Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

Rebecca's Hashimoto's Success Story

Rebecca’s Hashimoto’s Success Story

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This success story was originally posted in February of 2015, based on personal experience provided by Rebecca Seabern. I have since developed new articles and resources for Hashimoto’s that might be helpful for you. For the latest information on the topics covered here, please visit the following:

 

Today I’m hoping to inspire you with a success story from a wonderful woman who has seen a tremendous improvement in her thyroid antibodies and anxiety since starting lifestyle interventions four months ago.

I had the pleasure of speaking with her and am so excited to share her story with all of you!

An accidental diagnosis …

Rebecca Seabern was 35 years old when she was accidentally diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, and a TSH of 263 mIU/mL (yes, 263 mIU/mL, when the “normal” reference range is 0.3- 3.0 mIU/mL)!

Her doctor was shocked that Rebecca was not in bed with those kinds of numbers! But like many of us, Rebecca explains, she just kept going despite feeling awful. She was a lifelong overachiever and stopping to rest was not an option. Rebecca justified all of her symptoms away, and if she and her husband hadn’t been thinking about having a third child, she would have never had her thyroid tested.

Misdiagnosis….

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Rebecca Seabern

Before she was diagnosed, Rebecca was extremely anxious, rating her anxiety a 10 out of 10 on most days. She was going through such a horrible time… and at times felt hopeless due to her anxiety. Rebecca’s doctors couldn’t find anything wrong, and she was placed on the antidepressant/anxiolytic Zoloft, which helped with anxiety, but made her fatigue worse. At one point, she felt so loopy; she ran into a parked car. At that point, she knew she had to get off the Zoloft.

When she got the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s, she was angry. She had never heard of Hashimoto’s and was mad that she had an autoimmune condition as she had done her best to lead a “healthy” lifestyle.

Rebecca was eating whole bread, working out multiple times per week, and was given a clean bill of health by her medical doctors because her blood pressure was always low (which functional medicine practitioners know is a sign of adrenal fatigue, often concurrent with Hashimoto’s).

One week into her diagnosis, she came across my book Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause, and was determined to do anything in her power to overcome Hashimoto’s.

Changes she made…

After reading the Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause, Rebecca realized that she needed to change her diet, and realized that she was very hard on herself. A lifelong overachiever who had earned an MBA degree as well the CPA designation, at age 35, Rebecca was happily married, with two small children and working a full-time job.

She began reading books on stress reduction (including the classic How to Stop Worrying and Start Living) and healing with nutrition (including The Paleo Approach), meditating and doing hot yoga three times per week. She now is gluten-free, takes thyroid medications, manages her stress, takes time for herself and no longer holds herself to impossibly high expectations. She enjoys laughing with her kids more and learning more about healthy lifestyles through reading.

Rebecca also started seeing a functional medicine doctor, and while she still checks in with her endocrinologist, working with this type of doctor has made a world of a difference.

Changes she has seen in the last 4 months…

“It’s like night and day for me.” Rebecca said, “When I dropped gluten, I also dropped 15 pounds, and my anxiety is gone. I used to be a nervous wreck, about my marriage, my kids, my job, and everything else. My husband recently told me that I’m back to being the person he married 15 years ago!”

I’m so thankful for the Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause, I didn’t think I’d ever heal. Four months later, I have a new outlook, perspective, and appreciation. I bought the book during the first week of learning of my diagnosis and then bought the Paleo Approach right after.

Doctors said it’s not possible to lower antibodies, but over the course of 4 months, I’ve lowered my TPO antibodies from 10,000 to 900 kU/L!

