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Hypo & Hashi's: frustrated & lost

Chronic Illness Forums
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Thyroid Disorders
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outerwhitespace
New Member
Joined : Jul 2013
Posts : 3
Posted 7/4/2013 10:06 PM (GMT -7)
Hi all -

I am new and just hoping to gain any additional insight from those who are also hypothyroid and/or have Hashimoto's with the presence of nodules.

A little background info:
• 30 yr female diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in the beginning of 2010
• After 3 years on Armour Thyroid and of doctors telling my my thyroid levels were now normal (and sometimes high), I still had every hypothyroidism symptom
• Thought I was asthmatic since about 12 yrs but zero symptom relief from treatments
• Allergist had me get a thyroid ultrasound as a last-ditch effort to diagnose asthma cause
• Discovered 3 discreet large nodules (left: 5.2 x 3.3 x 4.5cm & 1.4 x 1.8 x 1.8cm; right: 3.8 x 1.9 x 2.2cm)
• Had biopsy and nodules are benign but discovered Hashimoto's

Here's my problem:
I am so sick of feeling terrible but the soonest I could get an endocrinologist to see me is October 21. I literally have every single symptom of Hashimoto's and have had them for years. In addition to the usual stuff, I also have a hard time breathing since my nodules are so large. Unfortunately the symptoms have gotten worse in the last year or two. I am so stressed out from just generally feeling terrible and now that I know that cause, I am in desperate search of a solution to feeling better.

And here are my questions:
• Should I go ahead and see about getting on something like Synthroid as opposed to Armour Thyroid? I've read on here that it works better for some people.
• I was also wondering if anyone knows what the usual treatment for someone like me might be. Should I expect the doctor to recommend surgery or no?


Thanks in advance for any wisdom or advice!!
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hypoHashimoto
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2012
Posts : 766
Posted 7/5/2013 1:30 AM (GMT -7)
Hi,
We need to see your latest thyroid tests results with there reference ranges.

S
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kim123
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2006
Posts : 1201
Posted 7/6/2013 4:16 PM (GMT -7)
I was diagnosed with hypo/Hashi's last summer. Also have one nodule. Was on 25 mcg generic levothyroxine. Felt better eventually and seemed OK for while, but over the last 4 months symptoms reappeared. Numbers were high again, so dose upped to 50mcg of Synthroid. I feel worse on this stuff than the generic. Still don't feel that much difference, even after 7 weeks on the stuff. Some people do worse with Synthroid. I wanted to try Amour or Nature Throid, but my doctor, like many others I am told, said I could never take the natural stuff because of Hashi's....my immune system would target it as an imposter...or something like that. I have since read there are many, like you, who are on natural replacement.

I recently had my adrenal glands checked. My cortisol levels are wayyy out of whack....adrenal fatigue. I have learned you have to address this issue before you can expect to find relief with thyroid intervention. I've been taking natural supplements for 2 weeks now, and just starting to feel a difference for the better.

I also went gluten-free after being diagnosed and feel this has really helped me. I feel so much worse if I somehow eat hidden gluten.

I too have lab results next week so I am eager to see what my numbers are now.
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outerwhitespace
New Member
Joined : Jul 2013
Posts : 3
Posted 7/8/2013 12:23 PM (GMT -7)
OK, doctor just called and said my levels were normal and to stay on my 20mg of Armour Thyroid:

TSH: .37
T4 Free: 1.2
T3 Free: 3.0

Unfortunately I do NOT feel normal. lol.

I actually had been wondering about adrenal fatigue, Kim. When I asked my doctor about it, she acted like it was an imaginary condition despite what I had read throughout various forums and others' experiences. I will have my GP test my cortisol levels next time I am in. What natural supplements are you taking to combat it?

I also have decided to go gluten-free despite my intense love for bread :-( Only started last week so hopefully will see some kind of difference in coming months. I read it takes a few months to get out of your system.

Post Edited (outerwhitespace) : 7/8/2013 1:28:52 PM (GMT-6)

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outerwhitespace
New Member
Joined : Jul 2013
Posts : 3
Posted 7/8/2013 12:30 PM (GMT -7)
Another question I have is if anyone with nodules has had any success in shrinking the size. One of the more serious issues I am having is that I can't hardly breathe while exercising.
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kim123
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2006
Posts : 1201
Posted 7/8/2013 4:42 PM (GMT -7)
I have read about others who had to INSIST their doctor test for adrenal fatigue as the doctor doesn't seem to give any validity to it. It is real. I should know! I am currently taking a natural adrenal optimizer supplement, selenium, and cordyceps. I don't want to take steroids. After 2 weeks, I think I am feeling a difference. I since learned today from my lab results that my body doesn't breakdown and use vitamin B12 (some kind of genetic mutation thing) so I'm now taking methyl B12. That is supposed to make me feel better.


As for bread, I buy millet, yeast-free bread. Not as moist as wheat bread, but still a good substitute.
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hypoHashimoto
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2012
Posts : 766
Posted 7/9/2013 12:55 AM (GMT -7)

Somebody said...
TSH: .37


Your TSH is in the low side of the range, and could indicate hyperthyroidism, maybe this is why you don't feel good.

S
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beewell
New Member
Joined : Aug 2013
Posts : 1
Posted 8/29/2013 11:00 PM (GMT -7)
Hi, Yes I have had luck shrinking nodules and reducing a 6cm goiter to about 3cm (so far). I have Hashimotos (initial TSH - 14.9 ++ aching, Anti-TPO - 749, my adrenals were OK) and was very lucky to end up with a great naturopath. She pointed out that goiters are common in iodine deficiency and not really a symptom of autoimmune disease. I wonder how many thyroid issues are caused by iodine deficiency these days as the thyroid struggles with environmental toxins (mercury, bromine, fluorine, chlorine all of which displace iodine from the thyroid receptors). A severe lack of iodine can precipitate an autoimmune condition (ie. Hashimotos). I started with several months of selenium (approx. 200mcg/day) which helped a lot with the T4 to T3 conversion. (I had been bouncing around with synthroid and cytomel dosages and feeling positively horrid). A good multimineral and a good whey product can rebuild proteins. Then I began a very small dose of iodine (.01mg) 2X a week. I couldn't tolerate any more than that - I'd get a headache, feel dull etc. Gradually I have increased that a bit. All this supported with 50mcg of synthroid and hoping to decrease if I am able. Also taking ALA and chlorella, avoiding alcohol, and eating a gluten free diet to keep flushing out the toxins. If I am exercising so I sweat I supplement with a small amount of iodine. I am working with my GP and the naturopath together and am doing so much better and much happier. My mood is more stable - thank God.
It's still a work in progress...so we'll see!
cheers, F
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kim123
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2006
Posts : 1201
Posted 8/31/2013 6:19 PM (GMT -7)
Beewell -good to hear. I also have been GF for a year and taking selenium for a few months now. BUT, my Dr wasn't the one to recommend it to me. I had to research and figure that out on my own. Be responsible for your health. Don't rely on your dr knowing everything.
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