Aa
Do I have an autoimmune disease?
Hi all,
Here are my sypmtoms. Hashimoto's Hypothryoidism which doc says is properly regulated with Synthroid and Naturethroid (felt terrible for years until I convinced my doc to do a tsh test...came back at 126 in 2003). Chronic Bladder infections. Chronic Diarrhea (IBS?). Chronic muscle and bone pain, many times I have muscle tics and I can feel the muscles tighten and then they won't relax. Out of breath, generally feel very weak. Very cold. My symptoms do seem to worsen when the weather cools. When I have a flare, I also can't sleep which makes the symptoms worse. I am exercise intolerant and really pay the price when I do anything which requires energy and stamina. Sometimes I'm dizzy but it comes and goes. I have low Vit D, Low B12, and low ferritin but no anemia. I am treating all of these issues with iron, vit D and sublingual B12 (took shots for a while but didn't notice a difference). I'm in the sun a lot (live in Georgia) and was very suprised to see I had low Vit D. I feel like I'm not properly absorbing the nutrients in my food (I am a healthy eater). I'm also taking Selenium, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Vitamin C taken with the iron. Right now with the supplements, the ferritin, Vitamin D and B12 levels are normal in my blood.
The funny thing is that there are times when I feel pretty good. I sometimes even feel good for a couple of weeks straight but then the symptoms re-appear for no known reason and seem to spiral out of control. I even felt much better from 2006 to the fall of 2008 with no muscle pain at all and even could exercise regularly (although the bladder infections remained). So, I don't see how this could possibly be Fibromyalgia.
I have been tested for Celiac (negative 3 years ago), Lupus, MS, and several others...all negative.
My GYN suggested that I go to a big hospital like the Mayo clinic to figure it out. She thought it sounded like an autoimmune disease. I'm not strong enough to work right now and would rather to go someone locally in the Atlanta area. I've tried Lyrica and Cymbalta, but I really want to know what is wrong so I can fix it and not take drugs that just cover up the pain. I am not depressed and do not what to take an antidepressant but for some reason the doctors always want to go that route with me. I guess that don't have anything else to offer.
Does anyone have any ideas of other things I should be tested for?
I know this is a long note, but I am praying for some help. Thanks,
Ann from Alpharetta (AlpharettaAnn)
Here are my sypmtoms. Hashimoto's Hypothryoidism which doc says is properly regulated with Synthroid and Naturethroid (felt terrible for years until I convinced my doc to do a tsh test...came back at 126 in 2003). Chronic Bladder infections. Chronic Diarrhea (IBS?). Chronic muscle and bone pain, many times I have muscle tics and I can feel the muscles tighten and then they won't relax. Out of breath, generally feel very weak. Very cold. My symptoms do seem to worsen when the weather cools. When I have a flare, I also can't sleep which makes the symptoms worse. I am exercise intolerant and really pay the price when I do anything which requires energy and stamina. Sometimes I'm dizzy but it comes and goes. I have low Vit D, Low B12, and low ferritin but no anemia. I am treating all of these issues with iron, vit D and sublingual B12 (took shots for a while but didn't notice a difference). I'm in the sun a lot (live in Georgia) and was very suprised to see I had low Vit D. I feel like I'm not properly absorbing the nutrients in my food (I am a healthy eater). I'm also taking Selenium, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Vitamin C taken with the iron. Right now with the supplements, the ferritin, Vitamin D and B12 levels are normal in my blood.
The funny thing is that there are times when I feel pretty good. I sometimes even feel good for a couple of weeks straight but then the symptoms re-appear for no known reason and seem to spiral out of control. I even felt much better from 2006 to the fall of 2008 with no muscle pain at all and even could exercise regularly (although the bladder infections remained). So, I don't see how this could possibly be Fibromyalgia.
I have been tested for Celiac (negative 3 years ago), Lupus, MS, and several others...all negative.
My GYN suggested that I go to a big hospital like the Mayo clinic to figure it out. She thought it sounded like an autoimmune disease. I'm not strong enough to work right now and would rather to go someone locally in the Atlanta area. I've tried Lyrica and Cymbalta, but I really want to know what is wrong so I can fix it and not take drugs that just cover up the pain. I am not depressed and do not what to take an antidepressant but for some reason the doctors always want to go that route with me. I guess that don't have anything else to offer.
Does anyone have any ideas of other things I should be tested for?
I know this is a long note, but I am praying for some help. Thanks,
Ann from Alpharetta (AlpharettaAnn)
Thanks for the suggestion on the magnesium oil. So far so good! I have had a definite improvement in my quality of life and reduced pain level. Thanks!
