Help newly diagnosed Hashimoto's is taking the life out of me :(

[Donna_has_hashimotos]

For almost 4 years, I felt myself changing, major brain clog, fatigue, severe chronic body pain, anxiety and just so darn lethargic, in addition to memory loss. This is NOT who I am by any means. I related it all to early onset peri-menopause which started at 41

Although, I have severe arthritis since I am 16, with spine surgery from scoliosis and 2 hip replacements in the last 4 years, I wasn't sure if all of this was bringing on the chronic body pain. Historically, I worked in NYC for 30+ years with long days and had a job that needed a brain (which I feel I no longer have) and I still had energy that ran circles around my family and friends. Within the last year, I lost 35 pounds, which I didn't need to lose but I am not complaining.

Finally, my husband convinced me that this must be medical related and not "just normal menopause" symptoms. So 10 months ago, I found the strength to get my butt to a doctor who I like very much and works at a Thyroid Center. My numbers were over 1800. I have had my Synthroid medication adjusted now 6 times and I am currently on 1.75mcg and have blood work every 6 weeks.

I received B-12 shots weekly for 3 months with little physical difference but those numbers regulated. I know I should not feel 93 at 53. I want my life back, my family wants me back and I want to feel normal again.

Therefore, after some research I found this site and thought i'd share my story to see if I can get some advice. I recently within the last 2 weeks have started changing my diet. I gave up white sugar and switched to natural cane sugar. I am trying to go gluten free as possible where I can afford the extra costs. I am trying to give up caffeine as I love my hot lipton tea 6-8 times a day, I find it is my crutch and so comforting. I am switching to caffeine free but not crazy about it. I have added water to my daily diet and trying to increase it daily.

I always considered myself a healthy eater. I HATE any type of seafood which appears to be a good source but not for me. It was recommended by a friend that I try honey and cinnamon daily.

Sorry for the long story, but I thought all the details might give you a better of idea of my struggles and efforts. What suggestions do you have for a typically happy go luck gal with a fun personality who can't find that person right now? I feel like tired pained mush! Thanks

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Donna_has_Hashimoto's.

Can you post your recent thyroid bloods with the lab ref ranges and we'll check you are optimally medicated. Hashimoto flares can cause destruction of thyroid cells and subsequent dumping of hormone which can make it difficult to stabilise thyroid meds and doctors who adjust dose to ensure TSH is within range make the problem worse.

Have you had a coeliac blood screen to check out gluten intolerance and malabsorption as a reason for your weight loss? If not continue eating gluten, at least 2 slices of bread daily until after the test or the result will be skewed.

Autoimmune disease is thought to start in the gut so gluten-free can help reduce Hashi flares and bring down the antibodies. It has to be 100% g-f though as even a little gluten will cause problems if gluten is actually an issue and it is possible to have gluten sensitivity even if the coeliac screen is negative. G-f doesn't help everyone but it is worth giving it a go for 8-12 weeks.

Get ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate bloods checked because hypothyroid patients are often deficient/low and this can cause breathlessness, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and low mood similar to hypothyroid symptoms. Post the results with lab ref ranges in a new question and members will advise whether supplementation is recommended.

There's no need to cut out caffeine as long as you take Synthroid an hour before or two hours after drinks. For maximum absorption and uptake Synthroid should be taken with water on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D and oestrogen.

[Hidden]

Hello donna_has_hashimotos

We all recognise those terrible feelings. It appears thyroid meds don't always work as they should and can cause a lot of misery.

To help my recovery I have educated myself on medication options, chosen good life style choices and follow a gluten free diet.

With this you will hopefully find a much calmer immune system and an available thought process & energy to plan your recovery.

Hope you feel better soon.

[JANJAN2]

Donna,I feel for you, as I too have hashimotos and have had arthritis since childhood. I have also had two knee replacements in the last few years, so fully realise that having major surgery plus having to manage hashimotos, takes it out of you.Recovering from 2 hip replacements plus spinal surgery is hard enough for you as general anaesthetics,managing pain relief, doing exercises etc are not easy to cope with and can temporarily mess up your thyroid medication regime.Just managing the inactivity caused by arthritis and increasing activity as you learn to walk again, may mean that you will have to adjust your thyroid medication.I have struggled with my many operations and my GP told me from the start that people with hypothyroidism tend to take longer to recover from surgery.So, your many operations will have contributed massively to you feeling so unwell.No wonder you feel as if you old self has disappeared!!! However it can return with time, as long as you are on the correct amount of thyroid medication and follow dietary advice as already posted on here.I follow a gluten/dairy free diet-but I can't go without my cups of tea! I hope you feel better soon.