My Experience Managing Hashimoto’s Fatigue with Synthroid: Lab Results and Lifestyle Changes
I recently got my lab work repeated, after almost four months on Synthroid. It is recommended to check levels every three or four months while taking the drug.
I was really anxious to see if it’s actually doing more than making me more alert and helping me to lose weight. In a recent post, I wrote about the crushing fatigue I have been dealing with. Since I have started taking the pill first thing in the morning again, I have had better management of my fatigue.
I have been losing weight (about 1/2 pound a week). I am okay with this right now, as my son’s wedding is coming up soon, and I do not want to lose a lot of weight before then, or my dress won’t fit. I have noticed that my “thyroid belly” is shrinking. A welcome side effect of the drug to be sure.
I have also been thinking about cutting down on my treats. I have not done yet, but will after the wedding. I am going to try to stick to monk fruit and stevia at first; and will try to stay away from artificial sweeteners.
Now, back to my lab results. My triglycerides have dropped even more. My total cholesterol, HDL and LDL have dropped. (Too much HDL is not good either; cholesterol is cholesterol). My blood sugar is dropping, and so are my thyroid antibodies. It is a slow process, but I am making progress. I am on the lowest dose of synthroid (.25 mcg) and I anticipate my GP will want me to increase to at least 50. I will wait to do so until after the wedding, as it might affect my weight.
I have dropped 14 pounds in seven months. I know a lot of people on the keto diet rave about their rapid weight loss. I believe that they are being much too extreme. Rapid weight loss is not sustainable. Yes, it can be frustrating that it is taking so long to lose weight, but it is better for my body to be able to adjust to my new weight gradually. I am losing body fat. As for cutting out keto treats, and possibly going ketovore, I am still on the fence. I think this road trip I will be taking to my son’s wedding will be a good opportunity to cut all of that out. I plan on taking some food with me, but also plan on eating some fast food and dinner out on some days. I plan on staying keto as much as is possible.
It’s a long road to the finish line. It has to be a long term lifestyle change, not a quick fix. When I started this journey, I had no idea if I could even stick with it. Here I am, seven months later, and I find that even though I have challenges, I am happy with the keto lifestyle. I am still making adjustments to my eating habits. I still crave carbs, and have found ways to substitute them with lower carb options. I’m not sure that I could totally give that up. The path that I choose remains to be seen.
Writer, blogger and 60 something housewife who is exploring the keto diet. Follow me on my journey of discovery. View all posts by Janice Schroeder
Originally published at http://fromcarbstoketo.wordpress.com on August 25, 2024.
