For the new members - Please introduce yourselves so we can get to know you. :)

[Lucy]

Hi everyone, My name is Lucy and I've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's 3 years ago.  My doctor did not feel I should be treated at the time because my THS  was at 7.44.  I started having symptoms of pounding heart during the night with nausea and sweating and went back to the doctor and he started me on synthroid.  Needless to say things are going from bad to worse.  He started me on 50mg which gave me more palpitations night and day as well as a bunch of horrible symptoms.  I thought I was dying.  Called him and he felt I should either get off the synthroid or reduce it to 25mg.  He left it up to me.  I reduced the meds after 2 weeks of 50mg to 25mg and although the heavy pounding calmed down, I was still getting weird symptoms.  I found out I am also anemic which I'm sure is not helping, but not the main cause.  I called him again and he now feels I should try 25mg every 2nd day.  I am waiting to go for my blood test to see where things stand.  I also made an appointment with a naturopath in April to see if she can help.  My symptoms are really bad, I feel very sick inside, nausea, burning stomach at times, dizzy, shakiness, pounding heart at the slightest exertion like going up the stairs, pains in all my joints on and off, chest pains, and weepiness.   I've been to a cardiologist and he feels my heart is fine.  I'm not sure if its the medication causing the symptoms to be worse or if its the disease itself.  Can't seem to get any answers.   I live in Montreal, and medicare is not the greatest.  I have an appointment with a new doctor as well at the end of March and hopefully she will be able to help me.   I've been educating myself on the disease over the web and I have to say I'm not thrilled on what I'm reading.  My doctor made it sound like if I took synthroid I'd feel new again.   Boy, was he wrong.   I feel worse then ever!  I was very active before the symptoms started, and now I have not been out on my own in a long time because of the symptoms.  I feel faint when my heart starts getting crazy.   Not a good place to be right now.  I really hope to get better soon, I'm getting very discouraged and really do not want to go on anti-depressants.   Any info anyone can give me will be very helpful.   
Thank you.

[kangar00_paw]

Hello Everyone,

I am a 36 yo Australian woman diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease in January 2009, after 4 Thyroid Function Tests at 1 month intervals revealed continued abnormal readings.  I was only tested because I am keen to start a family soon and wanted to tick that box. My first test revealed that my TSH was 8 (0.40-4.00) and my T3 & T4 fell within normal ranges although my Anti-Thyroglobulin Ab was 5600 U/mL  (<60) & Anti-Thyroid Perozidase Ab was 10500 U/mL (<60). My third test revealed my TSH was 10 (0.40-4.00) with normal range T3 & T4 while my Anti-Thyroglobulin Ab was 3800 U/mL and Anti-Thyroid Perozidase Ab was 8200 U/mL.  My GP referred me to an Endocrinologist and I was diagnosed after an ultrasound showing a slightly enlarged thyroid. 

I have been taking a low dose of Thyrozine Sodium Tablets (Eutrozsig) since and I feel so much better.  I no longer have brain fog and I am more in control of my emotions. My energy levels have increase significantly and so has my mood and although I can be tired from lack of sleep it isn't as debilitating.

Six months prior to my Hashimoto's diagnosis, I had an abnormal pap smear revealing CIN I.  And although it was suggested to repeat in 6mths, I decided to go back after 3mths.  Luckily for me I did, because in 90 days it had progressed to CIN III.  I was then referred to Gynaecologist and after my colposcopy confirmed the CIN III, I had a LLETZ procedure - 2 weeks after my Hashimoto's diagnosis. The reason I'm bringing this up is that I am convinced that due to my compromised immune system, the HPV was able to progress so quickly.  When I questioned my GP, Gyno & Endo they all reluctantly agreed that it could have been a significant factor.

I am curious about allergies and how they could possibily stimulate the production of antibodies.  I have changed my diet a little by trying to significantly reduce my gluten & dairy (allergy) intake and bolster my nutrition with buckwheat, spelt and spirellina.  I can highly recommend the supplement, Olive Leaf Extract (syrup).  It was the only thing I added between my 1st & 3rd Thyroid Tests and was pleased with such a significant drop in antibody levels.  I also had improved energy and mood prior to my Hashimoto's diagnosis and subsequant medication. 