Rebecca’s Advice for Others With Hashimoto’s

  • Get a good network, even if it’s just one person that you can vent to when you need to.
  • Keep away from negativity (be mindful of blog posts and social media outlets that are hopeless, focus on symptoms and drag you down.
  • Focus on the positive role models, like Izabella, the Thyroid Pharmacist or Sarah the Paleo Mom, someone who is further along.
  • Be patient with yourself. Healing is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s gonna take time; you’re gonna get better if you do the right things.
  • Invest in yourself. I was blessed to be able to afford to see a functional medicine doctor and using quality supplements (Pure Encapsulations), which is of course not affordable for everyone. Even if these things are not affordable, you need to empower yourself. Learn as much as you can; a book is not going to break the bank.
  • Stress is huge. I never realized how sick you could get from stress. I notice in myself how stress wears down my energy levels, even causing me to be cold and have chills…
  • If you’ve been gluten free for a few days, don’t go for that donut.  Don’t waste your hard work by giving into temptation. Stick with it; you can do it!
  • While it is important to be informed and gain healing tactics, try reading a book that is not health-based; you can only take in so much Hashi/autoimmune knowledge at a time until you’re drained
  • Schedule time for fun, a movie to get your mind off things, a dinner w/ friends, or a quick day trip over the weekend with a loved one
  • ELIMINATE TOXIC PEOPLE… As difficult as it may be at first, having the baggage removed will help you heal therefore making you that much more appealing to form new relationships.  If you’re in a situation where you still have to be around a removed toxic person, SMILE and refuse to give them the power to take away your joy :).
  • Get involved and help someone out, as a mom, I try to call up a friend and invite their kids over to play with my kids.  It’s great for the other mom and me since my kids are having fun
  • Stay busy, make a list of projects you’d like to pursue such as a house project, something you’d like to organize, etc.
  • Stay positive and pursue digging deep to find the bright side of this (there is a bright side for everyone ;)).

I’m so grateful to Rebecca for sharing her story and so grateful that the Hashimoto’s the Root Cause is helping people find their “root causes.”  I hope Rebecca’s story inspires you to create your success story. If you’d like to inspire others by submitting your own Hashimoto’s Success story. It is an HIPPA-secure research portal, and I will only share the information that you give me permission to share.

Please note: you don’t have to be 100 percent well to help others. Sometimes being a work in progress can inspire others as well 🙂

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.

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Comments

  1. I am hyperthyroidism. I am taking synthesis .100 mg. Nothing is working I feel the same way the young lady in article. I need direction. Please help.
    Reply

    • Sonar- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  2. I have been on levothyroxine 50 mcg for about twenty years, my Dr. just changed my Rx to 75 mcg, because my basal temp averages about 97degrees. What do you think?
    Reply

  3. i had a growth on my thyroid and it eat up my thyroid so now I don’t have one I have colitis Arthritis and swelling in my bowel I am on meds but it seam as if they don’t work
    Reply

  4. I just discovered your book. I was found to hve multiple thyroid nodules. One grew large to test for suspicious results. Now, 2.2015,post-totaL thyroidectomy, with 5 lymph nodes removed and 1 of nodes + microcarcinoma. What advice offer for post thyroidectomy? Now take Levothyroxine 112 mcg, for body weight. Plan to adjust diet to lower gluten intake. Was tested for celiac in 2011 and negative. Antithyroiglobulin was only 155 in 2011.no other antibody testing since. Thanks, janet
    Reply

    • Janet- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  5. Janet, I just want to mention that you can test negative for Celiac, but still be gluten intolerant (or even actually have Celiac).
    The reason that Celiac testing doesn’t show this is that it usually only tests for antibodies to one kind of gluten (alpha-gliadin) and one kind of transglutaminase (transglutaminase 2), yet there are a number of other gluten, transglutaminase and wheat compounds you can react to. There is also the issue of only testing IgA antibodies- many people are IgA deficient and make more IgG antibodies, and many Celiac tests don’t test for those.
    Cyrex Labs array 3 gluten proteome tests includes all the forms of gliadin and transglutaminase, as well as other things you can react to in wheat like wheat germ agglutinin.
    Reply

  6. I am so happy that you are healing your body and feeling better. I was recently diagnosed too and I am 35 so your story gives me hope.
    Reply

  7. am pcod patient. akwsys feel anxiety. stress fatigue diziness giddiness constipation throat pain
    Reply

  8. I love reading these articles, but have come to believe that my hypothyroid symptoms will never be overcome. Eliminating gluten (the past 9 months) and soy have not helped me one iota. I have gone to an internist and am now seeing an endocrinologist, who is treating me with Synthroid and Cytomel. We are tweaking the dosage, but I have not felt any change in my symptoms. I am so fatigued,and despite the fact I sleep 10-11 hours every night, I do not wake up refreshed. I have been on antidepressants for the past 35 years, but they are no longer working. I finally took myself off of my antidepressant and my antianxiety drug so that I could see if the thyroid meds will work better. No, they haven’t. I have read so many articles and also have purchased and read Dr. Wenz’s book on the root cause, but I am still drained and suffer from a long list of symptoms. What else can I do? I am retired and on social security, so I cannot afford to see different types of doctors and take oodles of supplements. Help!!??
    Reply

