Hyperthyroidism

Terry

Terry

Line Up and Wait
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Terry
About 3 months ago I went out to perform my 3 Take Offs and 3 Landings so I would be current.

My landings were terrible. I bounced 3 or 4 times before I finally settled down on the runway. The next landing was better but still not up to my usual style. The 3rd landing was satisfactory but still not smooth.

I chalked it up to being rusty since I hadn't flown for about 6 months.

Soon after that I noticed I was fatigued and had trouble doing a task without being worn out. I tried to put a ladder up to work on a roof top unit. It was a tall roof, 24', and a strong wind but not something I hadn't done before. I was not strong enough to get the ladder put up.

My wife said, "You are 68 years old and not 25 anymore." Still, the next day, I called and made an appointment with my Doctor.

I had lost weight through dieting and exercise and figured it was time to get off of my blood pressure medicine and that was why I was dizzy and weak.

After running blood tests, she immediately put me in the hospital for dehydration and blood pressure was bottoming out.

Further tests showed I had an enlarged Thyroid. She released me after 2 days in the hospital.

I just finished taking my radioactive tests on the Thyroid. Also, my next Dr. appointment is January 7 where, I assume we will decide to remove the thyroid.

So, I am at home and can walk around inside the house. I can drive but any other activity causes me to breathe hard for air as the Enlarged thyroid is putting pressure on my Esophagus and cutting my oxygen off.

Even walking the dog is not possible.

So, I just thought you Pilots would like a little soap opera life.

Well, after being starved for oxygen, I find that it causes forgetfulness, short term memory loss, dizziness, and hot and cold spells, and slow mental activity.

We are thinking it was brought about by being exposed to Agent Orange when I was in Vietnam.

BTW, it was diagnosed as Hyperthyroidism and not Hypothyroidism.

Anyway, I am at home and doing things like writing soap opera tales on the POA board.

Terry
 
Terry said:
About 3 months ago I went out to perform my 3 Take Offs and 3 Landings so I would be current.

My landings were terrible. I bounced 3 or 4 times before I finally settled down on the runway. The next landing was better but still not up to my usual style. The 3rd landing was satisfactory but still not smooth.

I chalked it up to being rusty since I hadn't flown for about 6 months.

Soon after that I noticed I was fatigued and had trouble doing a task without being worn out. I tried to put a ladder up to work on a roof top unit. It was a tall roof, 24', and a strong wind but not something I hadn't done before. I was not strong enough to get the ladder put up.

My wife said, "You are 68 years old and not 25 anymore." Still, the next day, I called and made an appointment with my Doctor.

I had lost weight through dieting and exercise and figured it was time to get off of my blood pressure medicine and that was why I was dizzy and weak.

After running blood tests, she immediately put me in the hospital for dehydration and blood pressure was bottoming out.

Further tests showed I had an enlarged Thyroid. She released me after 2 days in the hospital.

I just finished taking my radioactive tests on the Thyroid. Also, my next Dr. appointment is January 7 where, I assume we will decide to remove the thyroid.

So, I am at home and can walk around inside the house. I can drive but any other activity causes me to breathe hard for air as the Enlarged thyroid is putting pressure on my Esophagus and cutting my oxygen off.

Even walking the dog is not possible.

So, I just thought you Pilots would like a little soap opera life.

Well, after being starved for oxygen, I find that it causes forgetfulness, short term memory loss, dizziness, and hot and cold spells, and slow mental activity.

We are thinking it was brought about by being exposed to Agent Orange when I was in Vietnam.

BTW, it was diagnosed as Hyperthyroidism and not Hypothyroidism.

Anyway, I am at home and doing things like writing soap opera tales on the POA board.

Terry
Click to expand...
FYI; TexAg93 here on the board is married to one of the top Thyroid Surgeons in our area. Reach out to him if you'd like some additional info or support.

Here's to a full and complete recovery soon!!
 
