What is Going on?

[diazmommy]

Hi there, not new but have some things going on that I need help with.  I was diagnosed with Hash's few years ago after my first pregnancy. It took a while to get the diagnosis. At first they told me I had a pregnancy related only condition and it would go away. Then it was Graves and then Hash's. I just started thinking today though..........how could it be Graves and then change?  Can a doctor suspect that based on test results and then change it?

My issue is that my TSH never got really high (never over 6 but would go from 1-6 at times----I would bounce often).  I finally conviced my Dr. to give me Synthroid during this past summer (June).  I was feeling very rough with muscle aches, etc. all the symptoms. I have really felt better since-----much better in terms of physical symptoms. However, I have new things that have started at that time.  I have bad facial swelling now (which I know is a part of Hash's) but I did not have this before until after meds.  I am on 50 of Synthroid. Also, my eyebrows have started falling out.  10 years ago (prior to thyroid issues) I had alopecia on the eyelashes---got steriod shots and it resolved.  However now it it back and a good bit of one eyebrow is gone now.  So, why has this started now. I am positive that it started after medication when I felt better. This has not resolved in 6+ months.  Just weird? Lastly, I did add selenium at that same time (200) and stopped all iodine in my salt and supplements.

Just confused about the water retention and facial swelling and hair loss in the eyebrow?  Any ideas?

Thanks!

[TamraW]

TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone. Usually people with Hashimoto's don't feel well until TSH is suppressed and the frees are in the upper 1/3 of the range, not the middle. Find an endo who treats your symptoms, not your TSH. You are hypo. Your facial swelling, eyebrows, etc. 50 mcg of Synthroid is a starter dosage. You need more. I started on 50. I'm now on 125, soon to be bumped, and 5 mcg of Cytomel.

Every time I get hypo symptoms, I call my endo and let him know. He writes me a higher prescription just based on my symptoms. Most endos aren't that liberal, but find someone who will at least treat the frees, not the TSH.  

:) Tamra

[diazmommy]

P.S. My TSH has been maintaining around a 2 and my other levels are dead middle of normal lab ranges.