Results help needed please! Advice from anyone with hypo & connective tissue disease symptoms, can they interlink?

[crazykoala]

Hi all, I recently had my thyroid tested - results were TSH 2. FT4 13. Unfortunately they didn't do my FT3 but last year it was borderline low. I take 100 of levothyroxine daily. I have been feeling increasingly worse for around 6 months now, I have felt totally exhausted and have been experiencing symptoms of connective tissue disease too. Muscular problems with swallowing and digestion and Raynards with swelling fingers etc. Headaches. Could these symptoms be hypothyroidism? I have had many antibody tests but they can't pinpoint anything else. Has anyone else had similar problems? I have been having pain and swelling constantly in the thyroid area but as the bloods are normal (apparently) my doctor won't do anything else! I am looking to go to a private specialist but am not sure who all this stuff comes under. I'd really appreciate some feed back on the results. Feeling desperate! Many thanks!

[Puska]

I’m in a similar boat. I’ve had hashimotos for 30 years now and 12 months ago diagnosed with SLE/APS. I had a DVT in jugular, advanced Raynauds, skin issues, joint pain, indigestion etc. Ask for an ANA panel as a start. If ANA is raised then ask to be referred to a Rheumatologist for further assessment.

[crazykoala in reply to Puska]

Thanks for your reply, it's interesting to know others have had the same thing. I have had a negative ANA before but have had positive anti- cardiolipin antibodies. (Seems maybe it's not advanced enough yet to show up, if that's possible) I have had New symptoms for around 3 years now (no clots yet) The exhaustion is crushing tho & until I get a diagnosis they offer me no relief. Have you found anything that helps? I wonder whether a private rheumatologist could do better tests or if trying a different thyroid medication would be beneficial.

[Puska in reply to crazykoala]

Plaquenil works a treat for fatigue and joint pain but needs some kind of diagnosis. Certainly it can be evolving as far as the blood work goes.