Hasimoto's Disease

P.- Most important thing to is to seek out an endocrinologist. Many family md's are in over their head with this type of thing. Also do a little research on WebMD.com--Good Luck-S.

Hey there. I have an overactive thyroid . . . what tests have they run on your throat mass? How off are your TH and T4 levels? It is not suspicious at all though that you have a mass in your throat, lol. Many people with thyroid problems have an enlarged thyroid gland. I have a big one myself. Don't freak out though, sometimes these things can regulate themselves and sometimes with a little medicine you are fine. Just make sure you are doing everything you can to stay healthy otherwise. Low stress, quit smoking if you do smoke, eat really well, it is important to stay extra balanced when you have this sort of imbalance. Let me know if you have any specific questions. I recommend you get at least a second opinion before anything crazy like surgery or radiation treatment.

Hi P., you have a condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is generally characterized by a significantly enlarged thyroid and extreme fatigue and weight loss. There are several treatment options ranging from medication therapy to radiation therapy and removal of your thyroid. I am a nurse and have alot of information on this condition that would take a really long time for me to type. If you would like to contact me @ ____@____.com and give me your number I would be happy to review my info and answer any questions you may have. The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and know you will be ok. This is not an untreatable condition. Good luck to you and I hope to hear from you soon.
T. Gover

Hi,
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis when I was 12. I too had a "mass" in my neck, which was a goiter. Aside from taking medication everyday and regular bloodwork to monitor my thyroid hormone levels, it has not really affected my life. I suggest that you see an Endocrinologist, who is a doctor who specializes in this area. I used to see one at first, but now I am monitored by my primary, since it is stable. Also, take advantage of the previous poster's offer. It is treatable and you will be fine. Good Luck.

Jen

I also have hashimoto's. You will probably start to feel better a few weeks after you start medication. They should retest you every 6 weeks or 2 months or so until they get you adjusted to a comfortable level. Sometimes, if things have been going untreated for a long time it may not respond to the typical meds and your test results may seem "okay" even though your symptoms don't go away. If this happens you might have to get pushy with your doctor to get more aggressive testing and different meds.

If you google for "Mary Shomon" she has an excellent website and has written several books on thyroid disease. I highly recommend them.

Good luck!

im not sure how to help . i askeda few others and they will let me now . so then i can let u . best to you

Hi! I'm definitely not an expert but I have Hashimoto's Disease as well. I have not had the symptoms you mentioned. But I was wondering if you are under the care of an endocrinologist? I see one and she has me on Levoxyl. That med seems to be working for me.
Like I said I don't really have any advice but wanted to pass on something to you b/c I don't ever hear of anyone having Hashimotos.
-M.

I was diagnosed with Thyroid disease back in 1992. I've been on synthroid since then to correct the problem. About 4 years ago, I started seeing an endocrinologist for it (instead of just my regular family physician). That was when I found out that the cause of my hypothyroidism was Hashimotos. I highly recommend finding a good endocrinologist in your area. I see mine approximately every 3-4 months. They check my blood levels before each visit for TSH and T4 levels. I just found out I was pregnant so I'll see him a little more during the pregnancy. As you were just diagnosed, your doctor (whether you are seeing an endocrinologist or your family physician) should be checking your levels about once a month (every 4-6 weeks) until your medication levels are correct. With the mass that they found, I would definitely find a good endocrinologist. If you are in the Pittsburgh area, I go to one at Shadyside Hospital and would be happy to recommend him (email me if you want the information). I know of another one in Oakland that a friend has recommended. There are many side effects to not having your thyroid levels where they should be. Weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, loss of hair, vision problems can all be part of them. There are other symptoms as well. I would suggest checking at the library for the (I believe it is called) the Thyroid Sourcebook. I'd look for other books they may have on the thyroid and thyroid disease. For the most part, the treatment of the Hashimotos is taking one pill a day for the rest of your life. However, I can tell you now that with the mass growing in your neck, you may also have to have surgery to have the mass and possibly the thyroid removed. A good endocrinologist can help you to understand Hashimotos as well as the other condition(s) you are dealing with. One thing I have found with my treatment is that people with hypothyroidism also have a higher chance of having other problems. Two in particular are carpal tunnel syndrome and diabetes. Please email me if you would like the names of the two endocrinologists I told you about. I'd be happy to share my experiences with you as well or would be available to talk to on the phone if you need to speak with someone.

Good luck with your treatment. One last piece of advice. You and your insurance pay your doctor so he/she works for you. Don't be afraid to take a little of his/her time and ask him questions. It's his job to take the time and answer them fully and give you an understanding of what is going on with your body and what your choices of treatment are. Don't let them leave without answering any questions you may have.