RA, Graves Disease, heart valve issues
After being diagnosed with RA about 15 years ago, the “hits just keep on coming “. Next it was Fibromyalgia, then started losing teeth. Following that, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. Next came a total thyroidectomy. The latest ailment is with my heart and mitral valve. The valve isn’t shutting the way it should, and bloodwork gets backed up. That causes swelling in thighs and ankles/feet. So in addition to the Humira injections biweekly,and Levothyroxine to replace the thyroid, I am now on Atenolol and the Lasix for swelling.
I play a lot of pickleball, and sometimes tennis. I thought staying active would help prevent these maladies. My doctor may refer me to a cardiologist.
My question is, is all of this normal when dealing with Rheumatoid arthritis? It seems like when one thing gets tended to, another takes its place. I am hoping someone can give me some guidance on this. Thanks.
Hi
. Unfortunately, when one autoimmune diseases breaks through, it often leaves the door open for others. My mother also had Graves disease that led to a thyroidectomy and RA, though she was fortunate that her RA symptoms were mild. Then she developed diabetes as well. With all that, she was still healthier that most of her peers in her 70s and 80s, probably because she was always seeing doctors and paying close attention to her health. I hope that is true for you, too, as you age. Mitral valve prolapse can be caused by Graves disease. Thankfully, it is not usually life-threatening and it can be surgically corrected if it becomes a problem. The biggest threat is infection. So you might need antibiotics now and then for certain procedures. Medications, like the one you are taking, can help prevent fluid-build-up and blood clots. You should most definitely be in the care of a cardiologist if you have mitral valve prolapse though, so I hope you get that referral. If nothing else, annual visits to the cardiologist will give you peace of mind. You didn't do anything to bring on these health conditions and exercising would not have prevented them. However, exercising is probably helping you stay as healthy as can be, despite it all. So don't stop if you don't have to. I hope this helps and that once you get stabilized, you are less stressed and more able to relax. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you, Lori. My doctor just told me yesterday that the valve issue is most likely due to the Graves Disease. Thank you again. I’m going to save your response to make myself remember what you said. GrammieSue
Hi
. I just want to follow-up on what said, about seeing a cardiologist. Prolapsed or "floppy" mitral valves are not uncommon and can have numerous potential causes. As Lori noted, it makes sense to start with your known conditions that can lead to it, but the specialist can do the proper diagnostics to make sure there are not other issues. Considering that there are already some manifested symptoms, the cardiologist may want to discuss treatment options. As an anecdotal side note: I know a person who has had two replacements and has been quite happy with the results. Wishing you the best and please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how things are going. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Good morning; I’m losing some sleep as of late. My doctor has ordered a nuclear stress test for me tomorrow. On Thursday I will have an ultrasound to see if there is any residual tissue from my total thyroidectomy in November. Thankfully, my doctor is covering all her bases. I’m now taking metoprolol instead of atenolol. It seems to be lessening the palpitations of my heart. I’m now wondering if my arteries have been affected, as my right shoulder all the way to my hand gets numb and tingly at times. I am totally frustrated, and never realized RA could cause so many ailments. I’m trying to stay positive and continue my pickleball, with rests between games. It is, however, getting more difficult. Thank you, GrammieSue
Hi
. It's scary to have your thyroid removed, especially with so many other medical issues to contend with, so your frustration and anxiety are understandable. I am glad you are having the nuclear stress test. If there is something wrong with your heart, the test will find evidence of it. If not, it will ease your mind and allow you to continue playing pickleball without so much stress. You might also want to see an orthopedic doctor about your shoulder or a neurologist if your doctor recommend it. Numbness and tingling are common symptoms of nerve entrapment. It is always possible you have joint damage in your shoulder that is causing your issues. I hope this helps and that you get answers and relief. Keep us posted if you don't mind. I will be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
Thank you so much. I am having an ultrasound this afternoon to see if there is any thyroid residue from the surgery in November. I’ve also been reading a lot about kidney disease and it’s effect and relationship to the heart and RA in geo. I do take daily pain meds, and my symptoms are much like those of kidney disease. I’ve had kidney stones, kidney stone surgery, and also have a cyst on each one. I’m feeling like a hypochondriac, yet I now understand the many problems that can arise from RA. This is just terrible, and I feel most of these tests are for nothing. Thank you.
, I hope your ultrasound goes smoothly and that you and your doctor get some clear answers. I do know you feel that the test may be pointless, so I do hope the procedure is at least smooth.
And, at the risk of stating the obvious, you really have been through A LOT and so have your poor kidneys! And, while I always suggest consulting with your doctor about your new or worsening symptoms, I also say that no one knows your body as well as you do. So, based on your kidney issues and your understanding of your body's issues, you may be on the right track and I hope you are able to discuss your thoughts with your doctor.
That said, I understand why your doctor wants to check all the boxes, just to be safe.
I am sorry you are feeling poorly and I hope you get some clear answers VERY soon!
Let us know how that ultrasound goes today, if you feel comfortable doing so.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
