt. with an endo next.

Thanks for the help,
DLK

I am only seven weeks post-op and went to see my doctor for the first post-op appointment two days ago. I had endo and a fibroid, and I am wary about taking hormones after having had endo.

Because I am fatigued, the doctor said "your estrogen levels are PROBABLY low". PROBABLY! You have all brought up a good point about the TSH test, and I was thinking exactly the same thing after my appointment, i.e., why on earth didn't she test my hormone levels before prescribing something, esp. since my endo could grow back with HRT? I started thinking that some doctors have been prescribing HRT so frequently that perhaps they have forgotten that hormones are powerful substances. Of course, my doctor (gyne) has a lot of experience with this, and performs a lot of hysterectomies, so I am sure she is familiar with various signs (e.g., fatigue) of hormone deficiency...but, I guess I would have felt better if a test had been performed. She didn't push the HRT and was fairly open about other options, and about me waiting a bit before taking HRT, and I'm happy about that.

I think I'll hold off on the hormones for a while but I'll definitely ask for a TSH before taking them. My body still hasn't gotten used to things and I'm sure I'll need much more time than 7 wks to figure out whether or not this fatigue is still a post-op thing that I will get over in time, esp. once I start working out and getting back to my old life, or something that needs to be medicated. I had mononucleosis for a year and was utterly exhausted, then I developed a fibroid and bled heavily almost non-stop for more than six months, and THEN had my TAH/BSO. No wonder I'm tired!

Yours,

Sudarshan

I just posted last night ("just need some words of comfort") -- I am still waiting for results of blood tests (hormone and thyroid) -- should get results Monday... but I can relate entirely too much to this! I am exhausted all the time -- finally worked a full day Thursday and had to take a nap in the middle! (Thank goodness my office has comfie couches! -- and an understanding supervisor...) I am sooo sick of feeling sick all the time! Some days I lay on the floor (at home, not work) and cry my eyes out until I fall asleep. I was already on anti-depressants, psychiatrist increased levels about 3 weeks post-op (5 or so weeks ago) -- it's either having *no* effect, or I'd be certifiable without them. Also increased anti-anxiety, which by the way *makes me more tired*! What I don't understand is this -- if the chemical levels in my body changed after TAH/USO, couldn't that mean the chemicals being added to help me should be changed? Perhaps is it not an increase I needed, but something completely different?
So I am awaiting results -- after a dear friend drove me to Dr and *demanded* he do the tests after a major meltdown... he *still* after close to 3 months post-op didn't think I needed them! He ordered thyroid, but *not* testosterone, which I told the nurse I wanted anyway -- it is, after all, a hormone! Also during physical exam, Dr. decided I need another ultrasound, there could "perhaps" be something wrong with the other ovary... (now why didn't I think of that?)
Sorry I opened up that other bottle of whine, I'm just at my wit's end with this! I finally felt good for about 48 hours, then slipped back down last night... here's hoping for answers Monday... Glad you are finally getting some relief. Good luck with the sex drive -- that is, thank goodness, the only thing I have not lost with my mind!

I hope your results come in today and they figure out what's making you so tired. It's *awful* to feel that way. I've taken antidepressants off and on over the last 2 years (mainly off for the past year), and was going back on them when we found out about my thyroid. I'm still having mood swings as my body adjusts to hormonal changes, but don't feel depressed, really.
Isn't it weird how the docs seem to have such an aversion to testing? It seems like they just want to throw antidepressants at everything now. My sister has had meds thrown at her for over 3 years now--and she *still* has problems. I suggested a thyrod test for her, too. I hope she does it.

Oh--my weight is still not good (but it hasn't been long since I started my med yet), but I've noticed a small difference in my sex drive. My boyfriend, who drives 3 hours to see me every weekend, didn't get completely ignored in that area for the first time in a month! hehe I actually *thought* about it!!! woohoo!

test results back.... everything fine except progesterone, level of a 75 year old woman... not good. I start taking replacements tomorrow. I hope that will help, Dr. swears it will. My father, who's also a Dr. said to increase iron, and I just read Vit D, especially in the winter is really a big boost... Also found out I have another cyst on the remaining ovary, though "nothing to worry about" -- if it's causing me pelvic and/or back pain, it's something to worry about -- and if kind Dr.'s not going to, I'll find one that will.... Thanks for letting me sound off again, I have to go check out that other section of the site now that I know what hormone I'm lacking....
Good luck, and congrats on the sex drive increase! Keep it up! (well, you know what I mean!)