Question:
I have just found out that I have a thyroid problem.

I know this site deals mostly with WLS, but I was hoping that maybe someone could help me. I have been researching WLS, was advised by Neweigh to have a sleep study done because my BMI was too low without co-morbids. Family doc said see Pulmonary specialist, specialist order sleep study (Oct 3) and did blood work based on what he felt was an enlarged thyroid. Uptake scan and ultrasound, cysts on thyroid, thyroid blood work - antibodies over 1,300, glucose VERY high and cholesterol is up 20 more to 285. What should I do? I have also managed to gain 7 more pounds since I started my research.    — Donna G. (posted on August 17, 2001)

August 17, 2001
I am confused.. what is it you are asking.. what should you do? About what?
   — [Anonymous]

August 17, 2001
My son is checking into WLS. He found out that he has a thyroid problem too. His PCP will not ok him for surgery until the thyroid in under control. Check with your doctor to see what he/she wants you to do. Donna WV
   — Donna A.

August 18, 2001
25 years ago I got Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disease in which your body thinks your thyroid gland is an "invader" and produces anti-thyroid antibodies, which attack and eventually destroy the gland. With your high antibody titer, it sounds like that is what you have. Did your doc order an ANA profile, as well as the titer? Ask him/her if this is Hashimoto's? If it is, you just wait until it kills your thyroid, then it stops and the antibodies go away, having done their job. But you will have to be on life-long thyroid replacement (Synthroid or levothyroxine), a pill a day, with yearly blood check to see if your levels are stable (they can vary over time.) Some of my symptoms of hypothyroidism never went away, even on replacement. They are dry hair, dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, intolerance to extremes of temperature (heat and cold). I still have all those. I use lotion on my lizard legs and take Metamucil for the const. The intolerance to temperatures is the worst; I dress in layers and peel or add them as needed. It was explained to me that this is because the thyroid gland is kind of like your body's thermostat, and when the thermostat is broken, you can overheat or freeze easily. Use the appropriate caution; I stay indoors 11-3 summer days and wear gloves, hats, winter socks and boots on freezing winter days. Ask your doctor for a specific diagnosis, then research it some more. Good luck to you! P.S. Of all the autoimmune diseases, this one is the most benign. Be glad you got this, instead of rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosis (in which your body develops an anti-DNA antibody!), as those are far worse. Hashimoto's is at least self-limiting; once the gland is nothing but scar tissue, it's done.
   — Lisa D.