Thyroid Awareness

Posted by 3catherines @3catherines, Jan 2 10:41am

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 25yrs ago. I have been taking levothyroxine, and no longer suffer. Unfortunately my daughter does not understand the implications my thyroid disease might have to her health. Her husband has been dismissive of the issue.

I have identified hypothyroid symptoms in my daughter. However, she becomes defensive and dismissive.

As this is Thyroid Awareness month, I am looking for a new approach.

Thank you so much!

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3catherines @3catherines

You have advised her, now it is up to her to follow up with her provider. Simple blood test will confirm. Seeing you mentioned a husband, she is an adult. Can not make her do anything she does not want to.

If you continue to remind her, she will get more defensive.

Laurie

REPLY

Thank you!
Actually, denial is the issue. If you have Hashimotos thyroiditis (otherwise you would not understand) you know that symptoms develope slowly over years. I myself did not associate my symptoms with thyroid disease, untill I saw a Dr for chronic hives.

I appreciate your comment, but not helpful in my situation. I was looking for an approach that would have positive results. It is just going to take time.

I decided to just do my usual gentle reminder, I just sent her the Mayo Clinic Thyroid Month Awareness page. I like the approach. I think she appreciates my concern.

Thank you so much for your response.

REPLY
@3catherines

Thank you!
Actually, denial is the issue. If you have Hashimotos thyroiditis (otherwise you would not understand) you know that symptoms develope slowly over years. I myself did not associate my symptoms with thyroid disease, untill I saw a Dr for chronic hives.

I appreciate your comment, but not helpful in my situation. I was looking for an approach that would have positive results. It is just going to take time.

I decided to just do my usual gentle reminder, I just sent her the Mayo Clinic Thyroid Month Awareness page. I like the approach. I think she appreciates my concern.

Thank you so much for your response.

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3catherines | @3catherines

That is all you can do, a gentle reminder and information.
I also have Hashimoto's thyroiditis , diagnosed at 17 years old, over 50 years ago when thyroid was enlarged.

Here is another article that might be helpful, it specifically states that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often runs in families.
https://www.thyroid.org/%20hashimotos-thyroiditis/
Laurie

REPLY

Thank you.! This is very good! I will send this to my daughter as well.
I actually had a very positive response from her, to the Mayo Clinic page I sent her. I think we are finally moving in a positive direction.
Thank you again!

REPLY

@3catherines welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Whenever someone experiences a trying situation (such as a health condition) and comes through it successfully it is natural to use the experience to try and help others with similar difficulties. This is especially true when it is our own family and friends. You have acquired a lot of helpful information to share with your daughter. It sounds like your concern is that she has been less than receptive and even a bit resistant to accepting these resources. Have you tried focusing on the genetic aspect? After all “the apple don’t fall far from the tree”.
I have a history of hyperthyroidism / Graves Disease. My mother had it too. My provider has diagnosed and treated it. She continues to monitor for the time when it will switch to hypothyroidism. Meanwhile my daughter was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My husband had a type of thyroid cancer (nearly 26 years ago) and his thyroid was removed. He has taken levothyroxine ever since. So the 3 of us have thyroid issues in common. We have found it helpful to compare notes and support each other in our health journeys.

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Thank you. It does help to learn how others cope. Yes, I think focusing on the possible genetic aspect is helpful.
She has promised to see her provider.
Thank you!

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