Get better. Never self identify as someone weak or sick, just temporarily unable.
Cheers
G
 
Well, after a bout of Hyperthyroidism, Asthma, and Clostridium Dithile, (C-Diff), and almost 2 years I was able to finally make my Fight Physical appointment for November 2, 2016.

I have lost weight, am off of blood pressure medication, (BP last night was 121/75 & I am 69 years old.) The only medication I am on is Synthroid 25 MCG, once a day.

I feel fine and finally my desire to get back into the cockpit is about to become a reality.

The Doctors were able to treat the Thyroid with medication and no surgery was needed.

The C-Diff bout was a real downer. After researching it, I found out how it is transmitted and now, I and the wife, are paranoid about washing our hands. :)

Just thought a few of you Pilots could use some encouragement on how things work out if you just stay with it.

Thanks for all of the great advice from POA.

Terry
 
Good to hear you're back up without surgery!
 
Just remember, probably half the women and about 30% of the men in the US are on synthroid - lots of company out there. The FAA doesn't giv a snit as long as you keep the TSH in range.
 
Yes, I have a copy of my test results taken 10/4 /2016. I will take them with me to the AME. Everything is normal.

Terry
 
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Larry in TN said:
I believe that if someone is on Synthroid they are HypOthyroid, which is the opposite of HypERthyroid.
Click to expand...

I was told by my Endocrinologist that Synthroid would regulate the Thyroid better compared to Levithoroxin.

Terry
 
My thyroid and I parted ways in 2007.

I switched from Synthroid to Levothyroxthine years ago, didn't notice any difference.
 
Half Fast said:
Get a new doc; Synthroid is levothyroxine. It's just a brand name.
Click to expand...

I specifically asked that question and was told to stay on Synthroid as they could regulate the thyroid better. Since this has been a 2 year bout, and everything is normal and I am going to get to fly again, In all due respect, I am not changing anything. :)

Terry
 
Terry said:
I was told by my Endocrinologist that Synthroid would regulate the Thyroid better compared to Levithoroxin.
Click to expand...
Synthroid is levothyroxine. Synthroid is the brand name and costs more. Levothyroxine is the generic.

My comment was regarding the name of the condition. HypERthyroid is having too much hormone production from the thyroid and is a completely different disease. HypOthyroid is when you don't get enough hormone, or none at all, produced by your thyroid and Synthroid/levothyroxine is used to supplement it.

You don't treat hypERthyroidism with Synthroid/levothyroxine as you are already suffering from your thyroid producing too much of the hormone thyroxin.
 
Larry in TN said:
Synthroid is levothyroxine. Synthroid is the brand name and costs more. Levothyroxine is the generic.

My comment was regarding the name of the condition. HypERthyroid is having too much hormone production from the thyroid and is a completely different disease. HypOthyroid is when you don't get enough hormone, or none at all, produced by your thyroid and Synthroid/levothyroxine is used to supplement it.

You don't treat hypERthyroidism with Synthroid/levothyroxine as you are already suffering from your thyroid producing too much of the hormone thyroxin.
Click to expand...

I understand. I think originally it was diagnosed as Hyperthyroidism but after treatment it was decided that it was Hypothyroidism. Anyway, I am on 25 MCG of Synthyroid and my TSH level is right in the middle.

Bottom line, I get to fly again and I just wanted to encourage others to eat healthy, lose the weight, and don't give up. :)

Terry
 
Levothyroxthine is the generic name for Synthroid.

