Thyroid blood work & Raynaud's syndrome (numbness in hands)

Hey everyone,

I'm honestly not even sure where to start, but I'll try my best to summarize everything and explain what’s been going on with me.

My hands are causing me massive issues. The skin is incredibly dry—it cracks constantly and bleeds. I'm barely keeping it under control thanks to expensive hand creams that I'm spending a lot of money on. Recently, my rheumatologist sent me for bloodwork to check these markers View on imgur and when the results came back, she wasn't entirely sure what they meant. She ended up referring me to a clinical immunologist-rheumatologist in Cleveland.

The second thing is, about a year ago, I found out by complete accident during an abdominal ultrasound that I have Hashimoto thyroiditis. The specialist told me my thyroid looks like it's been eaten away by moths. Since then, I've had hormone tests and several thyroid ultrasounds. My ATG is elevated (289 according to my latest blood work), and the ultrasound shows an enlarged thyroid. However, it's still functioning normally, so there isn't (not yet) a need for medication. For the last few months, I was feeling this tightness and a lump in my throat, but that has cleared up. Both the ultrasound and cytological exams showed no major issues, though my report notes that I need regular monitoring of certain lymph nodes via fine-needle aspiration.

Going back to the issue with my hands... I've been struggling with them for 10, 11, maybe 12 years now. Before that, I never had any problems at all.

What I'm wondering is... what should these elevated values (in the link above) actually signify? Are they an indicator of Hashimoto or something else entirely? Furthermore, could my hand issues be linked to my thyroid disorder? A vascular surgeon mentioned that possibility during my first consultation, and I have a follow-up appointment with him soon (where I'll bring my blood work).

The specialists in nuclear medicine told me there's no need for treatment (just yet)

Brian Jones38 said:Hey everyone,

Moin, moin!

Brian Jones38 said:I honestly don't even know where to begin, but I’m going to try my best to summarize this whole mess and explain exactly what’s been eating at me.

It’s always better to start from square one rather than trying to pick up somewhere in the middle or jumping straight to the finish line. Honestly, if you aren't building from the ground up, you're just asking for trouble later on.

Brian Jones38 said:I am dealing with some serious issues with my hands lately. The skin is incredibly dry—we're talking painfully dry. It cracks constantly, and honestly, I’ve been dealing with bleeding quite often. I can barely keep this situation under control, and it's only because I'm dumping a massive amount of money into high-end hand creams just to get some semblance of relief.

Look, you aren't exactly breaking new ground here, and you certainly aren't the only one dealing with this. It’s not like this only happens during the dead of winter or when you're out there sweating buckets, either. If the skin on the back of your hand—the side you don't use to slap people, obviously—is constantly drying out and cracking all year round, believe me, you're in good company.

Brian Jones38 said:So, my rheumatologist just sent me off to get some bloodwork done to check on these specific markers. I’ve been staring at this thread for an hour and I am absolutely losing my mind. Seriously, how can people be this dense? It’s like common sense just went out the window for everyone involved here. Let me address what **brightgull95** said first. You honestly think that approach works? Give me a break. It’s completely disconnected from reality. And then we have **Rebecca Chase** chiming in with that half-baked theory—it’s frustrating because it ignores everything we actually know about how this stuff functions. It's not just "complicated," it's fundamentally flawed. And don't even get me started on the comments from **Rachel Brooks63**. Every time I read those posts, I feel a headache coming on. How can you be so certain about something when there isn't a shred of evidence to back it up? It’s pure speculation masquerading as fact, and it's polluting the entire discussion. The level of misinformation being tossed around is staggering. People are taking these tiny, insignificant details and blowing them up into these massive, sweeping conclusions. It’s exhausting. We need to stop entertaining these baseless arguments and start looking at the actual data. If we keep going down this road, we’re never going to get anywhere. It's infuriating! And when I finally got back, she was still feeling pretty unsure about everything, so she actually went out of her way to write up a recommendation for a clinical immunologist-rheumatologist over in Cleveland.

Seriously, what a joke. At this rate, all that’s left is for my immunologist-rheumatologist to refer me to an immunologist, who then sends me right back to a rheumatologist, just to start the whole damn cycle over again. And then they have the audacity to claim that a perpetual motion machine is impossible? Please. The level of dishonesty is just staggering.

Brian Jones38 said:Another thing—just to throw it all out there—about a year ago, I found out I had Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It wasn't even planned; I was just getting a routine abdominal ultrasound when they stumbled upon it. Total accident.

So, someone on the abdominal ultrasound actually flagged that the thyroid morphology looks off? Seriously? Well, there goes the Zaaaakon.

Brian Jones38 said:My specialist told me straight up that my thyroid looks like it’s been chewed on by moths or something. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but that was the description. Since then, I've been through the wringer—blood work, multiple ultrasounds, the whole nine yards. My latest labs show an elevated ATG at 289, and the ultrasound confirms the gland is enlarged. But here’s the kicker: everything is still functioning normally. So, according to the doctors, there is (as of right now) absolutely no need for any kind of medical intervention or therapy. For now, anyway.

