[dahlek]

my list. Tests are running and humming as I speak. According to the endo doc, I appear to have 'had it [the auto-i form] for a while'.

I feel as if this whole issue was overlooked during my series of diagnoses due to the fact that I'd been clearly hypo-thyroid for over a decade prior to PN/CIDP onset. I'm finding it difficult to think it was brought on either by 'iodine' testing, as I don't recall this specific form of testing done on me, nor do I feel it's at all hereditary as I've a large set of siblings and cousins [and their children] and I seem to be the only one out of a 'pool' of over 50 in number. The only constant in immediate family has been cancers, but not any one particular kind, the Cancer seems to be rather democratic in the different types presented.

Soo, in hindsight, could someone venture about which came first? The Hashimoto's or the CIDP? Could one have 'triggered' the other? At least, the thyroid is one aspect easily treated by a different dosage of Synthroid or a similar med, and thus not complicating my meds issues any more than necessary. A PLUS I think.

I know there are many of you out there with combination issues that include HT, but, and I apologize in advance...I'd not paid enough due attention as I'd been assured, often that the thyroid 'was not an issue'. Also that the symptoms I had overlap everything else so easily.

So I'm asking you all for help and input as I sort this all out in my brain. That brain appears to be in a small state of upheaval at the moment.

Thanks for any help in advance - j
If it's not one thing, it's another? At least, it's not dull!

[nide44]

j,
I don't know what to say, except....... WHAT ? !!
I'm not familiar with Hashimoto's, but all I can say is
just hang in there. We're all here for you.

[Alkymst]

Dahlek,
I'm really sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed w/ Hashimoto's too. You are right though that Synthroid will probably help you and might not pose a huge medication complication - another plus it's relatively inexpensive so it may not break the bank.

You pose a really interesting chicken and egg question re: the CIDP and the HT. I've had HT for >10yrs now, well before my PN - idiopathic at last count but who knows - and I've often wondered whether the HT was a harbinger of other auto-immune disorders too. I've looked but I haven't found a definitive correlation between HT and PN but maybe I've not looked hard enough or in the right places but I'll keep my eyes open.

In our family only my mama and I have ever had any thyroid problems, both sides of the family and back 3 generations. She and I both wound up having surgery, hers >30yrs ago and mine 7 but I still have my thyroid - only lost the isthmus. It got so large that it compressed my esophagus which the first surgeon told me was anatomically impossible and which the second, and my surgeon found to true as the isthmus was so large that he could not see the thyroid gland until he removed the isthmus.

In any case I do wish you well and hope that a daily little Synthroid pill will keep your thyroid functions as normal as mine have been for years - this is one of the few areas that has been on autopilot for me for years. The endo does a complete thyroid work-up every 6 months or so and I've not had a problem to date but I know this doesn't help your situation or in any way answer your question.
Take good care of yourself.
Alkymst

[rfinney]

Dahlek,

Sorry to hear about another disorder that you now have to educate yourself about. I wish I had some knowledge about possible connections b/t HT and PN - sounds like a promising area of investigation.

Can't remember where you are located and if you have a good neuro or primary care doc. Would be nice if you get someone like that interested - with the resources of this group added to the mix . . . who know what could be uncovered??

rafi

[Silverlady]

Here is another way to look at this when searching: Autoimmune thyroiditis

And it does say the PN can be caused by it. Now, I'm wondering why they didn't pick up on this at the beginning. Perhaps it was overlooked and not paid attention to because you had so many things that could have caused the neuropathy. Cancer, for example. Cancer is such a shock to the system and so many medications are also. It is very possible that the cancer and meds caused your immune system to cash in. You may have had a very low subclinical thyroid problem and the cancer jump started it.

But Dalek, this is rather like the Sjogrens and the knee surgery. I remember someone telling me..it's a little like which came first, the chicken or the egg. There is not much sense in stewing about it. Recognize it, and get on with the treatment. I realize this sounds like I'm rattling and I may be, but thought I'd throw out my thoughts while I had them. See my post to see why.

Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you.
Billye

[watsonsh]

Hi Dahlek

I too have Hashimotos and some sort of nerve pain.

I started synthoid 2 weeks ago and am amazed that my nerve pain has decreased.

Coincidence...nope

[dahlek]

I think I was in the process of having a 'Bill The Cat' moment...remember those freaked out cat things w/suction cups on car windows? NOW I WANT ONE! I mean, how many folks in the world can have first HYPO thyroid, CIDP/PN [auto-immune no less], BC, and now maybe Hashimoto's [auto-immune as well]? I guess all the tests will tell, but in the meantime, it's been [INTERNAL] vibration city.

Bob I DO think I've got good docs, the thing has been trying to get these independent 'critters' [see Garrison Kellior's 'Songs of the Cat' for context] to work together.. I have been in the process of 'gently' bringing my whip and chair to the forefront...I simply haven't been able to get them to TALK to each other...some docs are beyond 'Stars' in that they f/u every visit with letters to key 'keepers' of my care. Others, well, NOT! BTW 'Hashimoto's' is essentially a shut-down of the thyroid which processes all of those wonderful extra vitamins and minerals and amino acids we can consume [and, heaven knows what else, they seem to keep it in the secret 'code book' somewhere].

For me, the impetus was the addition by the Ocon of an 'estrogen blocker' to deter future BC.. That, plus the anti-seizure med for the CIDP/PN has been doing a number on my bones. 4 fractures in 2 years 2 months, plus a quadrupling of dental costs due to enamel loss is getting a tad 'RICH'! Instant 'crown' has NOT been in my vocabularly untill now.

As I've said before...IF it's not one thing, it's another? [THANK YOU SNL!]

Thak you all for the shoulder...It's truly a very nice thing to have and be near! - j

[Lupin]

Dahlek

Sorry to hear that you are going through another "**** happens". There is not much i can say expect my thoughts and good wishes go out to you