Living Well with Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need to Know (Revised Edition) Paperback – February 15, 2005

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 25 and underwent a total thyroidectomy, followed by RAI. Over the course of the past three years (that's about how long I've been dealing with being thyroid-less), I have experienced everything from hair falling out, brittle nails, fatigue, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, and ridiculous weight gain. I'm not overweight or fat by any means, but I went from being 145 to 160 in a matter of months (and that's even with following a Paleo-style diet, doing 3 Whole30's over the past two years, and running 3-7 miles a couple times per week).With my weight skyrocketing (despite watching/cutting calories, making sure to exercise, etc), I've been getting more depressed (despite my strong support system of my boyfriend and family, both who reassure me that I am just fine) and turned to Amazon to maybe find a book to help me. I came across this and bought it, not sure if it would speak to me since I am not hypothyroid by blood test levels (thyroid cancer patients are initially run hyperthyroid to make sure the cancer does not come back). But I was frustrated at FEELING hypothyroid despite technically being hyper.Turns out that this book actually DOES pertain to me. The author mentions right off the bat that not having a thyroid, even if running "hyper" by blood test, you are still considered hypo. Not all of the chapters in the book pertained to me, but I just skipped those and focused on the ones that did. There's even a chapter near the end just for people who have had thyroid cancer.I really wish someone gave me this book right after my surgery. It was SO comforting to hear the stories of the author (and others) going through the same things that I am right now. When Shomon mentioned that she tried cutting calories/increasing exercise and still gained 1-2 lbs per week, I was so happy.....because it finally made me feel like I'm not alone. I love the chapter on weight loss tips and how Shomon states, straightforwardly, that weight loss for the hypothyroid person WILL be hard. We CANNOT compare ourselves to others or what our bodies did pre-hypothyroidism....because that's not how our bodies work anymore. She states that it's downright unfair that we have to deal with this, but it's not our fault...it's medical...and we have to work with it as best as we can. Persistence & patience are key. While at some level I knew all of this already, it was so comforting to hear it from her; it really helped me start to change the way I think.After reading this book, I feel more empowered. I came to it for weight loss help, but now have a better understanding of my condition (even though, as a science teacher/general science nerd, I thought I already knew a lot!). There were some symptoms that I have that I didn't even realize were thyroid-related....and it's just so nice to know WHY my body is acting the way it is rather than wonder what's wrong with me.This book is a definite must-read for anyone who finds themselves thyroid-less. I am thankful I picked it up!

For years my GP tried to treat my hypo thryroid condition. The list of weird problems I had was quite long. I found a taking a bit extra synthroid made me feel better, but she did not like that. I even got her to send me to the "best" endo in our area. But that was a mistake, the man could not even listen. At they end of the appointment I asked him what he does when someones T4 tests are "normal" and they still feel bad. He said it must be in my head and set me back to my GP. At the time my normal TSH was "5.1", when you read the book you will discover how "un-normal" this was.I found the Thyroid foundation, a list of "favorite doctors", and this book from a web search. This was all 7 years ago. Through great treatment with Kenneth Blanchard (boston MA) I am now totally symptom free. I can honestly say he saved my life. This book, and Dr Blanchards, will give you all the inside information you need to understand why simple tests may not be enough. It will give you the real list of common symptoms (get ready to be upset). It will give you the power and knowledge you will need to manage your health. It describes the thyroid function and impacts. It discusses tests and treatment mangement. From what I have heard and experienced, you cannot rely on many Doctors to really understand this problem. They have been brainwashed by the makers of thyroid drugs to belive that just one little pill fixes everything. Thyroid problems are much more common than most people realize and the symptoms are often vague. As women age the percentage effected is higher. And if your thyroid was tested years ago, have it done again now. The "normal" range has been lowered! I know I only feel well if my TSH is about 0.9-1.0. This is an epedemic and we all need to be educated.

Good book, lots of good info. It inspired me to go to a better endocrinologist and asked a lot of questions. Of course he refused to do many of the tests suggested in here. "They don't matter" he would say. He increased my medication because it was too low, I felt great, then I felt over medicated. I went back and he said I'm find go to another doctor. That doc almost killed me. Then I had to go to the mayo and have surgery. I'm doing better now but still have pain from surgery. I still feel over medicated so I cut one pill in half once a week. Now I suffer from hypo and hyper all in one week. Great times. My eyes have been opened to the poor medical care we receive for this condition. I have Hashimoto's that is what I intend to work on now. I'll never fix my thyroid but this is a good book to help you take charge of your health. Good luck!