Autoimmune questions (regarding my health)?

Question

I was diagnosed at age 31 with Graves Disease. The symptoms came on suddenly and severely. I was put on the medications used for Graves Disease and also the symptoms the Graves Disease was causing such as high blood pressure. Then I started getting severe hives to the point of having to be rushed to the ER because they were in my throat.

Three endocrinologists later it was determined by the majority that I was allergic to the Graves Disease medication and I should get radioactive iodine to destroy my thyroid. I was told that my increased heart rate, increased blood pressure etc. was life-threatening so I consented to the RAI.

I am now 35 years old and the journy to finding out exactly what is wrong with me continues. My thyroid eventually bottomed out after receiving the RAI, so I had all of those symptoms. I am currently on Synthroid 175 MCG. Then I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Then I developed insulin resistance. I am now on Janumet to control the insulin resistance. Last year I developed severe chronic anemia and had to get 9 rounds of IV iron infusions. For the last two years I have been going to my endocrinologist every three months because something always goes wrong. I had a bout of severe intestinal distress and kept nothing down for three weeks and celiac disease was ruled out by and colonoscopy. Between April and today I have lost 40 pounds. My latest round of blood work shows that I have diabetes insepidus (sp) which is caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland. I also have a chronic UTI infection for the last four months, increased white blood count in my urine, chronic fatigue, horrible moods, achy joints and bones, and a general feeling of being confused and aggitated.

Anyone have any clues as to what I should do next? the endocrinologist ran some kind of blood work panel - -I believe called and ADH panel and I will get it back next week and then he wants to send me for an MRI. It was also shown that my thyroid is now overactive again even though technically I am not supposed to have a thyroid.

What are other options or other tests I should ask for. The doctors seem so confused with what is going on with me because with regard to the autoimmune diseases it is confusing. The third endocrinologist I have been seeing came highly recommended because he is used as an expert witness related to autoimmune disorderes in court cases.

Thanks for any help or guidance.

Answer 1

This sounds like a case study that I had in gross anatomy. I am not a doctor but I have several med school classes and several classes associated with immunology. In the case that I had the 40 year old woman had a small tumor on her pituitary gland and she was being treated for graves disease, thyroid problems, and was having issues associated with diabetes. I would recommend that you seek the advice of an oncologist or rhumitologist (dont know if this is the correct spelling). If by chance it turns out to be a tumor on your pituitary gland the surgery to remove it is a fairly simple and effective surgery. I wish I could be of more help, but maybe this will give you something to check in to. I wish you the best and hope they can get it figured out.