When your feet swell up three sizes larger than normal? Obviously this was something that docs could actually SEE.
It was [inevitably] right before a holiday weekend and I was able to get into an emergency medical outlet to get bloodwork done. It wasn't till the following week tho, that the tests came back and f/u w/my GP led to a BIG increase in Synthroid doses.
It was one miserable wait for diagnosis and for treatments to kick in tho... .
Wish it hadn't gotten to that point, but, at least it's easy to SEE when it happens? Unlike the more subtle things that happened before it becomes a disaster. BTW? It took well over two years for docs to really see it as Hashi's and not just 'hypo-thyroid'. And only after a few other immune issues popped up. Don't forget? You can use your cane as a weapon if necessary [I don't, but it IS a nice thought at times].
's to all and hang in there! - j

Dead on, again, Dahlek. Edema is pretty hard to ignore when you first see it, and you have none of the common conditions that cause it (congestive heart failure, COPD, diabetes, etc). Your storm screamed. My storm took the sneaky route. No matter the method the storm chooses, the recipient suffers, big time. My old mantra that a storm is always a storm I had a new GP who did the most basic of thyroid tests, and modestly increased my Synthroid, which was like tossing gasoline on a raging fire. But, the sudden and extreme neuropathy I presented, and the massive weight loss? Come on, some Dr people!

More importantly, thanks for pointing out, again, that Hashimoto's and hypo-thyroid really are two different animals. I really did a mis-service in my initial post.

My Hashimoto's was diagnosed because of autoimmune issues, long before it hit on my thyroid. Unfortunately, it is easier for GPs to lump Hashi and hypo together when the patient does Not have Hashi and the thyroid first is noted with low output I'm starting to think we're a pretty good team, here

I have Hashimoto's (among other things) diagnosed some 15 years ago (following Interferon Alpha therapy for Hep-C--it seems the Interferon may have kicked off the Hashimoto's and other things). Anyway, I've recently had problems with my feet and lower legs swelling up 2 - 3 times normal and the doctor is having trouble finding a cause, so this post got my attention. I'd like more info, please, on edema and Hashimoto's that I could point my MD to.

Thanks!

Did you ever watch any of the youtubes by Dr. R. Tent from Novi, MI about immunity, viruses, vaccines, etc?

He makes alot of sense. Some do not agree with his treatments or way of diagnosing. But he doesn't require you to take dangerous drugs, or expensive damaging tests, or wait until the drug reps leave before he can see you.

I am considering the supplements he suggests and looking into eating for my nutritional type and getting daughter to join me.

I hope you find answers, soon.