  9. Why don’t you try Amour Thyroid instead of the Synthroid. It’s not synthetic like Synthroid, which can lead to bone loss (if taken for a long time).
    Reply

  10. Thank you for the suggestion, Sandra. Yes, I have taken 4 different regimes of thyroid meds over the past 1-1/2 years: Synthroid only; Armour; Synthroid plus Cytomel; and am now back on Armour again. I feel slightly better. However, I just learned that I have two heart valves that will need to be repaired in the next six months or so. I am hoping some of my fatigue is related to my heart condition and that after this is all over, my thyroid meds will kick in better. It has been 1-2 years of constant doctors’ appts., many changes in thyroid meds, plus about 4 different types of antidepressants. I took myself off of antidepressants about two months ago, but am going to have to go back on them again. As for the bone loss, I have borderline osteoporosis, but no one ever told me that Synthroid could contribute to bone loss. Is this true?
    Reply

  11. I was diagnosed 9 yrs ago with hoshi and now also graves I’ve been on levo the whole time. my dose goes up every 4 weeks I’m now on 150mg still can’t work. I have maybe two good days out of the month. I’ve tried all the different diets only helped short term. It’s there a different med I should be on or an added one?? I would do anything to go back to work
    Reply

    • Sunny- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  12. I was also recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, although I have been hypothyroid for many years. I finally went to see a functional medicine naturopath because of my extreme fatigue and other symptoms and she diagnosed me at the beginning of February. She switched me to Armour and I started taking supplements. One of my first purchases was your book, and it is now all highlighted and marked up with passages and paragraphs that resonated with me. I have followed much of the advice in this book with my naturopath’s blessing. In just one short month, I am feeling so much better, and look forward to more healing in the months to come. The story shared today also gives me hope :). Thank you!
    Reply

  13. It is true that the paleo diet is good. I did see a change in my energy and weight. I can’t seem to over come the anxiety or depression. Hashimotos and thyroid cancer was a lot to take on at once.
    Reply

  14. I started to change my diet it’s been a week am down 10 pounds.For 6years I just believe I was just had hyperthyroidism but just couple months found out I have hashimoto’s my antibodies test was 191..am hoping by changing my diet will help my body immune system
    Reply

  16. Wendy,you must do the 4 point saliva test to found out you adrenal glands condition.They can be the course of fatigue and sabotage you thyroid.Like in my case.Also do the stool test to see your gut flora.i did and i have heavy growht of gramm negative bacteria.what about your ferritin,b 12,folic acid,vitamin D level.Did you check it?Liver function?
    Reply

  18. I was always tired, so my Dr sent me for a sleep study. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. You might want to add that to your list.
    Reply

  20. I was also diagnosed with Hashi 4 months ago. I have always thought that my thyroid was not right, I have weight gain and was retaining water which showed up in my ankles. I am now gluten free and on Amour Thyroid . I will have the book very soon and look forward to reading it with my Naturalpaths blessing.
    Reply

    • Laura- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂

      Reply

  21. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s about 25 years ago. After nodules grew large, my thyroid was removed about 18 years ago. I’m on Armour. I’m also about 50 pounds overweight. I will give Paleo and stress control a try! I have never been aware that it could have a positive effect on Hashimoto’s. Thanks.
    Reply

    • Pam- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  22. I was just diagnosed with hypothroidism and put on levothyroxine 50mcg, my doctor didn’t really tell me what it’s going to do for me. I would like to know if it’s going to help aid me in weight loss. I am 18 years old and miserable with all the weight i’ve gained.

    Reply

  23. I have sleep apnea,weight gain,and switched to synthroid from levothyroxine.I am taking an extra pill on Sunday because my thyroid is low still.I exercise at work to the point of being sore and suffer from a bad vein in my leg.I use Ted hose socks which help.I also have a CPap machine.I don’t understand a gluten free diet.What is it?

    Reply

    • Pat – thank you for following this page. Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity, in particular, has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well-known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?

      Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts, and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.

      FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

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