Newly Diagnosed Hashimoto's Disease

[Newbee]

A little over a year of being gluten free and found out my thyroid has now gone bad (hashimoto's disease). I asked for more than just the TSH they wanted to give me. All tests turned out significantly messed up so probably didn't need all of them but I thought it was interesting that thyroid peroxidase antibody came out really high (493 where normal would be less than 35). Clearly my body has been attacking my thyroid after I pulled out the gluten. My mom told me she thought I should find an endocrinologist to manage the disease with instead of my GP who is clueless and quitting as of this week. I've heard most endocrinologists treat diabetes and don't know much about thyroid. For those of you with thyroid issues, what kind doctor do you see? Also anyone know if the generic levothyroxine at Walgreens is gluten free? I'm trying to call the manufacturer but apparently when I called was past their operating hours so have to wait. So I'm curious to know! Thanks all!!!

[pricklypear1971]

It really doesn't matter if its an endo, GP, or nd as long as s/he treats you to make you feel better rather than to normalize tsh.

Start here for docs in your area. Open Original Shared Link

Keep googling and following links and ask around. Start reading about Hashis, and keep copies of all your labs and dosages and meds. Make notes and keep track of how you feel. Talk to your new doctor about all of it. You'll be able to gauge pretty quickly if you're suited to each other.

[Newbee]

Thanks Pricklypear1971. I'm not sure which all of my vague symptoms are related to thyroid. My main complaint was thinning hair and heavy periods. Other things I'm not sure if they are unresolved celiac or something else. After trying the initial dose the GP gave me, when should I go back (GP didn't mention going back).

[pricklypear1971]

Well, at first my doc wanted to see me monthly (with labs each time). I personally thought that was a bit much (I did arrange to get my lab sheets at each visit so labs could be drawn prior to the following visit).

She upped it every month til she started seeing something she liked (not sure what that was). It took at least 6 months for my tsh to move down but I felt much better immediately.

I can tell you right now you need a new doc simply because none of this was discussed, and you're on t4 only. I pushed for combo therapy up front (benefit of mother who is hypo). T4 only can work, but a great number of patients feel better on combo therapy.

You need to start reading about being a thyroid patient.

[Newbee]

Good to know. My GP is clueless about treating anything beyond a cold. I'm trying to get into see someone who I've heard is good but can't get an appointment until March. What medicine are you on Pricklypear1971 that you like?

[pricklypear1971]

I've been on synthetic t3/t4 compounded, Armour (before reformulation), Nature-Throid, compounded natural thyroid, and back to Nature-Throid. I'm trying it again because I felt very good on it but had to switch because of a shortage of product a few years ago (big mess).

[pricklypear1971]

Another idea to find a good doc is to contact your closest compounding pharmacy and ask for a thyroid doc reco. Talk to the pharmacist, unless the person who answers the phone sounds unusually informed.

[Newbee]

Great idea! Thanks.