Diagnosed with Hashimoto's AND Graves disease!

[JDzWife]

I found this support group while googling about thyroid disorders.  I hope to find answers and peace of mind.  I am 47 and have always been fairly healthy.  Within the past few months, I noticed extreme fatigue, especially late afternoon.  I need a 2 to 3 hour nap daily, which is so out of character for me.  Also, since December 2008, I have gained 25 pounds and my hair is falling out at an alarming rate.  I have never had a problem with my weight, in fact, I have been slightly underweight.. until recently.  I went to my family doctor this past February, who sent me for labwork.  My TSH level came back 0.004, vitamin B12 high at 919, cholesterol 224, triglycerides 303, HDL 39, LDL 124; everything else was normal.  She then sent me for a thyroid ultrasound which came back positive for Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  Two weeks ago I had a nuclear medicine thyroid uptake scan which came back positive for Grave's disease.  Last week was my first appointment with an endocrinologist who informs me that I have both Hashimoto's AND Graves disease, which according to her, is very difficult to treat and is not that common.  Her first suggestion was the RAI (radioactive iodine), second choice was tapazole/PTU for a year to 18 months, and thirdly was surgical correction.  She tells me that the tapazole treatment will only put the hyperthyroidism in "remission" so that we can treat the hypothyroid.  

My first inclination was to proceed with the thyroidectomy.  Then I started thinking about RAI therapy.  I am really confused on what truly is the best course of treatment is for me.  I know it's a personal choice, but how do you come to a decision?  I would like to know what course of treatment(s) anyone has had that has been diagnosed with both hyper and hypothyroidism.  

I apologize for the long post.  I am just at a loss here.  Thanks in advance!

[shellinvegas]

Hi... I too have hashi n graves, its horrible from not sleeping to palpitations night sweats,j oint pain, my crazy mood swings, happy to sad, forgetfulness INSOMINIA and anxiety have been the worst, so my next question how do I go about going a natural approach? I wouldn't know where to start?? Any advice?? I have been reasearching this diease and i also read medical marijuana helps? I feel every time i visit the Physican assistant at my endo office shes clueless and said she never has heard of something like this?? Im just deseperate and love some relief to be my old self again! Thanks, hope u r still feeling better...

[goolarra]

Some people report feeling less discomfort in the neck when they take selenium.  Be sure to follow label directions, however, since selenium can be toxic if you take too much.  Brazil nuts are also a great source of dietary selenium, but once again, you only need one or two.

When you get your new labs, it might be a good idea to start your own new thread rather than tagging onto an old one like this (sometimes old ones get ignored).  If you want to do that, just go to the top of the page, hit the green "Post a Question" button and follow instructions.  When you do that, give us your lab results with reference ranges, tell us again how much levo you take and tell us about any other symptoms you have.

[Lcwmdw]

No I haven't tried taking that but I would be willing to try it.  I am having my labs done again next week and I will post them as soon as I have the results.  I am taking 88 mcg daily of Levothyroxine  

[goolarra]

Please post recent thyroid lab work with reference ranges.  Ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report.  

How much Synthroid do you take?

Feeling a lump in the throat is not an unusual symptom.  Have you tried taking selenium for that?

[Lcwmdw]

I have been diagnosed with Graves and Hashimotos for about 3 years now.  I have been on a roller coaster ride to say the least.  Mine all started with me feeling like I had a lump in my throat (which I still have to this day).  I thought I was having an allergic reaction so I have allergy tests run and these all came back negative.  Then I have about ten different swallowing tests run and had two scopes.  Everything came back fine but I was told I had acid reflux and that was what was probably causing the lump feeling in my throat.  Needless to say I was talked into having fundoplication surgery which did not help at all.  I am on synthroid and I am continuing to have my blood work checked every 6 months.  Finally started taking zanax and this has helped relax the tight feeling in my throat.  Has anyone else had these symptoms?  I have also recently gained five pounds really quick but since I am so small my doctor doesn't seemed concerned at all.  Also my doctor thinks the lump feeling in my throat has nothing to do with my thyroid but I disagree.  Would be happy to hear any suggestions!

[dreamrn]

Just started to cry reading this..... also recently diagnosed with both and couldn't figure out why I was such a mess!!!  Thank you all for your posts.... endocrinologist isn't treating anything right now but wants to repeat tests in -12 weeks.... feel like that is a lifetime away!!  My TPO, antithyroglobulin antibodies and TSI  are through the roof!!  ANA is also.  Original TSH <0.02 two weeks later 0.28.  Free T4 and Free T3 are low normal.  If the TSH is low again in 8-12 weeks then we will do the radioactive iodine uptake study.  SOOOOO frustrated that it takes so long to figure out what is going on with me!!