Hashimotos

[pitcj76]

Hi. I went to see a private doctor in Bristol who has diagnosed me with Hashimotos. She is willing to prescribe Armour , does anyone have similar problem please?

[Clutter]

Hi Pitcj, Hashimoto's causes about 90% of hypothyroidism in the UK. If your antibodies are high you may find a gluten-free diet beneficial as most autoimmune diseases start in the gut. G-F can reduce antibodies and relieve symptoms of bloating, gas and constipation.

Congratulations on finding a doctor who will prescribe Armour. It's often difficult to find doctors willing to do this.

[pitcj76 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. I was so desperate my father paid for me to see Dr NH at Clifton Bristol , who I would strongly recommend. As a carer for both my father & Partner I was desperate. I had been put on a combo of thyroxine & liothianine , but thyroid still going up & down. My last TSH was 23. I hope Armour will work better. Do you think it might ???

Edited to remove Dr.'s name in line with posting guideline #22, Clutter

[Clutter in reply to pitcj76]

Pitcj76, It is successful for many people who have been unable to tolerate synthetic Levothyroxine and Liothyronine as it is closer to human thyroid.

Armour and other forms of natural dessicated pig thyroid don't always work well in people with thyroid peroxidase antibodies (Hashimoto's) because it's similarity to human thyroid encourages lymphocyte attacks. If this happens you should try T3 only but do try Armour for a few months at least.

[pitcj76]

Do you think I should try just the liothianine only ?. There is also triiothyronine , do you think this could be better than Armour ? & can it be given on the NHS ? . My endo is pretty good & willing to listen as I refused to leave hospital without liothianine lol. It was a case of standing my ground & fighting for even the slightest chance of feeling better.

[Clutter]

Pitcj, If you post your recent thyroid blood results with the lab ref ranges (the figures in brackets after your results) and tell us how much Levothyroxine (T4) and Liothyronine (T3) you were/are taking we should be able to tell whether you were optimally medicated. Under medication is the usual reason that hypothyroid symptoms fail to resolve.

I can't advise whether Armour or T3 will suit you best. If you haven't started Armour you can try T3 only for 2/3 months and see if your symptoms improve but if you have started Armour you need to give it a few months to see if it works for you.

Triiodothyronine is the medical term for T3 medication. Liothyronine is generic T3 licensed for the UK. It may be prescribed on the NHS but usually needs a letter from the endo recommending the treatment to your GP. Branded T3 like Cytomel is sometimes prescribed on a named patient basis but the cheaper generic is usually prescribed. Armour isn't licensed for use in the UK so GP's aren't obliged to, and usually won't, prescribe it on the NHS but they can prescribe it on a named patient basis or may agree to write a private prescription.

[pitcj76 in reply to Clutter]

My last TSH result was 23

[Clutter in reply to pitcj76]

Pitcj, If you're not on medication already you need to start it right away. Please be very careful if you drive as TSH > 20 can impair driving reactions more than being over the drink drive limit.

[pitcj76 in reply to Clutter]

Hi. I was on 50 levothyroxine & 20 liothinine when my reading came back at 23. .I'm up to 75 levothyroxine now & 20 liothianine

[Clutter in reply to pitcj76]

Pitcj, make sure you have a follow up blood test 6 weeks after your Levothyroxine was raised. You will probably need a further increase. I don't know whether there is a connection between thyroid and kidney pain. Please see your GP in case you have an infection.

[pitcj76 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you once again

[pitcj76 in reply to Clutter]

May I ask please. Would a very bad pain just around kidney Ares left side have anything to do with thyroid ?

[pitcj76]

Thank you so much for your reply xxx

[Hezziet]

Hello pitcj76

I am just starting my quest to find a GP in Bristol that will deal with my Hashimotos. Via my husbands job I am fortunate to have private health care. Would you be able to message me privately with the contact details?

Thank you