hashimoto's remission

[donnaopal]

Can Hashimoto's Disease go into remission?  I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in winter of 2006 after an episode of thyroiditis.  Testing revealed highly elevated TSH and the presence of antibodies.  I was agressively treated with Levoxyl for a year with TSH levels returning well in to the "normal" range.  I decided to go off the medication in June of 2007 and my TSH levels have remained in the normal range.  My endocrinologist says I do not need to be on the medication at the time since my TSH remains in the normal range w/out meds.  He has not re-tested for antibodies.  Could the Hashimoto's be in remission?  Is it possible that it will remain this way, or is it inevitable that my TSH will become elevated again?

[sdbrit]

This is interesting.  I am waiting for a diagnosis and biopsy results, basically have fairly normal labs except borderline antibodies test (TPA 33, ref. range <35) waiting for results of 2nd test on that to confirm.  Can you both tell me waht your antibodies reading were and how they fluctuated - if you have the info.  I am hoping that whatever I end up with the diagnosis being there is hope that it will not result in surgery or RAI.

Anyway, the outlook seems pretty good for you guys - keep thinking positive.

I have just started a gluten free diet - supposed to help with autoimmune issues (the dr. said I can still have a bit of chocolate and glass of wine so I'll manage!)  I am also going to try to meditate everyday and practice gratitude etc. - it's all supposed to help.

[KJ5854]

When I was diagnosed with Hashi's last December the doctor that performed my FNA (fine needle aspiration) told me that Hashi's is episodic.  She said that meant that the anti-bodies that attack my thyroid could act up and cause me to have symptoms such as fatigue, being unable to concentrate, weight gain, etc.  She said an episode could last weeks or months or even a year.  She then said that the anti-bodies could become inactive and I would go for weeks, months, years without an episode.  She said that medicine would help during an episode but that I may not have to be on medicine during the time the anti-bodies aren't active.  I'm assuming during an episode the TSH is high and when the anti-bodies are inactive the TSH is normal or near normal.  

This is a paragraph from an informational sheet my doctor gave me about Hashi's:

"If your doctor tells you that you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, you do not necessarily need treatment.  However, if definite hypothyroidism is present, treatment with thyroid hormone in the form of synthetic thyroixine is indicated.  Some clinicians do not treat individuals who are feeling well, have normal serum thyroxine (T4) levels, and only mildly elevated TSH concentrations.  Others prefer to treat such patients, since they may have mild, unrecognized symptoms, and since the likelihood of developing symptomatic hypothyroidism in the future is quite high."

I hope this helps some.