ANA and undiagnosed

[LPitt]

Hello.  I have had an elevated ANA ranging from mild 1:80 to 1:640 for approximately 2 years. All of my other tests have been normal.

Symptoms have been fatigue (immense), weight gain (partially due to craving sweets, I think b/c I get a quick energy spike. Vicious cycle), brain fog, exhaustion, neuropathy, constipation, and several other small symptoms that come and go.

I have had hair loss, most recently head hair and while this was attributed to possible lupus, I was not so sure.

I've had thyroid tested.  No antibodies.  TSH has fluctuated between 1.6 and 2.0, so have been told not thyroid.

I have had FT4, FT3 and RT3 tested.  FT3 and FT4 are low in range but my RT3/FT3 ratio is only 16, which I was hoping could explain the fatigue but can't find a doctor that feels there is any significance since all my labs are normal.

I was put on plaquenil but stopped when I got a poor eye exam.  My rheumatologist was okay with it as I had only been taking for a short time, have not been diagnosed with anything and the only abnormal lab result was my ANA.

Since then in my search I thought it might be my IUD causing some of the symptoms. I had it removed.  There is some info on the silicone leaching and some people experiencing an autoimmune reaction (similar to silicone breast implants).  My rheumatologist didn't think this was possible, neither did my gynecologist, but a lot of women have had symptoms with the IUD.

I read a book about low amino acids causing fatigue, brain fog and apathy and thought, wow maybe this can explain what's happening to me since nothing else has.

I started 5htp and tyrosine after identifying them as most helpful to my symptoms and low if any side effects.  I felt no different on them (only a few weeks).

I went for my yearly check up and got a high blood pressure reading.  This was extremely odd b/c I've always had borderline low blood pressure.  Doctor said one isolated reading not to worry about and just check with my primary.

Due for physical in about a month.  I've taken my bp a few times at home and it does keep coming back high, usually the diastolic pressure.  

Now as I'm researching and trying to figure out what is going on, I see that you shouldn't take 5htp or tyrosine in lupus.  That the body can't process it.  So, although not diagnosed, have I done something horrible to myself?  Have I done some irreparable damage?  

Would this affect bp?  Or is this a whole separate issue?  If so, what could be causing an elevated diastolic pressure?

Sorry this is so long.  Any advice would be nice.  Thank you.

LP

[LPitt]

Thank you for your reply.  

I am still just feeling exhausted, which has been my primary complaint for years.  I just can't get going.  I want to but I just don't have the energy.

Other symptoms I experience -- fatigue, constipation, hair loss (head and body), aches, can't focus, forgetful, sometimes a tad disoriented (having to stop and think what month it is), trouble falling asleep even though exhausted, waking up in the middle of the night and tossing and turning for hours before finally crashing, weight gain (can't lose).  I admit I don't exercise as I should but I just can't physically do it and I eat healthy but do occasionally reach for candy for a pick me up.

I just had another round of blood work.  Not all is back but two things that are unusual to me are my calcium level is up to 10.1.  It was at 10 a year ago and my doc said it was an isolated test and didn't matter, perhaps because of my albumin level?  All my searching has taken me to hyper parathyroid site that suggests levels should be in 9s for an adult but even so, mine is still barely over the 9s.  Not sure if significance or any other results that would be helpful with this.

And, my dos did a TSH with reflex to T4 (not sure if this is different than a plain TSH) but the level was 1.28, which over the past 10 years I've never had a TSH under 1.6.  It is usually right around 2.  No other thyroid test done at this time.

I had a flagged high urine calcium ox last year but was dismissed as dehydration.  I don't know that I have flank pain, everything is achy so who knows?

Only other thing that is concerning me is that I had my IUD out and had an initial period but in 2 1/2 months nothing more.  I had my yearly gyno exam and she said that at my age, peri menopause, I could go very sporadic so not concerned.  I've always been pretty regular, so it is odd, but I guess peri menopause is all new to me.  Would this have anything to do with a lower TSH?

Finally, I've been taking vit D since I was diagnosed at a 9 a few years ago.  Along with that I have taken vit K and magnesium (which has also been somewhat helpful for constipation).  I got my level up to 50 and haven't been as good about taking it, although I have continued some with the magnesium.

Could the magnesium cause a higher serum calcium?

I am stopping all medicine/supplements as I'm due for my yearly physical in a few months and I feel like I've just been throwing a whole bunch of things at myself and think I just need to stop to see what's actually happening.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks,
LP

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi LPitt.

Well, you've investigated and changed a lot of things.
I'm impressed!
It you were born 40-50 years ago, you would be probably on natural desiccated thyroid for hypothyroidism.
Now, we have these fancy lab tests that tell doctors to ignore
hallmark symptoms of hypothyroidism, because the mathematical formula
used, indicates that most people who fall within their "normal" reference range do not suffer from hypothyroidism.
What is likely happening in your case, is that you have subclinical levels of thyroid hormones, which could be enough to cause YOU,some of the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism!.
.
Also look into candida as some of your symptoms are also consistent with this condition.
You can do a self-test for it, as a screen. Just search under: Saliva test for candida.

Looking forward to your reply, but please note that my comments and suggestions are not intended to replace medical advice.

Best wishes,
Niko

[maryalice40]

I would minimize the amount of sugar intake and try to eat healthier.