Update - I have Hashimoto's Disease...

[Clarissa]

I asked about Synthroid last week...I was further tested and they determined that I have Hashimotos Disease. They ran additional tests for my thyroid and out of a scale of 0-34, which is normal, I was a 337! Dr. told me that this meant I have zero thyroid, ZERO metabolism, in my body at this point. I have nothing left. My own immune system destroyed it.
He ordered me to see an endocrinologist to have further testing. He applauded me for my working out and general lifestyle as he said I could have easily been VERY overweight at the rate I am at, with the non-thyroid that is.

Anyway, does anyone know about Hashimoto's? I read that it is an autoimmune disorder
I have since started Synthroid, on day 3, and I can tell you that, so far, I am very nauseated and have headaches. Also, lots of chest pains (you know that weird thing when you try to take a deep breath and you can't b/c you have a stinging feeling? Well, I have gotten that 7 times and counting in the last 2.5 days!).

I mean, coincidence? Hmmm... I have an appt w/ endocrinologist on the 30th. I am told I need an ultrasound of the neck. Anyway, thank you all for listening and for anything else you can offer as far as experience/info about this disorder. Thanks everyone,

Clarissa

 

[syzygy314]

Oh my! At least you have a diagnosis! I have a friend who's on Synthroid. She had cancer and had to have her thyroid removed. I'm not sure about the side effects at the beginning as she's been on this now for a couple of years. I'm guessing it takes some adjustment. Hopefully, the endocrinologist can help with that and get you feeling better!

Unfortunately, I have no information on Hashimoto's. Let us know how things go with then endocrinologist when you see him/her!

 

[intensityjunkie]

oh my! I'm glad you found out though as it can be treated as far as I know. maybe they just need to adjust the amount till you get it right. hope you feel better soon.

 

[bitmover]

Clarissa,

I have hashimoto's as well -- it's really not a big deal. I've been on synthroid for more than 15 years -- it's been so long I cannot remember how long it has been. I remember when I first went on it (like you, I didn't go into the dr. complaining about anything -- it was discovered in a routine exam), I felt better in what seemed like no time -- maybe a week or two? I didn't even realize I wasn't feeling well, but I suddenly had much more energy and just felt better. I imagine, given your numbers, you will feel terrific once it all comes in line -- maybe because you are so out of whack your body isn't initially reacting well. You could ask the endocrinologist about that.

I have an enlarged thyroid I guess because of the hashimoto's. It's not that much of a problem -- I clear my throat more than most people do and I have some trouble swallowing large vitamins. The dr. did do a biopsy on it in this last year just to make sure it's fine, and it is. They have me come in every year to make sure it's not getting larger at some alarming rate. Other than that.... no big deal.

good luck, and I hope you will be feeling much better very soon!

 

[BAM]

I'm with Jess. It sounds like the dosage you're on may need to be adjusted. Call your doc tomorrow and let him know of your symptoms until the endocrinologist can take over. You WILL be fine. This is very controllable and you'll be feeling better as soon as you get the right dosage and your body adjusts to it. At least you found out what was going on which is a huge relief! May you have continued and quick improvement!!!

Bam

 

[horseshowmom]

I'm sorry to hear this, but also happy to know that you are quickly diagnosed! There will most likely be some trial and error with your synthroid dose, but that is very normal. You already do many of the healthy things that will aid you in maintaining a normal life. It's truly shocking how many people have hashimoto's. I just ordered a revised edition of the book by Mary Shomon called Living Well with Hypothyroid: What Your Doctor Didn't tell You. She and Mary Rosenthal are experts and have amazing knowledge. I highly recommend getting any of their books in order to educate yourself more.
Keep us posted!

Becky

 

[ellesan]

I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and have been through A LOT this year. I will PM you.

 

[Alana_as]

I am like Tricia, I do not have any info or experience with this disease. I'm not ever sure what to say to people in situations like this. I'll pray for you and send you good vibes on staying as healthy as you can and hopefully all your little sicknesses lessen on you. keep you head up girl!

 

[fitlulu]

I have Hashimoto's also. Diagnosed about 10 years ago and taking Synthroid since. I didn't really have any problems with the meds, but it does sound like your's is pretty severe. I've never been referred to an endocrinologist. Fortunately you didn't really have any symptoms in the first place. When I was diagnosed I had been gaining about 10 pounds a month! Lost it pretty quickly, and then my Hashimoto's diagnosis was followed up with a Lupus diagnosis (also autoimmune). Once everything is leveled out, you'll probably feel fine, but will have to be routinely checked. I have blood work for thyroid done about every 6 months. Good luck!

 

[ldy_solana]

i am not familiar with the disease but it sounds like you have some support from others that do know. at least you know what it is and it can be taken care of it. get well

kassia

 

[Boingo1]

I have Hashimoto's as well. And I posted to you in your other thread, been on Synthroid for YEARS (over 14 yrs) and have never had any issues. In fact, I felt NOTICABLY better after first started on Synthroid.

it is a VERY common thing. Not a big thing either. I've just had to had my levels checked about every 6 months to make sure the dose is ok. Never had any problems, and yes, I noticed a huge difference in my energy levels!

That's amazing you are so fit and healthy and never had the weight gain!!!

As far as the symptoms you've been having SINCE starting the Synthroid, I'm not really sure. it usually doesn't "kick in" so fast. But you definitely should report these symptoms to the doctor that percribed the medication, ASAP! Could be related to the med, or maybe something else. Sounds serious enought to report promptly , though.

 

[nancy324]

Most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by Hashimoto's. My doc said it is irrelevant what causes the hypothyroidism, as the treatment is the same in any case. My treatment is L-Thyroxine, which is the generic form of Synthroid. It could take some time and experimentation until you find the right dose of your medication. In any event, if you have any questions, you should ask your doc. There's also lots of good info on the internet.

Synthroid isn't known for having side effects. It is my understanding that most adverse effects of Synthroid occur as a result of being on too high a dose, which can cause hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can have a whole host of symptoms, including the ones you mentioned. Also, hyperthyroidism is a far more serious condition than hypothyroidism, so it is important to call your doctor right away to report your symptoms.

 

[ddj]

That's amazing you are so fit and healthy and never had the weight gain!!!

I agree! I had all the textbook symptoms, including a thirty pound weight gain, almost twenty years before my blood levels indicated I was hypothyroid.

A few months after I started taking generic synthroid, I began having irregular heart rhythyms and a sort of smothery feeling that would last for a few days. It eventually went away and my dr. thought perhaps I was adjusting to the medication. But you certainly want to report your symptoms to the dr.