Maybe I'm not crazy?

[Leesa1079]

Hello all, I'm brand new to this forum but after reading the lengthy string of posts from everyone, it's a comfort to know that I'm not going crazy! I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimotos (about 9 months ago) although I have a feeling I've been suffering with it for some time. For so many years I have have suffered with headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, hair loss, dry skin, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia and anxiety attacks. For years doctors kept telling me I was over-stressed, which no doubt I was, but I always felt it was something more. My thyroid levels always tested normal but it wasn't until I had an ANA test that it was determined my antibodies and titer were way off. Further testing revealed my Hashimoto diagnosis. Currently I'm taking Levothyroxine 75mcg, and initially when I first started taking the meds I felt much better. Now 9 months later I feel just awful. The above symptoms are still present, but now lets add nausea and diarrhea daily (for over a month now) into the mix. It's absolutely horrific!!! Has anybody else experienced these symptoms with Hashimotos or could this just be a separate problem? Have an appointment with my endocrinologist on Tuesday and appointment with my GP next Monday. New blood test results should be telling, but just looking for some relief! The only solace I have right now is knowing I'm not alone! 😀

[greygoose]

How long have you been on 75 mcg? The protocol is to test six weeks after starting a dose and increasing by 25 mcg, repeating the process until you are well. I have the feeling that your doctor is testing every three months, and that is too long! Not surprising you don't feel well. Staying on any one dose too long makes it more difficult to find your ideal dose.

Don't forget to ask for a print-out of your results. Post them on here, with the ranges, and people will be better able to advise you.

Welcome to the forum.

[Leesa1079 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your reply! So I've been on the same dosage now since November, so 8 months? I can tell I'm not on the right dosage, I'm sure she'll increase it when I see her. Ill be sure to post my test results.

[greygoose in reply to Leesa1079]

Eight months is too long to wait for a retest. It should be six weeks.

[silverfox7]

Don't forget the ranges as they differ from lab to lab so without them we would just be guessing.

Glad you have found us, welcome!

[Leesa1079 in reply to silverfox7]

Will do thank you!

[eeng]

See if you can get your doctor to test your Ferritin, B12 and Vitamin D levels too. They are often low in people with hypothyroidism, and if you have had diarrhoea for some time you may well not be absorbing nutrients from your food properly. This won't help your body use the Thyroxine you take.

[Leesa1079 in reply to eeng]

Interesting thank you! I will have her check that out.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Hashimoto's is connected to poor gut function, leaky gut and hidden food intolerances- usually gluten, can be dairy

Extremely common to have low vitamin D, folate, B12 and/or ferritin, so very important to get these checked. Always get the actual results including ranges. On Levo we need these vitamins at the top levels, not just anywhere in range

If these vitamins are too low we can't use thyroid hormones in cells, so remain hypo, but blood tests either show adequate treatment or sometimes GP even wants to lower dose, as it appears we are over treated.

Very many of us with Hashimoto's find significant improvements by changing to gluten free diet.

See The Thyroid Pharmacist website for masses of info about Hashimoto's, plus her excellent video series the Thyroid Secret on you tube

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...