Information needed!

[Cazzabella]

I've very recently been diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis. I have been told my antibody count is high but as yet my hormone levels are normal....otherwise I've been given no further information other than what I've found via Google. I have lots of questions and still a month before I see a doctor again! Can anyone advise how long generally before my thyroid might become 'underactive'? Will I have any other issues in the meantime due to the immune system doing its stuff - I've been feeling very run down and generally unwell - migraines for much longer than normal, upset stomach, low energy. At the point I have hypothroidism will it be fully controlled with medication or will I have other issues? Apologies if I've got any of the terms wrong I am pretty much in the dark about this!

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum,

First of all, we have to read, learn and ask questions if we've any chance of feeling much better.

Most doctors do not know best how to treat patients, except look at the TSH and if it goes to 10 in the UK (3+ in the rest of the world) you will get a prescription. Some will prescribe it it goes above the range which is around 5.

Hashimoto's is an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease and is diagnosed through thyroid antibodies. These antibodies attack your thyroid gland and wax and wane until you are hypothyroid.

However, one doctor who was the President of the BTA has a Pulse Online article stating that if antibodies are present, we have to be prescribed levothyroxine.

email [e-mail] and she will probably do so on Monday. Highlight the paragraph and discuss with your GP. Dr Toft was President of the BTA.

Highlight the appropriate part and talk it over with your GP. Also tick off the clinical symptoms you have (they know none).

You can reduce the attack of the antibodies by going strictly gluten-free.

When you are due a blood test it has to be always at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and if taking thyroid hormones allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards. This method gives us, the patient, a chance that the GP will not adjust our dose unnecessarily as many do so as they are very poorly trained in dysfunctions of the thyroid gland except to diagnose upon the TSH and if 'anywhere' in the range their job is done. It isn't - the aim is a TSH of 1 or lower. They will tell you that we would be in danger of osteo or heart problems which are untrue.

I shall give you a link with better explanations.

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

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

Hashi's is the commonest casue of hypothyroidism.

[Clutter]

Cazzabella,

The 'normal' range is very broad so if you post your recent thyroid results and ranges we will have a better idea of how 'normal' your blood results are.

High thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it eventually causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

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

Supplementing 200mcg selenium is good thyroid support and may help delay progression to hypothyroidism.

[Cazzabella in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for both answers its given me far more information than I have been given.

Unfortunately the specialist I saw (NHS) did not give me my actual results. He told me I looked better and said I was 'all ok now' before I said that no, I wasn't as I still had increasing size of glands in my throat - at which point he looked at my actual ultrasound and said it had the pattern of Hashimotos. All of that put me on the back foot and meant I didn't remember any of the questions I'd wanted to ask. I've since just been told my peroxidase level is high thus confirming the diagnosis.

I'm not sure what a 'flare' is or what actual symptoms I am expecting or might be due to it - so I feel a bit in limbo.

[Clutter in reply to Cazzabella]

Cazzabella,

Data Protection Act entitles patients to their test results and ranges but you do have to ask for them. Ask your GP receptionist for the results and ranges and post them in a new question.

Symptoms vary but I used to experience delibitating palpitations and dizziness to the point I thought I would faint, breathlessness, fatigue and feeling cold to the core. During a flare members often mention tender painful throat and neck, feeling fluey or feverish.