Does anyone else have RA and Hashimoto's disease?
Hi all, My name is Lee and I am 35yrs old. I have just been diagnosed with zero negative Rheumatoid arthritis. I also have Hashimotos disease (thyroid). I was wondering if anyone else has this combination. My hands and wrists have been experiencing some rather painful times and I have just started on methodextrate and anti inflammatory medications. My feet and ankles some days can be very uncomfortable and at times my knees give me grief. My most concerning pain comes from the middle of my chest. Not a sharp pain more like a constant ache in the wall of my chest. Does anyone experience this type of discomfort? I have had X-rays and at this stage all is looking clear, hence the diagnosis of zero
Hi Lee. Sorry to hear you are having these difficulties. Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism can occur definitely occur with RA. One of our contributors wrote about wrote about this combination here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/hypothyroidism/. Hopefully, others while write with their experiences.
Concerning the chest pain, there are a number of potential RA related causes. Multiple medications have chest pain as a potential side effect. Also inflammation in the chest area, including pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart) can cause pain in the area. This article from our editorial team discusses in more detail: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/inflammation-of-joints/. In addition, there is chostochondritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the sternum. One of our contributors discusses it here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/sharp-poke-in-the-ribs/. For your protection, we cannot give medical advice over the internet. Your doctor should be able to provide further information. Wishing you the best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
I had both Grave's and Hashimoto's D. a few years before being dx with RA. I took thyroid therapy including I-131 leading to hyperthyroid. Now I take synthroid.
Hi Cynthia, how is the Synthroid working out for you?
Hello
😀 I also have RA (and PsA) and Hashi's. The thing that I have found, having both, is that when my Hashi's is "uncontrolled"-either too high or too low- I do get some aching, usually in the center of my chest. Now I don't know for certain if this is the RA or Hashi's, rather it is just something that I've noticed.
Do you feel as if the symptoms of your thyroid are controlled or are you still working on finding the right dosage? Balancing everything can be very difficult and can take a long time to sort out for sure. -Leanne, Community Moderator