It can treat hypothyroidism. It can also treat an enlarged thyroid gland and thyroid cancer.
Brands: Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl, and Novothyrox
Availability: Prescription needed
Pregnancy: No known risks
Alcohol: No known interactions with light drinking
Drug class: Thyroid hormone
 
FYI, I was being treated for hypothyroid with levothyroxine; which didnt work, so the doctor switched me to cytomel (T3). But I still didnt feel normal. After switching doctors to a doctor who specializes in hormone and thyroid conditions, I found out I was extremely low on iodine. Taking large doses of iodine brought all my levels back to normal and now off the thyroid drugs.
 
rvator51 said:
FYI, I was being treated for hypothyroid with levothyroxine; which didnt work, so the doctor switched me to cytomel (T3). But I still didnt feel normal. After switching doctors to a doctor who specializes in hormone and thyroid conditions, I found out I was extremely low on iodine. Taking large doses of iodine brought all my levels back to normal and now off the thyroid drugs.
Click to expand...

Yes, I was tested for Iodine deficiency but was okay. Glad you got straightened out.

The reason for this post was not so much the medical part, as it was meant to encourage other pilots who may be having a hard time to not give up.

When my Thyroid was "acting up", I was down in the dumps, lethargic, and just plain didn't feel good.

Now all that is gone, I am scheduled for my Flight Physical next Wednesday the 2nd at 11:30. I have the plane scheduled to rent at 3 p.m. with my CFI.

Haven't flown in almost 2 years.

Life is good for me right now.

Terry
 
murphey said:
Just remember, probably half the women and about 30% of the men in the US are on synthroid - lots of company out there. The FAA doesn't giv a snit as long as you keep the TSH in range.
Click to expand...
Can you say "over-prescribed"?
 
Half Fast said:
Get a new doc; Synthroid is levothyroxine. It's just a brand name.
Click to expand...

Synthroid is a brand name, true. the doc said that because buying generic can result in different sources over time, causing enough variation to cause trouble in some patients.
 
Old97 said:
Synthroid is a brand name, true. the doc said that because buying generic can result in different sources over time, causing enough variation to cause trouble in some patients.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clearing that up. I wondered too what his specifics were for staying with Synthroid.

Terry
 
paflyer said:
Why does a huge part of the populace "need" this? Is it a "feel good" thing like antibiotics became?
Click to expand...

Good question. I don't feel anything better or get a buzz.

When my Thyroid is acting up, I am lethargic, sleep all the time, and just don't plain feel good.

I tried chalking it up to old age but I feel great now. I am not overweight and don't drink or smoke.

I was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and suspect this is the root cause.

Terry
 
3393RP said:
It's the most prescribed drug in the US.
Click to expand...
Wow, I doubted this so I looked it up. From WebMD...

The top 10 medications by number of monthly prescriptions are:
  1. Synthroid (levothyroxine), 21.5 million
  2. Crestor (rosuvastatin), 21.4 million
  3. Ventolin HFA (albuterol), 18.2 million
  4. Nexium (esomeprazole), 15.2 million
  5. Advair Diskus (fluticasone), 13.7 million
  6. Lantus Solostar (insulin glargine), 10.9 million
  7. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), 10.4 million
  8. Lyrica (pregabalin), 10.0 million
  9. Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium), 9.6 million
  10. Januvia (sitagliptin), 9.1 million
 
Terry said:
The C-Diff bout was a real downer. After researching it, I found out how it is transmitted and now, I and the wife, are paranoid about washing our hands. :)
Click to expand...

C. Diff is a nasty nasty thing. When oral surgery antibiotics killed my good flora that nasty little bastard was the most significant culprit in an intestinal infection I had. That stuff will make you horribly sick and then the horse pill heavy duty antibiotics needed to fight it will make you feel even worse.

Some of the superbugs running around hospitals nowadays make C. Diff look like child's play, too.

My wife, as a nurse, gets all sorts of regular training about keeping the clinic where she works free of such things. Which makes her a bleach freak at home, too. Haha.

I always joke with her that if we ever had an intruder, she's a great shot with her pistols, but she might as well start with one of her ever-present diluted bleach bottles, since they're stashed everywhere. :)
 
As for the hyper/hypo confusion. It would be common for someone to lose their own production of thyroid hormone either as result of the disease that caused hyperthyroidism or as result of the treatment. So someone can be on levothyroxin/Synthroid AND have a history of hyperthyroidism.

