Hashimoto's

[pcoach4u]

I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto's.  I am a 52 yr old male. My symptoms are as follows: swollen knees, edema in feet and ankles, arthritis, pain in muscles and joints, muscle mass loss, weakness in arms and shoulders, tension in neck. My lab tests show high TSH: 190.83  ,  low free T4 : .42  , high CRP: 68.80  ,  Anti Thyroid Peroxidase Antibio:  185.0  ,  Anti thyroglobulin antibody:  3,000 .

Two questions: One what brought this on? Two: What recommendations for treatment?

Thank You,

pcoach4u

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You need thyroid replacement medications - levothyroxine has 12 different strengths and if you are otherwise young/healthy then a full replacement of 100-125mcg would be the usual start dose.  This is a severe case of hypothyroidism and with the positive antibodies is likely due to Hashimoto's.

[ollie5]

I'm not a doctor, but swelling in your extremities can be a sign of congestive heart failure.  There is a simple blood test -- B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) -- that can rule out congestive heart failure.  Might be worth getting for peace of mind, together with treating your thyroid. (I know - I had edema and had the BNP test, which proved negative).

[pcoach4u]

Laura,  Thank you for the comment. My doctor has started me on
Synthroid at low dose for 10 days then adding another half tab, then after 20 days, at  0.1   mg  to start with. Then retesting. Life right now is not fun, I wear braces on my knees to help with the swelling behind the knees, my strength in arms and wrists are very weak. Fortunately not losing any more weight. I am 70" and now weigh about 136 lbs.

[laura1967]

You need to be on thyroid meds asap....did your doctor write you a script???  We all would like to know what actually starts this whole process....but the most important is you getting on meds to lower your TSH so you can start feeling better. You poor guy, how are you functioning? Hoping for the best for you!