2 doctors disagree

[suzy656]

I am female, 51yrs old, post menopause, ovaries removed, not overweight.   My symptoms are muscle pain, especially after sitting (even 5 minutes) waking in morning, etc.wakes me during sleep,  walking usually helps but knees and ankles are sometimes tightening during a walk, my neck has become sore to turn and I hear cracking, my knees are hurting while walking stairs, my left ankle and calf swell as the day goes on and is a different color than the right...redder.

Had tons of tests, bone scans, x-rays.  Bone scan shows inflammation  joints.   My internist says I have Hashimoto's throiditis (I started synthroid in January) and because my bloods show no Rheumatoid, i have have a progressive arthritis, but not rheumatoid and need to treat it so it doesn't progress.  Because I'm allergic to anti-inflammatory medications, told me to see a rheumatologist.  I did and she said I had arthritis, but not progressive and wanted to give me pain pills or a tens unit....I am so confused, any ideas?

[suzy656]

One more question...I passed out the other day at a function, I think from the pain of standing, was ambulanced to the ER...everything seemed fine, my internist wants to see me to make sure.   Can the Hashimotos  have anything to do with this?  I guess I'm hoping it does since I don't want anything else to be wrong now.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You appear to have arthritis and probably need aggressive treatment with the rheumatologist taking the lead.  The other suggestions may help, but would not likely replace the need for more conventional treatment.

Depending on how much synthroid you need and how severe the hypothyroid/hashimotos is, I would consider adding a low dose cytomel to see if that helps any.  Also talk to your GYN about the pros/cons of estrogen treatment and consider an am cortisol to screen for adrenal insufficiency.

[GravesGirl]

good idea.. also fish oil helps too. I go to a chiropracter, has helped a lot too.

[Ga7]

Start taking Glucosamine, with MSM. This will help in your pain and will not have ther side affects of Anti-inflammatory med. I would not advise Celebrex if your Rheumatologist suggest. My 2 cents.