Mary Lynn's Status Updates

oh my goodness that is SO annoying! You'd think that they could make a bottle that is more user friendly, especially for people who experience pain and stiffness in their hands. I wonder if the pharmacist might have an idea of how to get around this... I hope that you can manage to get those drops in and get the uveitis under control. Sending you gentle hugs and all the tough fingers for squeezing your way! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

, thanks for the encouragement! A variety of packaging is definitely not made for arthritic hands. The bottle seems to have a bit more give as I use it, thank goodness.

sorry to hear you are dealing with this. If you feel you need to send an endocrinologist, you should follow your feelings. We are not allowed to give any medical advice. You always have the right to get another opinion. Vickie W., Team Member

3.95 isn't really "low normal", but it's well within the established accepted range. I've actually got my doctor trying to optimize my TSH level, as I've found that I feel best when it's somewhere around 3.5, and it has been just north of 4. And during the winter months, I generally have to up my dosage of synthroid just a hair to maintain an optimum TSH level due to seasonal fluctuations, fluctuations in weight, etc. If you feel frustrated by what you believe are constantly fluctuating TSH levels, then by all means, you should do as you see fit in getting an appointment with Endo. It is a pretty frustrating thing to deal with. Another thing to take into account is any supplements you may be taking, as many supplements are listed as having an affect TSH levels.

thank you as always for sharing your experience with Mary Lynn. Vickie W., Team Member

, I'd be delighted to be at a 3. A year ago, my level was 3.07. I'm currently at 0 point 395 (0.395) and I don't feel good. I think my family doctor is allowing for too large of swings.
I see my rheumatologist next month. I'm going to run this by him. I do think I should schedule with an endocrinologist. I've been on thyroid medication for decades and have never been referred to one.
Any information on what people consider stable would help me. I think a 3 to a .3 in a year is too drastic given that I am exhausted, constipated and have hair like straw. Sigh.

I am sorry to hear that you are not happy with the care that you are getting. This is where I would certainly seek another specialist or a second opinion from another doctor. I feel very strongly about advocating for oneself. It is a super important thing to do.

Keep us in the loop on what you decide to do and how you are feeling.

In the meantime, are you able to do some hot oil treatments or hair masks, maybe use some coconut oil to relieve the dryness of your hair?
Eating, garlic and beetroot regularly, keeps me regular. Being constipated is one surefire way to feel horrible. I also find that a good water intake helps.

How is your PSA managing through all of this?

- Clair ( Team Member)

I think some people's systems are just more sensitive to these small changes. I have found that with biologics for my PsA, my dosage needs constant monitoring, and has even had to be significantly lowered twice, because the IL-23 inhibitors have dramatically lowered my TPO antibody count, and that has caused my thyroid to function better. But, I do not know if the TPO antibodies remain lower as I get toward the end of my 12 week injection cycle. When I was first diagnosed with PsA in 2010, my doctors also just happened to order a full spectrum of labs for my thyroid, and my TPO antibody count was 1,000+. Last year, after being on Skyrizi for a year, my endocrinologist ordered thyroid labs, and my TPO antibody count was in the high 200's, a dramatic reduction. So I'm suspecting that there's more to how one feels that's dependent upon more than just the TSH level alone, at least in respect to Hashimoto's.

, I'm doing some good self-care to manage these symptoms. Thanks though for your suggestions. I see my rheumatologist soon, so I'll get his take on my thyroid levels. He prescribes Prolia for my osteoporosis in addition to my RA/PsA medications. When I started on Prolia he mentioned that I would need closer thyroid monitoring. When I mentioned this to my family doctor, who I generally like, he dismissed it. I think that's why I'm irritated. I'd like for my family doctor to take me seriously when I think my dose needs adjusting. GGGRRR 😀

, thanks so much for your input. It's so true that a change in biologics can affect our thyroid function. As I mentioned to Clair, I'd like my generally laid-back family doctor to be a little more proactive in managing the Hashimoto's, especially when I tell him that I don't feel right. I know my body pretty well. He should trust me 😀

I hear you, ! Wanting to have your laid-back family doctor take you seriously and be more supportive (and proactive) makes perfect sense. As you point out, it's you're body, and you know it well. I feel very frustrated for you, and I hope your discussion with the rheumatologist goes well. Please, if you're comfortable, keep us posted and let us know what he says, and what you find out. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)

