10. Learn, learn, learn!
Learn everything you can about your condition. Start here at the site, visit other sites I've linked to, or read one of the five key books most thyroid patients will find useful.
9. Get Diagnosed!
Your first step is getting diagnosed. These checklists can help you document your risks and symptoms. In fact, print out two copies, and bring one filled out to your doctor! Hypothyroidism Checklist |
Hyperthyroidism Checklist
8. Take Your Medication Properly
Many people don't know how to take thyroid hormone replacement drugs properly. Find out the do's and don'ts about how to take your thyroid meds.
7. Understand Lab Values
The issue of lab tests for thyroid disease can be confusing, but it's CRITICAL that you understand it all. Get copies of your own lab test results, and delve in! One key article to help... "
Why Low TSH means Less Medicine and Other Confusing Issues.
6. Understand Autoimmune Disease
Most thyroid conditions are due to autoimmune disease -- where the immune system gets confused and attacks your thyroid. Learn more about autoimmune disease, and learn about your risks for other autoimmune conditions.
5. Find a GREAT Doctor
It's essential to have a terrific doctor to partner with in your search for wellness. Explore the patient-recommended
"Thyroid Top Docs Directory" for recommendations.
4. Understand the Drugs You Take
Whether it's the latest study of T4/T3, the news on Synthroid or Thyrogen, or FDA reports, keep current on the news about the thyroid drugs you take. Check out some of the recent stories about drugs you take.
3. Understand Your Alternatives
There is a realm of alternatives, integrative options, and holistic medicine that may be useful to you in your thyroid health. Start with our directory of alternatives for thyroid disease, and specifically, check outVitamins and Nutritional Supplements for Thyroid Disease, and
South American Medicinal Herbs for Hormones.
2. Manage Your Weight
Many thyroid patients end up struggling with weight. Even people who start out hyperthyroid eventually, after antithyroid treatment, radioactive iodine, or surgery, end up hypothyroid and overweight. Learn real-life techniques for thyroid patients on how to successfully fight the weight loss battle.
1. Be Healed, Vs. Cured
You need to know when it's time to stop looking for cures and start focusing on healing. Being healed means first accepting yourself as you are, refusing to live in the past, learning how to value yourself, and above all, finding the positive effects that thyroid disease has had on your life. Read Being Healed Versus Being Cured: A Thyroid Patient's Perspective
