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SSI Disability for Hypothyroidism

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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 7/7/2012 1:34 PM (GMT -6)

Does anyone receive disability for hypothyroidism?  If so, how hard was it to get approved.  And what related problems did you have?

Posted 7/7/2012 3:15 PM (GMT -6)
I would think it would be extremely difficult to get disability for a lone thyroid problem. It's considered easily treatable with medication, therefore not disabling. Perhaps you have something else going on that would be considered grounds to qualify, though.
Posted 7/9/2012 8:30 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks for the reply Judy.  Yes, I am having major problems due to the hypothyroidism.  I've had this for over 20 years but for the last six months have developed extreme fatigue, depression, achy muscles, headaches, memory/concentration problems and unrestful sleep.  I'm also obese, have high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  My doctor has run all kinds of tests and insists that it is my thyroid.  I feel so bad that I am at my wits end.  I drag myself to work everyday and then I go home and go straight to bed.
Posted 7/9/2012 10:51 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Momma J,
Are you being treated for your hypothyroidism? What medications are you on? Do you
have Hashimoto's?
Posted 7/9/2012 11:39 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Maggiemay,

Yes, I am currently seeing a doctor and on synthroid for hypothyroidism.  He has adjusted my medication three times over the last 3 months but I am feeling no better......still exhausted and miserable.  I have never been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease just hypothyroidism as far as I know.  Like I said my doctor insists that it's my thyroid, I however, am beginning to think it's something else.  Any advice?

Posted 7/9/2012 9:32 PM (GMT -6)
Have you had lab tests run recently? If you have, I would ask for a copy and if you haven't,
I would ask for tests to be run. If it were me, I would ask for a TSH, a free T3, a free T4,
and the two antibody tests that will tell if you have Hashimoto's (Thyroid peroxidase antibody,
TPO Ab and the Thyroglobulin antibody, TgAb). I would also ask if they have checked your
iron level and your ferritin to find out what your iron stores are. You might even ask to have
your inflammation checked, C reactive protein and ESR.

The other thing that I would talk to my doctor about is the possibility of taking a "natural"
thyroid replacement hormone such as Armour. Armour has T4 and T3 whereas Synthroid is
a synthetic T4. Or, another possibility is to take T3,(I think it is Cytomel) along with the
Synthroid. A lot of people, myself included, feel much better on Armour than the Synthroid.
There is a lot of discussion at the following website if you are interested in learning more:

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

I do know, if I were in your shoes and your doctor isn't willing to help you feel better, I think
I would find another doctor. Is your doctor a GP or an endocrinologist or ? There is a great
post on this forum by hopetogetwellsoon called "Possible Thyroid Disorder" and I couldn't
agree with her more. Absolutely excellent advice.

Momma J, you really shouldn't have to feel so horrible. There has to be some treatment
out there to help you. Don't give up, keep us informed. Even though this is not a very
active forum, there are people here who want to help.
Posted 7/10/2012 8:21 AM (GMT -6)
Maggiemay,

I just can't believe that I've had this illness for over 20 years and am just now realizing how complex it is and how many problems it can cause.  Yes, I've had blood work done 3 or 4 times over the last few months.  I know my doctor (general practice) has tested TSH, hormone levels, arthritis panel, vitamin levels, and cholesterol.  He said everything looks okay except the thyroid level which he's changed my dosage three times.  A couple of weeks ago he put me on Cymbalta and cut my cholesterol medicine dosage in half but so far I can't tell that it's doing any good.  I'm scheduled to go back in a couple of weeks for re-testing.  I am seriously thinking of asking him to refer me to someone else.  I will definitely ask if I have been tested for Hashimoto's.  I'd never even heard of this until I started looking for answers as to what's wrong with me.  At my last visit we even talked about possible Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since the symtoms for these are so close to those of Hypothyroidism.

Thanks for the support.  Wish me luck at my next visit!  Each time I go I pray for an answer only to leave the doctor's office disappointed again.

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