Is this an autoimmune disease?

[FRC23]

Many doctors over the years have suspected I have an autoimmune disorder due to a constellation of various symptoms, but most tests are negative (my brother has many of the same symptoms- explained later). I was referred to an immunologist, who recently ordered a blood test that came back with high levels of thyroglobulin antibodies- 2 IU/mL, with a reference range of  <or =1IU/mL. For some background info:

My TSH levels have bounced around a lot in the past year or so:
1.85 in May '14 (max ref range 4.2)
3.06 in Jan '15 (max ref range 4.50)
2.55 (ref range max 4.40) in Sept '15 (same test that read my high thyroglobulin antibodies)

In Feb 2015 I had:
*Microglobinuria (this has been chronic since 2008)
*High MCHC levels (35.5)  
*Low RDF Coeff w/Var (10.7) – normal ref ranges weren’t listed for either.

In Sept 2015, my most recent blood work, everything seemed normal except:
T4: 11.6 mcg/dL (ref range 4.5-12.0 mcg/dL)
TSHL 2.55 IU/mL (ref range max 4.40 IU/mL)
(TPO was normal: 2 IU/mL  w/ref range <9 IU/mL)

I am 31, I am 5'1 and 118 lbs; I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (NOT polycystic ovaries); and my kidney function appears to have been in slow decline since 2008, which makes me think perhaps the high thyroglobulin antibodies and high-ish T4 levels may suggest some form of autoimmune disease.  

The strange symptoms I've had for the past few years are:
*periorbital edema (bad episodes since 2013)
*generalized edema on my face, hands, feet, legs and abdomen (since 2013)
*rashes and dry skin around my eyes (since 2012)
*random swelling & pain in joints (since 2012)
*low grade fever (since 2012)
*intermittent and sustained hypertension (since 2011, sometimes near emergency levels)
*fatigue  (since 2011)
*weight gain (about 5 lbs, due to swelling, which is exacerbated by oral contraceptives)
*microscopic hematuria & declining kidney function (currently about 2 points away from stage 2 failure) – problems began in 2008.
*asthma (since 2011)

These symptoms tend to come and go, happening when I'm sick, stressed, or run-down (tired from working hard), but they do happen at random. My brother also has periorbital edema which has the same triggers mine does, and has had hypertension since age 19 (he’s 27 now). We don’t know where his kidney function is because he just refuses to see a doctor. Thanks, bro. Thanks a lot.

Anyway, my latest labs in 2015 are the closest I’ve come to clues that this could be autoimmune. I was reading that my TSH levels shouldn’t be as high as they are, and that abnormality might be explained if FT4 isn’t being properly converted into FT3, which might indicate presence of disease.

Does anyone have any clues at all about this?

[CHNP83]

look into dermatomyositis and/or polymyositis. they would need to check a CK/creatine kinase level, as well as normal inflammatory markers and sometimes myolgobin and aldolase. look up the rashes assoc with DM and see if it matches

[TheLightSeeker]

If your MCHC are normal high if measured in g/dl and high if measured in
mmol/L..
Did you intend to type RDW instead of RDF (I'm not familiar with RDF)?
If  RDW, then the result is given as a percentage, in your case it would be 10.7%,which is below range (11.5-14.5 %)
These 2 results point to microcytic or macrocytic anemia (small cell or large cell anemia). Have your iron, B12 and folate levels checked as these could be deficient.

Your assumption about your thyroid labs is right on.
Your high FT4 is not converting to FT3 and you certainly have many classic symptoms of hypothyroidism.
I suggest to also get FT3  and RT3 tested.

--- Microscopic hematuria & declining kidney function  (possible genetic/familial component) Hmm
Getting to the cause of these, might give you the answers you're looking for.Their chronic nature, with what appears to be the absence of a comprehensive management plan, is of concern.
Were you  given any idea about the amount of blood loss, when you were diagnosed. Any recommendations, monitoring, iron panel, testing for deficiencies?
I just get the feeling that the dots were not connected.
Kidney dysfunction/infection/disease,Blood loss, iron deficiency, anemia, hypothyroidism, leading to a plethora of symptoms, some weird, some not
so weird, but most being consistent with your medical history.

You see, energy and to be exact electrical energy measured in millivolts
is how the cells repair, maintain and heal.
So when energy is compromised because of deficiencies and imbalances,
many functions in the body become impaired.
Recovery from infections and illness becomes very sluggish.

You may need a  reputable and knowledgeable Holistic Doctor to get to the bottom of all this and help you regain your health.

Please note that my suggestions and comments are not intended to replace medical advice.

Best wishes,
Niko

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[CHNP83]

and anti-synthetase syndrome, and systemic sclerosis