My experience with Hashimoto's, hypothyroid, and for a brief time hyperthyroid.

When I was in my early 20's, I had some labwork done and was told I was hyperthyroid. At the time, I was thin, had endometriosis, but other than that felt well. I always had a little bit of a stomach pooch. I was moody then also. At this point, my doctor felt I did not need medicine and didn't do anything. I had a laparoscopy for my endometriosis and took a nasal spray to correct the sporadic endometriosis through my body.

I had my boys in my late 20's. Afterwards, I started experiencing very heavy periods, cramping, weight gain, etc. I went to the doctor and was told I was hypothyroid, but I didn't need to take meds. I saw a nurse practitioner over the heavy periods. She recommended a novasure? kind of a less invasive hysterectomy I guess, but I chose not to do it and went back on the birth control pills for awhile to help with the symptoms.

In my mid 30's I gained even more weight and started having migraine headaches. I saw a neurologist, but he couldn't figure out the problem. I was on pain meds and that was about all their help. I finally got relief after a spinal tap. After the spinal tap, I had the worst headache ever and stayed on the couch for about a week. After it finally went away, my migraines did not happen daily anymore and when I had them they were lessened in intensity.

Last summer, I started experiencing back pain, pain in my hands, and in my feet. The doctor did xrays and sent me to an orthopedic center. I was told I had a bulging disc in my back and I had arthritis. I started doing physical therapy over the summer and started taking more pain meds. I also told the doctor how I was always tired. My hair is also very brittle and I'm really moody. I had blood tests, an ultrasound, and a thyroid scan done. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism. I was put on 25cc Synthroid which was later bumped up to 50cc. I do feel better, but still experience tiredness and stiff joints.

I do try to cut back on gluten and dairy and joining Facebook support groups for Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism has been a huge help. It makes me feel so much better knowing that others have experienced this and can give helpful tips in coping with this disease.

I've adapted and changed some things in my life, which has helped. Before the arthritis in my foot, I was doing karate and the couch to 5k program, now I take walks. I make sure I take my meds. I try to focus on the positives. I did have one reflexology appointment and it did wonders. I felt better for weeks afterwards. As soon as I get some extra money, I will definitely go back. I also bought a chair massager with heat and that has helped my back tremendously.

I'd love to hear your story.