I've just realized I've not posted anything since Wednesday, so I will just put a quick note in to say that I am here, and keeping busy indoors as the weather isn't too encouraging for long cross-country walks just yet. I'm sticking to local ones and am glad to report that so far my hips aren't complaining too much. Now, if only I could lose 2 stone +, I would be getting up the steep hills a lot quicker, so I have been keeping a close eye on what I eat and reducing portions of main meals, and trying to cut the rice right back (I love rice dishes).
Whilst I don't like to publish too much about personal worries on here, Keith's not been making much progress since Christmas - in fact, since seeing the Physio and being given exercises to do, unless he is careful, he goes backwards. Overdoing things - e.g. doing just one set of exercises (he's meant to do 3) AND walking doesn't really work. He can only do one or the other as he is just so tired all the time.
We went to see the GP last week, and she did blood tests (first since July in fact, when he was still on the steroids). This time the Thyroid blood test showed borderline problems with an underactive thyroid. When I looked up the symptoms of this, he has every one, except weight gain (but then he is a very frugal eater - wish that I could say the same of ME!) It can also affect the cerebellum which controls balance, so may be at the bottom of the problems which have developed since being on a long course of Prednisolone.
The GP has given him a low dose of Thyroxine to take, which is to be reviewed with regular blood tests. It is early days yet, but we are hoping that in a week or so he will notice a definite improvement, but I know it takes a good while to adjust and balance the right level of medication. I will report on any progress - and am praying that it WILL show improvement and that Hypothyroidism is at the bottom of his problems.
Your husband and I have a lot in common (smile). I do have hypothyroidism and have had it for about 20 years. Because MS affects the balance I never think of the hypothyroidism, but I do know that it made my hair go a lot thinner and yes, it did make me slow down. Before the hypo. I had an operation on my thyroid called parathyroid, where they removed three of the four nodules, which thankfully weren't cancerous. I have been on Levothyroxine for the 20 years and now I am on 100grms per day. Every blood test I have says that there is no change with the thyroid. Once on the pills you're on them for life.
ReplyDeleteDid your husband get his blue badge?
Thank you for the info about Hypothyroidism. I am firmly blaming the big and long course of Prednisolone he was put on - and for something which could only be properly diagnosed with a biopsy, which he never got because of Covid. It is a known fact that Pred. affects the endocrine system . . . I imagine he will take a while to get a positive reaction to the meds though.
DeleteAs we couldn't get a diagnosis, we didn't apply for the Blue Badge as the GP originally said his problems were just down to getting old. That is ONE thing they don't issue a Blue Badge for. Now we will have to apply as he really can't walk far.
It can't do any harm to get in touch with your Council directly and see what they say. I can't remember getting a diagnosis from my GP, but I was receiving the lowest amount of DLA. When my symptoms got worse and I applied for a review, they said that as I was over 64 (I was 65 at the time) I was deemed to be liable to mobility problems due to my age. It seems to be the standard 'put-off'. I can't understand their logic as they expect people to work longer (way past the normal retirement ages ie 60 for women and 65 for men) yet they say that over 64 years you're on your last legs. Something doesn't tally.
DeleteThat would be so great if the thyroid problem was it...
ReplyDeleteHe has a lot of the markers for it Marlane.
DeleteHi - I just happened on your blog post today and will say my beloved MIL was on thyroid replacement from the time she was in her 20s. With the right dose, she was able to do all she wanted to do and to determine what the right dose was, her endocrinologist had a blood test done called a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level. If it was high, the thyroid needed more medicine, if it was within normal limit the dose stayed the same, and if it was low, the dose was reduced. The medicine is measured in micrograms and tiny adjustments in dose made a big difference in how she felt. She was always given the medicine Synthroid here in the USA.
ReplyDeleteAs a nurse, I was really impressed with the care she was given by the endocrinologist and she felt great during the years she was under that doctor's care.
Wishing you and Keith well.
Hi Barbara Anne. Lovely to meet you and thank you so much for the info on TSH tests. I assume they will do a similar test regularly for Keith. I am just praying it was all this that affected his cerebellum and caused the Ataxia, as there is a definite proven link between the two (in thyroid cases).
DeleteWe can just wait and see how he responds, but I am certain it will be a long drawn out business.
I suggest you ask the TSH test be done so the results are ready for the doctor to see at Keith's appointment. Hope he can be cared for by an endocrinologist, too, because not all doctors are aware of how to properly dose thyroid medicines.
DeleteThe thyroid is a very funny thing. For something most people don't even think about, it can cause all manner of problems, most of which, thankfully, are easily treated. Hope Keith's issues can be resolved soon.
