Hashimoto's Make Me Neurotic?

[frenchfrie]

I was diagnosed in 94 with Hashimotos Thyroiditis. I still have very high levels of thyroid antibodies. I have had mucsle ache and body pain that has never gone away. I get tested often and my levels are in normal range. I tell doctors this, and they tell me, my levels are good, so my symptoms are not related, and as usual, make me feel like I am crazy. Could they be related? Could I still have symptoms that never left even with treament, or should I seek another cause? I was misdiagnosed in the begining, and was left untreated for over a year, and was in a life threatening situation, and feel like I have never been right since. Low energy, weight troubles, body pain. Is it all in my head, or what? I feel quite neurotic about it, I keep complaining, and no one seems to hear me. Should I stop complaining, and accept this?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

If the TSH is kept around 1.0, the muscle damage from hypothyroidism should recover within a year.  Since it has been about 13 years, I would think the aches and pains may not be thyroid related unless your TSH is 'normal' but really has been in the 2.5-5.5 range all along.  Some patients report benefit with the addition of T3, but this is inconsistent.  You may have fibromyalgia.  Have also seen sleep disorders with similar finding.

[cosmicsoul]

NO!!! DO not give up and keep complaining, just make sure someone is listening to you - like a competent doctor! Are you on Synthroid? When I took synthetics - they improved my lab results but not my overall well being. On synthetics my antibodies did not decrease much. That was when I wanted to change and see what else is out there. I found ARMOUR THYROID and it saved my life!!!!!!!!!!!! My antibodies dropped 250 in a few months! Then I was not on enough Armour and the antibodies increased... Now I am taking 135 mg a day and will check antibodies in a month or so. I am not completely worried about the antibodies, but the fact that you are not feeling well is a concern. Although other things can play a role, finding the right thyroid medication is important. There are a few things you can do.... If you do not want to take armour, ask to add T3 to your T4 synthetic called Cytomel - this can help a LOT in your moods etc. Finding a doctor who is willing to prescribe Armour you would go to armourthyroid.com and locate one in your area. You can also check for Fibromalagia (fibromyalgia), Chornic Fatigue Syndrome and hormonal inbalances. Try finding a holistic MD in your area. Armour saved my life... I gained energy, good mood, normal period cycles, hair growth, better skin etc. Please do not give up. Find a better doctor and believe me it is NOT in your head. If you have energy, do the research online - there is a lot of helpful stuff out there like www.about.thyroid.com. I wish you lots of good luck and an even better health!

[happyandhypo]

The armour.com site does not offer a comprehensive list all doctors who prescribe Armour, merely those doctors who have requested or agreed to be listed.  The problem with lists like those is that it appears as though doctors who are not listed will not prescribe Armour, which is not the case.