Posted 5/18/2009 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
I also had/have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. When my Tsh levels came in way high, unbelievably high according to my then GP, I was sent first for an ultrasound of the thyroid and it was a "lumpy, bumpy thyroid". My immune system had attacked it. I then had a referral to an endocrinologist who basically reiterated what G.P. had said. So, I was put on synthroid, have been on the initial dose for 23 years. I often wonder why no further investigation into how, why, all of that. Gee, if my body don't accept my thyroid, wonder what other parts of me doesn't it like. But nobody ever went there. I gotta see Dr. House for that I guess. Then the Fibro started. Totally blew thyroid problems off the wagon train. I sincerely believe there is a relationship. In my gut I feel like my immune system doesn't like various organs and the CNS. Therefore there is war being raged, continually, and pain and fatique result. As well as sleeplessness, hot flashes, cold chills, and muscle tearing that never heals completely. I am carrying wounds in my muscles, and when I move the wrong way, or överdo it I pay the price in a series of "down days", "flares". As I age it is debilitating me. Many are tired of my turning down functions, visits and extracirricular activities of all sorts. I can only do the absolute minimum needed for survival, and that's it. I look 39 but feel 109. I am somewhere in the middle, closer to 39. I think with the fluctuating thyroid levels you are entitled to an ultrasound and a consult. See if you can find an internist who will plug in all the fading and failing hormones, not just the synthroid. Also, if I could get injections of Human Growth Hormone, in small quantities, I believe I would rally. I won't even go the stem cell debate route, but the practice of storing cord blood is an excellent idea, for future generations. There is a lot of research needed in these ares. Unfortunately, Fibro attacks 9 times as many women as men. Nothing personal, but all the researchers in this area tend to be males. Interestingly, my Aunt is married to a biomedical engineer, she has Fibro. He can't understand what Fibro is, or why it has taken his wife away, but he is a believer. Prior to her getting it, so close to home for him, not, but now he has no choice but to believe. he speaks of it very 'matter of fact", "gee, Shar thought it would help to start a walking program, so she did. It should have helped but it just made it worse"", puzzled. Our family is rift with auto-immune disorder, it's in the genes. Along with BiPolar illness, unfortunately. Sometimes it's hard to separate out what is which. It feels like an up and down disease, Fibro, good days followed by a series of really bad pain and irritability days. of course you will be irritated if you hurt all over like the flu for days on end. It kills your spirit. Perhaps your wife would like to join our forum, although we are thrilled to hear from you. The Fibro forum is the best! We have tears, laughter, joy, despair, and you're welcome to participate in all of it. You can crack up, or you can fall apart. We are gere for ya'll.