Aa
Hashimotos symptoms
Hi, I am new to the community. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos at 30, but refused medication until I was 31 and started feeling tired and my knees hurt.
I have been on levothyroxine started at .25mcg and increased up to .88mcg, then was switched to Armour Thyroid. At one point my meds were too high and I was told I was hyper. I still felt tired, my joints still hurt, and I still wasn't losing any weight. Doctor told me that being tired was in my head and that my not losing weight must be due to my not being honest about what I eat. I had told him that I was counting calories and trying to eat under 1000 a day with a max of 1500.
I started out at 150 lbs, and have gained 40 pounds in the last 4 years. Exercise is difficult because my knees hurt and I seem to get muscle strains very easily now. I get a lot of muscle pain as if I'd been overexerting, and I sleep anywhere from 12-16 hours a night on weekends just to function since I can't get more than 8-9 a night during the work week. I am also having acne issues, that I have never had in my life, but am told that my Hashimotos has nothing to do with it, and I also have very high cholesterol and am being told that it is a separate genetic thing.
Does anyone have these same issues? Is there anything that helps? I have also seen an increased amount of moments where I trip over my tongue when I talk. Does anyone else have this issue? It's very frustrating to be speaking then suddenly slur a word or two.
I have been on levothyroxine started at .25mcg and increased up to .88mcg, then was switched to Armour Thyroid. At one point my meds were too high and I was told I was hyper. I still felt tired, my joints still hurt, and I still wasn't losing any weight. Doctor told me that being tired was in my head and that my not losing weight must be due to my not being honest about what I eat. I had told him that I was counting calories and trying to eat under 1000 a day with a max of 1500.
I started out at 150 lbs, and have gained 40 pounds in the last 4 years. Exercise is difficult because my knees hurt and I seem to get muscle strains very easily now. I get a lot of muscle pain as if I'd been overexerting, and I sleep anywhere from 12-16 hours a night on weekends just to function since I can't get more than 8-9 a night during the work week. I am also having acne issues, that I have never had in my life, but am told that my Hashimotos has nothing to do with it, and I also have very high cholesterol and am being told that it is a separate genetic thing.
Does anyone have these same issues? Is there anything that helps? I have also seen an increased amount of moments where I trip over my tongue when I talk. Does anyone else have this issue? It's very frustrating to be speaking then suddenly slur a word or two.
The Gemfibrozil did not seem to lower my cholesterol as well as Lipitor, but I couldn't take the lipitor because it made my muscles too weak. My blood pressure was up for the first time ever on this last Dr's appt. I associated to having a really bad day, but perhaps my Hashi's is getting worse. The Dr. said she's going to be keeping a close eye on my blood pressure now.
Thanks Autumn for the reply. I will give the lotion a try. I see you take Gemfibizol for your Cholesterol, is it working for you? I take Crestor and I really would like to try something else. Also, I'm finding since being on Synthyroid my BP is moving up ( which was always low normal), has anybody else experienced this? Somedays you just want to scream, (make that most days!)
My itching has always been minor and usually comes on in the evenings. I never related it to my Hashi's.. I would assume that it is probably a reaction to the skin going dry. Putting on lotion always seemed to ease the itching for me. I use the gold bond medicated lotion. The itching can get really bad if I take a hot bath or shower, but of course that dries the skin out even more.
As for what happens without a Thyroid, that would be a question only a Hashi's patient that has had it removed could answer and or the Doctor. I've been told that mine will not be removed even when it has died completely unless something changes on it and it starts looking like it is becoming cancerous. This is what my old Doctor said, don't know what the new Doctor's take will be.
Try the lotion, see if it helps you.
As for what happens without a Thyroid, that would be a question only a Hashi's patient that has had it removed could answer and or the Doctor. I've been told that mine will not be removed even when it has died completely unless something changes on it and it starts looking like it is becoming cancerous. This is what my old Doctor said, don't know what the new Doctor's take will be.
Try the lotion, see if it helps you.
It seems like there is always a new symptom with Hashi's. I just started with an all over itchy feeling, especially my legs, arms and back and I can't seem to stop scratching. I see from some of the posts that there are others that have had the itches.
I was wondering how long they last and what you can do to help stop the itching. I just increased my synthyroid, so maybe that is what started this new symptom. Also, was just wondering if anyone knows, if the thyroid is removed, does the symptoms of Hashi end? And are you just Hypo then?
I was wondering how long they last and what you can do to help stop the itching. I just increased my synthyroid, so maybe that is what started this new symptom. Also, was just wondering if anyone knows, if the thyroid is removed, does the symptoms of Hashi end? And are you just Hypo then?
