Newly diagnosed with hashimotos!

Hormones
1

So today I had an appointment with an endo for the second time. He said my thyroid levels are not normal and has diagnosed me with hashimotos. He explained it has something to do with my antibodies or something. Could this explain why my feet and hands are always Cold?

Anyway, they are treating me staright away for it.

Im still worried about adrenal Cancer and cushings. But he said that Cancer isn't an option. And my blood pressure was fine so he doesn't suspect any adrenal problem

2

Can someone also tell me if hashimotos is the same as hypothyroidism?

3

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder. It is diagnosed on test results showing the presence of antibodies. Straight foreward hypo does not have antibodies. These antibodies react against proteins in the thyroid gland causing a gradual destruction, which in turn makes the gland unable to produce the thyroid hormones that the body needs.  You are likely to experience hypo and hyper symptoms until the gland "burns out". You will then be hypothyroid for the rest of your life. Treatment is the same as for hypothyroidism - usually levothyroxine.

4

Good to hear from you,Emily,and glad you're now being taken seriously.Gill

5

Thankyou for your reply! Yes the endo did say that I would have to take medication for the rest of my life which doesn't bother me and im glad im finally getting somewhere with detailed explanations.

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I was relieved more than anything and was pleased with what he was telling me even though it isn't great to have this but atleast I have some answers now.

7

That's right.It's awful not knowing,or not being listened to.All the best.Gill

8

Dear Jennifer90764

Would you please advise me as to what tests are needed to do a proper full thyroid screening.

I had a CTPA scan done which shows as an incidental finding multinodular thyroid. I have all the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Now I have to wait for blood tests and a scan of my thyroid.

Many thanks

9

Hi Jean, to get a good idea of what is going on with the thyroid you would possibly be looking at TSH assay; Total T4; Free T4; Total T3; Free T3 and Reverse T3. Not easy on the NHS!  Other tests to comprise a "proper full thyroid screening" would include antibodies - Thyroglobulin/ Thyroid Binding Globulin/TBG; T3 Resin Uptake (T3RU); Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb); Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies; Antithyroid Microsomal Antibodies/Antimicrosomal Antibodies; Thyroglobulin Antibodies/Antithyroglobulin Antibodies; Thyroid Receptor Antibodies (TRAb) and Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI).

Very long-winded!!  If antibodies are present it indicates Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

10

Thanks Jennifer for this valuable information.

What tests did the NHS carry out for you?

Will they do the antibody tests?

Hope you don't mind my asking.

11

hi emily,

If you had adrenal problem one of the symptoms is you'd be feeling exhausted and burned out most of the time- I believe trying to eat well, and sleep well - as healthy as possible, lots of greens and proteins, and if you have problems with this, supplement with some good vitamins and minerals to help support your body.   If your diet is a bit on the skimpy side you will find your hands and feet are often cold as our bodies need food as energy and these are the parts that often react first.  I dont think this is linked with the thyroid.  

12

Hi Jean

It is unfortunate, but although these tests are there, GP's don't tend to use them, seeing the TSH as the overriding determining factor as to how our thyroid health is doing.  If it falls within "normal range" they wont usually do anything else, even if you have symptoms and don't feel well. If you are outside the range they may do a total T4. This is all I have had as far as I know, it's certainly all I gehave got to know about.  Although I have been told by a Endo I have Hashimoto's, no one has ever tested me for antibodies.

Don't hesitate to ask me anything.  I'm quite happy to share.

13

Hi Leigh

I am new to the forum but I read that cold feet ,numbness can be a sign of hypothyroidism

14

Hi Emily

I reaad that coldfeet are one of the signs of hypothyroidism.

May I ask you whattreatment haveyou been commenced on?

Thanks.

15

Hi Jennifer

Thanks for your response.

I have been advised by a private Organisation that  carries out blood tests to havethe following tests done.

TSH.

FT4

FT3

Reverse T£

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies.

Thyroglobulin antibodies.

I have been ill since December 2013 and got nowhere until a recent  CTPA scan showed an incidental  finding of multinodular thyroid.

for two years

 

16

Should be reverse T3.Has to be done at the same time as TSH,FT4,FT3 for comparison apparently.

 

17

I have been put on levothyroxine and have to take it once a day. And then I have to go and have blood tests every two months to see if my levels are back to normal

18

I have read that cold sensitivity in hands and feet is a symptoms of an underactive thyroid and that you can also feel fatigued with a thyroid issue too. I asked why they didint check my adrenal glands and he said because he can't see any symptoms and he won't do a test just for reassurance as it isn't as simple as a blood test

19

Hello Emily

Thank you very much for your response.

I am feeling very frightened at the moment as all this is new to me.

Kind regards

Jean

20

Emily

I  haveLong QT syndrome as well. This precludes lots of drugs as they are contraindicated in Long QT.Lists of these drugs can be found onthe University of Arizona website.