Hi everyone.
I'm new to this site and trying to sort out some of my medical problems.
I had a complete hysterectomy in 2004 and have since had other health problems.
Last year I was diagnosed with CFS
I've been on Thyroid medications for over 3 years ( dissceated, not synthroid)
I just tested positive to antibodies
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody
Thyroglobolun Antibody
My TSH is low but My free T4 and FreeT3s are way below the normal ranges.
My symptoms are very much like menopause, but hormone replacement has never eleveated these.
I'm a 55 female with the following symptoms:
Extremely hot with profuse sweating ( sometimes just really hot and don't sweat)
Extreme Fatigue
Eye doctor said my eyes are extremely dry.
Dentist told me a couple years ago I had dry mouth.
Weight gain.
Extremely dry vagina and extreme pain during intercourse ( affecting my marriage)
I don't have much for joint pain at all.
Irratible bowel syndrome and alot of bladder infections ( more recent though getting up alot at night )
Brain fog - somedays extreme
A couple years ago I was sure i had diabetes because of all the thirst and sweating.
I've had all the diabetes tests done several times and they are always fine.
Bruise easily and heal slowly.
My new doctor said I'm one of those rare people with a Low TSH but my thyroid hormones are low.
Does this sound familiar?
What tests do I need to be asking for to see if I had Sjorgens.
My B12 is high, D and all the other stuff.
How do you know what' menopause and wha'ts sjogrens?
I'm feeling so lost and hoping to find answers to why I am so tired
Typically when Sjogren's is suspected the Rheumatologist will check ANA, SSA, SSB, Sed rate, CRP, RF, CCP antibodies, a lip biopsy might be recommended if antibody tests are negative. Eye tests include a schirmers, rose bengal dye done by opthomologise. Salivary flow rate might also be checked.
You have a lot going on and unfortunately thyroid issues, sjogren;s menopause and CFS share many symptoms.
If you test positive, trying some of the treatments for Sjogren's might help, but since you are also diagnosed with these other disorders, you might have to get the right treatment for each before getting really good relief.
A good team of doctors who work together is important. I would think an Internist (PCP), Rheumy, Endocrionolgist, ENT, Optho, Gynocologist.
Feel free to ask questions, there is a wealth of knowledge on this board!
Nancy
Hi Allie,
I am also new to this site, 55, but dx with SjS at 20 only because I had donated blood and back then they were testing for all abnormalities and mine got tagged. Now I donate with no problem.
You sound like me, however my labs for Hashimoto's was only drawn last Sat, so waiting for results.I am told with hypo/hyper its not if but when you dx with it. My numbers have been like a yo-yo which does not help us feel any better.
I have found that black cohash really helped with the heat overload. You can get it just about anywhere, just watch for one that does not have a ton of fillers. I go to a health food store for my herbs. I noticed a difference in like 2 days. I did not feel any ill side effects from it.
If your B12 is high that could be a great deal of the problem as well. That's like having a little furnace running!
I went in for a sleep study because I was sooo tired all of the time and never felt rested. i was given a Cpap machine to sleep with which has helped a lot. Sound REM sleep is the restful kind of sleep and lots never get there.
I added some herbs this week and have noticed a great deal of difference in how I feel. Has not helped the dryness but I feel much better, Turmeric aids in digestion, settled my stomach and bowel quite a bit, CoQ10 helps with inflammation,Fish Oil helps with my dry eyes, Next week I am adding another 2 and will let you know how that goes. I have been staying away from dairy, wheat, and cut down on caffine-I love ice tea so that one was harder.
I also got off of plaquenil. It was making me so gassy and bloated,I had gained soo much weight since starting it but hardly eating anything cause my mouth was so sore, brain foggy and crabby, and lethargic I think it has helped me. You may want to check with the pharmacy before you make changes to be sure there are not any drug interactions and when it is best to take them. I am up t 5lbs lost this week just from these changes. My husband commented on how much better I seem something is working.
Hope something in our posts triggers something that helps you. we are all the same but different, what works for one does not for the other. Blessings!
Thanks for all your replies.
i know there's alot going on so I have to be patient.
Jackie, I tried black cohosh but I had some side effects.
I have seriously considered going wheat free and I think you've further convinced me.
Again, thanks to you all !
Allie,
I have read a book this weekend that I thought was really helpful!
Healthier without Wheat, Dr.Stephen Wangen Too much of it hit home!
Then I read " food to some poison for others' The Food Allergy Detection Program Terry Traub RDH BS. Got both at the library.
We are thinking of trying to follow this book for a few weeks. Basically it starts you on foods that should not cause reactions and allergies and then slowly has you try them and see if you react. I guess I like the idea of proving it out and not just guessing. We will see...It sounds expensive to get started on. Lots of recipes too like an alternate mix for flour. I am shocked at how many things I would never have thought of do have flour in them.