Hypo & Hashi's: frustrated & lost

Hi all -

I am new and just hoping to gain any additional insight from those who are also hypothyroid and/or have Hashimoto's with the presence of nodules.

A little background info:
• 30 yr female diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in the beginning of 2010
• After 3 years on Armour Thyroid and of doctors telling my my thyroid levels were now normal (and sometimes high), I still had every hypothyroidism symptom
• Thought I was asthmatic since about 12 yrs but zero symptom relief from treatments
• Allergist had me get a thyroid ultrasound as a last-ditch effort to diagnose asthma cause
• Discovered 3 discreet large nodules (left: 5.2 x 3.3 x 4.5cm & 1.4 x 1.8 x 1.8cm; right: 3.8 x 1.9 x 2.2cm)
• Had biopsy and nodules are benign but discovered Hashimoto's

Here's my problem:
I am so sick of feeling terrible but the soonest I could get an endocrinologist to see me is October 21. I literally have every single symptom of Hashimoto's and have had them for years. In addition to the usual stuff, I also have a hard time breathing since my nodules are so large. Unfortunately the symptoms have gotten worse in the last year or two. I am so stressed out from just generally feeling terrible and now that I know that cause, I am in desperate search of a solution to feeling better.

And here are my questions:
• Should I go ahead and see about getting on something like Synthroid as opposed to Armour Thyroid? I've read on here that it works better for some people.
• I was also wondering if anyone knows what the usual treatment for someone like me might be. Should I expect the doctor to recommend surgery or no?


Thanks in advance for any wisdom or advice!!

I was diagnosed with hypo/Hashi's last summer. Also have one nodule. Was on 25 mcg generic levothyroxine. Felt better eventually and seemed OK for while, but over the last 4 months symptoms reappeared. Numbers were high again, so dose upped to 50mcg of Synthroid. I feel worse on this stuff than the generic. Still don't feel that much difference, even after 7 weeks on the stuff. Some people do worse with Synthroid. I wanted to try Amour or Nature Throid, but my doctor, like many others I am told, said I could never take the natural stuff because of Hashi's....my immune system would target it as an imposter...or something like that. I have since read there are many, like you, who are on natural replacement.

I recently had my adrenal glands checked. My cortisol levels are wayyy out of whack....adrenal fatigue. I have learned you have to address this issue before you can expect to find relief with thyroid intervention. I've been taking natural supplements for 2 weeks now, and just starting to feel a difference for the better.

I also went gluten-free after being diagnosed and feel this has really helped me. I feel so much worse if I somehow eat hidden gluten.

I too have lab results next week so I am eager to see what my numbers are now.

Another question I have is if anyone with nodules has had any success in shrinking the size. One of the more serious issues I am having is that I can't hardly breathe while exercising.

Somebody said...
TSH: .37

Your TSH is in the low side of the range, and could indicate hyperthyroidism, maybe this is why you don't feel good.

S

Beewell -good to hear. I also have been GF for a year and taking selenium for a few months now. BUT, my Dr wasn't the one to recommend it to me. I had to research and figure that out on my own. Be responsible for your health. Don't rely on your dr knowing everything.