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[Guest guest]

Hi everyone

I was doing some research last night, and as a child, I had eczema, which is an autoimmune disease...and in the article, it was talking about how sometimes if a child has eczema, they are more likely to develop other autoimmune diseases, as they age.

My question is, has anyone seen an allergist/immunologist? If so, what was the response? Do they even treat for autoimmune diseases, besides allergies?

My other part of this email is I am going to be seeing some specialists this spring, as I am 60 years old, broke my ankle severely 3 years ago, it has developed into severe arthritis, and the only option at this time is to have more surgery to fuse the bone. I have developed arthritis in other parts of my body.

My job consists of hours of driving, walking, and carrying a computer to do my job. I have developed a torn/weak tendon in one of my arms because of carrying the computer. I am also working several hours a day, with my day starting at 5 in the morning, ( I get up at 5, sometimes earlier, depending on where I have to go for the day ) and not finishing my work, sometimes, till 9 or even later at night. Between the arthritis and the fatigue of Hashimotos, I am exhausted.

I recently called my office medical help line, as I wanted to know if I should see a Rheumatologist or Orthopeadic doc for the arthritis, and she said I should start with my primary doctor. We also talked about my Hashimotos, and the standard response, which is what most doctor's feel, is that since you are on the medication , you should be "symptomless". I explained to her, yes, we can take medication for this disease, but all it does is control it, not cure it.

I am planning on seeing the specialists so I can have it in my record for SS disability. I am going to be applying for it, as so many people see me struggle every day trying to do my job.

My question to you is. If I see my specialist, including one for my thyroid, would any of you be willing to list the symtoms you have, so I can show the doctor, this isnt just me, but this is how the majority of people with Hashimotos feels.

The only one who has been very sympathetic with me, has been my cardio doctor, as she has Grave''s disease. She told me that she took her husband with her, when she went to see a specialist, as he had several questions about her disease, and she said that her endo, not only wouldn't acknowledge her husband, but left her not knowing anything more about her disease, than when she went it. She said that endo isn't her speciality, and so she is just as confused about her disease, as any other patient.

Thanks for listening,

Candace