Lab Results.....

[Pattyisha]

TSH .04 range .40-4.5
T4free 1.1 (.8-1.8)
T3free 3.3 (2.3-4.2)

I had these tests done because I was fatigued and am losing stamina when I exercise. I also had/have heart palps and chest pain, tightening/choking beneath my collar bone.  I backed off of my additional .25 of Armour and the chest pains have gone, but now I feel like I have bronchitis without the fever or cough.  It's different than the choking feeling although I have had a hard time breathing every once in a while.

My naturopath wants me to take an adrenal test and go gluten/dairy free for the next two weeks.  Any thoughts?

Thanks so much!

[Pattyisha]

I was diagnosed Hypo 18 mos ago, no ultrasound done then. I did have a barium swallow X-ray thingy (technical term;) because I told my dr that it felt like something was tugging at my throat at that time. He said if my thyroid was enlarged, it would have shown then. I'll ask my naturopath about it when I see her.

Thanks so much for your help!:)

[goolarra]

We all react differently to things, so it's best you stopped the selenium.

Did you have nodules when your U/S was done 18 months ago?

That's the same saliva test I'm referring to.  Since you're having problems adjusting your meds, I'd still think it would be worth repeating.  

[Pattyisha]

No ultrsound done since diagnosis 18months ago.. Funny thing about the Selenium, I didn't really have this strong of a choking feeling until after I started taking it.  I would have it occasionally, but now it's a daily occurrence. I've since stopped taking the Selenium.

I did do the saliva test, but I think it was just four different times during the day, not a 24 hour period. Is that a different one?

[goolarra]

Well, if you're allergic to gluten and dairy, then you should definitely take your doctor's advice and try to be really, really good for a couple of weeks at least.  As I said, I was g/f for quite some time, and there really are good substitutes available these days.  It just takes a little getting used to.

What happens when you become hypo is the adrenals attempt to take over for lack of thyroid hormone, which works for a while until adrenal fatigue sets in.  If you've been undermedicated for a while, a test done a year ago is really ancient history.  Also, did you have the 24-hour saliva test done?  From what I read, that's the only one worth doing.

My guess is that any nodule that isn't big enough to be palpable also isn't big enough to make you feel like you're choking.  However, have you had an ultrasound?  That's always a good idea.  Many people feel a tightness or fullness in their thyroid (and also a choking sensation).  Selenium seems to help with this symptom.  If you try it, be sure to follow label directions since selenium can be toxic in too high doses.    

[Pattyisha]

I do have Hashi's and also tested positive for gluten/dairy allergies.  I have to admit, I'm terrible about stickiing to no gluten or dairy.  She did tell me that the gluten issue could contribute to my choking feeling by my collar bone.  I think that may be why she wants me to be g/f, d/f for at least the next 2 weeks to see if there are any changes in that area.

I did have the adrenal test just under a year ago and it was fine.  Can it change that quickly?  Any ideas on the choking issue?  Could it be nodules that aren't palpable?

[goolarra]

The adrenal test is probably a good idea.  Adrenal fatigue often manifests as inability to tolerate meds...you're either a little hypo or a little hyper on very small dose changes.

Do you have Hashi's?  A g/f and d/f diet has been touted as possibly lowering antibodies in the case of Hashi's.  Two weeks?  I think you'd have to maintain it for much longer than that.  From what I've read, if you "cheat" on a g/f diet, the benefits may go away for months.  I was g/f for close to a year with less than optimal results.  I didn't do it for thyroid reasons, and I thought of it as a "minor" change...it affects more than you might think.  

You can be tested for celiac, non-celiac gluten intolerance and wheat allergy.