Newly diagnosed Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Anyone out here with this? Im super scared of gaining extra weight now more than ever. I was well into my recovery from an exhausting battle agaisnt my ED...and now this. I don't think it can get any harder for me now.

I know that I dont necessarily have to gain. Some people are able to maintain their slim figures. But what do I need to do? I need guidance. I feel completely lost, scared and alone.

help please  :(

Hi there.

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis about 8 years ago.  I gained about 35 lb before I was accurately diagnosed.  Getting it off and keeping it off is a struggle.

I've done a lot of reading and surfing regarding Hashi's.  What finally has worked for me to maintain my weight is a high protein, low carb diet eaten in about 6 small meals per day.  I don't eat soy products and I sparingly eat anything in the cabbage group of foods (brocolli, cabbage, etc.)  You will have to experiment and find what works for you best. Eating more meals per day (each about 300 cal) keeps the metabolism digesting and deters it from hanging onto every calorie you eat. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of having your blood checked regularly.  Since you are newly diagnosed, insist on having your TSH, T4 and T3 calculated at least every 3 months.  After a couple years, if everything is stable, you can stretch that out to about 6 months but never longer than about 8 months.   Recently, I have realized that your cholesterol will go up if your thyroid TSH is high.  Keeping your TSH in the acceptable range is mandatory.

Even though your blood tests may result in numbers all within the "acceptable" range, you may still feel many effects of the disease:  fatique, "foggy" brain, poor memory, hair loss/dry skin, fertility problems, etc.  If this occurs, advise your doctor.  I warn you though, some doctors will listen and others will not.  Some doctors will see you to be cured if your blood tests are normal and will not want to address any lingering symptoms.  This is where you must persevere and strive to get answers. 

After all this is said, you don't need to be fearful.  Hashi's can be controlled but it is not something that can ever be ignored.  Creating a good dialogue with your physician will be immensely helpful and you will also need to self-educate yourself a lot in the process but it will be worth it.

Good luck with this.  I have added you to my list of friends cause I discuss my thyroid issues periodically in my journal.  I hope you'll reciprocate and I look forward to chatting with you!

Hi,

I was wondering if you could help me out. I see that you were diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and I was wondering what the symptoms of that is. Also how did you find out that is what you had, what were your symptoms. The reason I ask is because I do believe this maybe a problem with me but not sure. I looked up the symptoms and the fit me pretty good, but I want to hear from someone who has it and what there symptoms were. If you could please help me.

Thank you,

Chrystal

My mum was diagnosed with this a few years ago, and then with diabetes last year.  She's always struggled with weight, but decided to use her medical issues as the motivation she needs to be healthy.  She eats well, allowing herself a small treat once a day, and goes for a walk every evening after dinner.  In doing that, she was able to drop 12 dress sizes in the course of one year.

Your condition doesn't have to dictate your weight.  YOU still get to choose how healthy your lifestyle is, just like before.  That's something that hasn't changed.  What has changed is that you now have more reason than most of us to keep your body running at peak level.  If my mum, an overweight 50 year old can do it, I'm certain you can too!

I was told I have Hshimoto's about 20 years ago and it made no difference in my life at all. I've always been sensitive to cold, and I don't lose weight as easily as others, but it's doable. Just be persistent, don't expect to treat weight loss as a race, but aim for a healthy, lifelong lifestyle--good goal for anyone!

Hi... I firmly believe this had a lot to do with the development of eating disorder as I was eating barely anything, exercising constantly and still gaining. By the time I was diagnosed I had developed so many restricting behaviors that I had a full blown ed.  My advice would be to see an endocrinologist who specializes in eating disorders... not just  a general practitioner.  I have labs drawn every 6 weeks and my levels fluctuate constantly.  I've found t4/t3 to be the most effective.  I would also advise sticking to one brand of medication as dosages fluctuate between generic and non-generic.  Since being treated I have a much faster metabolism and far fewer symptoms.... sometimes it gets tricky because ed and thyroid conditions mimic each other. Good luck