Hello , Just checking in to see how you are doing. Were you able to see an endocrinologist or get an appointment? Don't be a stranger. Diane (Team Member)

, I saw my rheumatologist on Friday and took him a copy of my TSH levels over the past few years. He instructed me to ask my family doctor to check my TSH levels every 6 months AND check my free T4 levels. I will start there.
I told my rheumatologist that I am so tired of being tired. Is it my RA/PsA? Is it my thyroid? Is it Simoni Aria infusions? (He is changing my biologic) Or is it my too high eosinophil count?
It's the $54,000 question 😀 that so many of us ask. Why am I tired!

that is very sweet of you. We are so glad you are here with us in this community. We definitely strive to support everyone living with psoriatic arthritis. Please let us know if we can do anything further to support you. Vickie W., Team Member

, this is so sweet 🥰 Thank *you* for being here. Your comments are always so kind and validating towards others. You are appreciated! I keep meaning to ask - did you get to discuss your recent leg pain with your rheumatologist? Hoping it hasn't flared up again since we last spoke! Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator

I have some very supportive family and friends.(And a few who are dismissive of what a disease like this means day in and day out.) But truly, it is here where I can be the most honest about the RA/PsA challenges without worrying that I am complaining or talking about my condition too much. Finding a community such as this did wonders for my mental health!


I did ask my rheumatologist about my shin pain. He said "enthesitis" was likely the cause. I wonder if enthesistis and shin splints are sort of the same thing. I believe, like you mentioned, it has to do with the way I walk on the leg. My femur fracture is still in recovery mode so I figure its related. I am grateful for its healing, even if I think its too slow!

, I am happy to be a part of this community. Reading posts and replies helps me to manage challenges and often gives me a better perspective. I learn things too! I appreciate all that you do for this community!

, I'm glad that you have some supportive family and friends around you. That can definitely help! But yes, connecting with people who truly, truly understand can be very healing in a way that talking with others isn't. We're so glad you're here!

Oh it's good you were able to get your rheumatologist's thoughts on the leg pain. Enthesitis strikes again ! I hope it doesn't reoccur, and that the rest of your fracture recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Goodness knows that PsA is enough to deal with without adding other issues to the mix. Hugs! -Catherine, Community Moderator

oh my goodness we have more in common. I just read your comment about your femur fracture. My femur got broke in December because of a family member. It has been 7 months and I walk so slow now. It has played a huge part in my Psoriatic Arthritis. I feel your pain. Vickie

if you would like to chat more about the femur issue please reach out to me at VickieL.Wilkerson@yahoo.com

if you would like to chat more about the femur issue please reach out to me at VickieL.Wilkerson@yahoo.com

, thank you for the invite to connect! I am so sorry that you had to experience this. Wouldn't it be great if we could be walking buddies 😀 My husband walks like he's trying to win a medal and periodically comments about my slow pace..."It's hard for me to walk this slow."
I am healing well but as you've likely discovered too, our immune suppressing drugs slow healing. Who knew that inflammation can be a healing agent.
Thank you again. I am sending healing thoughts your way!

, enthesitis is a longtime "friend" of mine too. I have had pain in the front of my shin, although I never really associated it with my PsA. For me, it seems to happen when I've tried to walk faster than my body likes, and I assumed I had just strained a muscle or something. I'll have to ask my rheumy about this when I next see him. How long have you been suffering with this? I hope others will share their experiences here, but please feel free to post over in the Forums area of the website too (where more people may see your question): https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/forums Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator

, I have nicknamed this condition "shinitis" 😀 My pain lasted about 2 days. I am recovering from femur fracture surgery and suspect, like you mentioned, that it has something to do with how I was walking. I used the cane for a few days to support my leg. It helped.
I'm going to ask my rheumatologist about this next week. I am guessing that if there is a tendon or ligament in the area, it can get inflamed. Boy, that's a word that makes mischief and misery!

, I'm relieved to hear that the pain has calmed down! I think mine lasted a day or two as well. I'm really glad to read that you have a rheumatology appointment coming up. If you don't mind sharing, will you let us know what your rheumatologist thinks of this? Hoping today is kind to you! 💖 -Catherine, Community Moderator