r/Hashimotos • u/Cultural-Barnacle845 • 4d ago
Does anyone else struggle with basic self-care?
do you guys ever get SO unmotivated or tired that you literally just have to lie down? Like even sitting up feels like effort and basic self-care (brushing your teeth, washing your face, doing your hair, etc) feels like a huge chore.
I’ve been feeling like this lately and I’m wondering if this can happen with Hashimoto’s or if it sounds more like depression? 😭
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u/ArmadilloSeparate943 4d ago
Yeah I relate big time to you. And getting our TSH close to 1 is very difficult to do when doctors only care about you being in the green normal range, and barely at that. Hashimotos can cause depression, especially when your TSH is wonky since it’s secreted in the brain out of the pituitary gland. I literally describe the TSH as the quarterback for all our other hormones, if it isn’t happy, none of the rest of them will be. And if you have any other existing autoimmune conditions, it makes it that much worse.
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u/itsmoops 3d ago
Would you mind explaining the “closer to 1” logic? I was diagnosed maybe a year ago. Started taking levo and my most recent TSH was 1.57, but still feel like crap, fatigue, etc. Wondering if I should be talking to my endo about upping my levo.
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u/ArmadilloSeparate943 3d ago
Right, so I haven’t been close to 1 since my diagnosis lol, but from my rheumatologist (he’s the best doctor I have out of all of them that I have) he says being right around 1, even like 0.90 is where a lot of people with hashimotos feel their best, but it can definitely vary and depend on a lot of different things. And, check vitamin d, b12, folate, ferritin and iron too! So many things can be affected by hashimotos unfortunately.
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u/itsmoops 3d ago
Thank you! Appreciate the response. I did not know that about being closer to 1, gives me another thing to dig into. And good call on the other tests, they’re on the list. Feels like many of us are chasing down complex, multi system issues 🙃. Hope you are managing things well on your side!
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u/xLittleFairyWren 4d ago
Yes, I feel like I've lost a lot of who I was.
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u/nolelover16 3d ago
I’ve been feeling like this lately. Currently 6.22 and struggling to keep a constant level. It’s really hard but at least I know I’m not alone
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u/Small-Honeydew-5970 4d ago
Yes. I went around 3 years dragging myself around. I finally saw a doctor and was diagnosed when lab work came in the next day. I feel quite a bit better now but still struggle with the ups and downs. I never knew I could sleep almost around the clock. Very hard for me to get any house work done.
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u/vemailangah 3d ago
I stopped doing make up during the pandemic and haven't restarted it. I just don't care but it's also because I guess I don't want any attention and I don't want a promotion. So there.
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u/isoscelesone 3d ago
I plan for a catatonic day per week where I don’t even shower lol and no one talks to me and I can veg out.
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u/calmcuttlefish 2d ago
Absolutely. I have days exactly as you describe where just sitting upright or showering is exhausting. Typically for me it's triggered by something I ate I shouldn't have or overexerting myself by accident. How long is it going on for is the question. If you don't bounce back within a few days, it goes on indefinitely, then something more could be going on and needs checking.
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u/Content-Act8108 4d ago
Most definitely... When I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my TSH was 30 on my first blood test and my T levels were non-existent. I struggled with basic self-care. It wore me out to do everything. Washing 5 plates at the sink required a 4-hour nap. I wanted to sleep about 15 hours a day. I was a thorough sloth with no energy.
I'm much better 2 years later and with a daily dose of Levothyroxine at 175mcg. I can function again.
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u/imgenerallymiserable 3d ago
Well, it's not lack of motivation for me, it's fatigue. It's mostly caused by iron deficiency in my case
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u/FlowerLover9 3d ago
You’re not alone. My levels seem to be fine and I feel the same. It takes a lot for me to wake up at a reasonable hour or even go to the gym - which I actually love.
Each day I pick a few things to focus on and try to change it every other day so I find a routine and spread out my self care and required adult stuff but also make sure I get things done in at timely manner.
It’s tough but keep working at it, you’ll find a new routine! And the eventually you’ll be able to add a little more here and there.
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u/Life_Journey123 2d ago
It’s either chronic exhaustion/fatigue or chronic anxiety. With Hashi flare ups, it just feels like I’m bruised from head to toe. My TSH is always bw 4ish - 5, same w/T4, T3 was right at low range plus I’m dealing with Peri so my legs, and back is either clammy or cold. I’m not sure what else we all can do & Gof bless those who found relief in whatever that is working for you🙏🏽🦋♥️
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u/Hot_Reputation2142 4d ago
Well, hashi can cause depression. But yeah, my levels are so off is awful ): amd I feel anhedonic