20 Secrets of Successful Thyroid Patients

Ideas and information on things patients can do to feel their best

11. Don't be a slave to the numbers. Did you know that each person has his or her own "normal" thyroid function and being within a lab's normal range does not necessarily mean your thyroid is normal for you. Find out what normal really means now.

12. Know about the thyroid drugs you take, and the alternatives that may make you feel better. With 4 brands of approved levothyroxine, several natural desiccated prescription drugs, a synthetic combination drug to choose from, two antithyroid drugs, and a special drug just for thyroid cancer patients having scans, there are many thyroid drugs to know about and choose from. Find out more in the Thyroid Drug Database

13. Get support when you need it. One of the best places is at my Thyroid Forums, where you'll find someone else with the same problems and concerns as you have, and often answers and solutions as well!! If not, you'll definitely find a sympathetic ear! Visit the forums now.

14. Understand thyroid disease in general. Make sure you know the difference between hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, nodules, goiter, and thyroid cancer.Thyroid Disease 101.

15. Question the "conventional wisdom." Especially when it comes to the penchant for radioactive iodine to ablate the thyroid during hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease, it's wise to find out more before you take permanent actions. Find out about Graves' Disease: A Practical Guide.

16. Get a flu shot every year. I hear from so many thyroid patients who get the flu every year, and it hits them longer and takes longer to recover than others. Save yourself the trouble this year!

17. Revive and boost your metabolism. Sluggish metabolism contributes to fatigue, difficulty losing weight, or continued weight gain, and there are 12 great ways to help.

18. Exercise!! A simple thyroid-oriented exercise program, 40 minutes, 3 times a week, can totally change your shape and your energy. Here's a program you can start today!

19. Make sure you follow proper nutrition for thyroid patients. Nutritionist Dr. Ed Baumann has excellent ideas to help you decide what dietary changes to make. Read his advice now.

20. LAUGH!! When you're tempted to feel down or frustrated about energy, weight issues, or other thyroid concerns, try to find a way to laugh. A GREAT starting place: "Dear Dr. Phil: Kiss My Goiter!!," Celisa Dyan's humorous open letter to the Oprah show's Dr. Phil McGraw, telling it like it REALLY is...