I've heard Epstein-Barr more than once here. What exactly is it and why is it connected to Thyroid? Is it common for those with Hashimoto's to develop Epstein-Barr? It sounds exremely painful. My current doctor seems more concerned about my developing depression than anything. I can't recall deep bouts of depression but have noticed a heightened emotional response to negative stimuli. If something negative is happening to or around me I tend to cry very easily, but I think I am a pretty upbeat person.
I wouldn't worry about taking ibuprofen daily unless you have issues with your kidneys or liver. As far as an intolerance, don't worry about that. I used to work for a pain specialist who would give me a Toradol and Phenergan injection monthly (can only take monthly) and that really helps with the inflammation and my headaches. I've even been given the Toradol at urgent care when my vicodin doesn't help with my headaches. I also have problems with one of my knees and my neck. I know I have osteoarthritis and have shrunk an inch already. At this rate I will be 4'8" in my 80's. Ha Ha. I'm currently 5'1". Regarding the weight thing, prior to taking thyroid replacement, I was doing 5 miles on the treadmill (exathlete) and couldn't lose any weight. Once I got on the armour 30mg, the weight dropped by itself. Then I got Epstein-Barr and lost more weight, but I don't recommend that route. Try pilates that's easy on your joints and, believe it or not, increases your heartrate. I was really surprised. It also helps in sculpting. From what I can tell, the key is keeping the TSH levels between 0.50 - 1.0. So finding the right thryroid replacement therapy that your body reacts to and converts may be helpful.
I should have started with, "Thank you so much for your replies" It's so hard trying to get 4 years of history out so that I can see if other's have suggestions that I should take to my new Dr. :-)
I have been thoroughly tested for diabetes, including the all day sugar test, with multiple pokes. I do not have diabetes. I am seeing a GP. She asked me If I'd seen an Endo and I told her that I hadn't but that my friend that was just diagnosed with Graves has and was I supposed to have been sent to one?
She said that with Hashi's it is not always necessary to see an Endo especially if there has never been a physical issue with the thyroid (goiter, etc... an ultrasound was done on my thyroid and no abnormalities were found), but for Graves disease it is a must.
The TSH levels that I have the lab work for were the initial exam, they ran more blook work after that that was more specific, but I can't remember what it said other than that it proved to the Dr. that I had Hashimoto's. My mother's side of the family did not have it, she was a single mom and I don't know my father. I was told that I must have gotten if from my father. At the time my bilirubens were high as well and the Dr. was worried, but the additional tests came back showing that my liver was fine.
I have also experience itching. My calves will start to itch for no reason, so will my arms and my back, also sometimes my scalp. My hair may have thinned, but I have always had so much hair that it isn't apparent, at least not yet.
I worry about taking Ibuprofen on a daily basis, with the fear that I may build an immunity to it and it won't help when I really need it. Do you know if this is a possibility? It's the same reason why I rarely take things for the headaches I've been getting. I only take excedrin if I really need it. It's the only medicine that helps with my headaches.
I am on Gemfibrozil for my cholesterol because the lipitor and it's cousins were making my muscles very weak.
She said that with Hashi's it is not always necessary to see an Endo especially if there has never been a physical issue with the thyroid (goiter, etc... an ultrasound was done on my thyroid and no abnormalities were found), but for Graves disease it is a must.
The TSH levels that I have the lab work for were the initial exam, they ran more blook work after that that was more specific, but I can't remember what it said other than that it proved to the Dr. that I had Hashimoto's. My mother's side of the family did not have it, she was a single mom and I don't know my father. I was told that I must have gotten if from my father. At the time my bilirubens were high as well and the Dr. was worried, but the additional tests came back showing that my liver was fine.
I have also experience itching. My calves will start to itch for no reason, so will my arms and my back, also sometimes my scalp. My hair may have thinned, but I have always had so much hair that it isn't apparent, at least not yet.
I worry about taking Ibuprofen on a daily basis, with the fear that I may build an immunity to it and it won't help when I really need it. Do you know if this is a possibility? It's the same reason why I rarely take things for the headaches I've been getting. I only take excedrin if I really need it. It's the only medicine that helps with my headaches.
I am on Gemfibrozil for my cholesterol because the lipitor and it's cousins were making my muscles very weak.
