Thyroid and RA - Personal Stories Thread | Arthritis Information

I finally had to have my thyroid surgically removed in 2002. I was dxed with Hashimoto's (a localized auto-immune disease opposite of Graves) and started off with three small nodules, not the size Joonie is describing, barely detectable. Was caught by a great intern at the University of Washinton, in WA State. I have been on Synthroid .125 from 1991 dx until removal in 2002, and I have had some fights keeping it in line, but it always evens out. Tried extra T3 for awhile, but it was systemic autoimmune, undiagnosed.

I had an thyroid ultrasound in 2002, and needle biopsy, negative for cancer. After endoscopy and dilitation, it was discovered the goiter had encased my breathing tub and one "wing" had dug into my feeding tube, almost halfway through. I had a throat shelf. Everyone was glad I stopped hacking up like a cat (just to see if you are paying attention).

But a stroke, now that is something we have to face. I had a good friend at a young age have a "small stroke" after a car accident. She was given a movie to watch by her doctors and it helped explain to her and her husband that their lives had changed slightly, and had great pointers and advice. She is doing great and it's been close to 10 years since this "small stroke" without a reoccurence.

So, who else in here has had thyroid issues, as I would love to read your story. Take care and thanks in advance. ~~ Cathy

I have been hypothyroid since 1998. I had always a low temp - noticed it when I was younger and keeping a temp chart to determine ovulation to get pregnant. And I was never what you would call a high energy person, LOL!

My first real symptom though was pain in my throat. I went to my GP and told him, this is constant pain, not like a typical sore throat, it hurts way down here and difficulty swallowing. Well he didn't think it was anything serious, decided it was acid reflux because I was overweight. Sent me home with instructions to not eat late at night, take antacids.

I called him back later in the week, said now I'm running a fever. His nurse told me he said he didn't think it was related, didn't see anything in his exam that would cause a fever. Told me if it continued, perhaps I should see an Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.

I was popping ibuprofen like crazy, could barely eat, finally decided to see the specialist. He did a quick exam and immediately thought it was my thyroid. I was sent in for a thyroid scan, ultrasound and blood work. Ultimately diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis, followed by Hashimoto's. I've been to an endocrinologist to tweak my thyroid hormone dosage (cause my same GP thought my level was fine).

I think my level is good right now. I do have hypertension and take medication for it - guess when it started ??- when my thyroid went. But that could also be related to, or aggravated by my use of NSAIDS, as they are known to cause hypertension. I also have to take Atenolol to control heart palpitations related to my thyroid meds.

Hi Cathy,

I was diagnosed w/ Graves in 1999. I had no symptoms, but it was detected during a routine blood test. I went on PTU for a couple of years, but had an allergic reaction (leukopenia) where my white blood cells were depleted in '01. I went off the drug and have been off any meds since.

I get my thyroid levels checked, and in '05 my TSH was very low and I had high thyroid antibodies. This is one of many reasons it took so long for the RA diagnosis, b/c the rheumatologist wanted my to deal w/ my thyroid. But the endo wouldn't deal w/ my either. Rediculous!

Anyway, as of today, I still have my thyroid w/ no meds, but I have antibodies and the TSI test which is associated w/ Graves.

Nori

I've had my thyroid checked (blood levels of TSH, T3 all in normal ranges) but I have the low basal temperature that many doctors believe is a key sign to hypothyroid.

All that was put on the back burner when I began w/ the RA flare last spring.

I was also discovered by the endocrinologist to be very deficient in Vitamin D. I was way below normal levels and had to take mega doses for three successive monthly dates. I am okay with that now. But it made everything hurt even more. Any bone hurt to be touched.

I have been feeling horrible and last week had a physical. My Sister has Graves, so they did some Thyroid tests. My TSI ( antibodies ) came back @ 100. Range over 129 id Graves. TSH was near the bottom of range. I wonder by taking steroids for so long if the TSI is actually higher???6t5, I don't know the answer to your question, but it is certainly possible. Prednisone can do damage, unfortunately.

The other thing is, when the thyroid is "sick" it can do strange things. When my thyroid was severely inflammed, it caused it to release all stored hormone, making me hyperthyroid. But as soon as that supply was exhausted I became hypothyroid.

Bottom line is, something is up with your thyroid, and it needs to be checked out thoroughly. I suggest you go to an endocrinologist for the best treatment, at least initially.

Hillhoney2008-03-28 08:33:31Thanks Hill for the reply !!

Reading this thread- I have become curious about the correlation of a low temperature and thyroid problems.

How low are you talking?

I have been as low as .016 and went back twice and was told ttwice that was a normal test result, and not to worry about it (depression, very powerful depression). I have been as high as 71 which was after the thyroid removal and it took about three years for the TSH level to shoot up suddenly, quickly. It's under control again.

I found this for Joonie in an article as some sports jock male has been dxed with thyroid cancer:

"There are 18,000 cases of thyroid cancer annually in the U.S., according to webmd.com, and most patients are cured or live many years with the disease. The thyroid is located in the front of the neck."

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/diamondbacks/2008-03-28-doug-davis_N.htm

Joonie - 18,000, that's huge odds.

Thanks for the histories. I still think thyroid is our canary. Keep 'em coming, or not many of us have thyroid issues. Take care ~~ Cathy

justsaynoemore2008-03-28 18:39:18I had two FNA (fine needle aspiration) biopsies of two thyroid nodules nearly 2 years ago...both were benign. Am being followed by endocrinologist and take 50 mcg of levothyroxine. My hormone levels have always been normal. 14 years ago one nodule was found and not biopsied at that time. Took hormones for a few years but stopped when an ENT questioned the need for doing so. Darned if the little suckers didn't come back and grow bigger. Guess I'll keep using the hormones this time around. Biopsies were not terrible, but not fun either. Rather not do that again if I can help it.

Thanks for sharing. It does make me feel better. Especially yours Molly Bee. I am not worried about it being cancer, I am just not wanting to deal with the aspiration part. I got out of getting my right knee aspirated, and now looks like I am on my way to being aspirated anyways. I think I should have took the first option - knee aspiration. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism not long after I was diagnosed with ra.

It is mild, but I can't help thinking it is associated with the ra in some way. I had been taking low dose steroids but not for long.

Hi Joonie!

Glad that I could help in some way. Don't sweat the FNA at all. It truly is not a painful experience. I think I was just worried when they said they needed to do two of them when I was only geared up for one. I had "cold nodules" but because I had more than one, they felt the biopsy would be benign, which it was. If you have any questions or concerns, please send me a message and I'll reply quickly.

Sorry to read that things got so rough for you in a short time. But also sounds like you're doing all the right things.

Fond regards,