Hypothyroidism for 11 years but new to this forum...

[pugdogs10]

I have pernicious anaemia and coeliac disease as well as hypothyroidism, I have heard some people say that they have auto immune condition called Hashimotos disease. I am wondering what the difference is and how you know it is autoimmune. Will be very grateful for any info re this.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Pugdogs.

Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) causes 90% of hypothyroidism and eventually atrophies the thyroid gland so it is unable to produce hormone. You may have had a thyroid peroxidase (TPOab) test when you were diagnosed. If antibodies were positive it means you have Hashimoto's. Sometimes TPOab are negative but thyroglobulin antibodies (Tgab) are positive but these are rarely tested in primary care. An ultrasound scan may show damage consistent with Hashimoto's even though antibodies are negative. Confirmation of Hashimoto's doesn't affect your treatment in any way but adopting 100% gluten-free diet can reduce symptoms and antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[pugdogs10 in reply to Clutter]

Many thanks for your reply...it all takes a bit of thinking about. Autoimmune illnesses are so complex, I just seem to get one thing sorted and something else crops up. Very glad to find this forum and will continue to do my homework.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

With Hashimoto's you will have either raised Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies or raised Thyroglobulin Antibodies, or both. You'll only know if you have them if you are tested for them.

With Hashi's your antibodies fluctuate, and will eventually destroy your thyroid. Your symptoms, and blood test results, fluctuate with the antibody attacks.

There's no treatment for Hashi's (they treat the same as Hypothyroidism) but a lot of people find that going scrupulously gluten free helps reduce the antibody attacks. Some people need to be dairy free also.

I would imagine after being hypo for 11 years that if you haven't had serious fluctuation in the severity of your symptoms then you probably don't have Hashi's but you wont know for definite unless you get tested.

It would be a good idea to ask your GP surgery for a print out of your thyroid test results, it's good to keep a personal file of results, dose of medication and notes of how you feel for future reference and discussions with your GP. You are entitled to the results under the Data Protection Act, you don't have to give a reason as to why you want them but you may be charged a small fee for printing.

Sorry, cross posted with Clutter .

[pugdogs10 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Many thanks for this. I don t know what tests I had 11 years ago I was just told that my thyroid levels were low. Initially my levels did fluctuate quite a lot and settled down after about 2 years this was probably because I went on a gluten free diet after being diagnosed with coeliac disease. I always ask for my test results and they are always just below 1. my GP says this is pretty good. I will take your advice and get a print out in future. Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to pugdogs10]

Ask the practice to go through your earlier tests and see if your thyroid antibodies have ever been tested. I would think it is virtually certain you have Hashis.

[pugdogs10 in reply to Hidden]

Will do. Thanks.

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum,

I too, have P.A. and hypothyroidism.

I don't have antibodies which would be an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease. Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's are treated the same, i.e. levothyroxine (or other thyroid hormones).

This is the best procedure to try to prevent doctors adjusting our doses of thyroid hormones unnecessarily so and maybe making us have more symptoms.

The blood test should be the earliest possible and don't eat before it, you can drink water.

Also, allow about 24 hours between your last dose of levothyroxine and the blood test and take it afterwards.

Always ask for a print-out of your results with the ranges for your own records and you can post if you have a query.

If doctor hasn't tested Vitamin B12, Vit D,iron, ferritin and folate, ask for these as we are usually deficient.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (Hashimoto's): Hypothyroidism: Hyperthyroidism are all autoimmune conditions.

Usually if we have one autoimmune condition we can get other autoimmune diseases.

If you ask for a print-out of your most recent blood tests with the ranges (some charge a nominal sum -mine 30p) and put on a new post for comments and also give the dose of levo (if on any) members will respond.

[pugdogs10]

Thank you for your advice. I am seeing a haematologist on 21st June and will get the result of recent blood tests will ask for a print out this time.

I was referred to him re my neuro symptoms. My GP thinks it is to do with PA but thyroid symptoms are very similar of course. Many thanks.

[Treepie]

Low B12 can lead to neuro symptoms.

[pugdogs10]

I have been putting it down to b12 because my TSH levels have been stable for a long time but now realise that I need to keep an eye and both. Some GP s don t seem to know as much as they should about autoimmune issues. Thanks for your reply.

[SewingBee]

Hi pugdogs10, Your Doctor should be able to tell you if you have autoimmune. Be prepared that not much is known about thyroid conditions even by the doctors. Don't let worrying about it weigh you down. Good luck!