Hi everyone. I'm new on here, so please bear with me. Following the removal of my left thyroid (it had been engulfed by a tumour - benign thankfully) in October, I have never felt more unwell in my life!
I had a thyroid blood test on 5th Nov, which hospital said was 'in range, but at the very bottom'. I had another blood test yesterday, and am awaiting results. My symptoms are muscle ache, swollen joints, acute back ache, complete lethargy - I go for a short walk outside and have to then lie down.
I also have had inflammatory arthritis for the past 18 years (psoriatic arthritis, although at times rheaumatology have labelled it rheumatoid arthritis). I have been on all the main anti-TNF drugs for my PsA, but they all loose their efficacy quite quickly. I'm now in limbo as I've had all the latest injection drugs and am waiting for the release of a new one.
I have also had Atrial Fibrulation (AF) which was 'cured' by a surgical procedure (ablation).
What I'm wondering is whether all my ill health over the years has been down to my thyroid? I know this sounds like I'm clutching at straws, but the more I read on Thyroid Uk, the more I can identify with many of the symptoms.
Has anyone else had autoimmune thyroiditis diagnosed, and has it explained joint pain and chronic fatigue?
Written by
Struddie
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Sounds highly likely.....autoimmune thyroid disease often rumbles on for years/decades before finally getting treated
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 if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease
The fact you needed hemi-thyroidectomy is also much more common with autoimmune thyroid disease
Ask GP to test vitamin levels and thyroid antibodies
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 .
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
With regard to previous tests done at hospital......You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
Wow! That's a comprehensive answer. Thank you so much. I am waiting for latest bloods from GP, and will ask for all the details.My tumour was 4cm and had grown completely around my left thyroid. The consultant surgeon (endocrology) said at my follow-up appointment post surgery that she doubted whether I would need any thyroxine as all my bloods have been 'good' over the years - I have demanded thyroind tests over the years because of chronic fatigue.
I now feel armed with more info to go back to consultant follow up appointment - some time in January
I've just had a call from Rheumatology (I'm due an appointment). They gave me a kenalog steroid injection last Friday, to deal with the joint inflamation and pain. Unfortuntely this has had no effect other than a slight reduction in swelling in my hands.Rheumatology doctor said he can see my thyroid blood test taken yesterday was 'normal'. When I asked what the readings were, he said TSH = 3.6 and FT4 = 15.6
I really don't know if these are 'normal' readings? I know you said about checking for antibody etc, but what is the 'range' and do these readings tell me anything at all?
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.
IS LONG COVID A NEW AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?
Hypothyrodism
New to Hypothyrodism, please help
