Ten Years of Uncontrolled Hashimoto's: A Wild Ride Became Smooth With LDN
Vivienne Smith
About Hashimoto's:
Hashimoto’s Disease (also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This gland produces hormones that coordinate many of the body's activities including metabolism. The inflammation resulting from the attack on the thyroid often leads to an underactive gland (hypothyroidism). Hypothyroidism typically starts subtly with symptoms like fatigue, constipation, dry skin, and weight gain. It often progresses to much more severe symptoms over time.
There is no cure for Hashimoto's disease. Current treatment involves attempting to replace thyroid hormones in order to regulate metabolism.
Find a recommended prescriber in your area When were you first diagnosed with Hashimoto's and what was it like for you?
"I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto's about 10 years ago when my hypothyroidism became more and more difficult to control. My doctor increased my levo-thyroid synthetic medication up to the maximum 150mcg. At times I felt okay, but some days I couldn't get out of bed and other days I felt wired!
What made you seek out LDN?Based on how poorly things were going while using the levo-thyroid, I needed to find a different treatment. I'm a great believer in self-help, so I went looking for an alternative on the internet. I discovered Low Dose Naltrexone and did a lot of research into it. After what I'd read, I felt very positive about trying it. I spoke about it with my doctor, who is very supportive since she knows I research things thoroughly. She agreed to prescribe it.
From where did you obtain your LDN?I originally obtained LDN from a compounding pharmacy in Auckland, New Zealand but ultimately concluded that it did not seem so effective. I switched to ordering it from BuyLDN.com. Buying from Israel Pharmacy and getting LDN into New Zealand has only been a problem for me once, when Customs stopped the shipment, but my doctor wrote to them and vouched that it was a genuine order, and they released the shipment.
What has been your dosage of LDN and what changes have you seen?I started LDN at 1.5mg, and now six months later I currently use 3 - 4.5mg depending on how I feel. It took about three weeks after starting LDN to really notice improvement. I had more consistent energy and that is a total joy! Other improvements that I noticed are that I deal with stress better, and I can say yes to exercise and going out. My work has improved too, as I can predict my energy levels and my concentration is so much better. Also, my hair has stopped falling out! I'm still cold, but I can deal with it without too much of a problem.
What message would you like to give others with Hashimoto's Disease about LDN?Based on my experience, I would like to give the following advice to others with Hashimoto's disease: do please take LDN. Give it a go. It sounds corny but truly it has changed my life. I want to spread the word to as many people as possible. I am convinced more people should know about it and that doctors should be willing to prescribe it.
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