All those supplements they use to "prove" a diagnosis of Hashishmoto have one massive, glaring flaw: they aren't even remotely specific. I mean, seriously? Even Anti-TPO, which supposedly boasts a 90% specificity, is questionable at best. And don't even get me started on Anti-TG—with a measly 50% specificity, you might as well just throw your money straight into the trash. It's absolute nonsense.

How that thyroid gland actually looks on an ultrasound is one of those key pieces of the puzzle when you're trying to prove Hashishmoto, but let’s be clear: it doesn't carry nearly as much weight as the clinical presentation, the lab work, or the cytology.

Brian Jones38 said:For the last few months, I’ve been dealing with this constant tightness and a literal lump in my throat. It was incredibly unsettling, honestly. Thankfully, that specific sensation has finally subsided, but the diagnostic process was a whole other ordeal. I had to go through ultrasound imaging and a cytological biopsy to get some answers. The good news? Both tests came back completely clear—no major issues found. However, according to the official report, I still need to stay on top of things by having regular fine-needle aspirations on certain lymph nodes just to monitor them. It’s one of those "wait and see" situations that keeps you on edge, even when the results look okay.

And here we go—right at the crux of the whole damn issue. What exactly was being processed in that cytology report? What was actually punctured? Was it the thyroid itself, or were they targeting something else entirely? Because if they didn't perform a puncture on the thyroid, then someone better start explaining why they were poking around somewhere else!

Brian Jones38 said:Let’s get back to this whole hand issue... Honestly, it’s been eating away at me for 10, 11, maybe even 12 years now. Before that? Absolutely nothing. Not a single damn thing. I never had any issues with them until this started.

If this thing has been sitting there for ten, eleven, maybe even twelve years, why on earth is it suddenly becoming an issue now? Seriously, what changed?

Brian Jones38 said:I'm curious... what on earth am I supposed to make of these elevated values? (See the link above).

That’s exactly why you need to talk to an immunologist-rheumatologist once the standard rheumatologist hits a dead end. That’s the specialist who actually sits down across from you in the exam room. I can’t see you in person, so as someone specializing in a different branch of internal medicine, all I can tell you is that any lab value on the planet can mean absolutely anything—or it might not mean a damn thing at all.

Brian Jones38 said:Are those indicators for Hashimoto or something else?

They aren't confirmed indicators of Hashimoto. For something else? Maybe, maybe not.

Brian Jones38 said:Furthermore, could my hand issues be linked to thyroid dysfunction? My vascular surgeon mentioned it was a possibility during our first consultation, and I'm heading back soon for a follow-up once I have my blood work results.

Look, if a vascular surgeon tells you there's a link, then there's a link, right? Why are you even questioning if it might *not* be connected? Just use some common sense here—you've been dealing with these hand problems for ten, eleven, twelve years, yet the thyroid issue only popped up recently. It doesn't exactly scream "direct connection," does it?

Brian Jones38 said:The specialists in nuclear medicine told me there's no need for therapy (yet).

And they're probably right.

brightgull95 said:Moin, moin

This is where we hit the core issue, though. What exactly was being processed via cytology? What was the specific target of the biopsy? Was it the thyroid itself, or something else entirely? If the thyroid wasn't the direct target of the puncture, then what was?

It was a thyroid cytology.

"Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of a 12x7x7mm hypoechoic lymph node located near the lower pole of the left thyroid lobe."

"The smear shows high cellularity, presenting a monomorphic pattern consisting mostly of small lymphocytes, a single histiocytic cell, and blood elements."

"Monomorphic hyperplasia of lymphatic cells within the lymph node."

"Follow-up via ultrasound and cytology in 2-3 months."

Thyroid surgery, yet they’re puncturing a lymph node? Find the error at a level suitable for a preschooler.

Anyway, I won't drone on or beat around the bush: based on what's been written and attached here, Hashishmoto doesn't even seem likely. As for everything else, just leave that to the doctors who will be—more or less pointlessly—guiding you through your treatment as a patient.

You mentioned Raynaud's in the title. Where'd you get that diagnosis? Are your hands turning white and then flooding when it gets cold or during temp shifts? Those cracks you're talking about—if it is Raynaud's, they could be signs of secondary Raynaud's, which can actually be a symptom of another autoimmune issue, like Hashimoto's.
With Raynaud's, your only real move is avoiding the cold and sudden temperature swings. Doctors might also throw some circulation meds your way.

brightgull95 said:A cytology biopsy of the thyroid, yet they’re performing a lymph node puncture? Try finding the error in that logic—it's practically preschool level.

That's the exact wording on the report. I didn't write it myself.

Brian Jones38 said:That’s just how the lab report is titled. I didn't write it myself.

