Hashimotos Thyroiditis

[texan]

I have questions.  I have antibodies whichi are attacing the retina.  I have had every test and nothing can be found like CARS or MARS (cancer) or anything else.  Conclusion is autoimmune disease.
 
So in looking this morning, I ran across the Hash Thy.  I have been on thyroid therapy, Synthorid and now leventhroid (spelling) for over 30 years.  I just had my thyroid test done and it was normal and was told to keep taking what I am taking.  Even though I have what is viewed as normal range with the medication, could I still have the Hash. Thy.autoimmune?  Does anyone understand what I am asking?

[grnmtnmama]

Hi Texan~
 
I understand what you are asking. Yes, even though your TSH test is within normal range, you could have antibodies.
 
Do you have the results of your recent thryoid tests? Do you see on there where you were tested for Anti-TG (thyroglobulin) Antibody Titer and Anti-TPO (thyroid peroxidase) Antibody Titer? These tests would tell you if you have one or the other or both antibodies out of normal range. If these are not listed on your test results then you would need to be tested for them to know for sure (I used GDX/Genova Diagnostics Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment tests).
 
It is true that if you have one autoimmune disease (such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) you are at greater risk for other autoimmune diseases of which there are around 80 of them (such as diabetes I, rhuematoid arthritus, lupus, schlerodurma, multiple sclerosis...). Specific antibody tests for each organ-specific autoimmune disease is not entirely reliable for diagnoses, as I understand it. There is also general autoimmune disorder that affects more than one system.
 
Were you diagnosed with hypothyroidism when you were first placed on Synthroid? Hypothyroidism is a symptom of Hashimoto's (hashi first, then after continual destruction of the thyroid gland hypothyroidism develops). Many people are not aware that they have Hashi's because they are so obviously hypo by the time they get to a doctor that the are tested (TSH test only) and treated for hypothyroidism without ever being tested for antibodies and additionally diagnosed with Hashi's.
 
Hope this helps. Let us know if we can help you with any of your research.
~Janet~