Endo or Rheumatologist?

[msb44]

Just had a discussion last night, whether having Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, warrants seeing rheumatology instead of an endocrinologist. Reason one, most endos know zip about Hashimoto's. Hashimoto's is not hypothyroidism. Two, despite both being treated with hormones basically, they come from totally different directions. Rheumatology treats several diseases in the autoimmune sector. They can be anywhere in the body. Why not the thyroid? Especially since having more than one autoimmune disease is not uncommon.

I have an appointment next week and will broach this subject then, but does anyone have any experience with rheumatology and Hashi?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Gastroenterologist is worth considering too ....certainly much more aware of significance of lactose and gluten intolerance, poor gut absorption, gut infections etc

[msb44 in reply to SlowDragon]

I see where you are coming from. But my last experience with a Gastro specialist, okay, it was over ten yrs ago and things have changed, perhaps, but gluten issues were unheard of then. I think I just had a poor experience. So, another possibility.

Thank you for the reference.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to msb44]

hypothyroidmom.com/hashimot...

[posthinking01]

HI there - yes I do - as a Lupus patient I see or did see Rheumy people - not sure they were any better than Endo's to tell you the truth - they will only try to get you on strong drugs for joint pain etc. - drugs that would be given to arthritis patients etc. - that is their remit - which is not what our joint pain is all about - but a hormone deficiency.

I was almost in a wheelchair with joint issues and was actually dislocating - (so walking was a nightmare - all went when I got the thyroid sorted out -and other deficiencies - to my mind if a pain is not helped with pain killers then it isn't a pain but a deficiency of a hormone and there are many that can cause joint pains but whilst an endo MIGHT understand that - a Rheumy wouldn't in my opinion. It's a terrible situation we are all in and I suppose we could only hope that with the obesity crisis causing so many deaths with Covid they might look into hormonal treatment for deficiencies that run alongside so many disease states in this country - including Type II which in my opinion is an adrenal gland disorder.