Hashimoto's Disease

[5lilfish]

I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease after 9 months of suffering from a whacky list of symptoms...and having various other scary things ruled out (MRI's, EMG, bloodword). I've had muscle cramping/twitching/fatigue, mental fog, general overwhelming fatigue, puffy face, throat issues (tightness, hoarseness, sore), and some other things.

I am happy to have some answers. on top of Hashimoto's disease, I am a bit anemic and I have low Vitamin D levels (26, I believe). I've been on a baby dose of Lev-something for about 3 weeks now (small dose because while my antibodies are high, my thyroid levels are still ok). I have to say I feel crappy. I am exhausted and just plain do not feel well. There are times I just have to lie down and sleep and there are times I feel like I have been run over by a truck. Also, the muscle fatigue is horrible...in my arms especially.

Is this typical? my levels will be re-tested in a month. Will this get better...because right now this really stinks. I have 5 kids and NO energy. It's beginning to get me down.

Thanks..
Jess

 

[lisajl]

I am hypothryoid, so I know about the being tired part. I knew something was wrong (8 years ago) when I could not get myself up off the couch.
I went in for a regular check up and they did bloodwork. So thankful my doctor ordered it because I thought, geesh..I'm just tired.

I have been on Levoxyl now since then and it does get better.
My meds have been upped one time because I was feeling sluggish again.
My bloodwork said..oops getting low again.

It will get better, just hang in there. Did they tell you to take your meds about 1 hour before you eat?

 

[luvmarypoppins]

You can also read the Thyroid Thread on the Coping and Compassion Board. That has alot of info too. Are you also getting a prescription for the Vitamin D? I have this as my level was reallly low but that is because I have thyroid cancer. Hope your symptoms become manageable and that you feel better soon.

 

[heartsy77]

My 17 year old niece has it as well; she has been diagnosed since she was 7 or 8 . My DD 10 also has hypothyroidism. She has been on meds for 2 years. The best advice I can tell you is use name brand thyroid medicine. It has made my dd levels good for the fist time since her diagnosis. Her tiredness had improved since her levels are better, however; her biggest problem is she is always cold! 90 degrees and she is walking around in long sleeves and pants.

 

[golfgal]

Plan on it taking a year or so for them to get your meds right. You have to wait about 6 weeks between dosage changes to do new bloodwork to see where you are, etc. It just takes time.

I have actually done better on the generic synthroid so it isn't an absolute for brand name vs generic.

 

[crz4mm2]

Plan on it taking a year or so for them to get your meds right. You have to wait about 6 weeks between dosage changes to do new bloodwork to see where you are, etc. It just takes time.

I have actually done better on the generic synthroid so it isn't an absolute for brand name vs generic.

THis is true. Many people do fine on one or the other, BUT, whatever you start with, STICK with.