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Question on Synthroid

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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 4/25/2011 3:18 PM (GMT -6)
Hello All,

I have a question for the group.  I currently am having RA type pains, but have tested negative for RA on bloodwork as well as MRI.  There is no inflammation, so my rheumatologist isn't comfortable treating me for RA, despite the fact that I'm having strong pains in my fingers, hands, toes, wrists, knees, ankles, and so on. 

In the bloodwork, the rheumatologist found that I have Anti-Nuclear Antibody (1:40 Speckled) as well as Anti-Thyroid Antibodies ( > 1000).  So she checked my TSH and it was 6.1.  My T3 and T4 were about 1.4 each, normal. 

So I was sent to an endocrinologist, and she said it is basically my call as to whether I want to try out synthroid.  I have no other symptoms of hypothyroidism, no constipation, no fatigue, no weight gain, etc.

My rheumatologist wants me to try synthroid to see if it explains the joint problems.  I am hesitant, but am at the point where I pretty much see no other option--she isn't going to treat me for RA until I try out thyroid treatment. 

So my question for the group is, is it possible to go on Synthroid, say 12.5mcg or 25mcg, and then get off of it if it doesn't help me or if it creates new hyperthyroid symptoms?  By biting the bullet and trying out synthroid, I am basically guaranteeing that I will be in a balancing act for the rest of my life?  I understand that I have subclinical Hashimoto's and that I will eventually need to take Synthroid for life, but my preference, if possible, would be to postpone that until it is necessary.

Ideas and comments are much appreciated,

--Rato

Posted 4/25/2011 3:40 PM (GMT -6)
with your TSH so high I'd try the synthoid out.

I've got ANA speckled with titers 1:340, pain in my hands, feet, knees, elbows, too. I'm seeing a rheumy Wed. for further testing.
I'm also Hypothyriod, too.
Posted 4/25/2011 5:00 PM (GMT -6)
When I first started with Thyroid Disorder the Synthroid helped alot.
I've been Hypo for about 10 yrs. and have started having issues the last couple of yrs.
Posted 4/25/2011 5:10 PM (GMT -6)
Cool couchtater, if you could, let me know how things end up with the rheumy. 
Posted 4/25/2011 5:11 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks MeGoSun, quick question: when you first started with Thyroid disorder, were you having joint pains? 
Posted 4/25/2011 6:49 PM (GMT -6)
I'll try to remember to do that. Sometimes I forget...stupid brain fog. :-(

Update: 7/1/11

I found out I have Lupus. shakehead

Posted 7/5/2011 10:39 PM (GMT -6)
Joint pains are caused by your Hashimoto's. Follow the doctor's advice. You have symptoms from Hashimot's thyroiditis and you you have high TSH. The treatment to help alleviate the joint pain and any other damage that is going on is to take synthroid and give it time to start working.

Best of luck!

Valerie
Posted 7/15/2011 7:30 AM (GMT -6)
if your symptoms are being caused by low thyroid, taking synthroid should help your symtpoms. If it doesn't help, there is another reason most likely. I would recommend that you take name brand and not generic synthroid. It isn't that expensive. If they start you on the lowest dose, it shouldn't give you hyper symptoms. I have auto immune diseases as well and sometimes it's hard to know what's what but when I was taking generic synthroid, I felt horrible. I had some friends tell me about how bad the generic was and when I switched it was like, Ahhhhh.. Good luck to you!
Posted 7/15/2011 11:34 PM (GMT -6)
 

Have you tried eliminating nightshade vegetables from your diet?  Nightshades can cause joint pain.  They contain solanine, which acts on the body as a neurotoxic pesticide.  It accumulates over time, and can cause joint pain.  Nightshades include white potatoes, tomatoes, all peppers (except black pepper), and eggplant.  GMO soy can also be a nightshade, and it's in lots of foods (lecithin, vegetable oil, textured vegetable protein).  I get joint pain when I eat nightshades, and I have tested negative for arthritis.  Norman Childers is the pioneer in this connection between nightshades and joint pain.  He found the connection when cattle grazing on former potato fields came down with arthritis.

 

Posted 7/24/2011 6:17 PM (GMT -6)
The thyroid problems are causing your joint pains. The immune attack on your thyroid is also causing other problems throughout your body. Use the synthroid to get your TSH below 1. That will stop the autoimmune attack on your thyroid.
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