I have always been a gym person (3-4 times a week) but now the weight is easier to shift. I had to have a month off of the gym after my LLETZ so I have only been back to the gym for 4 weeks while medicated.  So I will let you know how I'm going.   Already, I can feel a boost to my metabolism and my sweet tooth has reduced.  I suspect I was self medicating my low energy levels with sugary & highly process foods.  I was a vegetarian for 20 years and vegan for 10 years, but now I eat wild caught seafood.  I'm curious to know what people think about the link to soy products?  I suspect my Hashimoto's is genetic as I have aunts & cousins from both sides of the family suffering from thyroid conditions.

Well thanks for being here, I'm happy to have found this group - I have so much to learn
Cheers
K

[lifeasana]

Hi there,
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos last month.  I haven't had much time to think about it as my mother has been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I flew back east to see her.  Now I am back on the west coast and my mom's prognosis is pretty good and now I am remembering I have some health issues to work on   Letsee, I am 31 years old and in school for Chinese medicine.  My symptoms have been these "thyroid storms" of racing thoughts, anxiety, tachychardia and hot flashes mixed in with slow thoughts tiredness and fatigue.  Currently I am treating myself with a gluten-free diet, kelp, thyroidinum and pancreatinum (homeopathics from seroyal) a holy basil tincture, Vitamin D emulsified liquid, colustrum and B12 sublingual.  I also take a Chinese formula. I plan to get retested in a few months.  Thats all for now.    ~M

[Fireburst28]

1. 8 months


2. I'm taking Levothyroxin (25 MCG)

3. I'm pretty satisfied with it.  I haven't had any problems so far.
4. No

5. I'm 25, female, and live in Pennsylvania.  I'll admit, I have been in denial about this for awhile.  I refused to recognize any symptoms.  I've come to realize that it would explain why I feel tired all the time, depressed, have trouble concentrating and remembering things, and why I've had trouble losing weight.

[heatherdalzell]

Hi my name is Heather  I am 25 years from Ohio,
         I was diaginosed with an underactive thyroid about 8 yrs ago. I was offically diaginosed with Hashimoto's in 2007 (it got worse right after the birth of my daughter in 2008 ). I dont know if the birth may have triggered it but it has been a long and tiring battle. I have so many symptoms that I have never had in the 8 yrs. I have had severe mirgrains for almost 3 months, exterme muscle pains, weight gain 40+ lbs in less then 3 months are just a few. I have had four doctors and recently moved on to the fifth one on Thursday. She gave me more information than I have never got from anyone doctor!! It has been really hard especially not truely understanding what it is or how to cope with it other than preparing myself for a roller coaster ride.  I am currently takin Levoxyl 150 mcg and waiting a pending blood test to decide where to go from there. I have a strong family history of thryoid problems and I just pray that mymdaughter does not go through what I have.  I am really glad that I came across this website. I do not have a strong support system here at home. I feel that everyone I talk to is judging me on my weight gain. My in laws are always making unnessiacery comments about the weight that I have put on and it is hard to explain to them because they do really care. Good luck to all!!

[Penguin]

[maheomac]

Hello All,
 
I came to your site out of a desparate need for change. I came back from my doctors yesterday and was advised that I am a "train wreck waiting to happen". It all started 10 years ago..I noticed severe fatigue,really dry hair and skin. Terrible weight gain. I went to see my ob gyn and was diagnosed with  poly cistic ovarian syndrome. Had a hysterectomy and was put on HRT. I seemed ok but my dry hair persisted and so did the fatigue. I tried to change my diet and moderate exercise. Weight loss was minimal..but now a new sympton appeared, depression. Where did this come from? So now I am 32 and on three permenent medicins...estratest hs, hormone patch and mild antidepressent. About the same time, my sister comes down with thyroid cancer. My father is placed on synthroid and they suspect my mother has thyroid issues. I go see my family doctor and my thyroid levels are normal..mmm? A few years go by and I start having acid reflux issues..I watch what I eat but still I am stuck taking Nexium. Also during this time I am diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
 
