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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 18 January 2018
partial image of a woman holding her neck indicating a thyroid problem

Parul, 48 from Mumbai talks about tackling hypothyroidism in her own way, accompanied by food cravings and a debilitating bone health.

Please tell us a bit about your condition 

I have hypothyroidism. I need to take Eltroxin every day

When were you diagnosed?

I was diagnosed in 1995, 3 months after the birth of my first child. I was around 25 years old at the time.

What were the early symptoms?

I noticed a small swelling around my neck area one day and decided to get it checked. Initially I met a doctor in Delhi, who after testing suggested I get a thyroidectomy (removal of the entire thyroid gland). He also thought such a surgery would be preventative against any suspected cancer of the thyroid. I went on to Mumbai to seek a 2nd opinion, where the doctor suggested I start only on medications right away. In hindsight, I’m so glad I did seek that 2nd opinion. To this day, I consult the same endocrinologist.

Is there a history of hypothyroidism in your family?

No. Nobody in my family or extended family has it.

What is your present condition?

Currently, I have excessive hunger and craving for comfort food (which is poison for me). I also have unwanted weight gain, hair loss, bone and joints aches and pains, psoriasis, muscle related problems, glaucoma, heart problems like high BP and palpitations, and increased blood sugar.

Please describe your experience of managing hypothyroidism.

I have regular doctor visits along with a battery of tests each time ...almost every 6 months. Also I do excessive diet control and regular exercises to maintain body weight which balloons on a daily basis with the slightest of negligence.

Any related complications?

All functions of the body are governed by the thyroid. There is a family history of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and glaucoma in my family. All these conditions are showing up in my case. Also, taking Eltroxin for 22 years now has its effects on bone health, so I have had a couple of fractures (spinal included). Nerves and muscles too are affected which has led to slipped disc, spondylitis, knee problems and other aches and pains around the smaller joints.

What medications are you on?

  • Eltroxin / thyronorm for my thyroid.
  • Various calcium and Vitamin D supplements ( osteophos 70, shellcal HD, uprise 60k) for my bones.
  • Trinerve for my muscle pain.
  • Cholesterol medication.

Were there any side-effects of the medicines?

Bone depletion and problems related to bone and muscle.

What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?

Challenges are many! My advice is:

  1. Stay away from stress.
  2. Don’t ignore any symptoms.
  3. Control your weight through diet and exercise since medication dosage is directly proportional to body weight.
  4. Focus on what you eat.
  5. Regular doctor visits and timely medications.

Have you learnt anything in managing in your condition that you wish you knew before?

I wish I had taken bone health more seriously right from the beginning.

Related Reading: Exercise to Improve Bone Health

What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?

Endocrinologist every 6 months or as necessary.

What resources are available to you in your city to help you manage the condition?

I wish the city had proper centers for alternative medication.

Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?

I have had too many dietary changes !!!!! I MISS MY FOOD!!

What diet are you on currently? Who prescribed this diet?

I feel hungry constantly so I try to eat a high fibre, low calorie diet. My diet is self-advised based on reading books etc. My doctor just says “lose weight”, which is next to impossible. So I try different diets that keep me full and perhaps help control my weight. I have also noticed that avoiding wheat and milk products have helped me.

Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga?

Yes, and I am very open to them too but haven’t as yet found the best center/ support for that.

Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?

Yes and no!

How have your family and friends supported you?

When I was bedridden with a Slipped disc or spondylitis or spinal fracture, I got all possible support from my husband and my kids. They took care of all my personal and home matters.

Never felt isolated. Friends have always been supportive.

What was the hardest part of the treatment ? What kept you going? How has this changed your life perspectives and ambitions?

I’m trying to keep things simple but that is hard in today’s times. I try to be practical and focus on what actions need to be taken. I am someone who never dwells on the past and realize that life is full of ups and downs. I continue to work from home as and when I can and enjoy my role as a mother and homemaker.