Autoimmune question

[123don]

I have been seeing an Endo for a year and a half.  It started with a rash on my neck and face. Very hot and itchy.  I got it a second time and a third time on my legs.  I am 49.  Upon examination my doctor realized a had a solid nobe on my thyroid.  After the diagnosis of Hashimitos (I already have cholitis), I have been taking 75mcg levothroid and the node disappeared.  None of my symptoms have disappeared, however.  I gained 45 lbs in a 2 year period mostly around my stomach and my tissue around my neck (clavicle) are noticeably swollen.   I have fatigue, sore, achy body especially my lower back and right hip. I am not the same person.  I went back to my family physician and he did blood tests.  TSH was high, but T4 and T3 were normal.  ANA was high 1:80, speckled pattern and rheum test was negative.  He raised my levothroid to 88mcg and referred me to a rheumatologist.  He asked me to go on your website for help with a list of questions to ask the rheumatologist.  Is this possible for lupus or Celiac Disease?

[karajo]

As I said before hashimotos and celiac usually go together.  I'm sorry that your endo. dr. is being mean to you.  (that's what I call it)  I have a friend who has/had hashimoto/celiac.  She feel so much better now.  They killed her tyroid and she has gone on a diet with no glutton. (which is really hard to do)

[123don]

I have been seeing an endodrinologist.  She cares about numbers.  She told me that if she had a magic pill for every woman who had a weight problem that she would be rich and would not have to work.  I have people that have known me for a long time that can see a huge change in me and know that something medically has to be wrong.  My family physician changed my levothroid from 75mcg to 88 and I feel a little bit better already-more energetic and not constipated.   I am concerned about the swelling in my neck.  I know Hashimitos can cause this, but by my clavicle I have a noticeable lump-the right side more than the left.  Getting up when I sit for a while makes me feel old-pain in my right hip-right thru my back.  I think I have restless leg syndrome.  I used to get the feeling when we would vacation and drive for hours in the car and now my legs ache (not always) on short trips.  I have cholitis (diagnosed about 5 years ago) and found out that I have alot of food allergies.  I had a brother die from an asthma attack at age 15.  Allergies and asthma run in my family.   This is why I am thinking I could have Celiac disease.  Thank you so much for your comments and concern.  It sounds like you have been thru alot.  I wish you well.

[karajo]

Many times celiac can go along w/ hashimoto tyroiditis.  The hashimoto coudl be what is making your ANA be elevated.  The speckled pattern is seen in lupus s well as other sutoimmune diseases as well as in some healthy individuals.  

Perhaps the specialist needed here is an endocrinologist.