I am a 26 year old man who in mid 2020 began experiencing tingling in my hand and feet. After this intensified in October 2020, I went to my GP, expecting to be diagnosed with Diabetes, but it was instead found that I had Hypothyroidism. I subsequently was put on Levothyroxine, but without much symptomatic improvement. Shortly after this diagnosis, I noticed something that resembles a Malar Rash on my face (and some people have reported that this can occur with Hypothyroidism), though it is not especially noticable or severe. Apart from Tingling, my major symptoms are brain fog/lack of mental acuity/sharpness, tiredness (regardless of how much I sleep), gum inflammation (so much so that my dentist has pondered whether there is some systemic illness-given the relative absence of plaque), earwax build up, light sensitivity (purely in terms of eyes-rather than skin), more recently some joint pain, and very high levels of anxiety (this is not entirely new, I have had long term anxiety due to Asperger's Syndrome, but this has intensified since these other symptoms came long, which was with my thyroid/Levothyroxine). I know that autoimmune diseases can mimic eachother, and are also often comorbid with eachother, and the last thing I want is to go on a wild goose chase getting medically investigated for diseases I almost certainly don't have. But given the presence of the Malar rash, and some of the other symtoms I have often occuring in Lupus, is it possible/worth raising this with a Dr.
Thanks in advance.
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ErraticAspie
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I’m pleased you’ve posted here. If you’ve concerns about your health, then you should raise them with your GP. It’s understandable it’s adding to your anxiety given you’re feeling so awful.
If your rash comes and goes then take a photo of it so you can show your GP. Lupus malar rash has some identifying features. (eg there’s parts of the face it doesn’t tend to go to, whether it’s smooth/raised etc) but it does vary a little too. Also, write down your symptoms/list of questions, so you’ve got everything to hand (especially if you’ve brain fog) as an 8 minute appointment goes way too quickly. I’d also mention what your Dentist said to you about your gums, as it’s another medic that’s noticed and raised a query of a possible systemic problem.
Your symptoms could be all be related to your thyroid or indeed to your medication or dosage - and your GP needs to know you’re getting worse, so they can help you, alter dosage/change meds/check thyroid levels etc- if that’s the cause. But, if it’s not related, they may need to run a few other blood tests, to check other things out (eg ENA/autoimmune panel, that’s if they think you need it). I can’t give you any medical advice, I’m afraid I’m absolutely not qualified to do so! Also, advice wise, it gets complicated, as the range of symptoms those of us with the same Lupus diagnosis have can vary massively from person to person, we don’t all present the same.
Easy for me to say - but not so easy to do when anxiety strikes - try not to worry about things too far ahead. Take it one step at a time. 1st step, book the appointment (or even ask someone to do if for you if there’s someone who can).
Hi, ask your GP if they can refer you to see a rheumatologist for assessment for lupus or other autoimmune disease. And take notes of every symptom you had throughout your life, strange allergies, nose bleeding, etc. if you see a rheumatologist you need to tell him all as they don’t read all your medical history. Some GPS are not so aware of lupus so you need to do your research before asking for a referral. You may or may not have lupus. Good luck 🤞
I have been on thyroid medication for 20 years due to thyroid cancer. I had terrible anxiety on synthroid/levothyroxine generic. I was tired, anxious, just didn't feel right for 5 years until I found natural thyroid meds. In the USA they are Armour thyroid, Naturthryoid, and NPthyroid. NPthyroid is my favorite. The switch away from synthroid really gave me my life back, I began to feel good again. Some people cannot tolerate synthetic thyroid. Just a thought, hope you find your answers soon! (Sorry this sounds like an advertisement, I have no vested interest) npthyroid.com/
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