New to this forum, but experienced with Hashi's!!

Hi, my name is Sarah and I live in Canberra, the capital of Australia. I'm 40 and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in Oct 2002, after my doctor noticed my cholesterol readings were really high. I had been feeling shabby for quite some time and couldn't work out why, hence the reason the GP sent me for tests. I had put on weight despite a good exercise regime and eating home-made meals (lots of fresh fruit and veg and limited pre-packaged foods), my scalp was crusty and peeling, and my skin was incredibly dry. All things that are common with Hashimoto's!

I met with a wonderful specialist who was amazed that I had been able to hold down a full-time job and lead an active life (despite finding it hard to get out of bed most mornings!). Apparently my thyroid gland was so atrophied that he could barely feel it and thought it pointless to x-ray it. He started me on a super-dose of Oroxine (800mcg per day for several days), winding back to 200mcg per day until next test results. The one thing he impressed upon me was that I would be unable to fall pregnant until my thyroid was under control - he imagined it would take about a year.

Only 2-3 weeks after seeing the specialist, I was back at the doctor because I had missed my period. She rang the specialist who said it was near impossible that I was pregnant, but after two pregnancy tests it was irrefutable. My GP referred me to a brilliant ob/gyn who really took an interest in my thyroid problems and worked with my specialist and GP to ensure I was receiving the right treatment throughout the pregnancy (and subsequently two more pregnancies). Our first daughter was born in July 2003, the second in July 2005 and the third in April 2009.

I've remained on Oroxine because on the whole it has worked for me, although I have had a couple of spells where I have felt miserable and weepy and emotional. During those times, my dosages have always been out of whack and once the doctor alters the amount, I'm fine again within 2 weeks. My TSH is curretnly 2.0 (and I continue to take 125mcg per day) and it will be checked again in another 3-4 months.

The hardest thing about being pregnant with Hashimoto's was getting back to an even keel after the births. It is hard enough having a newborn (and then small children as well), but a thyroid condition can really knock you around. I was unable to breastfeed any of my kids and would be interested to know whether other Hashi's sufferers have had the same problem? In some ways it was a blessing in disguise because it meant that my husband was able to help feed the girls while I got some additional rest, but at the time I felt like the worst mother in the world!

Today I feel mostly well, although I guess I have learnt to live with some of the symptoms like itchy dry scalp and fatigue late in the day. I continue to have problems with my neck and shoulders and wonder if blaming my discomfort on carrying a heavy toddler around is entirely fair, and whether perhaps some of it is related to my thyroid condition. Any thoughts?

I'm fortunate to live in a city where I have had excellent medical care and access to lots of fresh produce. I drink very little alcohol (maybe 2 glasses a week), don't like tea and coffee (which makes it easy to not drink them), only have Coke when I'm suffering bad indigestion, don't smoke, and eat lots of fruit and vegies. The one thing I'm keen to try is smaller meals less often, as I'm hoping this would help my metabolism.

I'm happy to talk some more about my experiences dealing with Hashimoto's during pregnancy, as I have spoken to a few people in the past about how I managed it (friends, work colleagues etc.). Look forward to contributing to some interesting discussions!

Cheers, Sarah