Hi all, I take 75mg Levo (hashimotos). Last couple of weeks my right arm, elbow and wrist has become more and more painful, sore and weak. I also have pains in my other arm but not as bad. Most of my joints are sore and painful at different times. My knees are both swollen and the skin looks purple around them. My knees have been like this for over a year now. Doctors looked at them last year and just said they didn’t know why other than fluid retention. They also tested for Rheumatoid arthritis but test was negative (12-18 months ago). It seems this has started (the new symptoms) in the last 2-3 weeks. I spoke to my GP today and had a blood test which they say will be 2weeks. I also have Lichens S. I’m guessing this may be a another auto immune disease attacking me. Does anyone have anything similar? Would appreciate any advice or information. Thanks in advance x
Update: blood tests back. If anyone can make any sense of these I would be very grateful. I currently take 75mg Levo daily..
Written by
Denise133
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially as you have Hashimoto’s
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
All your bloods look fine but your R-factor is 15. Im guessing this indicates a problem?? What has the doc said?
With hashimoto’s its common to get tendon / joint pain and inflammation but if your RA is raised as yours is, they should probably refer you to a rheumatoid clinic.
I can see it says that the rheumatoid factor is above reference level. It is a very vague test, it can indicate an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's, but some people with those diseases have normal levels, and some healthy people have elevated levels. In fact a significant number of people with rheumatoid arthritis test within normal range for 10 years before it rises above the normal range. And I note that last time you were tested it was in normal range?
So what the rheumatoid factor is best at is pointing in the direct of more comprehensive blood tests. And as usual, blood test results should be looked at along side symptoms. There are many other MSK conditions that have those symptoms, and on top of that if your thyroid levels aren't right, it could be making things worse.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Help with whether leg pain is side effect of brand of levo prescribed
Arthritis and under active thyroid
Levothyroxine and Rheumatoid arthritis
Low Vit D and possibly Calcium 
Off to gp again about levo
