I am positive for about 4 years now. Can this disease suddenly attack your whole body?

[Nanny23]

I now have arthritis had hip replacement in September. Have hypothyroidism my teeth are rotting have spinal stenosis Barrett’s Esophagus ulcers colon polyps. I feel like my body is breaking down. I am 71 and attribute a lot to age but it seems it’s one thing after the other. All of you in health unlocked have been so helpful. When I found out I had lumbar spondylosis I just cried. I keep active but this arthritis is trying to stop me in my tracks. I see a Reumatologist in June to rule out RA. THANKS for listening

[MaryF Administrator]

Hiya, sorry to hear things are so grim, I think our disease(s) can ebb and flow a bit, most of us have bad flares. I a aware of the link between Thyroid disease and spinal problems, and a multitude of other disorders. When your specialist evaluates you for RA, can you get them to properly evaluate things like your Thyroid function beyond just a TSH test, check out your vit D levels and also B12, as all these thing can play a part in making things worse, for instance there is a link between degenerative discs, and Thyroid disease, something I found out to my cost. It does sound like you really need some help in reducing inflammation. Are you gluten intolerant? Have you been tested etc? You really need more help, I hope this doctor will assist you more, nice to hear from you. MaryF

[Nanny23 in reply to MaryF]

Hi Mary. Seems like it’s one thing after the other with me lately. Was doing so well after left hip replacement then fell on the ice and tore labrum in the other hip and rotator cuff in my right shoulder. It set me back. I didn’t know thyroid was connected to disc problems. Yes my dr. Tests T3 T4 and TSH. After my nagging him. Grey Goose on Thyroid forum gave me the ammunition. I got him to put me on T3 and T4. I had the backup on my phone and he listened. Thank God. Vitamin D is good. I take B 12 shots as my stomach meds sometimes keep me from absorbing it. I guess when you get older things get more complicated. Take care. Stay well and safe. ❤️

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Nanny23]

That sounds like good care, do make sure they keep an eye on your folate levels and also Ferritin, as that can drag your thyroid function down, apparently. MaryF

[Nanny23 in reply to MaryF]

Thanks Mary. ❤️

[KellyInTexas Administrator]

Oh no...

Yes. I have “polyarthropathy.”

My RA factor is 512, where 7 is normal.

Nanny, can you be checked for PMR-GCA?

Polymyalgia rheumatica? Your inflammation numbers will be quite elevated if you have this. Usually presents with a lot of pain across shoulders, hips, upper thigh area.

It is another autoimmune condition, but can be managed. And it self limits!! ( with a lot of management. )

I wonder if someone can screen for a CRP and sedimentation rate at least before June?

[Jmiller623]

Hi Nanny! So sorry for all that you are going through. I am 36 and was just diagnosed with severe degenerative disc disease (also called spondylosis) as well. Pain started in 2018 and has only gotten worse. PT did help initially but now it’s difficult for me to rise from bed in the morning because of the pain. I can’t take NSAIDs because my kidneys aren’t doing too hot so I’m only allowed to take Tylenol (paracetamol in your neck of the woods). I take 1000 mg every 8 hours. I see physical medicine & rehab in June.

I think any small vessel disease hits places hard with little blood flow and this includes our intervertebral discs which get virtually little blood flow. I am not APS but am SLE + aPL/LAC and have small vessel vasculitis in particular. My dentist wants to start getting bone grafts for my gums. I said no. I have horrid GERD but no Barrett’s.... yet. I do feel like when one thing goes, everything snowballs.

In regard to your pain.... some things I found help. Lidocaine 4% patches/cream/roll on, arnica roll on, biofreeze and my favorite is voltaren/diclofenac gel but I can only use it once a day because it’s a NSAID cream. Heat and stretching work the best but you have to endure some wicked pain at the start of exercising.

I hope your rheumatology appt goes well and you find relief soon. Sending hugs. ❤️xx

[Nanny23 in reply to Jmiller623]

Thanks so much fir your advice. ❤️