hashimoto's

I know this is not a thyroid forum but I don't know which one to address my problem -- so here it is and I hope you can help.

I was sent to an edocrinologist because my
> anti-bodies were 873. He said
>   I have Hashimoto's and would run more tests to see
> how to treat me. I
>   went back the next week hoping for help and he sent
> me for the TSH test
>   which he said he fogot to do the first time. I have
> the following symptoms
>   which he was as classic: Terrible pain constantly
> (all over and I have told
>   drs. this for years and none had a answer until now
> and they say it could
>   be thyroid), terrible sleep where I wake early and
> feel more tired than
>   when I went to sleep, anxiety, skin problems, hair
> loss, tingling and
>   numbness in arms and legs, have gotten extremely cold natured, thin skin, etc. I hurt so
> much and feel so bad I
>   have trouble functioning and thinking.
>
>   He gave me celebrex and said he would see me in 6
> weeks. If this helps
>   the pain that is great but shouldn't I be on
> something for my thryoid to
>   correct the problem?

Thanks for any help and advise you can give.
Jan
>

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Jan,
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid that is thought to be autoimmune in nature.  It is usually found in younger women and has a predisposition for Asians but is also found in other races.  I couldn't really advise you on the treatment of this condition but my understanding is that the prognosis is in general good.  Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Jan,

You are correct in that this is not a forum for thyroid problems.

With the number of heart related questions that can be posted each day, you have managed to prevent a perhaps more needy individual from posting their question.

Thanks a lot.

[Jan to Anonymous]

I am sorry if my post has created any problems.  I am also a heart patient and have also gotten some helpful heart information from this site and appreciate it very much. However, it seems to me that you have too much time on your hand to be interfering with these valuable forums.  I suggest you get a hobby and let the professionals and other patients give the advise.

[Comment to Anonymous from Someone]

Maybe Jan did post in the wrong forum, but thyroid problems also affect the heart rate, etc....so you are wrong in handslapping someone who is obviously in desperate need of help.  Jan, don't worry honey, and good luck!  Make sure you visit a good
Endocrinologist!

[C.N.]

I too am sorry that anonymous felt he had to put his 2 cents in.  Hashimotos is serious and can involve the heart.  I know what it's like to be desperate for answers, so don't ever be afraid to ask questions.  To anonymous, I say in the kindest way possible, perhaps you should mind your manners and your own business.  To Jan I say, God Bless and I hope the doc here has some good insight for you.  Feel better!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mommydee]

The results of the TSH will determine treatment.
Thyroid hormone has a relatively narrow range.  It is important to keep it in balance.  You would not want to give thyroid hormone to someone with normal levels as the person would get syptoms (symptoms) of overactive thyroid.  You would not want to give a person with overactive thyroid medication to stop the production of thyroid hormone.  The TSH is the most sensitive thyroid test there is....it does not measure thyroid hormone itself, but rather the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.  The actual thyroid levels may be normal because of increased or decreased action by this gland located in the pituatary gland.

I've never heard of treating thyroid disease with Celebrex.  However thyroid disease is often autoimmune; if there are thryoid auto-antibodies present, then it is one of more than 100 autoimmune ailments.  Hashimoto's is Autoimmune and generally leads to hypothyroidism as the gland is damaged.  Once you have one autoimmune disease, you are somewhat more prone to others.  Symptoms for many are similar and include widespread aches and pains, fatigue, etc.  Celebrex is often used for arthritis type pain.  Dosages of thyroid hormone has to be done on an individual basis and is somewhat trial and error at first, with repeat labs till blood values are correct.  Many of your symptoms do seem consistent with hypothyroidism.  I have had Hashimoto's thyroiditis with hypothyroidism for 16 yrs....my 16 yr old daughter was dxed with Graves Disease or overactive thyroid (autoimmune) at age 8.  She developed lupus at age 12 and shortly afterward I developed signs of other autoimmune disease.  So I have studied a lot.  If it is Hashimoto's and your thyroid levels are low, you will probably have to take synthetic thyroid hormone for life.
Dee

[Jan to Anonymous]

Thanks for your post.  
I have learned more from it than from anything I have read. I too am doing a lot of research but have a lot to learn.  I seem to have all the symptoms along with an enlarged thyroid and he said it was Hashimoto's.  I just thought he should start some kind of treatment for the cause and not the symptoms.  Instead he (dr)does not see me for 6 weeks.  That kind of let me down.  I want to start feeling better.

Thanks again for your info and I hope you and your daughter are doing well  now.

Jan