Hypothyroidism & Nursing School?

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2011

I recently found out I have hypothyroidism. I know this is really treatable and things could be much worse. I'm just a little nervous because I've been working so hard to get everything done to apply to start an ADN program in January. Do any of you have hypothyroidism? Has it affected your abilities in school/clinicals? The only symptoms I've really had are cold intolerance and dry skin; my memory fails occasionally but I'm still pretty good at memorizing things with repetition and I took 15 hours of courses over the summer with a 4.0 while working full time. I am just worried that for some reason I'll have trouble and need to withdraw, which would be the pits. I'm also worried because I have health insurance now through my work, but I plan on dropping down to part-time once I start school, which would mean I'd need to get health insurance from elsewhere... has anyone had problems w/hypothyroidism as a pre-existing condition?
I am not looking for any medical advice, just some support with how this relates specifically to nursing. Thanks!

Thyroid meds are super-duper cheap- don't worry about the insurance thing.

Hypothyroid is easily treatable, and should not affect your nursing school in the slightest. Don't worry about it.

I've been hypo since I was 14 years old. The only time I had trouble functioning is when I had my second child and my thyroid went ridiculously out of whack. (The normal TSH level is

Also- I've never once had a problem with it being considered a pre-existing condition with insurance. It's simply not on that 'list'.. and besides, it's my understanding that they laws are changing to where insurance companies can no longer use that as an excuse to deny coverage.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2011

Ok I know this thread is old but I've gotta ask y'all for some advice! I'm up to 100 mcg now, but my skin is still dry - specifically my hands. They have been getting so dry that they crack & bleed often. Long story short - what hand creams do y'all use?? I'm using neutrogena and it's great, but it's so thick that I can't put it on all the time. Any suggestions?

Make sure you use something with no dyes or perfumes- those dry out skin! lol I like Cetaphil or Eucerin. (the generic Cetaphil works fine) One of the best ways to make it work is take a shower/bath and while you're still wet, apply the lotion and let it air dry. It makes all the difference.

sugarmagnoliaRN · Nov 28, 2011

I know - people look at me like I'm nuts when they see I like lotions without perfumes! Thanks for the after-shower tip, I'll try that!

Pass · Apr 22, 2012

Biotin B7 can be used for dry skin and nails

rubato, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2012

Well, I see this is an old thread, but I would like to chime in. I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis, so I am hypothyroid due to autoimmune disease. I feel fabulous. I've been on Synthroid (doctor won't let me take generic) for about 8 years now. I only have a couple of issues still, which are dry skin, hair falling out and cold all the time. I can deal with that. According to my endo, if you have to have something, this is the most naturally treatable.

I started back to school this last summer and have been taking a huge course load for 3 semesters now. I start nursing school this fall, and have no worries about keeping up. I know what to look out for and have a great doctor who listens to me and will change my dosage without arguing (I have heard horror stories).