Well I'm taking the digestive enzymes, upped my Vitamin D, using the Magnesium Oil and occassionally taking Betaine HCL. So far so good! I have felt stronger every day. The muscle and bone pain is 90% better, my stomach doesn't hurt anymore and I don't feel near as fatigued. Hmmm. I'm finding it hard to believe that I've been to countless doctors and spend $1000"s with no results, but now, I tried a few simple steps and the way I feel has been amazing. I will stay in touch and let you know if the progress has continued. Thank you!
A gastroenterologist (GI) doctor is a specialist on disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. A general doctor however can test for H Pylori, intrinsic factor antibodies and parietal cells antibodies for autoimmune pernicious anaemia for instance to rule a few conditions out.
Niko does bring up a good point about candida and other parasites and fungi. Good stomach acid is needed to kill off bacteria, fungi and parasites.
Niko does bring up a good point about candida and other parasites and fungi. Good stomach acid is needed to kill off bacteria, fungi and parasites.
Welcome to the forum
Consider transdermal Magnesium Oil.
1. You can get Magnesium Chloride flakes from Health Food store or from an online distributor.
2. Dilute in glass contained 50-50 using distilled or filtered water.
3. When cool transfer to a plastic spray bottle.
4. Test a small area and if any redness or reaction occurs, dilute further.
4.Spray and rub all over your body (including under the feet but avoid sensitive areas like genitals and eyes)and leave on for 30 minutes.
5. Shower and dry.
6. Use a long handle massage brush with natural bristles (from a pharmacy) to massage gently all of your body.
7. Repeat every other day.
8 Your skin will absorb gradually what it needs safely, without any GI implications. The Chloride portion will be used for the production of gastric
acid to aid in digestion as needed. This is a gradual process, so do not expect instant results. But you will have to be consistent so you can reap the benefits.
If your Doctor has not explored Hashimoto's and Candida connection, you may be experiencing ill health and symptoms unnecessarily!
My suggestion is to request immediately to be tested.
Meanwhile you can do your own preliminary self-test.
Just do a YouTube search for saliva test for Candida.
Very simple and fast.
Candidiasis overgrowth and mycotoxins have been associated with a lot of Auto-immune diseases. Doctors are doing a disservice to their patients
by totally ignoring this.
Most Hashimoto's protocols include avoidance or elimination of sweets and grains, so a Candida style diet would be beneficial, regardless of a positive or negative finding for a Candida infection.
Also in the mean time you could also try consuming Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ( has been my daughter's "lifeline" having Ulcerative Colitis and Candida) as it is Anti-fungal, Anti-microbial, Anti-viral and Anti-parasitic.
Also there's less inflammation in the body when cooking with EVCO.
It does not alter with heat at all-unlike ALL other oils- so it does not oxidize in the body creating free radicals and consequently inflammation!
Check the coconut research website for more info. It truly is one of the top "functional" foods.
Also try to consume some seaweed once in a while.
And finally,
For Vitamin D use an emulsified form of Vit.D with Omega-3, Vit A and K so it can get into the cells easier. Your levels will go up gradually.
Please do your own research and should you need any more info let me know.
Oh, one more thing to check out - most complex - if there's any possible connection with pathogenic mycoplasma infection or co-infection.
Your doctor most likely will not know anything about this.Go to immed.org
for more info.
It is the undetectable pathogen that is creating the future health crisis.
It is a co-infection with Lyme, connected with FMS,MS, Cancer,Lupus, AIDS,ALS,Alzheimers,EB,Hashimoto's,CFS,etc.
My advice does not constitute professional advice.
Take care,
Blessings,
Niko
Consider transdermal Magnesium Oil.
1. You can get Magnesium Chloride flakes from Health Food store or from an online distributor.
2. Dilute in glass contained 50-50 using distilled or filtered water.
3. When cool transfer to a plastic spray bottle.
4. Test a small area and if any redness or reaction occurs, dilute further.
4.Spray and rub all over your body (including under the feet but avoid sensitive areas like genitals and eyes)and leave on for 30 minutes.
5. Shower and dry.
6. Use a long handle massage brush with natural bristles (from a pharmacy) to massage gently all of your body.
7. Repeat every other day.
8 Your skin will absorb gradually what it needs safely, without any GI implications. The Chloride portion will be used for the production of gastric
acid to aid in digestion as needed. This is a gradual process, so do not expect instant results. But you will have to be consistent so you can reap the benefits.
