Sunday, September 2, 2012

Well it is five years past my total thyroidectomy. I have lost ten pounds and still have difficulty losing weight obviously. Other than that though it is amazing what five years can do. I feel fine. I am active and take kickboxing classes now! I work a full time schedule plus. I no longer require a nap after work. I am blessed that I am a teacher so I get summertime off and I really need it, but on a day to day basis I do not nap like I had to for years after the surgery. My hair is growing fine. The leg cramps have practically stopped and I think that is due in part to taking a calcium along with a magnesium pill each day. I am still taking 250 mcg of Synthroid each day. I only take the name brand because my endocrinologist stated that the generic pills are allowed to have to much of a variance in the amount of filler and active ingredient. If you take the name brand you are getting a more consistent dose. I think because this medicine is measure in the minute micrograms that is important. Along with those vitamins I take a multivitamin each day and my regular doctor found I am low on iron. I do not know if that is because of the synthroid or not. I do eat a lot of iron regularly but still supplement with a pill as instructed. Just last year at my physical she found out I was very very low on vitamin D. I was shocked by that as I feel I spend a great deal of time outdoors. So not during the off season months I take a vitamin D supplement as well. I'd still like to lose 20 pounds but it is still difficult and being 43 now seems not to be helping. I was following weight watchers diet for a while and didn't like points. I like to do calories, sugar and fiber. Now I'm doing myfitday.com and it allows you to track calories for free right online. I like that. And it is amazing how those little nibbles throughout the day add up. My scar is barely perceptible now which is so great. I'll get pic on her next... If you are going through this thyroidectomy, I want you to please know there is light at the end of the tunnel. It took me so long to get straightened out with my number, exhaustion and weight but I feel really fantastic now at the five year point. I have my endocrinology visit next month to look for the cancer marker and ultrasound the area - fingers crossed and I'll let you know!