Linda’s Story

Started her own business, became hypothyroid and struggled, started on Armour, treated her adrenal fatigue, and now feels wonderful!

I started my own business just over 20 years ago. I had lots of energy. Working 12 hour days didn’t bother me.

As the years went on it became difficult for me to continue working the many hours required to run a successful business. Ten years ago I cut back on my part time employees. It was difficult in keeping up the fast pace I started with. Decisions became harder to make, difficult time dealing with people, very disorganized, lack of motivation, became unhappy with life, stressed out all the time and distancing myself from family and friends.

In 2001 the problems seemed to be getting worse: heart palpitations, shortness of breath, extremely tired, not being able to remember things, poor concentration, unable to carry on conversations, forgetting what I was going to say, paranoid, hair loss, poor circulation hands would go numb, weight gain, extreme mood swings, not being able to handle small crises, just thinking I was totally loosing my mind. I was so hormonal – my family couldn’t stand being around me at times.

My husband insisted I go to the doc. I hadn’t been to a doctor in 12 years and thought I was just going through menopause. My Gyn suggested lab work for my Thyroid.. My TSH level was 11. The nurse called me and told me to find a GP immediately since my level was not normal. The extreme urgency in her voice made me think I was going to die. I researched on the internet and found some information on natural medication called Armour. I called a new MD and begged him to put me on Armour. I had Rheumatoid Arthritis just over 15 years ago and every medication I was put on I had reactions to, so I told my doc I was allergic to synthetic meds. I seemed to be doing better for a couple years, but I was noticing a lot of symptoms returning. My doctor refused to raise my Armour over 1 ½ grains. I just kept getting worse. In September 2005 I went to my Endo and GP complaining of:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Hands go numb sleeping at night
  • Major anxiety/worry can get very panicky at times
  • Depressed at times unhappy with life in general
  • Crabby, irritable, intolerant of others
  • Complete lack of motivation
  • Headaches which need caffeinem(coffee or pop several Excedrin extra-strength a day for pick me up)
  • Weight gain
  • Naps in the middle of the day
  • No Hair on legs and arms and hair falling out
  • Mood Swings
  • Emotional
  • Inability to work full time or concentrate on my job

In Dec. 2005, I went back to the Endo and my GP, complaining I was getting worse. I didn’t even want to get out of bed. I was so tired all the time. My Endo said all my tests were normal; there was nothing wrong with me. My GP told me I was depressed and put me on Wellbutrin. I wasn’t normal and needed to find something that would help.

I found the Yahoo NTH group in December 2005. I was helped by some wonderful dedicated, helpful and caring people who helped me to take charge of my health. I ordered my own labs and posted my results.

I was in stage 5 Adrenal Fatigue, my Free T4 was low and my Ferritin was low. I started Isocort in Jan 2006, but switched to HC February 2006. In spring 2006, I was able to raise my Armour to 4 1/2 — 5 grains. I’ve had some great advice from this group and they have helped me through every step of the way.

I was on HC since Feb. 2006, tried to wean off 2 times during that time, just not ready. I was on 25-30 mg Sept 2007 and started to wean down very slowly, lowering 5 mg every couple months. I was able to wean off totally in April 2008.

In Dec. 2005 I felt as though there was no hope, didn’t know where to turn. I am very thankful I found the NTH group and for all the advice given to me. If I had listened to my doctors, I would have ended up in the hospital with many more problems. I thank God for Janie and the many Angels on this site, who have spent many, many hours helping me and others who have asked for advice.

Linda

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