My Thyroid Hell

Get Recommendations for Biopsies

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:29:00 +0000

I'm negotiating with the hospital who performed my botched thyroid biopsy a couple years ago - yup, still haven't paid off that bill! I should ask them how their malpractice insurance is instead of paying that bill. That was awful - too much anesthetic in my neck AND he hit something he wasn't supposed to with the needle. I was in pain for weeks afterward through my neck and arm. I walked out of their real dopey - totally unlike my first biopsy that went so smoothly and was relatively stress-free (as stress-free as you can be thinking about needles going into your neck) where I walked out of there and drove myself home. My husband had to drive me home after the botched one and take over total car of our four children for a couple days - that's how bad it was! I can give birth to a child and have less pain than what this hacked biopsy did to me! Then the doctor said he missed something and wanted me to come back for another one. Are you kidding me? Pfft!

Who the provider is doing the biopsy makes a HUGE difference. Definitely get references (other than the one doctor referring you).

InkJet or Laser Printer

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:16:00 +0000

Which is better for massive amounts of document printing? I have an inkjet printer (which was really expensive at Christmas to print all those Christmas pictures) and my husband has several large .pdf files he wants printed but after Christmas...he can keep his ebook on a flash drive! It was expensive replacing all those inkjet cartridges!

I am wondering if laser printers would be more cost effective for ebook printing? I haven't used a laser printer in a long time - does anybody know how they compare for ink cost?

Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:36:00 +0000

I bought myself two pair of yoga pants for Christmas. They're so relaxing. Now I have to get off my duff and actually use them for what they are intended for - exercising. Maybe I better wait until I have some yoga socks to go with them. Ha ha.

Exercise and healthy eating starts after the holidays are over. I briefly thought about starting the food changes before Christmas but why deny myself everything good and fattening and sugary during the holidays?

Exercise - AFTER the New Year.

Tired of Baths

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:34:00 +0000

Who could get tired of taking relaxing baths? After having to do it for the last six months, the answer is me! When you don't have a choice when the shower head breaks, wishing for a shower becomes a constant. My husband finally fixed it with his dad - replaced the pipe in the wall with a flexible metal hose and installed new bathtub fixtures in the bronze finish I wanted. Boy is it nice to be able to shower again! The kids get their hair cleaner too which is great because oily hair is just eww to me.

Now if I could only get my kids to stop throwing towels on the floor for the dog to wet on. *sigh* Eventually, my bathroom will be a relaxing haven. For now, it's overrun by dogs and kids.

Less Stress - Disengaging Stepmom

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:29:00 +0000

Another step to good health - disengaging from my adult stepchild. I will not be disrespected repeatedly. Do it once - shame on you. Do it again, shame on me.

Less stress!

Don't Weld the Ex's Presents Together

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Five days until Christmas. Is everybody ready? I just reminded myself that I haven't taken care of Christmas dinner yet - oops. Better do that after I get done playing on the computer.

I was even nice to my husband's ex this year and bought her a present. Not that she deserves it after her behavior but we model appropriate behavior for all of the kids anyway. I thought about getting some welding equipment from smith equipment and welding all her gifts together into one big pile of expensive, specialty chocolate goo, but I didn't. See, I'm being nice!

Hope everybody has a Blessed Yule and Merry Christmas!

Need to Lose Weight Again

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Well, the six months of my doctor lowering my dose (resulting in hypo symptoms) and then giving my correct dose back to me (the memory issues from his lowering my dose is affecting my memory to actually TAKE the corrected dose, ugh), has taken its toll. I have about ten pounds I need to lose. Again.

I am starting to feel a little better - more energy so that's a good sign. I actually felt like cleaning my house yesterday (didn't need to google cary cleaning services). My hair also isn't falling out like it was - another good sign. Can't stand that "love handle" look though!! My skin - eh. Needs help too.

My sexy new brown heeled boots just arrived today. I am going to have to get back on my 17 Day Diet (awesome diet if you didn't see my previous posts about it - not a diet, a healthy way of eating that just knocks the pounds off - see this post) so I can wear those heels the way they were meant to be worn!

