Have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, fibromyalgia and now High cholesterol. Any help with cholesterol will be greatful.

[AFCUK67]

Hi I am 54 and have Hashimoto's thyroiditis for over 10 years and on 200 Levothyroxine, I also have fibromyalgia for around 17 years and Just had my yearly bloods done and been told my cholesterol was very high and was asked to do a urine sample as well but not had results for that yet. I have arthritis in my neck, spine, hands and both knees, I've had a spinal fusion to L4/L5/S1 17 years ago and my back is still bad as ever with further problems further up. Both knees have had 3 keyhole operations on both knees and now bone on bone and my knees are worse than ever. My right knee is the worst and swells up badly and is totally numb on the right side of my knee and can hear the grinding when walk upstairs. My hands have had 3 ops to my right hand and 2 on left hand. I'm tired all the time with zero energy and my eyesight has got worse. I'm constipated all the time and suffer at least 2/3 migraines per week. I have very dry skin also. Some days I'm just fed up and down but have my wife who is fantastic and my grand children which help and cheer me up. I know at some stage I will need further back surgery and been told both my knees will need replacing but trying to put it off as I'm only 54, the consultant said maybe when closer to 60 but I'm in so much pain I wish could have them done now. Sorry to waffle on and jlhooe your all safe and as well as can be.

[Bet117]

Hi AFCUK67,

I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling unwell.

Go one day at a time, eat healthy including no red meat, plenty of vegetables and watch your salt.

I, too have Hashimotos Thyroidosis. I was on Synthroid for 30 years with my dose changing as did my labs.

My GP is now handling it for me. Recently I began taking Levothyroxine as the difference in the cost was $40 less per month. I will go for labs in 3 weeks to see how well it is working.

My cholesterol has been slightly elevated over the years. Four years ago my endocrinologist consultant put me on a statin drug which caused me back pain and GI distress. I was found to have an allergy to statin drugs.

My GP and Nephrology consultant helped me come up with an alternative. I take 8,000 mg of Puritans Pride Plant Based Phytosterols. daily. Each capsule is 1000mg so 4 in the am and 4 before evening meal, 2400 mg of Omega 3 fish oil tablets, Sunflower Lecithin 2400mg ( 2 tablets am) do not buy soy and 1000mg flush free Niacin PM.

I buy them on Amazon.

My cholesterol has been well in the normal range for 3 years, but remember that my GP and consultant have approved.

What has helped is diet. I have been plant based for 4 years. Don't miss the meat, eggs or chicken a bit.

Egg whites make a great breakfast with vegetables and are a better choice.

I eat porridge, toast with jam or a plant based spread in the morning. I have a fat free Greek Yogurt with chia seeds as well. I have tea or coffee with non- dairy creamer. Drink 50 oz of water.

I watch labels for cholesterol and saturated fats.

I also eat salad with fresh veggies but watch salad dressing fats.

Do have bread or sandwiches but veggies and lettuce with dressing.

Evening steamed, grilled, airfryed with a tad of olive oil or roasted veggies such as cauliflower, broccoli, onions, peppers, parsnips, eggplant, squash, brussel sprouts and cabbage with non salt seasoning.

I make pasta with steamed veggies and sauce. Don't miss the cheese a bit.

Make a great chilli with onions, peppers and beans.

Hummus is also a great source of protein.

I also eat fresh apples, strawberries and blueberries daily. Quinoa is also good to cook with. Avoid fried foods.

Yes, I do order take away. No pizza, but make good choices and watch the portions. A lot of Indian food and some Chinese.

Consultant feels my lifestyle change ( not diet) has been key. It may also help the fibromyalgia.

Discuss all of this with them.

Another thought would see if they can refer you to a dietician who will make food suggestions which are both healthy and appetizing.

Give it some thought.

Life and food is different here in the US than the UK, but you can do it!

I hope this helps.

Stay safe in these uncertain times and please do reach out again. I will reach back.

Bet

[PurplePelargoniums]

Hi Sounds like you have many symptoms of Hashimotos disease. When do you take your Levothyroxine? I suffered with Hashi for years until I paid to see an endocrinologist who told me the latest research has shown improvement in everyone on the study when they took Levo before bed. However you must not eat anything 3 hrs before and only drink water in this 3 hrs, no tea or coffee or alcohol So I finish dinner by 8pm and only drink water after this time, then take my Levo at 11pm. I improved vastly. I too had terrible fatigue, migraines, dry skin and hair etc, I also lost weight which generally helps all round. Maybe give this a try. My TSH went from 7 to 1 (I had been on Levo for 3 years my TSH was always at best 5 despite increasing doses). I felt so much better. I would also look into Low Dose Naltrexone, there is quite a bit on Smartpatients.com and you don’t mention your diet, generally at least gluten free is very helpful for autoimmune diseases as you have 2. Even an elimination diet to see if food triggers flare ups might be good. If you feel better your body might not produce so much cholesterol along with making correct food choices. Hope this gives you some ideas. I would recommend smartpatients.com for some ideas and support with managing fibromyalgia and Hashimotos if you haven’t seen this already.

[PurplePelargoniums]

A couple of other quick thoughts, a lot of people with autoimmune diseases are vitamin D deficient, Has yours been checked? I take vitamin D daily. Plus Selenium with zinc, good for controlling antibodies to prevent flare ups for Hashimotos (learnt this on smart patients) and myo inositol (recommended by Dr Isabella Wentz) I buy from Holland and Barrett (Selenium often on offer) and Just Vitamins online.