Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

[Randa820]

I was having panic attacks back in May so my GP doctor ordered a thyroid test. He said my antibodies were extrememly high and sent me to an endocronologist. She said I had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. They took my blood but said my levels were fine. She also said I have a goiter. Since my levels were fine they sent me on my way and that was it. I have been extremely exhausted and worn out. I am still having bouts of anxiety and small panic attacks. I have headaches every day, irregular periods, I am grouchy, and i just want to sleep all the time. I am only 25 and do not want to feel like this anymore. I do not know what else to do. I feel like noone will help me. I recently had a sonogram done of my thyroid because I am having trouble swallowing. The radiologist said my thyroid was enlarged and just looked weird. Ok so what do I do now?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The abnormal appearance is likely due to the hashimoto's thyroiditis.  Would suggest seeing a thyroid specialist who does their own ultrasound to make sure there is nothing suspicious appearing.  Would also ask if a trial of thyroid medication might be helpful, but if the levels are normal then the symptoms are not likely due to thyroid...Selenium may help the thyroid antibodies, but not lots of data on if it helps symptoms and a recent small study suggested it might increase the risk of diabetes.

[kitcurious]

Goiters can eventually cause compressive symptoms and  if yours "looks funny" you will also want to have regular follow-up TSH tests just in case you start to become hypothyroid, which the Hashis will eventually make you do.You may want to see a doctor for a general physical exam and maybe get some medication that can directly help you with your panic attacks. If your thyroid hormone levels are balanced they would not likely be causing them.   Many conditions mimic thyroid symptoms as they are quite non specific.
Good luck

[kitcurious]

Also it would help to post the range and the numbers on your thyroid tests. Sometimes  a trial dose of medication can be helpful if they are borderline normal numbers.

[kitcurious]

Sorry, this is the doctor forum and you won't need my advice. Thought it was the patient-to-patient forum I was answering .

[Bombshell2k7]

Hello:

I totally understand where you're coming from. It seems like there's very few doctors that really understand the thyroid and how to treat it. Other than taking meds that don't really do much for me, I've been eating coconut oil and it's helped a great deal. Especially with my weight, my energy levels, and my panic attacks. It's great for the skin as well. Here's a link to some info on it.

http://www.coconutdiet.com/thyroid_health.htm

I hope you find it helpful. You can find the coconut oil at your local health food store, or online. Make sure it's cold pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

[garnet31]

The radiologist said it just looked weird? Okay, I really hope you're moving along on finding a doc who can help you. Be sure to ask tons of questions---don't just take her or his word on something. Ask if you don't understand. What else did the radiologist say besides "weird?" If you can't answer that question, you need to find another radiologist. Be sure to get copies of all your tests and reports and take them with you to new docs. I'm on my third endocrinologist in four years now for my Hashimoto's. Some of my questions have all been answered the same by the docs and some have been different, so it keep on working 'til you find someone who listens to you and can help you. In the meantime, keep track of your symptoms and any changes in a small notebook that you can take to your doc for a visit. That way the doc can see what is happening to you rather than you just saying "I'm tired a lot," or something like that. I'm currently doing that with another of my physical issues and find it a big help in my progress. All the best to you!

[brbangle]

Randa820, I am just now recovering from exactly the same scenario, which started back in May. I started having panic attacks which seemed to come out of nowhere. They were accompanied by what felt like a swollen thyroid, which caused me to have some difficulty swallowing pills. My body was shakey; I could not get a good night's sleep; I lost my appetite and, therefore, a lot of weight in a short period of time; and I was completely exhausted. Same as you, my periods became irregular and I got horrible acne. (I take Metformin, which has otherwise done a great job of regulating my periods and clearing up my acne.) My thyroid levels were "normal" on 75mcg Synthroid, so my endocrinologist suggested it might be transient thyroiditis. He tested my TPO Antibodies, which came back around 350 (range 0-34). He gave me a prescription for Prednisone to reduce the inflammation, but I never took it. I just decided to wait it out. Sure enough, 5 months later, the symptoms I was having in May have all but disappeared, but I am now left feeling like a zombie!

When I was going through all of this, my doctor suggested taking aspirin for the inflammation -- it really helped! Hopefully, your doctor is going to keep a close eye on your thyroid levels, since you do, in fact, have elevated antibodies.... good luck!

[2wonderfulboys]

I also have Hashimotos and the doctor found a lump on my thyroid and i had to have a biopsy. It came back negative for cancer , which most of them do. My doctor then decided to  change my meds and I have to back every 3 months for blood work. I too am exhausted all the time but was told that is part of it.  My levels have been coming back normal so they just sit and watch them. I know it is frustrating to be tired etc, but hang it there, you'll be ok.

[Randa820]

Thank you for all your comments. They have been very helpful. The only thing they said about my sonogram was that it was weird and my thyroid was very large and mishaped. I am currently wairing on an appointment with a new endocrinologist. I am not really having panic attacks anymore. I am very tired, depressed and have headaches all the time. My current doctor said there is nothing they can do for me because my TSH levels are still normal. I do not understand why I feel this way if my levels are normal. I tried antidepressants but they made me feel awful. Hopefully this new doctor will have some answers and be able to help me out.
                                                                            Randa820