Hiatus hernia / Oesophagitis / Gastritis

[Ophelia1]

I have lupus and many (if not all) symptoms of hypothroidism. Last week I had my first appt with endocrinology (a telephone appt given Covid) and during the conversation the endocrinologist advised that my thyroid blood levels were within the normal range, which indicates that I do not warrant treatment. I know that my blood levels are currently falling within the "allegedly normal" ranges, however, because of my signs and symptoms I am 100% certain that I have been developing an autoimmune hypothyroid condition in tandem with the lupus. Accordingly, because I strongly suspected that endocrinology would refuse to prescribe levothyroxine I had taken the step of precuring levothyroxine myself and had been taking it for two weeks by the time the appointment occurred. This cut little ice with the consultant who told me to stop taking it, so that when he takes my bloods in six weeks they reflect my actual levels . In any event, today I had a gastroscopy, which revealed hiatus hernia, grade A oesophagitis, reflux and gastritis. The gastroenterologist took biopsies, which will take some time to return and in the meantime he is prescribing omeprazole. My question is this:- Do you think it is possible that my gastric issues might be having an effect on my absorbtion of levothyroxine and if so, what is the solution - if any.

[serenfach]

Poor you, you must feel rotten! As Hidden said, get your results because what a consultant calls normal may not be... Just phone his secretary and ask for your results, they cannot refuse, and they can send them by email for speed.

It is always worth getting your results as quite often we have found that something not normal is not noticed. My vit D levels were way lower than the bottom of the range, but GP had ticked the "no action" box. I would not have known if I had not asked for the results from a very huffy receptionist! Hug.

[Partner20]

If you had only been taking levo for 2weeks, it is unlikely to have brought your levels within range if they were noticeably abnormal. What dosage were you taking, and how did you decide that? Taking any thyroxine replacement without testing is not advisable, because you do not want to take hormones that you do not need, and which might disrupt your system needlessly. This is of particular importance as you also have lupus. Lupus and Hashimotos do have several symptoms in common, so I assume your rheumatologist was of the opinion that you had developed symptoms of hypothyroidism rather than lupus. Your gastric issues may well have been causing malabsorption of vitamins and minerals, which will show up when tested, and which could well be contributing to a range of debilitating symptoms . My partner has gastric conditions almost identical to yours, which have prevented absorption of nourishment over time, but they actually have no effect on his absorption of levo, and his thyroid levels are optimal. Most important now is to follow the advice of your gastro, as unless these issues are treated and resolved, further damage will be caused. If your next thyroid tests come back within range, (and you must get a copy of them), it is more than likely that your gastric issues are contributing to your symptoms, together with your lupus and any lupus medication you are taking. Hopefully you will get things sorted out soon.