autoimmune issue

i was just diagnosed with an auto-immune thyroid disorder. my dr was not helpful. just wondering if anyone else has auto-immune issues, and if you changed your diet to help?

TFS

PS i'm a little blown-away right now, sorry for not giving too much information. i had a bad cough about a month ago and had routine blood-work done which revealed this. just came from the dr.

Replies

  • vismal
    vismal Posts: 2,463 Member
    What auto-immune disorder were you diagnosed with? Did your doctor refer you to a specialist? If you are unsatisfied with the way your doctor handled things, seek out a new doctor! Not much I can offer without knowing what they diagnosed you with.
  • La5Vega5Girl
    La5Vega5Girl Posts: 709 Member
    auto-immune thyroid. grave's disease

    it's not that i'm unsatisfied with my dr, i am just overwhelmed and need some input on diet changes because she didn't have any.

    **Edited to change a few words. also, i did mention it was thyroid in my OP. i am not sure if it is necessary to know specifically that it's grave's?
  • shellypaints
    shellypaints Posts: 49 Member
    auto-immune thyroid. grave's disease

    it's not that i'm unsatisfied with my dr, i am just overwhelmed and need some input on diet changes because she didn't have any.

    **Edited to change a few words. also, i did mention it was thyroid in my OP. i am not sure if it is necessary to know specifically that it's grave's?

    Well, there is more than one auto-immune thyroid disorder. Grave's and Hashimoto's, and there is another one that I can't remember the name of. You need a referral to an endocrinologist. While changing your diet can help you will need to monitor your condition carefully IIRC. My daughter has Hashimoto's and the treatment is different than for Grave's
  • WarmDontBurn
    WarmDontBurn Posts: 1,253 Member
    I have Graves Disease and was Hyperthryoid for probably many years...I didn't really change my diet I guess because I was at a good weight (or so I thought) I was put on meds where I gained about 10lbs then got pregnant and have been up and down with my weight since.

    You need to see a good doc, one that understand thyroids and can tell you where your ranges are. I will admit I am not that knowledgeable but know where my Free T3 and Free T4 need to be to feel ok.

    Check out some thyroid boards -- I know they saved me a few times when my doc was clueless with my results
    http://www.healthboards.com/boards/thyroid-disorders/

    http://www.livingwithgravesdisease.com/forums/

    Good Luck :)
  • La5Vega5Girl
    La5Vega5Girl Posts: 709 Member
    my thyroid function is normal at this time, so i am thankful for that. i do plan to see a specialist, but just got this news today and was hoping to adjust my eating habits in the meantime. it can take weeks or even months to see a specialist in my area. thanks for the input.
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    I have tried changing diet, but it didn't really do anything.

    Reducing stress and exercise has always helped me. Mine has nothing to do with thyroid though.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    People who are hyper often put on weight when it is corrected. Some even want to skip the treatment so they can not gain weight. But thyroid problems wreak much more havoc on the body than just weight and should always be corrected.

    If you weren't referred to an endo to handle the thyroid end of things, make sure that happens. And if your doctor didn't refer you, consider getting a new doctor, because you should've been referred. It's a little irresponsible not to refer someone like you to an endo.

    Do check out thyroid discussion boards. People here tend to not believe that thyroids can even cause problems. Some also think that if they didn't have thyroid problems, nobody else on the planet could have them. It gets kind of nasty and abusive, which is the last thing anyone needs when they're already concerned and confused. Always listen to the endo and not people online (!), but the thyroid discussion boards have plenty of links to info you might like to read. They also understand there are a wide variety of symptoms and presentations, as well as how it is to deal with a new diagnosis.

    Welcome to the Wonderful World of Thyroid Issues. Have a pleasant stay. ;)
  • CarolinaGirlinVA
    CarolinaGirlinVA Posts: 1,508 Member
    I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's and was on medication for a while. I was also diagnosed with Lupus. I agree with chief, stress is the number one trigger for my flare ups. With most people, stress causes your immune system to weaken. For those with autoimmune disorders, stress can cause the immune system to attack your own systems and organs.