Two Questions: Thyriod and Rash

[kayare]

Hi All!

I'm generally feeling pretty well these days as compared to just more than a year ago! I have two questions.

First, I did see my doctor and have a physical and my blood tests. She did test for thyroid function. My Vitamin D was 80.7. My cortisol total was 12.2 (morning reading). My B12 was 865. My TSH was 1.47 and my Free T4 was 0.73

She said the T4 was a bit low and wanted me to retest in 3 months.

I have chronically low temperature and fatigue - particularly in the mornings although frankly I work far too many hours (usually 65+) and sleep far too little/poorly. I have an upcoming sleep study scheduled. This, though, seems different than before.

Does this seem pretty normal or hypothyroid? Should I do more?

Secondly, I have a horrific skin rash due to plants in my yard. Years ago, I would do yard work (clip plants) and get a line of raised red dots on my skin that would last for weeks. Because they took days to appear, it took me a long time (several events) to know it was from the plants. My dermatologist even did biopsies!

On Monday, I clipped a few plants (staying away from the palms that I know bother me). On Tuesday morning, I woke up covered with an angry, burning rash on both of my arms. It is the same reaction but much worse. I know that it will last for weeks. I thought I was better, and I expected a lesser reaction!

I know the solution is to not work in my yard (a real loss because I enjoy that!). I have finally learned my lesson. Is my reaction so much worse this time because I have had past reactions?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Kathy

[tex]

Hi Kathy,

You appear to have the same type of hypothyroidism that I have — TSH in the normal range, but low Free T4. Most doctors don't seem to understand the need to treat that type.

I also have the same issue with plants. I have to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, when around plants. And even doing that, if my shirt becomes wet due to perspiration or rain, I will still wind up with an angry rash. Mine usually only lasts for a day or 2, though.

I suppose it's possible that such reactions can become worse with subsequent exposures.

Tex

[kayare]

Thanks, Tex! It's true about doctors not understanding. The ENT my primary sent me to about my sleep told me my thyroid was perfectly normal since my TSH was normal. I'm not sure how to go about getting treatment. My rash is the same today - really awful! It's interesting that you have the same experience. I thought maybe I could wear long sleeves and gloves, but after you speak about it still happening with your shirt getting wet, I don't think I can chance it again. It has gotten progressively worse; I should have known better. I'm glad not to feel alone with this experience. Kathy

[DebE13]

Kathy, sorry to hear about your rash. I have similar issues when I work in my garden which is basically my whole yard. It is what I do and was heartbreaking when I continued to get a nasty rash on my face when working outside. Not every time but often enough. It takes about two weeks to totally go away and changes the texture of my whole face which is very uncomfortable. I've also started itching on my hands and arms so I also try to wear long sleeves and gloves as often as possible. I hope you can even ally find a happy medium.