I am not diagnosed yet -- just new to this forum. Have a family history of Hypo.. and my TSH is below normal range,.. have had symptoms for years now.. but thought I would comment on this thread I found it interesting!
As for the memory, concentration, "irreality" (which has two terms I know of.. 1) Derealization, and Depersonalization -- both are very similar,.. some people describe it as being out of their body. Other just as feeling really weird, odd, and things don't look or feel right. Either way it is always a terrible feeling.
The memory and concentration are absolutely horrible for me! This started in my mid 20's.. and is without a doubt robbing me of my life right now and has taken many years so far. I was great for 24 years or so, then slowly I feel like I am 123 years old physically and mentally. Really tough stuff.
But, absolutely.. it is common and somewhat 'normal' to feel these things and more with hyper or hypo thyroidism. As the others have said getting your exogenous (outside source) of t3/t4 at proper levels can really change these things.
As Andros mentioned.. they feel better now at 68 than they did in their prime of their life.. 30's, 40's, and 50's! If that isn't encouraging I don't know what its!
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As for the doctors fiasco with taking Synthroid, or Armour -- (even Cytomel is a problem) -- is really ridiculous.
There are several reasons they will give, but the only one that makes much sense is the possibility of heart problems with some of the elevated T3. But this is if it isn't monitored!!! They simply need to realize if you are being monitored by THEM regularly and levels are healthy, then the negative effects aren't going to happen.
I have heard it online and from my own mother than there is a night and day difference in Armour vs Synthroid,.. and I can imagine those who supplement with Cytomel(T3) as well because Synthroid is essentially just T4. Which is supposed to convert to as much T3 as we need, but it apparently doesn't do so for everyone, not to the degree that is needed.
As for being treated like a criminal by the doctors -- I disagree with treating the 'addicts like addicts' type of thing. There are alot of people in pain out there and unfortunately opiates are the best thing we have by far out there to help this pain.. until we figure out something better, natures poppy plant is it. I really hate the way doctors , even pharmacists, get attitudes with certain medications. Even armour thyroid, etc.. and of course the opiates, and specific other types of medicine.
It isn't the persons fault that there is a chance it may change their mood temporarily. It is a side effect of the drug,.. I totally adopt the principle of I would much rather see 100 people NOT in pain get their 'fix' or 'buzz' from doctors and 1 true chronic pain patient be treated properly than those 100 'addicts' get turned down, but along with it goes unfair treatment or no treatment for the 1 who really, really needs it. Unfortunately, things are more like you mention and those with chronic pain are severely undertreated, and if treated not given proper medication because of the DEA, stigma, and so on.
It all boils down to what is taught, media, rumors, and so on amongst doctors and even pharmacists -- When people need to be treated on a case by case, person by person basis. Not , pre-judged when they walk into the room.
As was mentioned when you mention your thyroid disease and the doctor ignores your other complaints. The preconceived notions are just insane, and really until the patients can make a true stand to choose their own treatment nothing will change.
You've heard the saying "The doctors work for us" -- well sure, but we all know that isn't the case. If people would really have a system to stand up for mistreatment, incompetency, rudeness, etc then doctors would have to be held accountible for the 'service' they provide and therefore if they acted in the way many of them do currently, they wouldn't make any money because they wouldn't have patients. Those who performed their jobs as we want them to , properly,.. would make a ton of money and so on. Just how to get a system of 'ratings'.. or whatnot going like that is the question. But I digress..
I found it interesting you mention the pain increases with thyroid problems. I'm not really sure the physiology behind that theory, but I certainly believe it is plausible. I know I have alot of pain without any, so far, real concrete reasoning -- If it turns out my thyroid is to blame that would explain alot!
Thyroidmommy:
Interesting quote -- My basal temperature is always 96.5-97.4 degree's, and has been so for years. If I really work out (which isn't easy) it may elevate into the low 98.x range. I find that alot of caffeine tends to be most effective at elevating my temperature into the 98 degree range.. This would also explain why increasing exercise regularly would potentially help thyroid secondary symptoms.
Take care !
