Lupus Support Group
Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.
Hi friends ! I have not yet been dx with lupus but I am getting tested again for it. I do have Ra and have been on mxt and actemra and preidsone for about a year now my face has a red rash most of the time I did have shingles a few months back. Anyway I had some blood work done and my DR told me to come in and she will go over the test with me, I knew it was'nt good news. TSH 5.91 H. cholesterol 215 H. Triglyerides 207 H. creatinine 1.10 H, eGHR 52 L. AST 40 H. ALT 62 H. Can anybody help me on some of theses test not sure what they all mean. I have read alot online but its kinda scary. Thought somebody might give me a little peace of mind. I go in for a ultrasound on my liver tommorw. Thanks for reading this and GOD Bless... Marie
The tests you were given seem to have been a CBC (complete blood count) & standard blood panel for liver/kidney functions PLUS a thyroid panel. If your TSH is high this may actually be the answer to alot of your symptoms. Thyroid problems (TSH) can mimic lupus symptoms to a T and it may be the reason why you are feeling so bad. It can help confirm if you have Graves disease (hyper thyroid) or Hashimotos disease (hypo thyroid) which are also auto immune diseases. Since it seems that your TSH is abnormal and HIGH, you may want to see an endocrinologist. Thyroid diseases are one of the main things they check for when you have lupus symptoms. And, this problem can affect every part of the body like lupus symptoms do. Lupus meds will not help thyroid problems and since your TSH was high, a thyroid problem (which may be whats going on making you feel so ill) needs to be ruled out. Meds/treatment for this issue are completely different. This may also be why you arent feeling better on the meds you have been on. You can have RA and thyroid disease. Again, thyroid auto immune diseases need specific meds to control it and without them you will only feel worse.
This issue (high TSH) needs to be addressed immediately. Did your dr. mention an ultrasound on your thyroid? What did they say about your TSH being high. I never read things online anymore as they only seem to freak me out and make me more anxious then I already am. Plus, it isnt always accurate info. Just try to stay calm (hard to do) and see if you can get an appointment with an endocrinologist who is much more experienced with thyroid issues. The proper meds for this problem can really make a huge difference in the way you feel. Check out Graves Disease and see if you have any symptoms of it. Even if a lupus panel comes back abnormal you STILL need to have your thyroid checked into. Again, thyroid problems can cause so many lupus symptoms that often times a person is suffering from that problem and not lupus at all. I feel like my brain isnt working this am and I hope this made some sense. Please keep us posted and know we are here for you.