Help- New to this. Hashimotos & feeling drained.

[amkerr79]

Hi all, about 4 weeks ago a started to feel really fatigued , to the point where I couldn't function my normal day to day routine. I had a baby 6 months ago and the doctor told me I was stressed. Anyway fast forward 4 weeks and after taking dizzy spells, unable to drive, hands dry, throat sore, sore body.. The list goes on. They did bloods (copy attached) and started me on thyroid meds. I was sent for a scan and was told I had Hashimotos. I was hoping for Post Partum Thyrioditis at best. Anyway I have been on 75 mg of Levo for 20 days.. Should it be kicking in as yet? I am all over the place. Mood swings, crying, tired, my stomach is so bloated I look 6 months pregnant. I am normally a fit very active 36 year old. Sorry for the long message, I am wondering if anyone has any advice. Thanks  

[Fruitandnutcase]

i can't help much because I've got Graves but I'm sure someone with hashis will come along and give you advice.  

I'd say it's not surprising you are thoroughly miserable with thyroid problems and a fairly new baby to look after.

A lot of people with hashis have found a gluten free diet good for damping down the antibodies, I'm doing that and it seems to be reducing my antibodies. 

Try to get as much rest as you can - easier said than done I'm sure, but your body needs it. Try to eat good quality food with fruit and veg. I found Aveeno moisture get lotion really good when my skin was really dry (I became hypo during my treatment - it was horrible, as unpleasant as being hyper but just in a different way)

Find out what your vitamin D, B12, ferritin and folate levels are - you need them to be towards the top of their lab ranges.

Keep a copy of all your test results too. I kept a daily diary of how I felt and what levels of meds I was taking. That was really useful because I was able to tell my doctors when I felt best - especially when I felt I needed more Levo (I was being treated with block and replace) 

I would try and read as much as you can about thyroid problems - have a look in the ThyroidUK.org.uk site you will find loads of useful information on there. Jot down any questions you want to add or just things you are wondering about as you go along - if you're like me you won't remember what you wanted to ask/ say until you leave the doctors consulting room. Most of all treat yourself kindly, you really aren't well. 

[amkerr79 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you for such a detailed response. I really appreciate it. I have a 3 year old who gets that cream on prescription so I am off to find it.. Also good to know about the gluten free. I have always been 80/20 Gf, wheat and no processed foods. (More so because I live my fitness and it helps with that). So maybe by trying to cut it completely  🙈 I have been finding my usual diet to be hard just because I don't have the energy to cook. 

They did a full blood test so I have those level there. I have no idea what any of them mean.. I better go and do some research. I get Vit b12 injection every 8 weeks and have done for 10 years. Like you say I am going to start tracking how I feel.. As one day ok and next like a basket case! I showed up crying at the doctor yesterday demanding to be seen. Today I am thinking 🙈🙈 as this isn't me. Thanks again for the usual advice

[amkerr79]

Thanks .. I take it then 20 days is too soon to see a difference. They are taking my bloods again in 3 weeks and she said will up accordingly! Hoping I see an improvement  by then. Thanks for info 

[gabkad in reply to amkerr79]

amkerr, probably this all started after you gave birth and it just got worse and worse.  So, reasonably, it's been degenerating your body for 6 months  It all didn't happen overnight, so you won't just bounce back to normal.  Even when you are on the right dose of medication, it will take time to rebuild the body.

At your next appointment please request that your vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, and ferritin levels be tested.  In fact, get a full blood count as well to make sure you have not gradually become anemic.  When thyroid function is very low, the body's ability to absorb nutrients also decreases and vitamin, mineral deficiencies develop.

Please make sure you are eating a nutritious diet.  No junkfood, no sugar. etc.  You need to do this in order to rehabilitate.  I know it's very difficult to fetch and carry for ourselves when we feel so terrible.  If the hubster knows how to cook, that would be a bonus.  It all doesn't need to be complicated (meat, potatoes, 2 veg will do).  Utilize any and all human resources you can to help out for the next while.  

[amkerr79]

I am 60kg so that would suggest my 75mg is about right 🙈 I have read about taking it at night.. I might look into this once I am on it a few weeks more. Sounds like it works better for some.