ReplyDeleteI only knew about it from when my best friend Trish had Hyperthyroidism and lost a lot of weight and her heart was pounding 20 to the dozen. Tam also has similar problems as the result of a virus a couple of years ago.
DeleteHope that the medication will help improve Keith's situation. I've had hypothyroidism for some years and my doctor carefully watches my dosage with regular blood work. I will say that the generic form of the medication (levothyroxine) did not shift my numbers (i.e. TSH, T3, T4) at all. Only the brand (expensive in US) that Barbara Anne mentions above (Synthroid) works for me. Starting this past year, my health insurance plan decided it would only cover the cheaper generic--so now I pay for the brand myself (about £100 for 90 day supply). Just one of the joys of US medical coverage (or lack thereof). I'm fortunate to be able to afford it. Give the medication some time to build up, but if Keith's blood work and/or symptoms don't improve in the coming months, you might consider asking the GP if he might try the brand medication. All the best to Keith and you.
ReplyDeleteHello Mary. It seems to be a relatively common and thankfully treatable problem. Sorry you have it too. I have read that certain generic brands don't work properly and you have to ask for the expensive one. We will keep an eye on blood test results and how he's doing and perhaps have to go cap in hand to the GP and demand the best!
DeleteI do hope the medication hopes and he will feel a lot better soon. It must be such a worrying and frustrating time for you both. Thinking of you and take care.
ReplyDeleteI think it's going to be a slow old business. Trying hard to keep positive.
DeleteI do hope he's feeling better soon. Are there any other thyroid sufferers in his family? It seems to run through mine.
ReplyDeleteHis father had it, but his was due to carrying Uranium Rods into Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station. He and the other men who did that were told it wasn't dangerous . . .
DeleteSummer will arrive promise, but spring first :) Hopefully the medication and the blood test results will turn things around for Keith, fingers crossed x
ReplyDeleteAt the moment it looks like he will get worse before he gets better, but we have to keep positive.
DeleteAs a recent follower I'm not up to speed on Keith's health issues. What I can say is I understand the nagging worry when things aren't right. I'm having a year long "thing" which I won't bore you with because I'm so completely tired of thinking about it. It has been an unwelcome addition to a long depressing winter. I'm so with you on wanting some sunshine and even slightly warmer weather. Hugs to you and yours until things perk up.
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, lovely to meet you. Keith has basically been slowing down and down and suffering from Ataxia (v. worrying to see him trying to turn). We laid it at the door of the long-term steroids he was on but now it appears to be due to Hypothyroidism. We have clocked up all the usual symptoms, plus a lot more that are listed on the Thyroid problems website.
DeleteI just popped over to your blog and you seem to have Health from Hell at the moment, with everything going wrong. You must be so distressed to see your garden going feral, so I hope it isn't too long before you are able to get back out there. Get Well Soon.
I hope Keith's medication works and his energy levels improve a bit. It's been a tough time for so many people recently hasn't it, and Covid and all the restrictions and pressure on the NHS hasn't helped at all.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both. The NHS was struggling badly BEFORE Covid and is practically moribund now. The GP has been very helpful though, and hopefully we will turn a corner soon.
DeleteHoping your back gives you some respite too.
I dealt with hypothyroidism for most of my life. During this covid stuff, getting in to see a doctor was very difficult. My prescription for the thyroxin ran out. After several months, I saw a doctor and got the blood work done to renew the prescription, only to find that I no longer needed it. My thyroid had begun producing again.
ReplyDeleteIt must be difficult to watch your husband struggle with his health. I'm sure that it takes a toll on you as well. Take care of yourself too.
Debby - I am glad you no longer need it and that your Thyroid is working properly again. What a relief. I think Keith will be on this for good now. That long dose of steroids did his body no favour.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I have been finding it rather difficult to see him go downhill - and radically so this past week. I have x-stitch to distract me and it helps.
Thanks for that info about an under active thyroid and how it can affect your balance. My daughter has this problem so I will pass it along.
ReplyDeleteHope it helps Dave. Balance problems can also be caused by internal ear problems and Chiros can treat vestibular problems.
DeleteI just hope Keith's unwellness gets better Jennie I do feel for you and him of course. He looked very ill in that last photo of him. What with not being able to get hold of doctors it has been a long hard two years for many. Take care both of you and both rest. Not the weather to be climbing mountains yet ;) xxx
ReplyDeleteHe has been exhausted the past few weeks Thelma. Sometimes he barely has the energy to climb the stairs to bed. He looks better when he's been watching Del Boy or similar and laughing :)
DeleteWe are hoping that this diagnosis covers all the problems he's been having. The Ataxia can also be laid at the door of Hypothyroid problems.