Let me tell you - I was diagnosed about 5-6 years ago. And let me be realistic - life has not been a walk in the park - but there is plenty of hope. Do your research thoroughly (I recommend Stop the Thyroid Madness - very comprehensive site). Please don't be afraid to advocate for yourself with your doctor - (making an assumption here about your sex based on appearance, please correct me if I'm wrong) girls and women tend to be taught to be quiet and accept what an authority figure says, but that won't get you better.

I asked to have several tests done and to experiment with a couple different meds to find the right one for me - now that I'm on a med that's working for me, I'm working on advocating for a higher dosage so I feel better. Also, take it from someone who's been there and is still looking - please find a doctor/endocrinologist that listens to your concerns and doesn't just treat you as a collection of test results.

As a heads up regarding the auto-immune aspect - yes, it is true that if you have one auto-immune condition it is statistically likely that you will have more than one (they tend to be co-morbid), but I seem to be living proof that this is not guaranteed at all.

HypnoticHayleeLynn wrote: »

Thanks for the posts! I was so overwhelmed with horror stories online that I went into a frenzie. I am obsessing this but am being pro active. Right now I am not hypo. I have fine t3 and t4 and suppressed tsh. Highish antibodies. I have to try all I can to have a good doctor on board for when /if it gets worse. My endo isnt great but he will listen and run tests and is open to ndts. I also am on a six month waiting list to get in with a highly recommended holistic Dr who works with this.

I am hoping that by taking care of myself now I won't develop further diseases ( I have severe medical anxiety. My biggest fear is illness so this is so hard for me mentally) I'm now gluten and dairy free and going to keep up with exercise. A good doctor Is a must so I really hope the holistic Dr is great!

I really feel for everyone who is suffering. I wish we could all be well, but hopefully we can stick together and help educate motivate and inspire each other and feel the best that we can

I hope I'm not being presumptuous, but have you considered seeing a therapist to help with reconciling your hypothyroidism with your fear of illness? They may be able to help you with some coping mechanisms at the very least and help you take down the stress level that comes with fear.

I'm sure if I submitted the correct parameters I could link researching WebMD to increase of cancer. There are so many sites making a buck via fear generation it should be criminal. Only source recognized peer reviewed sites. Thyroid disorders are by and large very treatable and manageable. Focus on the positive and relish in the fact you have been diagnosed. You now know what the issue is, simply focus on treatment. There are a number of elite level athletes with thyroid disorders who are now competing at a higher level post treatment. Jillian Michaels is one I continually point to if you need inspiration.

Start keeping a journal on your behavior - if you found MFP you are way ahead of the game. Link your diet and exercise to you medications and speak to your treating physician about this - present them with objective evidence and help them help you.

That's how I felt when I was first diagnosed too and now I don't even think about it at all. Those stories are not good to read. You are on your own journey and it will unfold for you - good or bad - you can handle it. Good luck.

I have hashimoto's. I have lowered my TPOab close to 600 points by cutting gluten, wet cow milk, soy, and taking NP thyroid. Stop the Thyroid Madness is hands down the best advice out there regarding getting our thyroid hormones "optimum" not just in range. Just in range; many feel awful, exhausted, lethargic, (kinda like mono). When thyroid hormones get optimum; we feel GREAT even with hashimoto's!!! There are people like Isabella Wentz (Hashimoto's Root Cause) who reversed hers (get TPO ab in range - no more antibodies!) So I'm working to lower my TPOab. It is a journey! There are ups and downs. The weight loss issue often has to do with the thyroid hormones being in improper ratios; even though they're in range; and as well some people have an RT3 problem which basically interferes with the availability of T3. A lot of regular endocrinologists are not up on this information; however, there are physicians who are growing in their understanding. It takes time for new information to work its way into the practices. Research, check the studies, don't believe everything you hear, and check out STTM (Stop the Thyroid Madness) and their amazing facebook group FTPO - amazing help.