I haven't taken my medicine in about 6 months and I am starting to worry...

DESIREE - posted on 05/27/2011

I have hypothyroidism also & have been off them about the same time as you ..but i take 150mcg..i also have a 19month old daughter and i so do not feel good the way I used to when i was taking my medicine. I think it is very important that you get some asap i'm going to call as we speak ..the consequences sound very disturbing !! I hope you have a great day & stay healthy!! lets take GREAT CARE of OUR KIDS by taking CARE of OURSELVES...*

Katt - posted on 12/12/2009

I also have hypothyroidism, luckily my meds are covered (I live in Canada) But it's really important you take them. When I don't take mine I notice the change and it isn't good! Your children need you!

Crystal - posted on 12/07/2009

Gwen, I never thought about the Salvation Army, but I will check on that one. They used to have a free clinic, but it closed down this past summer. Thank you so much!

Gwen - posted on 12/07/2009

Is there a free clinic in your area?



What about united way, salvation army, church...anywhere that might have some emergency medical funds available?

Crystal - posted on 12/07/2009

I would like to thank you all for all of your comments. I know I must take care of myself for my children. It is hard for me to accept sometimes because at times I do feel helpless. I have asked for help from the state many times and been turned away over and over again. I will though make it a definite priority to have myself seen by a doctor just as soon as I can get some extra money. I appreciate all the comments and it has helped me see the light. Thank you!

Melanie - posted on 12/06/2009

I also have Hypothyroidism. It could be dangerous to stop your meds. Depression, weight gain, heart problems and so on and so on. The thyroid controls many things in your body. Please I advise you to find a doctor that will work with your financial solution. I don't have insurance either but I make sure I take care of my self. I have found a clinic in Youngstown , Ohio that charges me $10 for checking my TSH levels and my Dr. charges me $20 every 4-5 months for a check up.
I pray that you will take care of yourself , you will be no good to your children if you don't take care of your self.

Gaie - posted on 12/05/2009

Medicaid is much easier to get than food stamps. It is likely that your problem is minor at this point but even minor hypothyroid (underactive) means you will feel very tired, unmotivated and have lowered immunity and be more susceptible to infections. You may gain wait, lose hair or feel cold and clammy, especially in the hands and feet. The myxedema coma described previously is a worse-case scenario and you should have warning signs that are severe, like lots of weight gain and puffiness before that happens. But a low thyroid makes you feel lousy. You may get skin rashes and a wheat allergy as well and feel tired all the time. You could try googling Armour Thyroid. If you can get it, you can try taking small daily doses until you feel good and then level out. It may be hard to get without a prescription. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower actually depress thyroid function somewhat, and so does soy, so you should avoid those foods. Hope this advice helps. (from a chiropractor)

Mary - posted on 12/05/2009

I just a post entitled ... How do you prepare your 3 yr. old her father's death ? ...

One of our major issue this summer was he had so many specialists they were overmedicating him. He was on three high blood pressure medications that overlapped. This summer they had also added and anti-depressant and it seemed to have the opposite affect. Of all his Dr's not one was willing to sit down with him and evaluate all the medications he was on and adjust them to a balanced state.

So he STOPPED TAKING ALL HIS MEDICATIONS !!!

One month later he had a HEART ATTACK the day before our wedding !!! I was told he was being taken to a hospital an hour away, there are no facilities for him in our home town. That I should take my marriage lic. with me since it may be my last chance.

WHAT ARE YOUR KIDS GOING TO DO WITHOUT YOU !?!?!?!

I don't mean to be harsh, but if you are going to ignore medical treatment then you need to make arrangements for your kids. Neglecting medical care is in effect creating worse situation then the one you are trying to protect them from in the first place !!! Your life is in your own hands right now...

My mother had her thyroid removed as a child. My whole life I have watched her struggle. I was in my 20's when she nearly died. THE DR. TOOK HER OFF HER TYROID MEDICATION !!!! WHAT !?!? The woman had no thyroid since the age of 5, without supplemental hormones her body was shutting down.
The best med. for her is a compounded bovine hormone from OR. The ins. doesn't cover him and the she can't afford the medical bills. The one accepted by the ins. company has adverse effects on her, so the one she takes is not the one she needs and she still has to pay for it !!!!
She is overweight / blind (despite several surgeries) / diabetic neuropathy (her feet are constantly numb) / high blood pressure / high cholesterol / depression.
The longer you wait the more damage you are doing to yourself.

GO TO THE STATE ! Guidelines have changed for Food Stamps and medical care with the economy down!! Go to your employer explain your situation, and ask for help !!! There are some policies for small business that allow the employer to split the cost of medical care with the employee.

Do whatever you have to do !!!

Look at your child's face. You are the most important face that child sees everyday, relies on, looks up too, finds comfort in.

May you find the strength my dear.

Iysha - posted on 12/05/2009

You should not get put last on your check off list of things to do. You need to put your health at the top, before the bills. If you can, go to get financial help from the state. As much as I hated to, I went and I at least got Medi-Cal while I was pregnant to help pay for doctor visits and medications I needed. You are not without a doctor...there are many doctors out there that can check you out...so what if you have to drive a longer distance...find a place that can treat you.

Iysha - posted on 12/05/2009

It may not seem like a big issue now, but you were taking meds for a reason...you are getting a supplement because you don't have enough of thyroid horemones in your blood stream. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, the classic physical changes characteristic of myxedema can develop.



Myxedema-a condition characterized by swelling of the skin and other tissues, particularly around the eyes and cheeks, caused by extreme deficiency of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).



Basically, your tissues will start to get puffy. You could get a round, puffy face with a sleepy appearance, dry rough skin, and hair loss. Other later symptoms are a husky voice and numbness of the arms and legs. You could also develop muscle pain, weakness, and carpal tunnel syndrome may occur. Some people experience hearing loss, depression, mental confusion, uneasiness, daytime sleepiness, or memory problems, especially in the elderly. Obstructive sleep apnea (not something you want to mess with) can develop, in which tissues in the upper airway collapse at intervals during sleep, thereby blocking the passage of air. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening condition caused by long-standing hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Treatment typically includes supporting vital body functions such as breathing and circulation, warming to raise the body temperature to normal, and replacing thyroid hormone.



I don't want to scare you, but I think it would be a wise decision to get medicated for your thyroid problem as soon as you can....a doctor will be able to tell you how severe your case is and if you need more/less/the same amount of medication to keep the symptoms at bay and from appearing/returning.

Nicole - posted on 12/05/2009

I don't know what could happen, but is there a way that maybe you could call the doc and see about getting some kind of samples to help? Good luck..I hope you get some answers.



Nicole