[BigSis]

Thought I'd start this thread since another was being skewed in this direction.

It was suggested on this site, that some of my symptoms may be connected to this ............but...how would i know:worried:

The symptoms listed are lupus symptoms aren't they?

I had a thyroidectomy about 12 years ago for nodules and at that time had thyroid antibodies. This was long before my SLE Dx. Does that mean I have Hashimoto's?
I don't doubt that I have lupus.......my symptoms and bloods are fairly classic, but I suppose there could be an overlap.

I'm a bit confused..........i know several people here have thyroid probs so how did you know and how were you diagnosed?
I'm seeing my GP next week.

 

[Katharine]

Hi Bigsis,

I have hashimotos and was diagnosed years before my lupus diagnosis. Unlike you I haven't had a thyroidectomy but my thyroid has basically shut down totally and I'm on L-thyroxine to regulate that.

The level of thryoid hormone is easily controlled through T4 and TSH blood tests and the thyroid hormone can be adjusted if necessary. There is also another special blood test that can be done originally to determine whether the thryoid problem is hashimotos or another problem. I should think that must have been done with you.

It is true that some symptoms can be similar, especially fatigue but the blood tests are totally different (except that people can sometimes also have positive ANA with a thyroid problem).

As my thyroid was well regulated years before I got my lupus diagnosis it's easier for me to separate the symptoms and to be sure my thryoid problem is correctly treated.

Katharine

 

[raggedyann1]

BigSis,

Another thing to point out is that Lupus symptoms mimic many diseases. One of its names is the disease of 1000 faces. One of the reasons Lupus can be so hard to diagnose is the fact that almost of all of the symptoms, when taken individually occur in other diseases. That is why the bloodwork is so important, especially with doctors that are not Lupus Specialists.
For instance an overactive thyroid can cause weight loss just as Lupus can cause weight loss.

Hope this helps,
Karen