Excerpt from fpnotebook - Anti-Double Stranded DNA Antibody...
"Positive (percentage refers to sensitivity)
A. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (60%)
1. Associated with Lupus Nephritis
2. Associated with Lupus CNS Involvement
3. Correlates with disease activity
B. Sjogren's Syndrome (5%)
C. Rheumatoid Arthritis (<5%)
D. Chronic active hepatitis
E. Biliary Cirrhosis
F. Epstein Barr Virus
G. Cytomegalovirus"
Hi jluthye.
Yes, indeed, quite a story.
So you likely have celiac's or a serious gluten sensitivity-no brainer, lol!
96F is too low and highly indicative of a hypothyroid** condition, now what's interesting is that most hypothyroid sufferers have gluten sensitivity and don't even know it!
The gluten molecules-mainly from gmo grains- resemble the TPO(Thyroid Peroxidase - an enzyme necessary for the signalling Thyroid hormone production) molecules and thus the immune system in its response against gluten, attacks the TPO in the Thyroid also!
You may look Look into Gliadin test (urine), by Cyrex labs. They test 12 forms-not just the alpha ordered by most doctors- of gliadins regarding gluten intolerance/sensitivity (not necessarily digestive).
While you're at their website also check Array #4 Gluten Cross-Reactive and Sensitivity Foods & Array #5 Comprehensive Autoimmune Reactivity.
** Forgo the standard serum testing for thyroid-as it indicates only serum thyroid hormone levels and NOT thyroid function, so if you decide to get tested, ask for FreeT3 and Free T4 and also Reverse T3
There's also a possibility that you have Adrenal fatigue***, which will also cause low temperature, secondary hypothyroidism, with multiple symptoms.
Here's where it gets more complex:
Treating the suspected hypothyroidism, after some initial improvement, without addressing the (suspected) adrenal fatigue, will certainly "backfire" and result in the worsening of adrenal fatigue.
This all starts from prolonged biological and mental/psychological stress*, which requires high levels of stress hormones
-mainly cortisol- to deal with it, until the time the adrenal system is unable to sustain this increased production of cortisol-so levels of cortisol drop low.
At the same time the adrenals down regulate thyroid function, for adrenal recovery.
Cortisol regulates the immune cells in our gut so when cortisol is depleted*** those cells become dysregulated, making us more susceptible to pathogens like bacteria, yeast, and parasites.
So, infections are definitely more prevalent in such an environment.
This could explain your rise in temperature, recently.
The adrenal's ability to produce other hormones (DHEA, adrenaline progesterone, testosterone, estrogen) becomes impaired, affecting quality of life and long term health.
***Checkout BioHealth Labs "Adrenal Stress Profile" and "GI Pathogen Screen", especially if your cortisol levels are low.
(This is just for your reference and not intended as an endorsement, however, I find BioHealth Labs professional, accurate & efficient)
*Family demands & responsibilities, the stress of moving and re-settling in new places, the distress and worry that comes with being a military wife are all possible stressors in your life.
Left untreated, these above suspected conditions and imbalances, when there's prolonged significant organ and body system involvement, serious
A/I diseases may develop, like Lupus, Sjogren's, MCTD and others.
What I mention here is at the root level of the onset of disease.
Unfortunately, conventional medicine does not approach it very effectively at this level, so do not be surprised when upon mentioning these suspicions
to conventional doctors, you might be inviting some controversy.
Best, seek a reputable Holistic or Naturopathic Doctor, knowledgeable in these areas of health. You may also want to rule out nutritional and mineral
deficiencies ( tissue magnesium deficiency is suspect -not serum levels), as some of the aforementioned imbalances, cause a depletion of certain nutrients.
I hope this helps, however, please note that my comments are not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
And BTW, I do care and that's why I'm here. Well put jluthye!
You may post again or message me anytime if you need any details or more info.
Best wishes.
Niko