can u tell me exactly what was checked. is it "auto-immune numbers "? that is very interesting b/c i am on med for low thyroid THS is in normal range but i don't think i have ever had the A-I #'s checked. Why the gluten & dairy free diet? are u seeing an endocrinologist now?

Did they also check your free t-4 and your t-3?

Did they do an ANA?

Yes, I finally found a wonderful endocrinologist and she ran a lot of tests...including t-3 and free t-4 but I do not know my numbers...we concentrated on the autoimmune numbers. There is a lot of information about Hashimoto's on the Internet. I also got a couple books on Amazon that has good information...but it seems a gluten and dairy free diet is what they recommend...and some times no egg products either. I am only in my first week....so far, so good..but I am finding I miss cheese and I was told not to waste my money on the imitation...but almond milk is pretty good. They have so much gluten free products on the market now.

General practitioner's long time rule for thyroid testing is the THS....so you might need to get an endocrinologist

One day at a time. It helps to meal plan. It also helps to not be to adventureous with food until you adjust to the diet changes. The changes will come slowly almost unnoticable until your next blood work. You might notice, as many who have made these changes have noted, they feel less achy and stiff. That means they can move around more which we all know is wonderful for our overall health. Anyway, meal planning can be very helpful when making these serious and somewhat complicated diet choices.

The problem with just testing TSH is that while it tells us what our thyroid is doing, we feel the FT4 and the T3...that level is what our body is operating on so it drives our symptoms more than the TSH. So we might be normal by the numbers, but feel lousy as our level may not be high enough or too high for us.

Even my cat gets the free t4 and t3 tests ;-D And do better on the grain free diets.

Please keep up posted how it goes!

This is an interesting thread for me as my DH was just diagnosed with Hashimotos. His TSH was high so they tested for the antibodies and his was 900. Extreme Stress brought brought out his symptoms. The first endo we saw totally blew us off. "Take these meds and go away, basically". Found another doc that listened to every crazy symptom. He is on thyroid meds and is feeling a little better but it has only been two weeks.

Sooo many people have thyroid disorders and many times they are misdiagnosed. Sometimes thyroid symptoms become so severe people are treated for bipolar and/or psychosis and put on antipsychotics. It has been an interesting journey for us.

I am trying to get him to go on the autoimmune diet - no gluten, no diary, no sweets. It's challenging but I am trying to get him to read more about it.

Sorry to hear Lily. 2 weeks is probably too soon to see any real difference but there is hope. I find walking helps with stress management.

The main thing is your husband is getting treatment now and it sounds like you both have found a physician that can help.

Small changes can make a big difference.

On the diet, if possible don't change everything at once. He will not be a happy camper. There is a thread on GW from Lynn about healthy eating choices and it is full of wonderful substitutions. For instance, he may love ice cream (like me). There is a coconut milk ice cream, so perhaps he wouldn't feel short changed. He may like cream in his coffee, there are NutPods instead. He may love spaghetti and meatballs, there is Spaghetti squash and meatballs made with oatmeal as the binder. You get the picture. You can't go wrong with protein and veggies. Life is about choices and together you will discover new and healthier options!

You let him know it is possible to feel better and get his life back!

Meyerk9, you are absolutely right. When we talk about diet changes I can see him getting stressed. He loves icecream so maybe I can find some good icecream substitutes. Thank you! I think there is something called miracle noodle? Haven't looked into it yet but I will have to change his pasta. I asked him to just change what he eats for one week and see how he feels. He can do anything for one week and if he feels better it should motivate him to continue.

I guess I never knew just how many problems could be caused by a thyroid problem. Thanks again!

Lynn has done a wonderful job compiling recipes with health and taste in mind. I have made the Kale, bean and sausage soup. It's always in the monthly rotation.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3422307/as-requested-lynns-low-carb-healthful-recipes-and-substitutions?n=56

Last night I made pork chops (in the Sous Vide ) with Cuban black beans and brown rice in the Instant pot. Those were the tenderest pork chops I have ever had. So you both may need to expand your comfort zone on food and what options to try. I love to cook and all that goes with it. I am taking a knife class today just because I want to "hone" my skills. LOL!!!

Try to get your husband involved in meal planning, prep and shopping. Small steps! He will feel less stressed if he is involved in an aspect of his health that he has some control over, like food.

It's not easy changing a lifetime of habits. Start slow and find things he likes then build on that.

Snookums, your cats' T4 tests are free? Keep your vet!