Finally saw a rheumatologist..

[toots_jwu]

Hi again, I really need some help so I thought I'd paste my post from the other thread.

Ok well I finally got to see my rheumy after 3 months of waiting and lets just say it was a waste of time.  To give you an idea of my situation these were the results from my last blood test..

Ultrasound showed enlarged thyroid(goiter)
Blood cell counts are all normal range
Free T3:   4.4  (range 3.5- 6.5)
Free T4:   16   (range 9- 23)
TSH:       0.97  (range 0.35- 5.00)
Antinuclear antibody:  POSITIVE
TITRE:   1:320  HI  (range <1:40)
ANA Pattern:  Speckled and Homogeneous pattern
RHEUMATOID FACTOR-SERUM:   <12   (range <14)

I went into his office, he asked me about my symptoms, checked my joints and movement and basically said that there's nothing he can do for me as my thyroid levels are all normal.  They really do make you feel like you are wasting their time =( I pressed on and said how can they be normal when I don't FEEL normal and if they had trial medication I can try.  He went on that if it's normal they can't treat it and he even mentioned himself about only treating people cause they didn't catch the condition in time and their thyroid is pretty much gone.  Are you kidding me?!? So he's saying that even though I might have something he can't treat till its too late and everything is out of wack!!  I have an appointment with another rheumy in a month but I feel that their answer will be the same.  I am at my wits end and don't know who to turn to. Anyone here from Toronto, Ontario? Is there anyone I can see here that might be able to help me?  Should I see an endo instead of rheumy...Thanks for reading.


This discussion is related to Help with thyroid test results....

[Barb135]

Most of us have been where you are now so we really can relate........ no, you aren't delusional ---------  

Best of luck to you........

[toots_jwu]

Your post really made me feel better because someone is finally acknowledging that there MIGHT be something wrong, instead of making me feel delusional like the doctors.  I will press for an appointment with a endo. I will keep you guys updated..Thanks.

[Smilerdeb]

Your labs show there is no rheumatoid factor so realy there is no need to see the Rhemo.
I would demand to see an Endo as your levels show you DO have an autoimmune Disease.
Its up to the Endo to find out what.
To start with ask your Doctor to check you for thyroid antibodies..both Graves and Hashi's.
Then take it from there.
Something is going on with your immune system and each autoimmune disease has to be ruled out...one by one.

[toots_jwu]

I would like to see an endo and when I brought that up he said that unless my blood tests show something an endo wants to see they will not see me.  That I would be wasting their time.  Is a positive ana enough to see them?

[Smilerdeb]

Antinuclear antibody test means Autoimmune Disease.
It means that the antibodies are attacking the immune system.

I would be getting a 2nd opinion and like Barb said... see an Endo.

[Barb135]

Isn't antinuclear antibody the same as ANA?  I recently had an ANA, which was negative, but says some autoimmune disease can't be ruled out.  I wasn't even sure why it was run, since my endo always asks for TPOab.  

I agree with remar that your thyroid levels look good, but might not be right for you. I'm wondering if you could have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, but not sure what those tests are for since they aren't the tests we usually see to dx Hashi's.  Next time you get blood work done, ask for TPOab and TGab, along with the TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 --

Why are you going to rheumy?  It sounds like you should be going to an endo or your pcp instead.  Maybe, like remar said - keep the appt with the new rheumy, but go ahead and make an appt with an endo too.  

What symptoms do you have?  

[toots_jwu]

Thanks for replying.  I can't really tell you what the test is for because they don't even know. Here is a list of symptoms
-I am always tired
-unable to lose weight
-panic attacks, OCD
-IBS
-freezing one moment to burning up and sweating the next(people are always asking me "Are u cold or something")
-Pale skin, no color at all
-Foggy brain, bad memory
-Hair loss..by the handful
-My period is always heavy even though I am on the Pill.
and probably more that I can't think of now but mainly its the temperature changes and the tiredness that worry me.

I guess I can keep my appointment and see an Endo..but problem is I dont want to wait another 3 months to be told that nothing is wrong.  I don't know where to find someone that treats by symptoms =(

[remar]

It sounds like you need to find another Dr. One that treats by symptoms and not just labs.
What is the antinuclear antibodies test for, thyroid or rheumatiod arthritis? You are positive for that and I'm really curious to know what this test is.
I wish I could help you out more.
Your thyroid test looks pretty good to me, but it may not be right for you.  
What symptoms are you having?
Can your keep your appointment with the new rheumy Dr and make an appointment with an Endo too? It would'nt hurt to see both Drs.
Sorry I could'nt help you more. I'm sure some of the other members that have much more experience can help you out. Take care. Remar