I am happy to hear you found a new doctor. I am a nurse and know first hand that some doctors can be real jerks. You say you were diagnosed with Hashi's, but did they run TPO or specific blood tests for autoimmune? I have been battling some different symptoms than you for a year and a half. Extreme fatigue (even Epstein-Barr positive), chronic constipation that causes severe pain in my left side and ribs, trouble sleeping, soreness in my armpits and really bad itching on arms, armpits and backs, chronic daily migraines. Your TSH levels are high and the fact you couldn't lose weight is not surprising and that doctor is an idiot. Also, Hashimoto's does affect cholesterol and triglycerides. You sound like you may have some resistance to the meds and losing weight, which may be from your body not being able to utilize the sugars (carbo's included). Have you ever been tested for diabetes? Some Hashi's is caused by diabetes. Are you seeing a GP or endocronoligist? You should really see an endo doctor. I am finally going to see one after a year and a half. I finally asked my doctor to run the Hashi's test, which cam back positive and prompted him to refer me to the endo doctor. Also, the knee problems are a autoimmune and Hashi symptoms. Try taking an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen or naproxen daily to reduce the inflammation to your thyroid and joints. We all have similar and different symptoms. It just manifests itself differently. Hang in there. You'll be glad you found this site. I found it yesterday and have learned so much already, even for a nurse. Good luck.
Update: I pulled the one lab that I do have. It is from July of 2004 and it shows TSH 5.22. This is the lab that I was diagnosed from but does not show a breakdown of t3, t4 etc.... I have since seen breakdowns such as I see on this forum on my labs but have never been provided a copy and didn't realize that I should have asked.
I just remember hearing okay, now it's a 4 point something, we need to increase your med. Now it's a 6 point something, we need to increase your med. Now it's a 10 point something, we need to increase your med. From what I'm hearing here, my old Dr. could have been much more helpful and informative. My new Dr. seems to take the approach that she wants to really look into this and make sure that I'm getting the help I need. I had swelling in my abdomen and face about a week ago, but not in my fingers or ankles, that was what prompted me to make an appointment to finally go see the new Dr.
I just remember hearing okay, now it's a 4 point something, we need to increase your med. Now it's a 6 point something, we need to increase your med. Now it's a 10 point something, we need to increase your med. From what I'm hearing here, my old Dr. could have been much more helpful and informative. My new Dr. seems to take the approach that she wants to really look into this and make sure that I'm getting the help I need. I had swelling in my abdomen and face about a week ago, but not in my fingers or ankles, that was what prompted me to make an appointment to finally go see the new Dr.
I probably should have also mentioned that my new Dr.'s labwork is checking lipids, thyroid, and autoimmune. I don't have the specifics since the lab sheet is kept there as they have an onsite phlebotomist.
I have never been given a copy of my lab results, Except for the very first set with Cigna 5 years ago when I was 30. I am planning on getting a copy of my next set. My new Dr. is having blood drawn in 2 months. I just switched Dr's and she wants to do a new workup and get my lab results from January because it's looking like I've taken another nose dive.
Armour thyroid was started at 30mg, raised to 60, and that point my t3 was at a 10 so it was increased to 120, at which point it went too far the other way and reduced to 90. I've been on 90 for about 6 months now and had blood work done in January, with a phone message saying "your blood work looked fine". At which point, with other issues, I decided to go to a new Dr.
My new Dr. is going to retrieve my file from my old Dr.'s office. I don't remember all the other levels, I just remember hearing that my t3 kept going out of whack ranging anywhere from a 4 to a 10. And that my cholesterol was in the 260-280 range.
Armour thyroid was started at 30mg, raised to 60, and that point my t3 was at a 10 so it was increased to 120, at which point it went too far the other way and reduced to 90. I've been on 90 for about 6 months now and had blood work done in January, with a phone message saying "your blood work looked fine". At which point, with other issues, I decided to go to a new Dr.
My new Dr. is going to retrieve my file from my old Dr.'s office. I don't remember all the other levels, I just remember hearing that my t3 kept going out of whack ranging anywhere from a 4 to a 10. And that my cholesterol was in the 260-280 range.
Dozens have the same thing going on with them and unfortunately your situation is not uncommon either.
It is helpful if you can post your labs so the forum can see where your levels are at. Do you have the thyroid lab numbers and what tests you did?
After you switched from .88 Synthroid - what level of Armour were you started on? And where are you at now on that dosage?
I suppose it is best to start with those questions first.
It is helpful if you can post your labs so the forum can see where your levels are at. Do you have the thyroid lab numbers and what tests you did?
After you switched from .88 Synthroid - what level of Armour were you started on? And where are you at now on that dosage?
I suppose it is best to start with those questions first.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
