Stomach pains

[Cattie]

I had glandular fever around a year ago, and was also found to have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  I started on levothyroxine in June this year and so far it hasn't improved my TFTs or my general wellbeing at all (tiredness, breathlessness, hair loss and rashes on legs).  I got a viral infection around 6 weeks ago and started getting really bad stomach pains at the same time.  Doctors suspected enlarged spleen, and sent me for yet another round of blood tests and an ultrasound.  These have come back negative but I'm still getting the pains - what could they be?

[Cattie]

Well.  Doctor wrote off my stomach problems as IBS, and the rest of my symptoms as depression.  Her one concession was that although my thyroid function has levelled off, my antibodies are particularly high, so she's going to look into it and give thought to referring me to an endocrinologist.  Huzzah!

[Cattie]

Hi! Wow, that's a lot of questions.  The pains come and go - every so often I'll get a sharp kicking pain in my left side - just underneath my ribs, which is why the doctors thought it was my spleen - plus one thought she could feel the upper edge of my spleen.  I had a virus, so maybe it was temporarily enlarged, but the pains persist.  I also get pains just below my chest on both sides sometimes.

My digestive system is screwed!  Sometimes I don't go for days, then I get really painful diarrhea, and I don't digest things properly.  It does seem to get worse with stress.

Today I also have what feels like a lump in my throat and swallowing is uncomfortable.  Does this never end?!!!!!  Got docs this afternoon though.

Thanks for your post,

t
x

[tnt406]

Hi Are the stomach pains dull or sharp?Do you still have a period?Where are the pains located at?Do you have frequent bowel movements?If not your bowels might be packed,and that might be where the pain is coming from.How long have you had these pains?You mentioned being on thyroid medicine,is it possible the medicine is causing the stomach pains?Have you looked up the side effects of the medicine?Maybe you need an MRI of your stomach to get a better image.Take care of your self.TNT406.

[Cattie]

Thanks for your help.  

I'm not very good at asking for actual details and doctors are not too forthcoming in giving them, but I think my TSH was elevated and my T4s normal?  I'm only on 50mcg Levothyroxine.  I got blood tests back today confirming antibodies, but apparently my TFTs are normal, so I'm assuming this will not be increased.  Seeing doctors on Wednesday, and I will press them to try and find out what the stomach pains are because they are really bad and not going away.  They have a special way of making you feel like an absolute hypochondriac though!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

check antibodies - if positive and tsh >2.5 consider treatment given your symptoms.

[raven33]

Hi Thank you,for the compliment.I am trying to find answers,for my self all so.I am a female 58 years old.I have had my thyroid checked several times.It all ways comes back normal.The tsh level I mean.They don't take it any further.My doctor has noticed that my thyroid is swollen.I go back to my doctor on October 6th for a check up.I was wanting to know what types of test I should ask for?I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 37 years old.I had fibriod tumors on my uterus.I have done research,on the internet that some times the tsh want show up a thyroid problem but the free t4 and free t3 will.Are these tests I should maybe think about asking for.I know my tsh level will automatically be checked even with other tests and that is fine.I wanted to tell you what symptoms I am having,hair loss,fatigue,some depression,weight gain,that I can't lose even with low carb dieting.I all so still work.I do get constipated,some times I only have 1 bowel movement a week.Sometimes none.I have high cholesterol,high blood pressure,border line diabetes controled by diet.I guess you could say that I am on the heavy side.Any information you can give me I would appreciate it.Raven33

[raven33]

Thank you Dr.Mark for the advice.I will discuss this test with my doctor.Very much appreciated.Raven33

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Good point from Raven33 -- I assumed that your TSH was not too low -- if so some of your symptoms could be from hyperthyroid.  The leg rash from hyper is seen in Graves and occurs in 5% (or less) of patients due to auto-immune processes...

[raven33]

Hi You mentioned rashes on your legs,that is generally a sign of hyperthyroid symptoms.If your tsh is to low you will turn hyper.The breathlessness might all so becoming from having a low tsh level.I am not a doctor,I just joined tonight.But I am having problems with my thyroid,all so.Hopefully I can find answers on here.I see that there is a doctor.I guess thats good,hope they can help us all.Good luck,and hope the doctor helps you.Raven33

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Stomach pains with normal labs and ultrasound could be acid in the stomach or even an ulcer - if persists see a stomach specialist (gastro-enterologist) for evaluation.  

I don't think your stomach symptoms are related to thyroid -- however -- there are at least two possible exceptions: 1) slowing of gastric emptying (called gastroparesis) caused by hypothyroidism (unlikely with normal TFT's) 2) Celiac Sprue (gluten-sensitive sprue) which is an auto-immune disease causing inflammation in the small intestine in response to eating gluten which is primarily in wheat products.

Getting the TSH to 0.5-1.5 is important in treating your hashimotos.  Less likely problems could be adrenal insufficiency - start by checking 8am cortisol and if your symptoms of fatigue continue and this level is <11 -- do an ACTH stim test to be sure.