Women's Jewelry for Christmas (and me)

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:49:00 +0000

This year has been a big year for me - I got my thyroid disease under control, lost weight, turned 40, accepted a cheer coach position for next football season at our local school (*wow!*) and it's not over yet! My 16th anniversary is next month. I think I deserve to buy myself a little something.

I have been looking at women's jewelry and keep coming back to this Fornash Infinity Circle Wrap Bracelet by Lauren Klein. It's not pricey or screaming "bling" (though there is definitely nothing wrong with that) - it's more the feeling I get when I look at it. This is me. I could stack a few of these together and really wear this wherever I wanted - with jeans or with a skirt and heeled boots. I could go from PTA to date night with my husband and I LOVE date night!

Lauren Klein has some really great jewelry on their web site that I really like (children's jewelry too). They are offering so many great reasons why to buy now, it's too hard to pass up. I'll list all the reasons why now is a great time to get your holiday shopping done at Lauren Klein and you'll see what I mean.

Free ground shipping (does not include international shipping)!
"Like" them on Facebook and receive 15% off the order.
Post a picture on their Facebook wearing Lauren Klein jewelry, and get 15% off a future purchase via email after the picture is posted.
The bracelet I picked out above is a new arrival (and there's plenty more new arrival merchandise to look at too).
There is a 20% coupon code for all kids' jewelry by Lauren G. Adams, if you are a Facebook fan, so I can also shop for my girls for the upcoming holidays now and save big. What little girl doesn't need a new pair of earrings? I know all three of my girls do.

Coupons for Online Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:41:00 +0000

Who uses coupons religiously? I do! I am not as extreme as that television show (who needs 100 candy bars or 100 of anything?) but if I have to pay more than $0.25 for toothpaste (usually, I get it free), I'm not buying it. I will not run out of laundry detergent, deodorant, shampoo, or toothpaste anytime soon. I donate the extras so I don't become a massive hoarder.

I also look for coupons for online shopping as well at sites like this one for an urban outfitters coupon. You can usually get a percentage off or free shipping for your online shopping. It's definitely worth a search for those online coupons. I ended up getting my daughter a $30 shirt for $5. I bought my husband a $200 coffee maker for $130 for Christmas plus received $20 store bucks back to spend next time.

I think I am going to be doing a lot of my Christmas shopping online this year. I love the deals!

New iPhone 4S

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:33:00 +0000

I want the iPhone 4S. I know it's not cheap but I want, I want, I want. Video calling, Siri, 8mp camera! My sisters and good friend all have iPhones with the video calling capabilities so it'll be like cheap conference calls for us to chat!

Actually, that video calling thing (is it called face chat?) would be great for the kids because we live 200 miles away from my family so it'll be a way for them to see each other. I am looking forward to the better camera in my phone myself. That video chat thing - yeah, not without make-up on.

Funny Things Kids Say and Do

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:26:00 +0000

My six-year-old has decided to go live with a friend because she has a pool and hot tub. I'm being tossed aside for some water. She has also decided that we should cater to her as of this morning ("bring me this") because she said, "That's how I roll."

She's such a funny girl.

I have actually considered getting a pool but we would have to put up pool fencing to lock my kids, and the neighbors, out safely. Of course, since she's threatening to abandon us for a friend's pool, I am not so keen on getting that pool just now and giving into the little tyrant's demands.

She's lucky she is so cute.

Reduced my T3, Not Good

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:35:00 +0000

A few months ago, my thyroid doctor reduced my T3 medication by 20mcg per day. Let me tell you what a HUGE difference it made - negatively.

Prior to the reduction, I felt great, weight was awesome, periods were right on time and not painful, my memory was great, I wasn't losing abnormal amounts of hair. (So, why did the doc want to reduce it? He thought my T3 was high - I think it was lab error myself because I had no symptoms of excessive T3 and felt the best I'd felt since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis).

After he reduced it, my hair started falling out - again, my weight increased - again, my memory loss came back - again, and my periods were late and whacked. I went through two bad periods before I said to heck with it and increased my own dose back to what it was (they come in 5mcg pills so it's easy to do).

