Hashimoto's Disease/ Hypothyroidism Support?

[Erin Faye]

Is anyone familiar with this autoimmune disorder?  I've had this "disease" for about 2 years now, as I have an underactive thyroid.  I've always been very tired and sluggish but about two years ago my hair began to fall out and my energy level was at an all time low.  I am 28-yrs-old btw.

So I visited an endocrinologist and he tested the TSH(?) levels, among other things, in my blood.  It came back that I have hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid.  I have a small goiter which isn't visible when looking directly at my neck.

When I was intially given this diagnosis I was very concerned with the nature of this disorder and worried about how it would impact my life moving forward.  Now that I've been on Levoxyl (Synthroid) for about 2 yrs, I hardly even think about it.  However, recently I've been under a lot of stress and my annual bloodwork scan was due.

The results came back as my thyroid being underactive again, which didn't really alarm me, but I am just bummed out about having to deal with this for the rest of my life!  I've now been moved up from 50 mcg, to 100 mcg and now most recently 112 mcg.  Has anyone on here had to deal w/ either Hashimoto's or Hypertyroidism with success in the past?

I am open to trying alternative methods to treat this but am also not against staying on medication.  I've visited Web sites and things like that but I just stay so tired all the time and feel like this will always be a nuesance to me and that thought is depressing to me.  I also have put on weight, despite the fact that I've begun really working out hard and eating healthily.  I am at an average weight and am not overweight but it's still very frustrating and worrisome to have your weight gradually creep up on you as the months/years go by.

If anyone is able to respond to any of this or is looking for general support please don't hesistate to respond to this!  Take care and thank you in advance!

[Erin Faye]

I meant HYPOthyroidism in the body of the message above!

[Judworth]

Hello There,

I don't often post (but do pop on this fab site from time-to-time)

I am hyperthyroid (graves) & my Partner has been hypothyroid for 9 yrs now (I actually diagnosed him!!).

The main thing is to have REGULAR blood tests & to ensure that you know & record your results (T4 AND TSH)!

I am in the UK and I know here that each hospital/GP works to a slightly different range!

You are certainly not on a high dose of medication & it's good to see that your dose is being raised accordingly!
Naturally it will impact on your life, however all the usual things apply, eat well & sensibly (a sluggish metabilism will
sadly make weight harder to shift) and exercise everyday!

The most annoying thing is when you still feel low/rough with many of the symptoms of hypothyroism and the GP decides
that "You are within the range" regardless of how you feel!

Sadly no-one tested our thyroid levels when we were well, so how on earth do they know what level we should be at
when we are on medication?

Hope you have some family.friends support!

Good luck!

Judz

[Erin Faye]

Thanks, Judz.  I appreciate that... it can be discouraging at times.

I hope you and your partner get yourselves sorted out too!  My endocrinologist is a nice man but is very old and everytime I see him it's the same thing - check my weight, feel my neck, take my blood and send me on my way.

Usually the results are "normal".  I was so worried about this in the beginning but now I am starting to wonder if the condition really exists!  Sometimes it seems like they give you this diagnosis for lack of a better explanation of your symtoms.

I hope that it truly is a condition, I guess for the simple fact that I will have some control over managing it.  It just seems pointless sometimes.  Anyway, thanks for the feedback  

Take care,
Erin

[Judworth]

Hello Erin,

Oh yes! this condition does certainly exist!

I would be interested to know what your T4 & TSH readings are

I am fine (no medication since 2001) and my Partner is good too!

We do have good GP's who acknowledge that we probably know more than they do about it!

Take care!

Judz

[Erin Faye]

Hi Judz,

That's encouraging to know that the two of you have a handle on this!  My goal, of course, is to one day get off the meds.  I am on levoxyl ( i believe the generic form of synthroid) 112 mg.  I still feel sluggish.  Sometimes though I feel like it's all in my head.

So you do notice a difference in your health now that the TSH levels are balanced out?  Maybe I just need to excercise more patience!

Thanks Again,
Erin

[Judworth]

Hello Erin,

As you are underactive (hypothyroid) you will probably be on meds for the rest of your life (unless your thyroid
levels dipped as a result of childbirth ).

I am overactive (hyperthyroid) so was on anti-thyroid drugs for 18 months....................

It is difficult to exercise more patience with a disease that affects "Your total emotional & physical well being"!

Does anyone in your family have a thyroid problem?

Judz

[Erin Faye]

Yes, I am doomed, lol.  My Mom and Dad both have hypothyroidism.  I am 28 and my levels have yo-yo'd since I was in middle school, but I wasn't diagnosed and began taking medication for it until more recently.

They're both on meds and both recently began taking them, as well.  Sort of odd that we all started around the same time.  Yeah, I was told by my endocrinologist that I will probably be on meds forever.  At least it's not something more serious!!

That's awesome you only had to do the meds for 18 months, but I am glad you still check your hormone levels, as you should just to be safe!

 

[Judworth]

Hello Erin,

Yes my father was hyperthyroid (my Partners Mother was hypo ); the GP's wanted to operate on me as my T4 was
one of the highest the hospital had recorded!

But I was having none of it, read up on everything I could & excercised (gently) and gradually came off the meds!

Have 6 monthly checks & so  far all is well!

Look after yourself & always have your levels checked, if you get that "Wading through mud" feeling.

Good luck!

Judz

[Erin Faye]

Congrats, Judz.  I am glad you've overcome this as much as you possibly can!  I will continue to get my levels checked with the goal in mind to one day come off the synthroid

[Judworth]

Hello Erin,

I hope that I didn't mislead you, however it is unlikely that if you are on medication for HYPOthyroidism,

you will come off medication, sadly most (if not all) are on it for life.

I was HYPERthyroid, so was on anti-thyroid drugs, which you only stay on for a a while until your levels

are stable.

HTH!

Hugs Judz

[Erin Faye]

Hi Judz,

No worries!  That's what my doctor's have told me... that I will probably be on the meds for life.  I am really happy that you've been able to manage this condition.

I will continue to watch my levels.  Thanks for your help


Erin