Non specific autoimmune?

[MarCiXIII]

Posted a question earlier, not sure it was received. Have been diagnosed with unspecific autoimmune disease. I have a pos. ANA and dsDNA. I have been mostlty affected with acute iridocyclitis for which I use prednisolian drops now 2 times a day, more when it worsens. Have always had severe sinus infections which have lessened since using the eye steroids. So I believe my sinuses are involved with whatever autoimmune I have. In March I had a complete thyroidectomy because of a large goiter with nodules, one of which was granulomous. I get tired quickly and get hit suddenly with all over flu like aches, for which I use ibruprofen. My Dr suggested using Methotrexate, but I feel the side effects are worse then some of my symptoms. Is there anything else to try? I feel without an exact diagonsis I should be weary of what I take and treat the symptoms as the come up. My doctor is leaning towards Sarcoidosis. Had MRSA maybe 5 years ago, but was treated and cleared. I am a 56 year old woman, but some days feel way older. I also have developed a shainess and twitch in my right had..my primary said, let's not worry about that now.

[MarCiXIII]

Thank you for the answer. Have had a lot of blood work done, not sure of those. I will check it out. I do take synthroid and have my levels checked, so I don't think that is it unless the pituitary is involved and I am getting "false" readings. Weight gain is an issue too. Thanks again and Happy holidays.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear what you have been going through. If you have positive ANA and dsDNA then you need to get this further investigated by getting ANA staining pattern, Smith Antibody (Anti-Smith), and Anti-ssDNA. If ANA pattern is homogenous then you could be suffering from lupus. Anti-SM subtype of speckled ANA almost confirms lupus diagnosis, as it is rarely present in other disorders. Anti-Ro and Anti-Sm together almost confirm diagnosis. Only positive ANA and dsDNA could be present in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, and myeloma.
Patients with either lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can develop iridocyclitis. Also, since you had complete thyroidectomy, it is very important to replace the thyroid hormones through thyroid hormone pills. Hypothyroidism as a result of thyroidectomy or incomplete thyroid hormone replacement can cause tiredness and fatigue. Please discuss all these issues with a doctor specializing in autoimmune disorders.
Take care!