[lelole]

Hi,

I have had hashimoto's hypothyroidism (autoimmune) for 10 years or so, and had a major relapse just over 2 years ago when I had my daughter.

I have been trying to get well for quite soem time now, but find I can't settle on a dose as as I increase the dose I seem to have too much meds, but still suffer terrible fatigue and some joint pain.

I have been suspicious for a while that something else is going on. I have had some problems with hip pain recently, and while searching on the web about possible causes it listed SLE. I looked a little more, and find that I have had several episodes of what seems to be pleurisy (tho diagnosed as costochodritis) many joint aches particularly in fingers and toes, and lots of headaches and fatigue.

I have also had lots of mouth ulcers (including strange ones which just come up but aren't sore), and lots of headaches. I also went through a stage not long ago when I had what seemed like conjunctivitis on and off for about a month. I still get sore very dry eyes which feel like my lids pull the surface of my eye off when I wake up (particularly in the middle of the night).

Lots of weird symptoms, some of which sound to me like the ones listed - so is it worth bringing this up with a doc, or do you think I am just reaching for an explanation for my symptoms?

Thank you for your help, I hope you don't feel I am being cheeky just suddenly posting a load of symptoms when I have no idea whether they are anything to do with Lupus!

Leah x

 

[debatat]

Hi Leah

You are not a hypochondriac and you are not cheeky posting!!

We all want and deserve answers as to why we are ill. You sound as though you are really suffering. Have you discussed your concerns and symptoms with your doc or consultant?

Keep notes of symptoms would be my advice, I am not an expert and cant say what is causing symptoms. Someone with more knowledge will be along shortly.

Nice to meet you.

Deb

 

[onetay]

leah,
We all search for answers to the things we are having trouble with. You have done what many of us started doing when we had symptoms no one believed and we ourselves do not understand. I think that you should ask your doctor and let him know you have been searching the net and what came up as possible reasons for what is going on with you.

It could of been the birth of your baby that set everything into motions so to speak if it is lupus. We all had what i call triggers. Don't give up looking for an answer to what is going on with you, you know that something is not right or you would of been searching.

I hope you feel better soon and please keep us updated on what is going on with you. We are here if you need us.

 

[Joandublin]

Hi Leah

Welcome to the Forum.

I think it would be a very good idea to sit down with your doctor and discuss your list of symptoms. With your thyroid history it should make him concerned that there is something else autoimmune going on. Thyroid autoimmune diseases and systemic diseases often overlap with each other.

Unless you have an excellent relationship with your doctor, its not a good idea to tell him that you think you might have Lupus. Doctors like to do the diagnosing You could tell him that you have concerns that your symptoms could be linked and that there could be something systemic or autoimmune causing all of them.

Your doctor should be able to run an ANA test although the ANA is positive in about one third of people with Hashimotos. I do think that a referral to a rheumatologist would be in your best interests as they are the people most likely to uncover what is going on.

Have you checked out the criteria for Lupus? Its on a pinned thread at the top of the Not Diagnosed Yet Forum. If you cant find it post back here and I will link it to you.

Definitely book a visit to your doctor and as Deb as already said - start keeping a diary of your symptoms. This will be very useful for any upcoming appointment with a specialist.

Best of luck and let us know how you get on

Joan:rose:

 

[lelole]

Thanks for all of your replies! And for being so lovely...

Looking at the classification criteria, the only things I can say I have had for sure is pleurisy, arthralgia, and mouth ulcers. These have all hapopened at different times,not all at once. The arthralgia could be related to the thyroid thing too, so it looks like maybe it's not lupus and that the hip thing is unrelated...

I will bring things up with my doc, though I think I will get one of the usual responses (virus, depression or just a sense of being seen as a hypochondriac!).

Thanks again,

Leah xx

 

[Maia]

I would want a referral to a rheumatologist if I was in your shoes - and I would push my GP to do more for me that what you describe him as likely to do. You only get one body and one life, and these symptoms very well could be something systemic that needs additional treatment. Treatment can really help - if it is something like lupus. You need a thorough evaluation by someone in the know (a rheumy)!

I also had pleuritis on several occasions years before diagnosis... and was told that was what is was but it was nothing to worry about Just a little inflammation. Problem was, when you get it for no apparent reason and *not* after a coughing spell from a cold, then it is really a sign of something else going on (probably). But I had no other complaints at the time other than very dry eyes (another common sign of autoimmune disease) so I never worried about it either. You do have other signs, so I think a proper investigation is warranted in your case especially given that you already have another autoimmune disease.

Let us know how it goes... take care and good luck.

 

[lin]

i cant add anything more, but just to say get something done, sit and talk to gp, good luck oh and see arheumy if you can

take care Lin xx

 

[LolaLola]

Leah, You do need to follow this through. Especially as you have a baby to look after. Something is the matter and you need help with it. If it is Lupus you may well find medications a great help. Not all Docs. are experienced with Lupus, sadly that even extends to Consultants. The blood tests would be a good place to start. They are not always helpful, but as they are easy to do, it makes sense.

Sometimes, the Docs. do need to sit back and allow time to see how things develop. however there is no reason why you can't have relief for your symptoms while they are working out what is what.

Another thing which may be useful to you,,,,,,,,, any Health Insurance, Travel Insurance, Mortgages etc. can become difficult or impossible to obtain after diagnosis. If you need anything of this sort it would pay you to sort it out now.
To give you an example, I have a private Health Insurance which does not cover me for Lupus because it was already diagnosed. My Daughter has been on the same insurance since before she was diagnosed so there is no exclusion on her treatment.

It may well be that your problems are solved simply, I hope so, but forgive me for encouraging you to think business re. your finances.
x Lola

 

[Rose Maclean]

Insurances

Hi leah,

Lola has a very good point there. I took out an income protection insurance that is now paying me out because i can't work, but that same insurance company would only offer me health cover, excluding my lupus because I applied for that after I was diagnosed. It can become extremely expensive once you start treatment, so be proactive.

Good luck
Rose