New and looking for help

[lmitchell]

I am new to this site even though I was diagnosed and have been treated for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis for 13 years. I have recently started to experience widespread pain, join swelling and stiff joints, can't sleep, fatigue and major mood swings. I have had my Thyroid tested and everything there is low normal so not that. After doing some research it has been suggested that I could also have Lupus. I am going to make a doctors appointment on Monday with a rheumetologist, however, was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this.

[Andros]

I am new to this site even though I was diagnosed and have been treated for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis for 13 years. I have recently started to experience widespread pain, join swelling and stiff joints, can't sleep, fatigue and major mood swings. I have had my Thyroid tested and everything there is low normal so not that. After doing some research it has been suggested that I could also have Lupus. I am going to make a doctors appointment on Monday with a rheumetologist, however, was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this.

Hi there and welcome!! What do you mean everything is low normal? That could be not a good thing depending on what we are talking about here.

If you have lab results and the ranges (different labs use different ranges), please post them here if you like and we will have a look see.

And yes, Lupus is possible. I have discoid and systemic. Test for that is Anti-
DNA, C3 and C4

You can look up here....
http://www.labtestsonline.org/


What antibodies' tests have you had run in the past? Would you say this pain had sudden onset or that it has been insidiously chronic?

Welcome to the board.

[lmitchell]

Thank you for your reply. My TSH is 1.1, Free T4 and T3 are right at normal. I had an ANA and RA Factor done about 6 years ago. No other tests have been run (except TSH every 6 mos). I have been experiencing pain for a while and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, however, this pain is different and much more severe. Its been going on for about 4 months. Some days are worse that others but I don't have a day that my hands aren't swollen and I have pain. My joints get very stiff, especially while I am sleeping. Also my skin tingles sometimes. I have rashes pop up but usually on my outter thighs and fore arms. Also there are times it seems as though my skin very sensative to the touch. I do not have any rashes on my face. I have ran a fever but it doesn't seem consistant. I get headaches and can't get less than 10 hours of sleep and still can't seem to function past 4 in the afternoon.

[Andros]

Thank you for your reply. My TSH is 1.1, Free T4 and T3 are right at normal. I had an ANA and RA Factor done about 6 years ago. No other tests have been run (except TSH every 6 mos). I have been experiencing pain for a while and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, however, this pain is different and much more severe. Its been going on for about 4 months. Some days are worse that others but I don't have a day that my hands aren't swollen and I have pain. My joints get very stiff, especially while I am sleeping. Also my skin tingles sometimes. I have rashes pop up but usually on my outter thighs and fore arms. Also there are times it seems as though my skin very sensative to the touch. I do not have any rashes on my face. I have ran a fever but it doesn't seem consistant. I get headaches and can't get less than 10 hours of sleep and still can't seem to function past 4 in the afternoon.

Most of us do best w/ the FT4 and FT3 about 1/2 way above the mid-range of your labs suggested range. Your TSH looks great.

I do think something is afoot here. ANA is only suggestive. Did you test positive for ANA??

Have you been tested for Lyme Disease? Any reason to think you may have gotten that? Epstein Barr(e)?

[lmitchell]

I am not what the test was exactly just assumed it was an ANA but don't know what the result was. I just know that they said they were testing me 6 years ago for lupus and RA and everything came back negative.

[lavender]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Graves in April, had my thyroid out in August, and have been hypothyroid since then. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia and sleep apnea 5 years ago, sleep doctor has said I could have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the past, but at my last appointment she seemed to think it could all have been thyroid related. I suspect I may also have lupus or another auto-immune illness due to long periods of illness over the past 6 years, rashes, sun sensitivity, inflammation and joint pain that are not explained by the fibromyalgia diagnosis. For now, I am working on getting my thyroid levels in balance, and will press the doc to explore other possibilities if I am not well once I am out of hypoland.

[Andros]

I am not what the test was exactly just assumed it was an ANA but don't know what the result was. I just know that they said they were testing me 6 years ago for lupus and RA and everything came back negative.

It sounds to me like that it may benefit you to get really involved in your lab results and what tests are being done.

The bottom line is, "If you don't know, we don't know!" So see if you can get some copies and let's go over some of this stuff.

We want you to be well!!

[lmitchell]

Ok...I have been set up with a rheumatologist for Friday at 10:15. How do they treat Fibro and lupus? I know something is wrong in a similar are to those so i am trying to figure out what treatments work best. Do you have to change your diet (I know cutting sugar has already been mentioned)...is that a normal for everyone? Does anyone have any literature or sites that they find useful. I am so tired of hurting and being tired!!!

[Andros]

Ok...I have been set up with a rheumatologist for Friday at 10:15. How do they treat Fibro and lupus? I know something is wrong in a similar are to those so i am trying to figure out what treatments work best. Do you have to change your diet (I know cutting sugar has already been mentioned)...is that a normal for everyone? Does anyone have any literature or sites that they find useful. I am so tired of hurting and being tired!!!

I have Lupus. Discoid and Systemic. So far my treatment consists of keeping my TSH suppressed which keeps the Anti-DNA, C3 and C4 practically non-existent and by "trying" my best to live a clean life style.

Cook all food at home from basic fresh ingredients; no MSG or other mysterious sodiums (and there are many), no artificial sweeteners, no glutens and lots and lots of exercise. Walking is the best one. But I do others also.

Lupus cause pain so perhaps it is being mistaken for fibro which is usually a generic diagnosis?

I have had Lupus for 10 years or more.

Welcome to the forum and please let us know what the rheumatologist has to say. Good Luck Friday.