Can thyroid symptoms be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia?

Answer 1

Many of the symptoms are similar and it is easily misdiagnosed.

Answer

Taking the time to research, here's what I've learned about the thyroid and Autoimmune diseases in general. First: can thyroid symptoms be mistaken for Fibromyalgia? Highly unlikely because there are definitive tests and images that can accurately detect a thyroid problem and/or disease and/or tumor of the thyroid. Thyroid functioning tests would be conducted way ahead of suspecting an Autoimmune disease like Fibromyalgia.

A person suffering from Fibromyalgia would have a range of symptoms with a lot of tests showing negative results. There is one 'EXCEPTION'. When Fibromyalgia is in a 'flare up' stage, it's likely at least one or more of the patients immugobulin's (specific test of the immune system) would be off. Most notably, the IgE (immugobulin E) will probably test high. A normal IgE will nest around the 114 number (it's higher for men than women). My IgE is a good example of a immugoblulin in a serious temper tantrum. It's at 1,850. Sounds like I should explode, huh? Anyways...testing immugobulins tells doctors how well or not the immune system is functioning. Doctors can also test to see if an autoimmune disorder is in the rheumatic system using a blood test known as ANA and/or ANCA. It's easy for doctors to know they're dealing with inappropriate immune responses when other trouble makers test negative (like the thyroid).

So back to answering the original question, the thyroid would be an easy and obvious thing to test before suspecting an Autoimmune disease. What makes a Fibromyalgia diagnoses particularly important is the patient getting referred to a Neurologist first and then Rheumatologist to have their symptoms properly evaluated. It usually takes the skill of both doctors, but the Neurologists are an important first stop to help rule out and/or identify any related neorpathy conditions and flush out a more serious illness. These two specialists can usually pinpoint the definitive differences between Fibromyalgia vs. another Autoimmune diseases.

An autoimmune disease is simply a failure of one or more immugobulins in the immune system to respond correctly. The irrational response(s) are a result of brain tranmissions getting their wires crossed. Everyone with Allergies suffers with an inappropriate immune response. In those cases the response is mild and responds quickly to OTC or perscription medications. Autoimmune diseases don't easily respond. The inflammation controlled by the central nervous system can be horrific and what parts of the body they attack is how they are segregated by name. Fibroymalgia is not alone in being difficult to diagnose nor is it alone in knowing exactly what causes it. It's difference is not being as consistent with the areas of the body it attacks whereas Lupus, MS, and Vascultis usually have a more definitive pattern that help doctors identify and monitor those diseases as they progress. If those patterns don't develop the doctors have named the mobility autoimmune disease Fibromyalgia. It is not a trash diagnoses nor is it a 'I give up' diagnosis. The disease moves around the body like a pin ball in a pin ball machine and that's what give it a unique identity. But there's the real deal. It's not as important that someone know with certainly which Autoimmune disease they have as it is having the right kind of doctor and monitored treatment.

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Fibromyalgia is an individual syndrome...what works for one is not the same for the next. Yes, Thyroid Symptoms can be confused for FIBRO and same back, and YES you can have them both happening FOR REAL at the same time. My rheumy had me doing labs to follow levels, when I felt best/worst, etc. A couple years of tracking. I was able to move through menopause keeping my Thyroid numbers perfect. 1 week of hot flashes. And when my thyroid level is adjusted to 2.0, I feel my best and that I am in control.

I do not use the latest of the drugs out on the market claiming cure or changes in my FIBRO condition. I have had FMS since I was a little girl, documented by medical records. As a child, they would use penicillin injections to 'make me better'. This is no different that the flooded drug market with the latest. Each has to figure out what works. My mind works hard, even if the body lags behind. Fibromyalgia won't kill you. It can make your life unbearable, tho.

My FIBRO also mimics MS, to the point of full testing to rule it out. MS runs in my family, my generation (6). Followed advice of THEIR doctors and was tested. Symptoms stated FMS related. Had a friend who was Dxed as FMS, later finding out it was MS as she regressed.

Answer 2

There is a great deal of overlap between Thyroid disorders and Fibromyalgia. There is also a lot of disagreement among medical professionals regarding what constitutes adequte Thyroid function and what tests need to be run to determine such. Because of this there is a strong likelihood of misdiagnosis between Thyroid disorders and Fibromyalgia.