[Anonymous August 7, 1997 at 2:24 pm Post count: 93172]

#1158369

Yes! I was diagnosed with GD in ’95 but probably had it about a year before. Have recently noticed Vitiligo (skin loses pigmentation) on my thumb and forearms. It’s autoimmune. Also, I have endometriosis, which the Autoimmune Disease Association thinks may be autoimmune-related. But my endo can’t see anything but my thyroid and my ob/gyn can’t see beyond my ovaries. Can’t any specialists see the big picture?!?! I’m searching for an internist right now and hope he’ll try to put this jigsaw puzzle together.

Also, I’m flush on my upper chest. People think I have a sunburn, but I don’t. It’s usually small and mild but when I get anxious or when I feel a little hyper, it spreads across my chest and up my neck. I’m going to ask my endo in a couple of weeks but he’ll probably dismiss it. Therefore, I’m wearing high-neck shirts.

Hang in there!
Teresa

[Anonymous August 7, 1997 at 2:32 pm Post count: 93172]

#1158370

Cheryl:

See if there is a national immunologists on-line page, if any have an email address…beg!

[Anonymous August 7, 1997 at 6:15 pm Post count: 93172]

#1054304

I have been thinking for quite a while about the big picture, here. Over the years, and in fact, they found my GD when I was being tested for lupus (elevated thyroid antibodies). They thought lupus because I have become photosensitive and get a rash on my face at any sun exposure. That’s number 1. No. 2 I have acquired a major allergic reaction to bees – Anapholactic (sp?) shock. After internet surfing regarding gastro problems I have also acquired, I learned some gastro problems are due to the immune system (same things has with this as with graves). Then I read there is a possible connection between esophagous (please forgive my spelling) and roscea (a facial skin rash) in that both are immune system problems and somehow one can cause the other. So, because of all this I really believe the underlying problem (the black whole) is that my immune system has gone crazy. Why? I ask my doctor. I want to figure out why my system is turning on me. No interest on his part (he just looks at me, no response) whatsoever. I try to make an appointment with an immunologist. They say can’t see you unless a doctor recommends you, regardless of what insurance you have. So, I guess no one really wants to find out about the underlying causes of graves, etc. (the black whole – immune system!) Does anyone else have immune problems outside of graves and have they ever wanted to find out why their immune systems have gone nuts?

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