Hashimoto's Quandry

Thanks so much for information on this subject. This year I was diagnosed with Hashimotos. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about the condition. On the internet I read about a chiropractor, Dr. Robert Boydston, who claims that Hashi's can be cured if the proper protocol is applied to the patient to treat the immune system.

Has anyone heard of Hash's being cured or at least the antibodies going down so thryroid meds can be reduced? THANKS so much!! lindy

[Barb135]

Hashimoto's can NOT be cured.   Once you have the antibodies, you will always have them.  Their numbers may be reduced, but they will stay and continue to eat away at your thyroid until they kill it off.  I know we all wish there was some miracle thing out there that would get rid of the antibodies, but it's just not there.  

There are some - I'm one - who take selenium to help keep them (antibodies) "in control" a bit, and for me it certainly helps, but I know it does absolutely nothing for others.  There may also be other things that can be done to help you feel better, but no cure.  

Your thyroid meds should be determined by your thyroid hormone levels (Free T4 and Free T3), not the antibody count.  

Some of the other members might be able to chime in and suggest things that could help you feel better.  

[Barb135]

How often are your TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 being checked?  If you can, please post your lab results, along with the lab's reference ranges.  

Also, what kind of med are you on? What, if any, symptoms?  

[Lindy1234]

Thanks for your comments, Barb. I'm a little desperate right now. I'm experiencing depression that I've never had before and more fatigue. I need to keep these antibodies in check and they have gone down a bit.

In July (on 60 mcg Armour), my numbers were: T3 total 98 ng/dL, T3 Free 354 pg/dL
T4 Free 0.9 ng/dL, TSH 1.14 mIU/L

After a month (on 120 mcg Armour): T3 total 120 ng/dL, T4 free 1.1 ng/dL, TSH 0.16 mIU/L

On 8/18 I was switched to 25 mg Synthroid and 5 mg Cytomel. Can't say I feel better. I had to start taking an antidepressant which makes me feel bad about because I've never been on them before.

Isn't there someone in the world who has overcome this problem? I'm desperate to feel like my old self again (which was only last year). Thanks, lindy

[Barb135]

What are the lab ranges for your Free T4 and Free T3?  Labs use different ranges and/or units of measurement, so it's always important to post the reference ranges along with you results.  Also make sure that you ask for FREE T3, not total - measuring total T3 is pretty much a waste of $.  The Free tells you how much T3 is actually available for use by your body.  

It sounds like you are still hypo even though your TSH is low.  That happens to me too.  My TSH bottomed out almost as soon as I was put on synthroid and my pcp started lowering my dosage, even though my Free T4 was barely in range and he refused to test Free T3.  I am currently on 75 mcg levothyroxine (generic Synthroid) + 5 mcg cytomel and I think the levo needs to be raised a bit when I go in on Monday.

Don't feel badly about taking an antidepressant - you should be able to go off them when your thyroid levels get in line.  I strongly suggest that you try the selenium - as I said, it doesn't help everyone, but it's always worth a shot.  You can also try taking magnesium just before bed - it's calming and may help with joint/muscle aches/pains.  Also make sure you get a good multi.  

It takes 5-6 weeks for a med change to take effect (except with cytomel, which is fast acting and leaves the body quickly), so you should be retested in a few weeks to see where your levels are then.  You can always call your doctor and ask for an increase in med - you never know they might give it to you.

It just all takes time -- and we want it to go fast......... I'm sorry, it just doesn't.