Rhumertoid Artheritis or Hashimoto’s?

[Iona345]

I've been investigated for so many things over the last 6 years due to weakness on one side of my body, Neck pain, brain fog and generally being out of sorts. I have a subclinical hypothyroidism which I take thyroxine for. I also have raynaulds disease which flares in winter.

Latest bloods this week show raised esr/crp and after demanding it, the doctor begrudgingly did TPO which is 270 (range 34).

I've been having arm and hand pain (and feet) and occasional pins and needles. Doc whacked me on steroids which I responded well to but I'd rather get to the bottom of what the hell is up! I've been terrified at points.

Head/neck mri clear. Seen neurologists and muscular skeletal. Nothing found. I was worried it was MS and once my arm went dead and was taken in hospital as suspected TIA/Stroke.

Finally got a nhs Rhumatologist apt this week and feel this is last chance to sort this out.

Does anyone have similar symptoms or any wise advice what to ask the rhumertologist?

I'm wondering if it is RA or more related to a poorly managed thyroid.

You can't cure RA, they'll give you medicine that will help you manage the symptoms, but they'll get worse. It's just a fact. You'll be classed as medically vulnerable.

Rheumatologist will be the person who will tell you everything you need to know.

No not expecting a cure, just for more of a solid diagnosis that I can then manage. There are so many things flying around I was wondering if it could be RA, or more related to thyroid.

Seems noone connects the dits between the nhs departments.

Nothing in your symptoms really suggests RA. What makes you think RA?

I am having thyroid issues at the moment (cancer) and it never ceases to amaze me how many different things it affects. We should be better educated.

@Nightnurse123 one thing the GP was banding around. Neg RA factors but pain in wrists, arms, sometimes ankles. The numbness on one side has morphed into pain even sided.

Gp diagnosed Polymyalgia rheumatica, popped me on steroids but I'm early 40s and it's an unlikely diagnosis. But gp out of their depth and waiting lists long for rheumatologist.

I did respond well to steroids though.

I wonder if I should be asking the rhumertologist specific questions as feel this is last hope.

@Stomacharmeleon exactly. If I don't get anywhere this time I may go down the functional medicine route. I worry I'm going to be medicated for something but really it should be a better managed thyroid.

I had to fight the gp for the TPO test. And they didn't want to put me on levothyroxine even though I was out of range. Nhs ranges are higher than they should be too.

I've been experiencing similar symptoms over the last few weeks abd also have hypothyroidism, although mine has always been pretty stable. Went to the GP a few weeks ago and got told it wasn't a stroke (which I didn't think it was) and to see how it went over the next few weeks. I'm going back these week sometime because it has got worse.

A rheumatologist covers all autoimmune conditions, not just RA, so it isn't going to be an RA diagnosis or nothing.

The fact you responded well to steroids is a sign you are going to the right place. When you see them, don't try to match up your symptoms with RA, instead explain clearly what is happening to you - they will see what is the best fit.

Good luck, I hope you get some answers soon.

You are probably being investigated for Hashimoto's though, not RA.

@MyEyesMyThighs That's reassured me a bit! Thank you. Just been pillar to post so feels like I'm going to the right place this time.

I have RA and your symptoms don't really match. I started with Palidromic Rheumatism which is more one sided but usually progresses to RA.
You don't have to have raised RF for RA as it's more a diagnosis based on all the evidence of inflammation and symptoms.

A Rheumatologist is definitely the right person to see. There are so many auto immune and inflammatory diseases they will look at.
Steroids are very good at symptom control but not a long term solution. Be aware they are also very difficult to wean off. The devils drug IMO because they work so well but are not good for you.

I doubt if I need to tell you this but write down your entire history and take it with you as an aide memoire.

@Nippi thank you. Yes all prepared.

Yes, was very reluctant to go on steroids with such a flippant diagnosis from GP.

But sounds like I'm finally being put in front of the right person 🤞