Hashimoto's AND Graves' Disease

[Tonibrookshire]

I was diagnosed in April 2011 with Hashimoto's (the dx came after several different rounds of bloodwork, a thyroid ultrasound and the nuclear uptake scan.)  I was prescribed synthroid and was told "we'd have to wait and see" how my symptoms responded to the meds.  I would go for labwork every 6-8 weeks and each time, either I had to increase or decrease my synthroid dosage.  In July I went back to my GP for lab results, no change in the swings in my results and no changes in my symptoms so i went for another ultrasound and yet again "let's wait and see" from the GP.  I then found an endocrinologist who came highly recommeded from friends/acquaintances.  During my first appt with his ofc, I was reassured that "we'd get a handle on this and feel better in no time but let's do some more extensive bloodwork." ......In August 2011, I was diagnosed with Graves' disease to go along with the Hashimoto's...I had also started having MAJOR heart palpitations, my BP would go from 93/51 to 160/86 or 87 constantly, and I felt like I was having major anxiety attacks.  I then referred myself to my sister's cardiologist.  He found through an echocardiogram that I am developing leaks in my heart (he said this is common with hashi/graves because the blood thins and then sloshes instead of flows...
When I went back to my endo in early Sept for lab results, I told him about my appt/tests with the cardiologist...I also told him how my symptoms had not gotten ANY better and something had to be done different...(This appt was with his P.A.) ...basically, after promising me 2 weeks prior to this appt that he'd be able to work with me on feeling better, he told me that since the lab results confirmed Hashi AND Graves I had "lost the luck of the draw" and it was very uncommon and very difficult to treat this combination of disorders.....WHAT THE CRAP?!?!?!?

[Anniegoose]

please do a web search -- naturopaths in the atlanta GA area -- that should give you some good links to people who will be able to help you with your problem.


good luck to you.  try to stay as cheerful and positive as you can through this process.  try to laugh at least once every day.  

blessings to all

[blueeyes1962]

Just a sympathetic ear here.  I have Grave's and I know you aren't kidding when you talk about the major palpitations and the panic attacks----been there and very frightening.  Hang in there it will get better...you will be able to enjoy your children once all is treated and under control.  Have a nice day..I will say a prayer for you:)

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You need a second opinion.
Based on what you describe, you have autoimmune thyroid disease with markers for Graves' (TSI) and the other common antibodies (TPO and Tg) that are usually associated with hashimoto's.  Graves' and Hashi should be considered as entities on two ends of a spectrum, not two completely different diseases.

This may cause fluctuating thyroid function to hypo and hyper and back but this is not common.  More commonly, it may "swing" once then the pattern settles to hypothyroidism.  From what you describe, you have not had hyperthyroid labs (that are clearly due to a Graves'-like situation and not the dose of levothyroxine).  There are patients who have Graves' blood tests (TSI or TBII) who do not develop hyperthyroidism.  

Unless there is clear hypo/hyper swinging, a large goiter or a suspicious nodule, TT is a last resort.  Armour thyroid is not predictable and contains excess T3 (compared to human thyroid) and may worsen heart symptoms b/c of the T3.  Also -- leaky heart valves are very common, so difficult to conclude it is due to your thyroid disease.

[Tonibrookshire]

I went today for a follow up ultrasound (they are watching nodules for growth)...and I have appt with the Doctor at my endocrin's ofc on 12/15...the p.a. has told me at previous appts that thryroidectomy is usually the last course of treatment and he also said they do not prescribe Armor to their patients (because it's so hard to regulate....blah blah blah)........Is it crazy for me to think that I should insist on either Armor or a thyroidectomy???   My thought on the TT is that yes, I will still have antibodies of Hashi & Graves both, and I will have to contend with the Graves Eyes disorder BUT with having both diseases (and KNOWING I'll be on thyroid replacement hormones ANYWAY) so WHY wouldn't my endocrin want to go ahead with a TT???? I am SOOOOO tired of dealing with ALL the symptoms of BOTH Hashi's and Graves....I'm 39 yrs old, have 3 kids and I am going to miss the rest of the childhood because of these diseases...Somedays, it is all I can do to move from the bed to the couch and that's NOT how I want my kids to remember me........

Any thoughts?!??!?!   (and if you're in Atlanta, any recommendations as far as an endocrinologist who does use TT as treatment? or prescribe Armor?

Thanks for the input!!!!