Terry, glad to hear you got this sorted out. Bring all your records to the AME appointment. Consider checking with the AME beforehand if he wants a letter from your endocrinologist and what he needs it to say.
 
Everskyward said:
Wow, I doubted this so I looked it up. From WebMD...

The top 10 medications by number of monthly prescriptions are:
  1. Synthroid (levothyroxine), 21.5 million
  2. Crestor (rosuvastatin), 21.4 million
  3. Ventolin HFA (albuterol), 18.2 million
  4. Nexium (esomeprazole), 15.2 million
  5. Advair Diskus (fluticasone), 13.7 million
  6. Lantus Solostar (insulin glargine), 10.9 million
  7. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), 10.4 million
  8. Lyrica (pregabalin), 10.0 million
  9. Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium), 9.6 million
  10. Januvia (sitagliptin), 9.1 million
Click to expand...

I would never post something on the internet that wasn't true! :D
 
I think it's fascinating that almost 7% of the population of the country is on those top two drugs (of course there could be overlap).

Then the breathing drugs kick in, and then heartuburn meds?

Nexium being 4th is shocking. I had some years in my 30s with somewhat recurring but not awful heartburn, and being a slow learner sometimes, I finally found the things in my diet (mostly junk) that trigger it; and it hasn't been a problem for years and years now.

Once in a great while I'm stupid and eat one of those items in a junk food craving, then need a simple OTC remedy which is dutifully noted on my medical forms and marked PRNC but honestly there *has* been a change, for the better!

The form doesn't really ask for how often, just dosage levels, but if it did, there's a place on the chart where my need to use anything at,all just fell off a cliff.

Side note: Why does the list say it's the top ten but starts numbered at 11?
 
I'm not surprised at all that a statin (cholesterol) drug is near the top.... What I am surprised about is that anti-hypertensives are not there
 
About 4 years ago, I had my Gall Bladder removed. At first, I was careful what I ate but then found out I could eat anything I wanted and have no side effects. So I went back to my old eating habits.

After a year of eating everything, I started having Thyroid problems. Went to the Doctor, she referred me to a specialist, and he referred me to an Endocrinologist.

The Endocrinologist said my eating what I wanted days were over. So, back to my bland diet. Later he prescribed Synthroid, which I have been on for a year now.

I said all of that to say this. By staying on my diet of eating healthy foods and controlling my food intake, I have now reached a healthy weight, have more energy, and my mental capacity is doing well. (Unless you ask the wife)

What I am saying is that even though I lost the weight, exercised, and so forth, it has taken about a year to cleanse and regulate my body to where I sleep good and feel good.

It didn't happen overnight or in the 1st thirty days and there was no money refunded.

Now my eating habits, my health, and my diet have become a "normal" thing but it seemed like it took forever and it seemed like my favorite food was a thing of the past.

We watch Marie Osmond, who lost 50 pounds, advertise how easy it is to eat yourself thin. What a crock. I had to find something else to do than eat.

So, I have a few rules that I made for me. Hopefully they will help others.

1. Nothing to eat after 5:30 pm. This is tough but it works. Okay to drink water anytime.
2. Eat what I want but within reason. The other day we had Mexican food for lunch. It was a lot of food and high calorie. Therefore after eating a large Mexican food lunch I did not eat any afternoon snacks or supper.
3. I find that if I eat an apple for a snack it does wonders for my stomach.
4. Absolutely no sodas, diet drinks, Gatorade, or advertise fruit drinks. I will, on occasion, add flavoring to a bottle of water. Water is your friend. Drink it hot, with a little lemon juice, or nice and cold.
5. No caffeine. My wife drinks French Market coffee. I drink Maxwell House decaffeinated instant coffee.

I am not a Doctor, don't play one on T.V. either, but it took me a long time to finally teach myself how to control my diet.

