Lupus Support Group
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Hi, well just found out from my blood test that my co2 was low, should be at least 24, mine is 21. Looked up the many reasons for this, one was Addisons disease. Has anyone had this problem from Lupus? I'm getting nervous, first my TSH is too high and now this? Any help would be appreciated. (hugs)
Now, let's look at what we know:
1) Your thyroid is EXTREMELY HYPO, right?
2) You just started/about to start a new dosage for thyroid health, right?
3) We know that hypothyroidism affects every cell (literally) in our bodies
4) We also know that when you metabolize at a slower rate (hypo) you'll also breathe more slowly (in most cases)
5) You stated you've been sleeping 16 hours a day (not unusual for hypo)
So, *most likely* your oxygen intake and breathing rate are much slower than they should be- why? Because you're extremely hypo.
Your new medication adjustment *should* rectify these issues. If it doesn't - then you need another medication adjustment (or at least more testing, right?).
So, I'd take it one step at a time and adjust the meds...allow them time to work (about 4 weeks), then retest if you still feel bad.
Also, if you're overly concerned about Addison's disease, there are tests for that as well - ask for an ACTH test along with a cortisol test. That should tell the tale.
But, again, I wouldn't test until after you've given your meds time to ramp up your metabolism again, K?
XOXO
I've had this problem, but it was due to being extremely hypo (as hypo as you are now) and not lupus.
However, it gets hard to tell which is causing what sometimes. :/