Hashimoto

[Tater1]

I've just been diagnosed with hashimoto disease . Anyone have it , can you tell me about it and what to expect

[shaws Administrator]

I assume you have been given levothyroxine at a dose of 50mcg? If so, you take this first thing with one full glass of water and wait an hour before eating. If you prefer you can take a dose at bedtime as long as your stomach is empty (usually takes about 3 hours).

Blood tests have to be always at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a 24 hour gap between last dose and test and take it afterwards (and night dose as usual the same day).

You have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease, commonly called Hashimoto's or hashi's due to antibodies being present in your blood. The antibodies attack your thyroid gland and wax and wane until you are hypothyroid. Hypothyroid is a life-long condition and you have to supplement with thyroid hormone replacements to keep well and to relieve any clinical symptoms you develop. Going gluten-free can help reduce the antibodies.

Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges. Ranges are necessary so that members can respond - labs differ in their machines and so do ranges.

Ask GP to test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin andfolate too.

We have to educate ourselves and you will pick up a lot of knowledge by reading posts/answers.

[shaws Administrator]

Two links:

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

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