If your Doctor has not explored Hashimoto's and Candida connection, you may be experiencing ill health and symptoms unnecessarily!
My suggestion is to request immediately to be tested.
Meanwhile you can do your own preliminary self-test.
Just do a YouTube search for saliva test for Candida.
Very simple and fast.
Candidiasis overgrowth and mycotoxins have been associated with a lot of Auto-immune diseases. Doctors are doing a disservice to their patients
by totally ignoring this.
Most Hashimoto's protocols include avoidance or elimination of sweets and grains, so a Candida style diet would be beneficial, regardless of a positive or negative finding for a Candida infection.
Also in the mean time you could also try consuming Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ( has been my daughter's "lifeline" having Ulcerative Colitis and Candida) as it is Anti-fungal, Anti-microbial, Anti-viral and Anti-parasitic.
Also there's less inflammation in the body when cooking with EVCO.
It does not alter with heat at all-unlike ALL other oils- so it does not oxidize in the body creating free radicals and consequently inflammation!
Check the coconut research website for more info. It truly is one of the top "functional" foods.
Also try to consume some seaweed once in a while.
And finally,
For Vitamin D use an emulsified form of Vit.D with Omega-3, Vit A and K so it can get into the cells easier. Your levels will go up gradually.
Please do your own research and should you need any more info let me know.
Oh, one more thing to check out - most complex - if there's any possible connection with pathogenic mycoplasma infection or co-infection.
Your doctor most likely will not know anything about this.Go to immed.org
for more info.
It is the undetectable pathogen that is creating the future health crisis.
It is a co-infection with Lyme, connected with FMS,MS, Cancer,Lupus, AIDS,ALS,Alzheimers,EB,Hashimoto's,CFS,etc.
My advice does not constitute professional advice.
Take care,
Blessings,
Niko
Wow! I don't take any antacids etc, haven't had gastric bypass, no radiation. What kind of doctor should I see to help with this issue? Your posts have been most interesting and appreciated!
Hi. Well calcium is known to be constipating. Calcium contracts and magnesium relaxes the muscles. Too much magnesium = diarrhea. :)
No reaction to baking soda! Wow sounds like some seriously low or no stomach acid. Not having enough or any stomach acid can cause IBS and malabsorption. There is a more scientific test called the Heidelberg Capsule Test. It still involves bicarb of soda and water however lol. But you then swallow a small plastic capsule that contains a pH meter and a radio transmitter.
Achlorhydria (no stomach acid) or hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) can be caused by the following:
* The slowing of the body's basal metabolic rate associated with hypothyroidism.
* Autoimmune disorders where there is antibody production against parietal cells which normally produce gastric acid.
* Antacids, acid blockers, or drugs that decrease gastric acid production.
* Rare diseases such as mucolipidosis (type IV).
* Helicobacter pylori bacteria which neutralizes and decreases secretion of gastric acid to aid its survival in the stomach.
* Autoimmune pernicious anaemia, atrophic gastritis, or stomach cancer.
* Radiation therapy involving the stomach.
* Gastric Bypass procedures.
90% of all patients with achlorhydria (no stomach acid) have detectable antibodies against the H+/K+ ATP-ase proton pump. The diagnosis is made if the gastric pH remains high (>4.0) despite maximum pentagastrin stimulation. High gastrin levels are often detected.
Treatment of low or no stomach acid is addressing the underlying cause and supplementing with betaine HCI with pepsin supplements if needed.
No reaction to baking soda! Wow sounds like some seriously low or no stomach acid. Not having enough or any stomach acid can cause IBS and malabsorption. There is a more scientific test called the Heidelberg Capsule Test. It still involves bicarb of soda and water however lol. But you then swallow a small plastic capsule that contains a pH meter and a radio transmitter.
Achlorhydria (no stomach acid) or hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) can be caused by the following:
* The slowing of the body's basal metabolic rate associated with hypothyroidism.
* Autoimmune disorders where there is antibody production against parietal cells which normally produce gastric acid.
* Antacids, acid blockers, or drugs that decrease gastric acid production.
* Rare diseases such as mucolipidosis (type IV).
* Helicobacter pylori bacteria which neutralizes and decreases secretion of gastric acid to aid its survival in the stomach.
* Autoimmune pernicious anaemia, atrophic gastritis, or stomach cancer.
* Radiation therapy involving the stomach.
* Gastric Bypass procedures.
90% of all patients with achlorhydria (no stomach acid) have detectable antibodies against the H+/K+ ATP-ase proton pump. The diagnosis is made if the gastric pH remains high (>4.0) despite maximum pentagastrin stimulation. High gastrin levels are often detected.