Oh, I know you didn't! I'm just pointing out the glaring lack of logic here. Besides, getting a thyroid biopsy isn't even a standard requirement anymore just to confirm Hashimoto. What I'm actually trying to tell you—subtly, apparently—is that maybe it's time to find a new medical team to handle your Hashimoto diagnosis, don't you think?

Brian Jones38 said:Honestly, I'm barely keeping things under control right now—mostly thanks to spending way too much money on hand creams...

Maybe try finding some cheaper hand creams 🤷

Rachel Brooks63 said:Just find some cheaper hand creams 🤷

I stick with Neutrogen because, honestly, it's the only brand that actually provides even a little bit of relief. It feels best during the summer when it's hitting 95 degrees out; my hands can finally breathe. But as soon as the temperature drops and that cold wind kicks in, the dryness and cracking start all over again. Since the beginning, I've been hearing from dermatologists that my skin is just "built this way" and that I simply have to keep moisturizing. It’s incredibly frustrating. The idea that there isn't some *hidden* underlying cause for this feels almost impossible to swallow.

In a few days, I'm heading back to the vascular surgeon for a follow-up with all my test results. During my first appointment, he mentioned there might be some kind of therapy for circulation issues—something about expanding the blood vessels...

This whole situation is just, truly, deeply frustrating.

Maybe you should look into your hormone levels?

It could definitely be linked to your skin or hair if there’s some kind of deficiency going on, I mean, I have a few examples in mind...

p.s. Have you been taking any medications over these last 11 or 12 years? I think I heard somewhere that dry skin can be one of those side effects.

Karen Jackson said:maybe check your hormone levels?

It could definitely be linked to skin or hair issues if there's an underlying deficiency. I've seen a few cases like this.

p.s. have you been on any medications over these last 11 or 12 years? I've heard dry skin can be a side effect for some drugs.

I started losing my hair at 19. Now I'm 29 and completely bald, so I just shave my head every ten days or so. I'm not on any medication. Check my hormones? You know, I'd never even considered that... A dermatologist told me a few years back that my hair loss might be due to high testosterone, but I never actually went in to get tested. Besides, plenty of men on my mom's side of the family ended up going bald sooner or later anyway.

Brian Jones38 said:I’m sticking with Neutrogen because, honestly, it’s the only brand that actually does anything for me. I feel my best during the summer when it hits those 90-degree days—my hands finally feel like they can breathe. But the second the temperature drops and that biting wind kicks in? It’s game over. The dryness starts, then the cracking follows right on schedule. I’ve been listening to dermatologists since day one, and all they ever tell me is that "this is just your skin type" and that I simply have to keep moisturizing. It is incredibly frustrating! They try to insist there isn't some *hidden* underlying cause for this, but telling me there's nothing else going on feels completely absurd. There has to be something more to it than just "bad luck."

I’ve got my second follow-up appointment with a vascular surgeon in a few days to go over all my test results. During that first consultation, he mentioned there’s specific therapy available to help with circulation—something about dilating the blood vessels and getting things moving again...

I am seriously, truly getting fed up with this. It’s beyond annoying at this point—it is genuinely frustrating.

Look, I hate to be the one to burst your bubble here, especially since you're looking to a doctor for answers, but I’m almost certain the dermatologist is spot on this time. How do I know? Because I’ve been exactly where you are. I dealt with this exact same issue myself. Every single time the temperature dropped, my skin would just give up—my hands would crack until they actually bled. Back in the day, before you could even easily buy Neutrogen around here, I was just slathering on whatever random stuff I could find. Eventually, I realized that liquid soaps were absolutely wrecking my skin more than bar soaps did. So, during the winter—or whenever it got chilly—I made sure to stick strictly to bar soap. The weird thing is, right around the time I turned 25, the whole problem just... vanished. On its own. No idea how or why; I never really gave it much thought at the time. Honestly, there's a chance it might just resolve itself for you, too. But if it doesn't? Well, then you're facing a reality where neither a vascular specialist, an endocrinologist, nor any surgeon or internist is going to be able to help you. This is squarely in a dermatologist's wheelhouse. That's their territory, plain and simple.

Brian Jones38 said:I started losing my hair at nineteen. Fast forward to twenty-nine, and I’m basically bald—meaning I’m out there shaving my head every ten days just to keep up. I don't take any medications or anything like that. Should I be getting my hormone levels checked? Wait, you know... I actually haven't given that much thought. A dermatologist told me years ago that my hair loss might be tied to elevated testosterone levels, but I never followed up on it or actually got blood work done to confirm. It's also worth noting that almost every man on my mother's side eventually went bald, too.

Hair loss? Well, let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: it’s heavily tied to your genetics. Just a little observation, if you can call it that.

Obsessively overanalyzing every single little detail is only useful if you’re actually getting paid to do it. If you’re just some person dealing with a medical issue or a personal problem? It’s a complete waste of time. It never, ever leads to anything productive. I’ve seen this play out time and time again, and it’s always the same useless cycle.