Just to say Hi,

I think I should introduce myself as I have been sitting on this site constantly for a week (is it only that long) since I became a member.
My story seems petty compared to others I am reading - good luck and love to Liz - but here goes.
My first blood test ever in July (53 y.o.). Energy low, painful feet particularly in the morning, R/sided neck pain for a couple of years. Worried my cholesterol would be up; ha! Results- moderate thrombocytopenia (platelets 74), mild neutropenia, red cells mildly hypochromic and microcytic (feels like I'm undressing ). Follow up tests showed everything else to be within range (gamma globulins below range??). Platelets went up and were 99 in September, then dropped to 60 in October - ouch.
I immediately stopped taking the herbs my naturopath had started me on in September and went back to the ones I had taken in July/August (rehmannia complex). Last blood test (2 days ago) they were 76. I'll post later in natural therapies forum about how my treatment is going.

I'm content that my only treatment options are natural therapies but wish there was more i could pin my hopes on. My naturopath has me alkalising my body through diet - it's summer here so the salads go down well, limit juices, green drinks etc. Peter, my best friend and partner puts on a good act when served tempeh salads regularly .
I am also taking supplements for thyroid function because although thyroid tests were in range apparently naturopaths like results to be at the upper range. Also probiotics and apple cider vinegar to ensure optimal absorption.

I don't know how long I have had this blood disorder - probably mildly and then exacerbated with menopause - but I feel some comfort for having an explanation for some of my 'weird' sensitivities (hot/cold, environmental).

Does anyone know how common hypochromatic and microcytic rbc's are with ITP ??

It was a Buzz and a breath of fresh air going on the Aussie/NZ chat group on Tuesday (I am a bit of a technophobe). This web site is a godsend - I just wish there was more positive stuff on complementary therapies. Thanks for reading my relatively dull story. Cheers, Sally

Having both Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroid) and ITP, I'd have to agree with your natuapath, the neck pain and energy definitely are typical thyroid symptoms. Also, not typically reported but enough antidotal from Thyroid chat rooms, if the bottom (near the ball) of the foot is very painful on waking, but seems to abate as you move about. If possible you might see if you can get the thyroid antibody tests. You can have a normal TSH but have symptoms if you have thyroid antibodies.

Thanks 'Bunnie', Do you know what treatment is usually given if these antibodies are present? I am taking iodine, selenium (mineral) and tyrosine (protien) already to increase thyroid function. Yes it is mainly the bottom of my feet, for over a year- coincided with menopause and decreased energy levels. Also feels much++ worse -aching and heavy- if I feel a bit low/depressed. Not nearly so bad if I'm doing something I enjoy. Obviously I need more fun. Best wishes, Sally

If you have hashimoto's (it runs in my family and I do) getting on synthroid is your best chance of feeling better.

I, too, am hypothyroid due to Hashimoto's disease (diagnosed 2003), and also have ITP (diagnosed 9/08). Having more than one autoimmune disease at a time is very common.

Hashi's is the most common cause of hypoT in industrialized nations, so that's probably what you have, too. If you indeed do, those thyroid-boosting supplements are unlikely to help you over the long term. Once hypothyroid symptoms occur, the thyroid gland has sustained so much damage from the auto-antibodies that it can no longer produce enough hormone no matter how much raw fuel you provide it. In fact, iodine is likely to exacerbate it and make you feel even worse. The best way to treat Hashi's is to take thyroid hormone in an optimal amount to replace the deficiency. There is a "natural" form of prescription thyroid hormone which is preferred by many patients and most naturopaths over Synthroid and the like. It comes in the form of desiccated porcine thyroid extract. If after a couple of months, you see no difference in the way you're feeling, I strongly suggest you push for one of the desiccated hormone products. Trying to treat Hashi's with herbal or mineral thyroid boosters is about the same as trying to treat type I diabetes with chamomile and rose hips instead of insulin. Just so you know...

Question for those of you with Hashimoto's: I was diagnosed with ITP over 10 years ago, control it mostly with prednisone. Although my TSH blood test is normal, my TPO marker suggests I am pre-Hashimoto's. I have no thyroid symptoms of the sort that any of you have mentioned. Would you treat for Hashimoto's if you had no thyroid symptoms? Well--I guess I have one symptom--I have a swelling on one side of my neck. (I had the other half of my thyroid out aaout 20 years ago, have never needed thyroid replacement meds.) My endocrinologist does needle biopsies occasionally--when my platelets are high enough so she gets tissue rather than just blood.

I thought I'd done every test available between my GP, Haemo and naturopath. My TSH, T3 & T4 are all mid to low range. Mild iodine deficiency detected in urine iodine. Do you think I could still have Hashimoto with these levels. I thought my R/sided neck pain was related to eye strain and work stress (I am legally blind in my L/eye from eye surgery)- pain definitely increases with stress and eye strain. If so, what are the tests I should be requesting. My GP is co-operative but the hemo I saw at oncology clinic gave her no support or guidelines. I don't want to see another hemo at this time (while levels are safe and relatively stable). ???
Thanks, Sally

Sally,
The specific antibody tests for Hashimoto's are anti-TPO and anti-Tg, both tests. Many MDs neglect to test for anti-Tg, but it may be positive while TPO is not. The tests have a false-negative rate of up to 20%, so they aren't completely definitive. The only 100% certain way to diagnose is by thyroid biopsy, but that is almost never done solely for Hashi's diagnosis. Treatment for hypothyroidism is the same whatever the cause, Hashi's or otherwise. Replacement of the missing hormone is required. There isn't much that can be done in the way of reducing Tg AB titers, although studies have proven that TPOs can be reduced up to 40% with a daily 100-200 mcgs of selenium supplementation.

Karen,
Goiter and nodule formation are symptoms of Hashi's. TSH is only one part of the story. Your free levels of T4 and T3 need to be adequate for your specific needs. Perhaps yours are, so you have few symptoms. In that case, it's a judgement call whether to treat with thyroid hormone or not; but treating when levels are so-called "normal" can prevent or reduce goiter/nodule size. If ITP weren't a consideration, I personally would probably opt to have the remainder removed just to eliminate the worry about those nodules. But since ITP is always a surgical concern, I might give thyroid hormone a try in an attempt to keep the nodules in control... especially if my free levels of T4/T3 were below median lab range.

Thanks, I will discuss these 2 test with my GP next visit. The iodine is not making me feel worse - i think my energy levels and sore feet/leg heaviness has improved a bit over the last couple of weeks. Probably more related to adjusting to the onset of summer and improved diet. Shall keep observing. I appreciate the info - it is impowering.
Best wishes, Sally

Thank you, Midwest. I've been pretty good about keeping up with ITP medicine (if it's explained in lay terms), but the thyroid stuff has confused me, and I've not educated myself enough. Do you have suggestions for good, clear explanations--maybe online?