Treatment of low or no stomach acid is addressing the underlying cause and supplementing with betaine HCI with pepsin supplements if needed.
By the way, I tried the baking soda test and didn't have any kind of reaction from it.
Thanks for your response. I just ordered the betaine HCI with pepsin and will give it a try. I will resume taking some digestive enzymes. I've taken them before and have plenty. Even with taking 6000 Vit D a day, I've only be able to get my levels up to the 40's. I can only take so much Magnesium before getting stomach problems. I can't tolerate what others can. My thyroid ranges looks ideal really so it seems I'm on the right dosage of Synthroid and Naturethroid but still feel terrible (I've tried many different combinations even Cytomel for a number of years). The last 5 weeks have been really bad. Seems like things flare up and then spiral out of control.
I quit taking as much Vit D over the summer and cut down on the iron to give my stomach a break. I have resumed both on a daily basis and I'm hoping to get this flare up under control. Thanks again for your input. You gave me some things to try.
I tried adding Calcium also and for the first week the muscle pain lessened only to return with a vengenance. The Calcium did help calm the IBS down though so I'm hesitant to give it up completely. Have you seen Calcium help or not in your experience?
Thanks so much! Take Care.
I quit taking as much Vit D over the summer and cut down on the iron to give my stomach a break. I have resumed both on a daily basis and I'm hoping to get this flare up under control. Thanks again for your input. You gave me some things to try.
I tried adding Calcium also and for the first week the muscle pain lessened only to return with a vengenance. The Calcium did help calm the IBS down though so I'm hesitant to give it up completely. Have you seen Calcium help or not in your experience?
Thanks so much! Take Care.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in 98% of patients suffering with autoimmune thyroid due to defects in the receptor site for vitamin D. Typically, autoimmune patients need levels at 80 - 100ng/mL or 200 - 250nmol/L.
Low stomach acid is a possible cause of malabsorption. Lower metabolism slows down the production of stomach acid which is a reason for many deficiency states with hypothyroidism. Optimal thyroid treatment can resolve this however low stomach acid is highly prevalent for many reason including age. Your symptoms you mention are listed under various deficiency states notably magnesium deficiency. Until nutrients are optimal (at the upper end of the reference range) it is hard to say if your symptoms are due to another condition or from suboptimal nutrient levels.
To help with digestion, digestive enzymes are amazing. Also to help with stomach acid, betaine HCI with pepsin. Too see if your stomach acid is low, try the baking soda test:
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, not baking powder) in an 8 ounce glass and drink it.
If sufficient quantities of acid are present in the stomach, bicarbonate of soda is converted into gas, producing significant bloating and belching within 5 or 10 minutes of drinking the mix. Little or no belching is suspicious for low stomach acid.
TSH, free T3, free T4 levels need to be rechecked. Free T3 and free T4 are optimal in the upper end of the reference range - around the 50 - 80% mark. TSH should never be above 2mU/L with treatment.
Diseases that have been associated with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis include rare lymphomas of the thyroid gland, primary pulmonary hypertension. Autoimmune disorders that occur with increased frequency in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis include insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis, celiac disease, pernicious anaemia, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis, dermatitis herpetiformis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
Low stomach acid is a possible cause of malabsorption. Lower metabolism slows down the production of stomach acid which is a reason for many deficiency states with hypothyroidism. Optimal thyroid treatment can resolve this however low stomach acid is highly prevalent for many reason including age. Your symptoms you mention are listed under various deficiency states notably magnesium deficiency. Until nutrients are optimal (at the upper end of the reference range) it is hard to say if your symptoms are due to another condition or from suboptimal nutrient levels.
To help with digestion, digestive enzymes are amazing. Also to help with stomach acid, betaine HCI with pepsin. Too see if your stomach acid is low, try the baking soda test:
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, not baking powder) in an 8 ounce glass and drink it.
If sufficient quantities of acid are present in the stomach, bicarbonate of soda is converted into gas, producing significant bloating and belching within 5 or 10 minutes of drinking the mix. Little or no belching is suspicious for low stomach acid.
TSH, free T3, free T4 levels need to be rechecked. Free T3 and free T4 are optimal in the upper end of the reference range - around the 50 - 80% mark. TSH should never be above 2mU/L with treatment.
Diseases that have been associated with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis include rare lymphomas of the thyroid gland, primary pulmonary hypertension. Autoimmune disorders that occur with increased frequency in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis include insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis, celiac disease, pernicious anaemia, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis, dermatitis herpetiformis, and Sjogren's syndrome.
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