So, my current thyroid doses are:

Synthroid (T4) 75 mcg
Levothyronine (T3) - 45mcg, twice a day

I absolutely need that T3 at the higher dose. I have a Reverse T3 problem. I finally felt great...and then it all went to heck. Now I wait for it all to get back to what it was before. My problem now is the memory lapses while trying to get back to how I felt before - - I keep forgetting to take my medicine!

Back to constant lists now so I don't forget anything. It has been bad. I set the timer so I don't forget my parent chauffeur duties (I never want to forget to pick up my child...that would be awful). I set alarms on my cell phone for extra-curricular activities. I go to the store for one particular item and leave there without it - can't remember what it was I needed so back to shopping lists! Definitely going to get started on the Christmas lists. I want to get my husband one of those single-brew coffee makers and for a friend I am looking at bulova watches. My teenager and pre-teen - - I have no clue yet. My two youngest will be the easiest. Can't wait to get shopping...with my lists. Otherwise, I waste time.

No, I don't have early onset Alzheimer's...I have thyroid disease. Sometimes, I feel like I have Alzheimer's though - can't wait until my thyroid doses are level again!

Wild, Exotic Animals Loose in Ohio

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:13:00 +0000

The big news this morning in our state is all about the exotic animals that were set loose. I'd be real worried if that was in my backyard. I can't imagine looking out and seeing a big lion in your backyard or bear lumbering down my road. If I were those residents in the area, I think I'd find a vrbo and hightail it out of there for awhile on a short, last minute vacation. They've closed the schools and are telling people to stay inside.

I feel bad for the animals - not their fault. Rumor is the owner let them loose before taking his own life but that's not confirmed yet that I know of.

Jack Hanna is there to help.

Snow by Halloween?

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:24:00 +0000

We are supposed to see snow by Halloween! That is weeks too early!! I'm not ready for snow yet. I want to enjoy the Fall in its entirety. Winter isn't good for me mentally or physically - dry skin, eczema...who needs it? I'm not ready for my Lowa boots for snow. They can stay in the closet for just awhile longer. Please?

Skin Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:54:00 +0000

My skin is a mess and winter hasn't even hit us yet! I can't stand my sensitive skin that breaks out with eczema as soon as the heat comes on. Plus, I've developed allergies to facial make up (like the foundations and powders). What a pain! I think all this skin stuff is related to my thyroid disease but that doesn't make it more acceptable when soft, smooth skin is preferred.

I also have Keratosis Pilaris so parts of my skin are rough (attractive eh?). I need a good sugar scrub to smoothe and soften the rough spots. I found a pure fiji coconut sugar scrub in mango - sounds yummy doesn't it? I can't wait to try it!

Less than a month to 40

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:46:00 +0000

We are in the process of transferring our term life insurance over into a whole life (I think - the whole process confuses me and I once studied to be an insurance agent!). Good thing I didn't take the test for my license, huh? Whole, annuity, term, etc. - maybe my hang-up is with not wanting to get older or think about dying as opposed to the actual insurance process. Turning 40 next month sure is throwing me off my game!

Worst Part of Doctor Exams

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:43:00 +0000

How many of you jump during your vision screener exam when the doctor uses that equipment that blows a puff of air into your eye? That is one of the worst parts of the exam for me (besides the dilation drops - can't stand those).

At the family doctor, it's the blood tests I need a few times a year for my thyroid disease management. I'm afraid of needles.

At the gynecologist, it's everything. Come on, from the time you walk into the exam room and clothing starts to come off, it's mortifying until you walk out again.

At the hospital emergency room, it's the wait! It's crazy!

When I'm admitted to the hospital, it's definitely the IV - again, hate needles! When they put something into the IV they don't tell you about, that makes me very angry. An adult in a hospital bed shouldn't be rendered unable to make or participate in decisions unless they are physically unable to.

