Help!

[Rebecca86]

I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's and I am at my wits end. All tests are coming back withing the normal range but seom symptoms are worse than ever. My throat is sore 24/7, the front of my neck as a whole looks more swollen. My voice has gotten rattly, my hair is falling out more than it used to. I ache from head to toe. I am still wanting to sleep 18+ hours a day and the bowel movements are still not right. I am having more migraines than before and the brainfog + forgetfullness is unbelivable. The docotr says to live with it but I can't work. What should I do?

[gimel]

Lots of good suggestions already.  I would just like to emphasize the importance of testing for free T3 and free T4, along with the TSH that is always checked.  People with Hashi's seem to respond best when free T3 is in the upper third of its range and the TSH is in the low end of its range.  If you want to get an indication of where you ae right now, even with some medication, try checking your normal temperature numerous times and comparing the average to the optimal of 98.6.  If you want to read about this, here's a good link.

http://www.drrind.com/tempgraph.asp

[Barb135]

I don't have any words of wisdom for you because I'm too new at this whole thyroid thing myself.  Everyone else here has some good ideas.  The last time I saw my PCP, he passed all my symptoms of as "only stress" and didn't schedule more labs for 3 months in spite of the fact that my TSH was only 0.16 and my synthroid dose had just been lowered.  I was under the impression that it was important to do blood work every 6 wks as mentioned above until one was stable.  

Fortunately, I had seen an ENT who ordered TPOab and ultra sound, ultimately dx Hashi's and is sending me to an endo.  If not for the ENT, I'd be sitting here waiting for 3 whole months and feeling like **** - probably to be told again, that it's all "only stress".  So I guess I'd say also - try to find another doctor who will listen to you, which I understand might not be as easy as it sounds.  

[Cynnieb4]

Wow if a doctor told me that I would fire and research for a new one. I was diagnosed and put on synthroid 3 months later feeling this;) I have noticed a difference with the meds. Maybe a switch to synthroid might help?? Just a thought. Also he should be testing you every six weeks until you become stable. I am stable so far for the moment. But symptoms i am sure will reappear. It isn't any fun, but finding a doctor who will go by symptoms makes a difference. Also how long have you been on meds?? It took me at least three months to see any difference with some symptoms. Just curious.

[stella5349]

It sounds like a bout of  Hashimoto thyroiditis. You High on the TPO ab as you may know.

If you TSH is above 1.5 to max 1.8 then you still could be symptomatic with your hypothyroidism and need more meds.

The T4 is no good - Call the doctor and get the reading of the Dree T3 and the Free T4 -

If you didn't have those done - get them.

I won't try to get in sooner.

[Rebecca86]

I am on 50 micrograms a day of thyroxine. I can't get in to my doctor to get the test results, but I do know the antibody was 1271 and my T4 was 5.5. That's all I have at the moment. It's a 5 week wait to see my doctor.

[stella5349]

You say your were diagnoised with Hashi so I assume you are on meds - correct?

What dosage are you on and what are the labs Laura has asked about?

[Rebecca86]

I had an antibody test. The doctor said it should be below 39, it was 1271! I had a function test but I can remember what the results were, all I can remember is the T4 was 5.5

[laura1967]

What exactly were you last lab results with ranges?? TSH, Free T3 and Free T4?
With hashi's your tsh should be supressed to between a .50-1.0. Anything over that and my endo said you will suffer hypo symptoms and your body will not be able to heal properly. See a doctor who specializes in thyroid and knows what they are doing!

[Smilerdeb]

See another Doctor and ask for Thyroid Function Test with antibodies tests too.
Dont leave it at that.