I wish it was easier but it is not.

The biggest hurdle I had to overcome was to quit trying to eat and looking for the greatest thrill when it comes to food.

I wish I could say, "I have made it!" but for me, it is a constant watchful eye that I am able to control my weight and blood pressure. However, I feel well enough now that I build on my past, which encourages me to stay the course.

I know what works for me may not work for you. But continually bad eating habits is not working for you either.

I will turn 70 next month in case you think I am some kind of young whipper snapper that can lose weight at the drop of a hat and don't know what I am talking about.

Terry
 
OT on the thyroid issue, but to what you said about weight, I'm within 10 years of you (though female) and can vouch for nearly everything you said. I once weighed about 40 pounds more than I do now (and have, for the last 13 years). Though it turned out that sugar-laden drinks were the main culprit, I still have to carefully watch my food intake and eat sensibly. I only eat two meals a day, and if one of those is high calorie I, too, eschew (no pun intended) snacks or additional calories of any kind in the evening. Recently I've had trouble staying under 140 lbs even with that discipline plus lots of exercise (mainly hiking). When that happens I double down and watch my weight more carefully. What many people who cannot keep weight off do not take to heart is the fact that it requires a change of lifestyle. If you have a weight problem you simply can't ever return to eating what you want, when you want to.

"Dieting" doesn't work. You have to be willing to make permanent changes to your eating habits. But with diligence, it can be done.
 
azure said:
OT on the thyroid issue, but to what you said about weight, I'm within 10 years of you (though female) and can vouch for nearly everything you said. I once weighed about 40 pounds more than I do now (and have, for the last 13 years). Though it turned out that sugar-laden drinks were the main culprit, I still have to carefully watch my food intake and eat sensibly. I only eat two meals a day, and if one of those is high calorie I, too, eschew (no pun intended) snacks or additional calories of any kind in the evening. Recently I've had trouble staying under 140 lbs even with that discipline plus lots of exercise (mainly hiking). When that happens I double down and watch my weight more carefully. What many people who cannot keep weight off do not take to heart is the fact that it requires a change of lifestyle. If you have a weight problem you simply can't ever return to eating what you want, when you want to.

"Dieting" doesn't work. You have to be willing to make permanent changes to your eating habits. But with diligence, it can be done.
Click to expand...

You're correct, but keep in mind that certain drugs (that lower the metabolism) make it very difficult to reduce weight or keep it off, even with fewer meals.

But yes, discipline and exercise is necessary.... and it gets harder when you get older. (I'm about 10 years younger than the OP is).
 
wsuffa said:
I'm not surprised at all that a statin (cholesterol) drug is near the top.... What I am surprised about is that anti-hypertensives are not there
Click to expand...
Maybe there are a greater number of anti-hypertensives so that none of them individually are prescribed in large enough numbers for them to appear at the top of the list. Synthroid may be the only popular thyroid medication. I have heard people talking about having thyroid problems but had no idea it was that common.
 
Well, call me a skeptic, but it sounds like a sugar pill scam.
 
paflyer said:
Well, call me a skeptic, but it sounds like a sugar pill scam.
Click to expand...

Well, I guess I will stay with the "Sugar Pill" scam because I feel and act a lot better taking the pill. :)

I am now tested once a year and hopefully I will be able to get off it in the future.

I do agree though, we have become a nation of "pill takers."

Terry
 
Terry said:
Well, I guess I will stay with the "Sugar Pill" scam because I feel and act a lot better taking the pill. :)

I am now tested once a year and hopefully I will be able to get off it in the future.

I do agree though, we have become a nation of "pill takers."

Terry
Click to expand...
It wasn't personal, I just questioned why there is an "epidemic" of thyroid problems.
 
Really. If you felt what it was like to be hypo you wouldn't say it was a sugar pill scam. of course some people are marginal, but for others levothyroxine is a life saver.
 
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