(I already opened a topic a while ago about sudden joint problems I'm experiencing. As that topic is more related to supplements, I hope I can open a new topic.)
I'm female, in my late twenties:
- I have suffered for >10 years since my first menstrual cycle from debilitating endometriosis
- and the past years from IBS - this has been concluded by my GP, but I've wondered for a while I may in fact suffer from mild IBD. However she doesn't want to run tests.
- As of recently my GP (and I) think it is very likely I suffer from autoimmune inflammatory arthritis - I seem to have all the symptoms, and will be seeing a rheumatologist soon.
My first thought has been that one condition is likely to be related to the other - both endometriosis and inflammatory autoimmune arthritis are inflammatory diseases after all. My GP seems not to agree. (Her suggested treatment method is pain killers/anticonception (which I don't take) for the endometriosis, and medication as will be prescribed by my rheumatologist for the arthritis).
- I'm currently looking into some publications and both endometriosis and autoimmune inflammatory arthritis seem to coincide with raised IL-17 levels (I saw research that suggested surgical removal of instances of endometriosis may lower IL-17 levels).
- I'm looking into the role of leukotrienes in both autoimmune arthritis and endometriosis.
But all in all, admittedly I'm not sure what to look at, and am wondering if anyone may have some more suggestions - as I feel I'm losing track going through paper after paper, and could use some input from people that are surely better informed than I am.
Thusfar I had my thyroid levels tested 3-4 weeks ago as well as WBC and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, both were in (the upper limit) of normal ranges. However, I will get it tested again soon. Early January I should get more complete blood work done (ANA-test, Anti-CCP, CBC, again WBC and ESR etc).
Many thanks!