Swelling

[AC1178]

I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis in July. I am currently on Synthroid 37.5. I have all the classic symptoms; unfortunatley including an enlarged abdominal area. After working really hard around the house Saturday, I awoke yesterday with swollen hands, wrists,  feet and toes. Today, the swelling has went down some, but is still very noticable. My face is also puffy today.
My question is whether or not this comes with the territory of Hashimotos Thyroiditis, or if it unrelated. Also, what can be done to help with the abdominal fluid retention?

[Craniac3]

I too have swelling. By the end of the day (dinnertime) I have to undo my bra because it is so tight. My hands puff up, too. I had puffiness under my eyes when first diagnosed hypo/hashi back in April, but that (eyes) went away fairly quickly once on Synthroid. My numbers are in the normal range now, but I still get the other swelling. I don't drink fluids excessively, and I feel like I am always peeing! The last thing I want is a water pill...

Glad to know others with hashi's have it too. Graves Lady says we can't blame everything on the thyroid, but it does affect every metabolic process in our body. It can really shake things up! (I have had an echocardiagram, abdominal/pelvic ultrasounds, abodominal/pelvic barium catscans. Everything was A-OK.)

If you come across any more information, please share! Thanks

[Nurseynurse714]

Yes- prior to me being dx'd, I as well had been put on Lasix by my GP. It did help, but I was frustrated that my doc had no explanation for the swelling in my hands and feet... I hate it when they have no explanation, but proceed with shoving pills in your face. Fresh lemon juice squeezed in your water acts as a natural diuretic- might want to try and see if it helps. At least it seems like we have some explanations now (Hashimoto's). Good luck to you, see you around the board  :)

[AC1178]

Thanks for your reply:) I may not have described it very well. But I have read about a symptom of retaining excess fluid, or water I guess, in the abdominal area. I don't think it is actually a "classic" symptom though. In the past, I have tried water pills out of pure frustration, prior to my knowledge of my Hashimotos, and there is an unbelievable difference. As far as my sodium intake, I do watch it, but it doesn't really have much influence on this problem. It's just really strange. This weekend was my first experience with swelling in my hands and feet though. As of today, I am still not wearing my rings!

[Nurseynurse714]

I as well have Hashimoto's dx'd in May. I wasn't aware of the enlarged abdominal area thing being a classic symptom (interesting....), but I have noticed that when I have a full day of working around the house I can hardly move the next day because of the swollen hands, wrists, feet, toes. Haven't had the face puffiness thought. The last few months I have been bloated like nobody's business to the point that I get very worried that something else is wrong. Yes- I can sympathize with the majority of what you're feeling. I haven't found anything that helps with the bloating, but logically, decreasing your sodium intake should help. Good luck.