self-treating hypothyroidism and Definitely Already had Rheumatoid Arthritis

[SusanKay]

I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis (diagnosed) I have been gluten-free and dairy-free as well as free of nightshade plants and peanuts as well as many other food stuffs that cause me serious reactions and/or allergic reactions, since 2003. This includes tomatoes and citrus. This is of necessity rather than by choice. About 1 year ago in 2015 I began feeling extremely fatigued and symptoms have increased since then. I have not had a diagnosis nor yet been able to afford tests that I would like to have. My GP would only test tsh and I managed to have that tested 3 times, only to be told It's fine! I am not fine! I am self-treating hit and miss for now. I have had weight gain. I am taking Natural Sources Raw Thyroid capsules, Solgar gentle iron, and Vitamin B12 tablets as well as using Magnesium oil spray. I do get Infliximab treatment via I.V. at hospital every 8 weeks for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ibuprofen for pain and it all seemed to begin with stress and stress seems to continue to exacerbate things. Inflammation is prevalent and lately I am unable to walk unaided. I am determined to get tests when able to afford and then be able to treat myself properly.

[radd]

Susan,

Welcome to our forum and sorry to hear you are not feeling well.

Be aware that supplementing thyroid glandulars will skew further thyroid function test results. A bit of a catch 22 situation as if the glandulars are helping improve thyroid function you obviously won't wish to stop but by improving thyroid function you will be altering hormone levels and risking not getting a true diagnosis.

To get a better picture, T3 hormones need testing which GP's rarely do, so members use private labs - link below.

Ask your GP to test for thyroid antibodies TPOAb and TGAb, as if elevated, Hashimotos can//will eventually lead onto hypothyroidism. These tests will be unaffected by the supplementation of glandulars and it is good you are gluten free, etc ...

Stress is unbelievably destructive on both the adrenals and thyroid hormone pathway and can decrease thyroid hormone activity.

Post any results you have complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment. A doctors "normal" is not always the level that members have found most beneficial for optimum thyroid function.

.

Private labs testing

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[SusanKay in reply to radd]

Radd

Thank you so much for your kind reply.

SusanKay

[Marz]

As you know RA is auto-immune - so it is possible you could have auto-immune thyroiditis or Hashimotos. Without testing the anti-bodies - suggested by radd - you will not know.

Going gluten free is a good way to try and heal the gut as many chronic conditions can begin with inflammation in the gut. They are far more complex than we could imagine - however there is more and more research revealing the behaviour of gut microbes and how they affect other parts of the body.

I think it is important you know your VitD level too - as most people in the Northern Hemisphere seem to have inadequate levels. VitD is anti-inflammatory and a steroidal pre-hormone - and like T3 is needed in almost every cell of the body. So for the trillions and trillions of cells you will need an awful lot of VitD.

I am not a medic - just a Hashimotos girl - with Crohns and a B12 issue - apart from that I am fine

grassrootshealth.net

Hope you soon have some answers. I would go for the Private Testing - it is well worth the investment - after all good health is priceless.

[SusanKay in reply to Marz]

Marz

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for your thoughts. All is so much appreciated.

SusanKay

[Marz in reply to SusanKay]

I find that B12 injections help with spinal/hip/leg pains. I had spinal surgery for stenosis in 2007 - which I now realise could well have been due to very low B12 - causing the myelin sheath to deteriorate. I had the Terminal Ileum removed when I was 27 - over 40 years ago - so this left my body unable to process B12. Sadly I was not told I would need treatment for life.

B12 Deficiency is a neurological condition and not just a vitamin deficiency.

So what are you planning to do ?

[SusanKay in reply to Marz]

I am going to have to wait until I have the money to get tests done. It may be awhile and I know that. Yes, it's frustrating, but it's all on my shoulders as my husband will not help me with this. I am helping my youngest son financially (who is living in the USA) and not my husband's child. My son has Cerebral Palsy. He's trying to get a job and has a lady who is non-government employee who is helping him through a slow-process.

[Marz in reply to SusanKay]

That is admirable and so good you are able to help your son.

So why not have one more go at your GP and remind her/him that this forum is on one of the NHS websites - is NHS Direct or something like that. Sorry I live in Crete and am out of date ! Then request the following tests - TSH - FT4 - FT3 - Anti-TPO - Anti-Tg. ALSO FERRITIN - FOLATE - B12 - VitD.

You may need to also explain that auto0immune conditions like to hunt in packs so you need to know if you have Hashimotos as you also have RA.

Wishing you well sooooooon. Click onto my name and have a read of my Profile - you can see it is a long and bumpy journey to wellness. I just want people to know that with the right testing and treatment we can get well

[SusanKay in reply to Marz]

Marz you are an angel! Thank you for all your help! I have been awake since yesterday and hope to be able to sleep before too long. I have read some of your profile information and will read more and more as time goes on. I'm having vertigo very easily today and sure hope I will be able to lay down and get to sleep (it doesn't come easily) without spinning! Please forgive me...rough day and can't think or type much. Have a good day and I will take your advice on board. Doctor visit will be made when I'm just a bit more able...Infliximab treatment at hospital this Thursday.

[bluebug in reply to SusanKay]

Just be warned the lab may refuse to do your FT3 test even if the GP is nice enough to order it. However getting the others done is a start.

Make sure you get a print out of the test results and the ranges. Then start a new thread with them.

Normally you have to wait about 5 days after the tests to get this. The maximum charge for electronic records is £10 under the Data Protection Act 1998 but in reality it will be free or a few pence for the print out if you do it within 40 days of the test.

In my current practice I have to give them my name and address plus the tests I want in writing. In my old practice there was no protocol so the receptionist just printed all the test results I wanted.

Some receptionists are very difficult about doing this, others like mine aren't. If you come across any difficulties in getting a print out just post here for advice.

[SusanKay in reply to bluebug]

Bluebug, Thank you so much for your information and advice. I will keep all in mind; it can be so tricky, but knowledge is power right? Have a good weekend. Susan