Coping with Lifetime Treatment
Being told you have hypothyroidism can cause many different feelings
If you had hypothyroid symptoms before your diagnosis, you may feel a sense of relief. Now you know the reason for these symptoms. If you did not have any hypothyroid symptoms, you may have been surprised by your diagnosis. Some people say they felt angry, while others felt confused or frustrated when they heard they had hypothyroidism. Whatever you felt, it is normal.
It can be hard to accept the need for lifetime treatment
Hypothyroidism is easy to treat — you simply take 1 pill once a day. Knowing this helps some people accept the idea that treatment will last their lifetime. But if you have never had to take medicine for a health condition, you may resent the idea of having to start now. Or, you may feel that taking medicine is a sign of weakness or aging. These tips may help you move closer toward acceptance:
Think positively
Acknowledge the positive step you are taking to take charge of your health. By choosing treatment, you are caring for your body. You are helping restore your body's thyroid balance. You have taken a big step toward helping improve your hypothyroid symptoms so you can feel more like you did before you were diagnosed with hypothyroidism.Learn as much as you can
Understanding more about hypothyroidism can help you stay on treatment. Start by paying attention to your symptoms. Ask your doctor for the results of your TSH tests and ask what the numbers mean.Be patient
Finding the right dose can take time. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Keep taking your medicine the right way every day, even if your symptoms go away. And go for follow-up TSH tests each time the doctor changes your dose.Learn from others
Hear the stories of other people with hypothyroidism for more tips on how to cope with lifetime treatment.