Help with newly hashimoto's diagnosis

[cj333333]

Hi all..... I am a 36 year old male and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's 2 months ago. Come to find out, it had been overlooked since 2010, which my doctor said was difficult to see because I'm male and skinny. I started becoming symptomatic in 2012, bouncing from specialist to specialist with all of them confused until finally figured out by my GP. But anyways, I have been taking 125 levothyroxine for the last two months. I have noticed a significant change in my energy levels and my severe constipation has been a lot better. However, my abdominal pain has not turned around like I was hoping. Most of the pain is under my right rib cage and right under the sternum. I also have major gas that keeps building no matter if I eat or not. The last few days, I have also had short bouts (like 5-10 secs) of sharp kidney pains. But its only happened like twice, but I'm not used to having kidney pain. My abdominal pain worries me more. I have also changed my diet the last 2 months to gluten free, cutting way back on sugars, and not eating fatty foods.

Basically, my question is, is this just getting back used to having the hormone in my system again? I know it is mostly converted in the liver and kidneys. Or should I be worried that I might have another autoimmune condition or some kind of damage from being hypo symptomatic for over 2 years without treatment?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Barb135]

Best wishes and Happy Holidays to you as well.

[cj333333]

Thanks so much Barb! I will definitely post any questions and will frequent the site in case I might have gone through something and can maybe help others out too. Happy holidays to you!

[Barb135]

I don't think celiac produces that type of pain, either, but by all means, get checked out for it.

Do be aware that there is a gall bladder condition that does not include gall stones that causes a similar type of pain, and though it's not common, be sure to make insist that it be ruled out.

Beyond that, if there's some way we can help you with your thyroid condition, feel free to post your current levels, with reference ranges and we'll offer up and opinion.

[cj333333]

Back for an update. I went to the ER this morning and had an ultrasound on the gallbladder and blood tests. The gallbladder looked good, no stones seen anywhere. Liver function came back good. The ER doc thinks it could be ulcers or she said could possibly be celiac, but I would need to let my GP check for that. So, I am very happy that my gallbladder and liver are good! The pain is still there, but at least I have ruled out some things. But thanks Barb for taking the time to help! I really appreciate that. I think this community is going to help me see what I need to do to get my life back!

[Barb135]

Look forward to an update... good luck.

[cj333333]

That sounds exactly like what I have been experiencing! Thanks so much Barb! I am going to get it checked right away. I will update when I find something out.

[Barb135]

You don't have to show signs of jaundice to have gall bladder issues.  I had gall bladder attacks for years and didn't know it.  Turned out that I had a large stone that would occasionally block my bile duct and it caused the most horrendous pain.  It felt like a gas pain and would take hours to dissipate.  

During those hours, there would be no position in which I could get comfortable.  It was found by accident during a routine physical exam when the doctor pressed on my abdomen in the right spot and, literally, brought me off the table.

I was immediately sent for an ultrasound, to find out what caused that intense pain, and they not only found THAT stone, but quite a few more, smaller ones.  Three days later, I was at the hospital, having my gall bladder out.  

[cj333333]

Thanks Barb for the response! My GP did mention last time I was there that we need to keep and eye on my gallbladder. I have been suspicious of that, considering my mother had hers removed when she was in her 30's. I'm not showing any signs of jaundice or anything, but I am definitely gonna call my GP's office tomorrow. Being the holidays, it'll probably be hard to see anyone soon unless I go to the ER. But I will definitely go if it comes on bad again. Thanks again!

[Barb135]

Ask your doctor to check your gall bladder... those pains under your right rib cage/sternum area sound like gall bladder ...

Do it soon or next time you get them, go to the nearest ER... Have them check the kidney pains as well... those things have nothing to do with getting used to thyroid medication.

For the thyroid constipation, add some Miralax to a glass of water, milk, cup of coffee bowl of cereal or any food... it's tasteless and really helps.