I moved to northern virginia and decide that I need to see and endocrinologist. They really helped my sister and I was tired of general practitioners(great for flu treatments and not much else). I see a Dr. Mark S Tannen. Not much in the bedside manner department.He finally took an ultrasound of my throat and appropriate blood work.   Results were Hashimoto's disease. I am on these medicine's at 42....88mg synthroid...metformin 500mg 2 daily(diabetes)..crestor tabs 20mg...sarafem 20mg(depression)..advil 4 times daily..(for pericarditis brought on by hrt)...and sleeping pills(have not had a good night sleep in years).
 
My family doctor scared me and my health scares me...it's never to late to start. I have made an appointment with a holistic doctor and a nutritionist. I got rid of all synthetic foods..comming off of hrt after 10 years. I am starting an exercise program. I feel this is a good start. I really starting looking at what I was taking and how doctors just prescribe medicine for that one problem but dont take a look at the systemic issues. I realized I let other people control my health for so long that I was not an active participant in making sure this was right for me.
 
I appreciate the rant but more important...the support. I am determined not to be an early heart attack victim.
 
Mara
 
   
 

[Mo]

Hi Mara,

Good for you! Congratulations for taking control of your OWN health. I had to find this out too. Once I began being addicted to medications, I knew that's what the doctors would continue to do so I took a different route about 10 years ago and I'm currently only on one medication - my natural thyroid medication and I hope to get off of that in the future.

Take it from me too, don't let the doctors scare you. The disease is definitely challenging but our state of mind is soooo important! Begin to explore the good things you can do for your health and expect changes.

I can't help but offer you the same reply I just gave two other gals because it has so much alternative information in it. Here it goes:


I'm so sorry it's taken so long to reply. I have been out of town. It's true you rarely get enough help from the traditional medical field. I foundyou need to troubleshoot yourself first, and then find a good naturaldoctor or chiropractor that works with autoimmune diseases. Here's myarticle on how to troubleshoot first:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2080117_live-better-hashimotos-thyroiditis.html

Some of these tips might help your current symptoms.

Then you must decide which natural route you want to explore. Thetraditional docs don't really have any answers for Hashimoto's - notbecause they don't care, but because they are behind in the research.The natural docs seem to have more freedom to research this complicateddisease. The roots can be partly (if not fully) emotional too, so if you are aware ofstress in your life (besides the disease), please consider exploringEFT as a good place to start. It can really help physical problems ifthey have an emotional root:

http://emofree.com/

Take it from me, don't ignore this possible link. I believe it is significant.

Here's another message board focusing on EFT for emotional healing and autoimmune disease that you might be interested in:

http://eftcommunity.emofree.com/forums/t/2387.aspx

You might think about going to a natural food store and see if theyhave any recommendations for a good natural doctor that deals withautoimmune disease. That is the key. Make sure they have goodreferences.

I hope this has helped. There is also NAET which helps eliminateallergies that might be causing you some of your symptoms. They canevaluate the situation on the first visit but NAET take quite acommitment and many visits usually to see overall results. You canresearch it from www.naet.com

Let us know how you are doing. Make sure you start a brand new post when you come back so everyone will be able to see it. Thanks! If you aren't sure how, my introduction section has a video on how to do that.

Take care,

Mo

[toniaelam]

1. How long have you had Hashimotos?  I was diagnosed in 2006

2. What are you doing for treatment?  I have a wonderful endocronologist (2nd one) who actually treats you like a person and actually listens to you.  Go Figure!

3. Are you satisfied with the progress or do you feel you need to find a better combination of treatment?
I feel better now that I have in a while but still have anxiety, nervousness.  I am on the brand synthroid which seems to have helped alot but still have some symptoms which I don't like too much

4. Have you tried any successful diets (whether for losing weight or controlling symptoms)  I am just trying to eat better, more organic and drink lots and lots of water.  I started walking which has helped the whole mental stability of having Hashimotos

5. Tell us anything else about yourself - age, location, etc. that you would like to shar  I am 37 years old and live in New Mexico.  Having Hashimotos has been a huge struggle for me.  I have alot of anxiety, depression which I am on an anti-depressant.  I recently had a biopsy on a nodule that was big.  I do not have cancer which is a huge blessing but just have a hard time with dealing with all these symptoms of Hashimotos.  Some days are really good and other days are bad.

