Hashimotos and Breathing Problems?

[I_feel_awful]

Hi I have been visiting this site for awhile, but this is the first time I have posted. I haven't seen anything regarding what I am experiencing, but am wondering if it is related to my hashis/hypo condition. I was diagnosed with hashis in September this year. I am still in the med adjustment era, and am currently on Synthroid 100mcg. I have been experiencing for the past 3 days a hunger for air. I CAN'T take a deep enough breath. I feel hungry for air constantly, not just with exertion, but constantly. This is the fourth episode I've had with this over the past year. It has lasted 1-3 weeks each time. The first time I went to walk-in and was told it was just gas (I knew better), the second time I had spirometry performed, as well as a chest CT which both were normal. This was before I was diagnosed hashis although around the same time I noticed my goiter. My family doc told me I was having panic attacks although I didn't feel this was accurate. (He also tested my TSH at this time per my request 4.5 perfectly fine he told me no chance my thyroid was off-I am now in the care of an endocrinologist-after my TSH hit 15.) He(my family doc) prescribed Innopran (a beta blocker)for my breathing problems, which I didn't take because I thought if it was bronchospasm it would worsen my breathing troubles. I had my TSH tested yesterday for my 6 week check after dosage increase, but won't have results till monday. Are breathing problems such as I've described commonly associated with hypo patients???

[PNWBabe]

You might want to check out StopTheThyroidMaddness.com I saw it listed here and wow!!! Informative and well put together. You may find the answers to your questions there.

PNWBabe

[HashiNoNo's]

Hello everyone, I just joined this board.

I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and I also have shortness of breath.  I am still in the process of getting my meds regulated.  When they need to be increased, the shortness of breath gets worse and I also get heart palpitations. It is good to know that these can be symptoms of hypothyroidism.

I hope we all feel better soon!

[Beachbrat1964]

Hi all,
I too have terrible problems with shortness of breath, and it seems to happen when my meds need to be increased and my tsh is going higher, right now its 2.5 i am hashi/hypo and I know it needs to be lower... but the shortness of breath seems to be a irritating symptom to say the least!!
I hope someday ppl will not have to  beg and plead with their dr.s for help, my daugher who is 14 is also hypo. I do not want her to suffer the way I have and the way most of us have!!
I wish I lived somewhere in Fl besides BFE north central fl and could find a good doc I will NEVER give up. But sometimes its so hard... you feel good for one week outta 3 whooo wee yheeaa haaa...... I wanna feel good again like I used to I am 41 and know there is alot of life to live and I will fight to get what I need and find a doc who will do it for me and more for my baby girl so she does not have to get as bad as I have...
I know it takes patience... but prevention is the cure in her case..
take care all

[just_breathe]

Hi -

I've been experiencing the shortness of breath, heart palps, overall air hunger.  I feel miserable day-in and day-out.  I was diagnosed hypo (TSH 36) a little over a year ago and within two months of being on synthroid, had what I can only describe as a panic attack.  

I've had about three more major panic attacks since and have been testing my TSH/T4 every two months or so.  I was on 75mg synthroid for most of the time (original doctor wouldn't increase it even though my TSH was around 4-5).  New doctor increased synthroid to 100mg but it took my levels too low.  I just tested at 0.06 and had a really scary experience two weeks ago.  I was home alone and my air completely cut off (felt like choking) -- my husband rushed home and by that time, I was breathing again but now I am really SCARED.  Some days it's so bad, I just don't want to "speak" -- it takes too much out of me.

I know this isn't psychological - I'm not depressed, just want to feel normal.  The only plus is that I ditched my first doc (who wouldn't listen to my symptoms) and feel more in control of my health.  But I still feel like **** and have no hope of relief.

My endo also tested my insulin, testorone and told me those levels are normal but my LH/FSH levels are off, meaning I have PCOS.  I'm normal weight, no major acne or hair growth on weird parts of body.  Some Minor hair loss on top of head.  I'm not willing to go on the diabetic drug endo said would help PCOS.  Can't imagine adding THOSE side effects to what I have now.  

I can't live like this -- my husband is a saint, taking care of me and the house and luckily I'm not working right now...but I feel hot, palps and lack of air all day long.  It's horrible and I feel exhausted at night, even if I've lazed around all day.

I live in Northern Chicago suburbs, so if anyone has any advice or good docs they can recommend - please pass info along.  I will do my best to offer any support to those who need it.  This has been a difficult year as I felt FINE before starting synthroid and MISERABLE since "treatment".  Seriously, I had NO health problems prior to diagnosis and this so-called treatment, except for minor fatigue and horrible cramps once a month.  But, I'd happily go back to that if I could.  I only went to my doctor because mom/sisters all have thyroid problems and figured I should get tested.

Sorry so long - I just needed to get that out!

[buzzman]

Well I think it was the cytomel that has been killing me for the past year. Asked my family MD to ditch the T3 and up my levoxyl to .112, and have continued to feel better over the past two weeks. My energy level has improved and the shortness of breath is barely noticeable and continues to lessen. Hope it's not a fluke.
One good thing about family MDs vs. an Endo is that at least my family MD will go along with most anything I suggest that seems reasonable. Some Specialists think they know what's good for you wether it makes you feel good or not.
Everybody is very different. One thing that works for one person may not work for another, and all of us are prime examples of that. Evidently everyone on this site has gone from frustration with their doctors and situation to educating themselves. I think that we can be our own best physicians assistants. I hope this course of treatment continues to work for me, if not I'll keep on "suggesting" treatment options, changing doctors and studying until something does.
I hope and pray that you all can find what works too.

[NURSELPN]

Everybody is very different. One thing that works for one person may not work for another, and all of us are prime examples of that.

AMEN TO THAT STATEMENT...There's some on this site who insists on just the opposite!!! They fail to see we are all unique individuals & what works for one does not always work for another.

                              Good Luck & God Bless, Jean