Hand infected (Warning, gross photos)

[PIPpityDoodah]

I do have another thread on this but I've been on antibiotics since Thursday and it's just getting worse.

It's still hot and new puss filled blisters are appearing.

Shouldn't the antibiotics have kicked in by now?

It's so sore and embarrassing

What gloves are you using, anything like gloves and sandals could have latex. Have you been referred to a rheumatologist and dermatologist yet, can you afford a private consultation, usually about £250. Have they considered pemphigus or pompholyx

Exactly this. I paid to see a dermatologist who diagnosed me immediately and put me on diprosalic with a view to starting me on drugs if that didn't improve it to the point of being able to walk without pain. It did thankfully.

It's never cured but mine is exacerbated greatly by being under stress.

Cotton gloves underneath normal washing up gloves.

I can't afford to go private no.

I mean I could probably scrape together the 250 consult fee but if they wanted to do any tests or prestige stuff I couldn't afford it.

Prescribe*

Your GP should be referring you. Has he confirmed it is pustular psoriasis?

No he didn't say what it was at all.
Looked at my notes online and nothing.

Are you using steroid cream on it?

Yes

did they ever take a swab?

Yes came back as 'no pathogens isolated'

Have you been seen by endocrinology? What’s your tsh and t4? Antibodies of 500 alone doesn’t mean it’s definitely hashimotos. I really hope you get some answers soon.

I have subclinical hypothyroidism with 500+ antibodies.

No I haven't seen anyone. The GPS really don't give a shit.

But my symptoms have been extreme for years

So that means you don’t have hashimotos, or even an under active thyroid … it means you may potentially develop an under active thyroid in the future. I don’t think they would refer you to endocrinology as you don’t have a problem as such atm, although your varying symptoms are clearly being caused by something! Can you be more direct/assertive with your GP? See a different GP? Change practises maybe? Is there a walk in centre you could attend?

My GP said it was likely hashimotos?

I'm going to listen to them rather than someone on the internet

Very wise. Although I would still push for that dermatology referral. They’re very knowledgable on autoimmune issues and often will order the same bloods/take the same history an endocrinologist would if they suspect involvement.

out of interest (and feel free to ignore!) how are you getting on with the Levothyroxine? Any noticeable improvements outside of your skin?

Fair enough. But you’ve also stated many times that your GP doesn’t give a shit 😵‍💫 🤷‍♀️ GP’s can’t diagnose Hashimotos, but if they’ve said it’s likely then they’re clearly proving your point that they’re crap. Only trying to help, having lived with the condition for many many years … and yes, I know more than my GP on my particular Hashimotos. Good luck getting sorted with everything.

They haven't suggested me being referred to any specialists for any issues, that's why I think they're shit, because they're so reluctant to have anybody see specialist doctors until it's pivitol/ the issue is causing serious problems.

She said it looks like Hashimotos when I sent in my private bloods so that's what I thought it was.

I am subclinical now but I was previously not as I lost 8 stone and my TSH dropped from 11

I'm not really sure how I'm feeling.

I think a little less tired and sorry TMI , my libido is up a little but I'm unable to reach a crescendo if you catch my drift. So I'm not sure how I'm feeling about it right now but am persevering.

You really need to push for referrals. That’s why I suggested changing GP or even changing practices. Do you take levothyroxine? Who prescribed it? Being referred to endocrinology is essential if your levels are wrong - but the levels you said earlier only indicate possible problems in the future. When we’re fighting an infection, our tsh levels change as the body fights it, so levels do fluctuate naturally. If your levels keep settling then it’s unlikely to be under/overactive thyroid, even less so Hashimotos, but only an endocrinologist can look into this correctly. A family member of mine has Graves’ disease, yet doesn’t have the antibodies associated with this which is very unusual. It was confirmed by the complete take up of the dye by the thyroid during an iodine test. So bloods don’t always show everything, a diagnosis can only be made in conjunction with other tests performed by the endocrinologist.

Yes I'm on 25mg levothyroxin.

My levels have been around 4.7 for 4 years.

That’s a very low dose, which indicates it’s not hashimotos. Did the GP prescribe this initially? If so I don’t understand how and why, as you should be referred to endocrinology, once investigated, stabilised and discharged, your GP will then take over your care, under the instructions given by endo. Please push for referrals to endocrinology and dermatology.

Yes GP because that's what NICE guidelines suggest if subclinical in repeated tests and symptomatic

I have hashimotos
GP didn't refer and refused to. Started me on 25mcg and was increased to 50mcg. I fought for 75mcg and was given it as a trial as they said my TSH of 4.5 was fine
I ended up changing doctors surgery and was immediately increased to 100mcg

It's ok saying push for a referral but
I was diagnosed by immunology (ended up there accidentally, long story) who wrote to my GP and said I needed a referral. GP refused
haematology then wrote and said I needed a referral. GP refused again and said they could deal with hashimotos and I didn't need the referral

I’m genuinely shocked. You should have been referred to endocrinology so they can do their investigations as the specialist team. Then once diagnosed and stable, discharged into the care of your GP.

My sister is on 175mg of levo and never seen anyone but GP.
She has diagnosed hashimotos and my gran had it too

I think it's very standard for GP to deal with thyroid issues