[Mo]

Hello Toniaelam and welcome to the board....

I have found that emotional stress is actually increased due to the symptoms of Hashimoto's as well as anxiety being one of the symptoms. This creates a "double whammy" of sorts.

After many years of research trying to find physical answers to this disease, the one thing that keeps coming up is how important it is to manage stress. Until now, I was unable to find a better way to do that.

If you have not tried EFT (www.emofree.com) yet or viewed some great videos on the internet on ways to manage and even eliminate triggers for stress http://www.youtube.com/user/HealingMagic#play/uploads/23/OPxwCM0IFiU just for starters, you will find great ways to move forward in this area.

These ways of dealing with stress may even get many people off of antidepressants.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Mo

[misty1]

My name is Laurie-I'm 53 yrs and always been very active and healthy. Been sick since October of 08. My G.P. referred me to an endo in Jan 09.  Since I had a partial throidectomy in 1983, he was concerned.  Found 5 nodules on mid and left lobe, largest being 11cm.
My original complaints in October are still here bothering me.  Since nodules were benign and levels were normal range, my endo saw no reason for any other treatment.  Has me going in every 3 months for blood tests and ultrasound.  Meanwhile, losing hair, skin very calloused, fatiqued all the time, hurt 24/7, have no libido what so ever, blood pressures in the 175-189,muscles aching to where I have to take hydrocodone every night, sweats.  Did I forget to mention that I went from size 7 to size13 in 1 month. Very depressed and no ambition.  Okay- they want me to think I am making all this up and I am crazy.  Not knowing I had Hashimotos I was baffled.   Found this new pill, ACAI BERRY DETOX.  Worked for skin, and lost a little (Size 10 now) but nothing more.  They put me on Lisinopril, prescribed prestiq (not to use if high blood pressure) and told me that the low libido was because I didn't love my new husband anymore.  As far as the other symptoms go, no clue.   In April he told me I tested positive for antibodies.  Again, told me to let him be the doc and to stay off computer.  Come June I was informed I had Hashimotos Thyroiditis but because my levels are still within normal DON"T WORRY!!!!. Had second opinion and he agreed with his doctor in the same office.  Why am I not surprised.  My symptoms are worse every day annd I have no quality of life, no energy.
I have no one to talk to for support because my husband doesn't understand why I can't just take a pill.  Can anyone out there helpp or suggest anything?  I am considering using natural remedies.

[Mo]

HI Laurie,

Please look through previous posts - you may find a lot of pertinent information there too. Regarding your situation, in my humble opinion, it is obvious you know deep down inside that your doctors are not treating you right. Go by your instincts. They are usually right.

I believe Hashi's kind of "jump starts" our emotional rollercoaster once the many symptoms begin to consume us. Then new symptoms snowball due to our stress over the other symptoms and it just keeps going.

Please see my article here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2080117_live-better-hashimotos-thyroiditis.html

I am a big one in favor of staying away from medications if at all possible. Usually this can be done naturally but you really need support. I suggest seeking a natural doctor asap. I came to the conclusion over 10 years ago that my health was worth leaving the HMO (and/or the insurance that kept me in traditional treatment). It really hasn't costs much more than staying with my insurance because I no longer need tons of testing and emergency room visits.

You may also find EFT (http://emofree.com/) and other energy therapies very important for your emotional well-being. Doctors say the rudest things sometimes and it "sticks" in our memory bank as we blame ourselves for their, many times, wrong conclusions.

What are your TSH results? Antibodies? Many times a doctor (or doctors) tell you you are in the normal zone but you are clearly not. Patients need to take control of their health because it is impossible for a doctor to care about you like you do. It frustrates me that patients get so little respect in traditional medicine.

