Riedel's and Hashimoto's and Treatment Options

[sla545]

I have had Hashi's for 11 years. Always been exhausted, cold, weight gain, depression, anxiety, hair loss, etc, regardless of decent levels (between 1-1.5), although I have to change my meds often as my levels go up and down whenever they want. Take 150 mcg Synthroid and 5 mg Cytomel 2 times daily currently. Just had my first ultrasound of my thyroid due to swallowing problems. It is enlarged and also the part that crosses my windpipe is about 3 times larger than normal, possibly causing the harder time swallowing. Dr also mentioned that it looks "woody". He mentioned Riedel's and maybe some day just taking my gland out, but didnt go into it further. Wants to give the Cytomel time to work( just started taking 2 months ago). Is thyroidectomy a good option? I am so sick of not feeling well and constantly having to change meds ( almost every time i see him, every 2 months) and constantly having levels go up and down. Especially since I now am having a harder time swallowing, is a thryroidectomy something I should be pushing for?  Please help!!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You don't likely have Reidel's - this is rare and not usually an extension of Hashi.  With Hashi, there is usually a complete destruction of the gland -so removing it does not help regulate the thyroid -- have had several patients who went through that before establishing with us, and it never seems to have helped.  Hashi gives a "woody" feeling to palpation.

Now, with the trouble swallowing, there is a possibility that the thyroid is the culprit and removing it may help local neck symptoms (but not likely to help you feel better overall).

[sla545]

Also, could it be possible that we are looking t the wrong issue? Could it be parathyroid issues, or some other autoimmune disease that has not been diagnosed?

Thanks.