Being A Nurse

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Content by Sol Rosales

I have been a nurse for seven years at a children’s hospital. I cannot imagine working anywhere else. I really do love coming to work each day because I work with patients who have Cystic Fibrosis. These patients usually are admitted to the hospital every three months, so naturally I grow close to them and their parents as I get to know them. I was talking to one parent last week and she was telling me that her family was struggling financially with all the hospital bills that they have accrued. I let her know that I recently was able to save some money on my energy bill and told her to go to TexasElectricityProviders to check it out. I cannot imagine having to deal with so many medical bills on top of having a sick child. Hopefully this family will be able to save a little money by changing their energy bills. This patient population is great to work with because the families are so loving and the parents take care of their kids so well. I will probably continue my job in this area for a long time.

Husband Healthy, Me - Not so Much

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 12:23:00 +0000

My husband stays healthy by road biking. (I, on the other hand, refuse to get on a bike with him because he'd leave me in the dust.) When I met him, he was racing cross country on mountain bikes and placing first all the time. He's since aged a bit and found that all that bumping over cross country terrain (and flying over handlebars to land on your head on that cross country terrain) isn't so kind of his body anymore so he's switched to a smoother ride - road biking. I've looked at an suv bike rack at cracksandracks.com to add to my SUV for him but haven't gone there yet. Maybe for Christmas!

No Diet Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 12:19:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago I posted I was three days away from starting my diet. I haven't started it yet. I've been procrastinating:(

Part of it is my doctor reduced my T3 meds to see how I'd feel (even though I felt GREAT where I was) and it's brought back symptoms - including a couple pounds. Kind of discouraging. I'm calling my doc next week and telling him I'm going back to my old dose because getting thyroid disease symptoms back - no way, not going to accept that!

Part of it is school started (for my kids) and instead of having a lot of time to myself, I find myself running MORE with my kids out of the house and busier than ever with going back to work (work-at-home but still working).

The rest of it - let's face it, I love chocolate and certain foods that would not be acceptable on this healthier eating plan so I've been putting it off.

Back to Work!

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:05:00 +0000

I have started back to work - working from home, that is. I took the summer, and a few months prior to that, off. I have been thinking about looking into Computer Operator Jobs to see what is available. I love my computer so any job I can find that I am qualified for on my computer, the better for me! I need to increase my income.

Computers and Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:32:00 +0000

My six year old is asking for her own computer! Geesh! At six years old, I can't believe she expects me to start looking at acer desktops for her. She uses mine now to play games but every time she uses mine, it ends up crashing so maybe it's in my best interests to set up a computer in a public family spot but at six? Kids sure know their technology at an early age.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:29:00 +0000

I'm trying to figure out why my kids' mp3 headphones seem to go extinct in this house so quickly. Cat chews up one pair, another pair stops working, can't find one set, left one set at somebody's house - ack! I need a great sale to find out where are ipod nano headphones on sale. I also like skimming the clearance racks in stores so I can stuff their stockings at the holidays with them. Yes, I am already thinking about Christmas. With school starting next week, Christmas will come riding up sooner rather than later!

Decreased Sexual Interest with Thyroid Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:24:00 +0000

I've heard that some side effects people see with thyroid disease is reduced interest in sex. I am wondering if that is hormone related or if it has more to do with the fact that some of us just don't feel well and don't like the way we look if we've been packing on the pounds due to our thyroid.

I didn't notice any decrease in interest myself personally, but my husband loves me no matter how I look and showed it so while "I" didn't like the way I looked, he loved every part of me - big or small. I wasn't running out looking for burlesque pasties for sale but a sexy nightie, and stuff, wasn't out of the question.

I wonder how many people lack of interest is because most doctors just don't know how to treat thyroid disease! If they'd open their ears and start to listen to people who have figured out how to manage their thyroid disease, maybe more people would be doing better.

3 Days Until Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:17:00 +0000

In three days, I will start my diet. I really hate to call it a diet because it really isn't. It's just a healthy way of eating that enables you to drop the pounds. I decided to start it when my kids go back to school because with them home all day now, it'd be harder to follow the first 17 days of it while preparing three meals a day for them. With them gone during the day, I'll be more apt not to graze on their food.