Start with your most "doable" symptoms to change and take a bite out of your symptoms a bit at a time. Remember all medications (especially those given traditionally) have side effects. Those side effects can trigger other symptoms which, in turn, cause more medication to cover up the symptoms from the previous medication. It is a snowball effect.

There are so many good natural remedies for high blood pressure (EFT alone can bring it down dramatically) but there are also natural ways including diet that are very effective. Stress will keep it up so using EFT or similar therapy goes a long way in controlling symptoms.

It is possible that a natural doctor (make sure you find a well known, recommended one - check your health food store for references if possible) will put you on a natural thyroid supplement right away to help control some of your symptoms but it depends what you TSH is. Anything over 2 may be a good bet that they would give it a go.

I take Naturethroid but Armour and others are available. I am currently trying to find the root of this disease so I can go off of the natural treatment in the future. It's important to stabalize your symptoms first though.

I hope this helped a bit. Please start a new topic if you would like to so others will see it. If you have trouble with how to do that, there is a little "how to" video in the informational section at the top of the forum.

Hang in there. You will find answers. It does take time to figure out where to start but I suggest following your suspicion and getting a natural doctor's opinion.

Let us know how you are doing.

Mo

[Kirsten]

I am 34 years old and have had Hashimotos for 5 years.  I was diagnosed when I was pregnant with my second child.  My thyroid levels were always on the low side of normal growing up and when I had my first child I developed Preeclampsia with HEELP syndrome.  When I got pregnant again my OB noticed the thyroid levels and had me follow up with an Endocrinologist.  At that point I was put on Synthroid.  I am still taking the Synthroid with a dose of 62.5 mcg.    I have been relatively satisfied except that I still have a very hard time losing weight.  This summer I got a personal trainer and went on a strict diet and still have not lost, in fact I have gained weight.  I am extremely frustrated and have been doing more reading.  I am going to try adding some natural supplements but right now I am feeling defeated.  I consider myself a fairly active individual, I like to run, ski, swim, and my three children keep me running all day.  I am a full time teacher with a very busy schedule.  I am sure that stress is also a contributing factor to my weight problem.  I am not too overweight but can would like to lose 15 to 20 pounds to return to my pre-babies weight.
Sometimes I feel like I have just been dealt crummy cards in the form of genetics.  Last year I had to have my gall bladder removed due to stones and pain that would stop me dead in my tracks.  So between that and the thyroid issue , I am frustrated.  I tend to run out of energy by the end of the day and if I could I would go to sleep at 8 PM when my kids go to sleep.  I have been read information about T3 and that Synthroid is a form of T4 and was wondering if anyone had looked into this.
I am looking forward to hearing from some of you and thank you for this site.

[Mo]

Hi Kirsten,

If you don't mind - I am going to place you post on the new topic thread in case someone has more to offer. Some members don't get notified when this thread is added to.

Your story sounds a lot like mine - at least the part surrounding your pregnancies. I also developed toxemia during my first pregnancy and it was an emergency delivery due to that. Then I was diagnosed after my second pregnancy.

One thing I thought I'd add right away is to check out the emotional side of this illness. I truly have come full circle to my view of life and how that manifests itself internally. Check out http://emofree.com/ and look around. You might find some ways to help with your emotional side. It is possible your body has a "set point" for your weight. Once you look around the website a bit and read the weight loss and thyroid stories, you might be encouraged.

It is frustrating to have this disease but I believe we will find the root of it soon. Hang in there and keep up the fight!

Mo

[ssmiti24]

Hi my name is Sherri and I am 48yrs old.  I was diagnosed with Hashimotos approx. 5 yrs ago.  My thyroidgloblin was over 3000.  I have alot of symtoms still and can't seem to get them under control instead they are controlling my life.  I am nervous, depressed, anxious, wt gain, hot sweaty alot, itchy dry patches that turn into sores, and just don't feel right.  I don't like to be out around a crowd.  I am on Synthroid 75mcg currently and Cymbalta 30mg.  I need to try to talk to other people with Hashimotos to see if there is something that someone else does or takes that helps them.  Hope to hear from you.