New to this journey

Hi, this is my first post, and I am hoping to gather some information. For 10 years now I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My MD put me on synthroid at a very low dosage. Throughout the years, I felt as though my medication was not working. As I followed up with my MD, he would perform labs regarding my thyroid and increase my medication accordingly. I am now up to 224mcg perday. Two weeks ago I followed up with my MD again because still, I feel no differently. My symptoms are, joint pain (hips, knees, shoulders, neck and hands.) My hips being severe at times. I also have hair loss, numb feelings in my hands and feet. Pins and needles in my hands and feet. Severe fatigue. No matter how much rest, I can never get enough. Low grade fevers. Night sweats. And finally. my entire body itches. It is an unrelievable itch. When I was pregnant, I had cholestasis...this made my body itch. I am not pregnant, but I have the same itch. All this time, my doctor has been telling me that these symptoms are due to my thyroid. I don't think so. He finally ran some different lab work. My results: ANA=homogenous pattern 1:320. My CRP was normal. I don't know if I have lupus, my mother had arthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis, and my sister has Lupus herself. Any suggestions? I will finally see a Rheumatologist on March 19th. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Momof5!

 

Another welcome!  Like Lynnwood said, you're on the right track by seeing a rheumatologist.  You have quite a strong genetic link with autoimmune diseases.  Your ANA is definitely in a range that will make your doctors "perk up". 

 

Keep a diary of all your symptoms. Take pictures of any rashes you get.  Have a detailed family history ready for your rheumy.  Most of all, if you don't get the right treatment from this rheumatologist, drop him/her like a stone and move on to a different one. Don't stick it out with a specialist that blows you off!

 

Keep in touch and ask more questions if you need to!

 

Blessings,

Ginny

Thank you all for your welcome and suggestions. I have been feeling as though I am going out of my mind with all of my symptoms and my doc telling me it is just my thyroid. March 19th can't get here soon enough. I am so glad I came across this forum. Bless you all ~Diana