FIBROMYALGIA AND THYROID PROBLEMS?

I was just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I have some osteoarthritis and have had a hip replacement 4 yrs ago, in the last year I have becomed very fatigued, muscle pain especially in arms, shoulder area, hands and feet, I have very little energy to go to gym anymore, I heard that 50% of people with fibromyalgia also have low thyroid, even though my thyroid test shows normal, could thyroid medication help? Is there a particular type Doctor that I should be seeing for this instead of my PCP, he only prescribed Amitryptiline, which caused heart palpitations and more fatigue, please help, thank you


This discussion is related to Natural treatment for Fibromyalgia?.

[dustybrown]

Hello,
What types of doctors have you seen to diagnose your Fibromyalgia? Have you seen a Rheumatologist? Or did your PCP doctor diagnose your Fibro? Rheumatologist are actually the doctors who created the criteria for diagnosing Fibromyalgia and without seeing a Rheumatologist, your diagnosis may be weak if you ever were to require a medical leave or disability assistance. They are also able to detect early stages of other conditions that can mimic fibro, which some PCPs are not as well trained in identifying.

As far as the Thyroid medication goes, there are a select few doctors out there who are willing to prescribe thyroid medications to those who have a normal functioning thyroid, but they are hard to find. I think there are a couple people who post in the forum who might be able to give you some tips. There is a risk of damaging your thyroid if it is healthy. Now, if there is something truly wrong with your thyroid that your doctor just isn't detecting that is a different story.

An Endocrinologist would be the doctor you would see who could do a complete diagnostic of your thyroid, but in my experience, they happen to be in great demand these days because they also service diabetics. Obesity has become a huge epidemic and due to this, not enough Endos are graduating from college to deal with all of the sickness and most of them are focusing their studies more heavily on diabetes rather than the thyroid, so they seem to know less about all of the other systems of endocrinology. Also, they don't have as much time to be an investigator, so they will only do routine tests and may not even do all of the tests necessary. This is what happened to me.

Instead, I have found myself working with a more holistic type doctor who handles hormones, thyroid issues and adrenal issues as well as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. He is also a PCP doctor, so he takes my insurance. I also see my Rheumatologist as well to make sure I have the specialist managing everything because I am on a Intermittent FMLA leave from work.

I would try to get a referral to a Rheumatologist if you haven't seen one yet and possibly begin looking around for a holistic doctor who is also a board certified MD as well because they tend to have a more open mind about treatment options. Let us know your thoughts.
-Dusty

[hipchick47]

Thank you for your input, I am planning on going to a Rhematologist in January, my PCP diagnosed me since he couldn't find anything else wrong, I am in very good health other than this terrible muscle and nerve pain, especially in my shoulders, arm, hands and hips, I have good blood pressure, I am not overweight, but fatigued, even though I have been sleeping 7 hours a night, I used to work out 5 days a week and was very active when I was younger, no one else in the family has fibromyalgia, my grandmother has arthritis but she is in her 80's, I would like to do more natural treatment I take vitamins and try to eat right, I also don't have much appetite anymore, I don't know if that is also a symptom, there is a Doctor online (Dr; Roger Murphy) who treats fibromyalgia naturally and I'm thinking about ordering his products for fibromyalgia, thanks again

[concerned621]

Hi I've been on a low dose thyroid medication for over 12 years. I saw a doctor who has since retired, his research was based on thyroid and fibromyalgia.  He said no matter what your test results are look at your symptoms.  I was on Armour, a non-synthetic thyroid medication, I felt 90% better as far as pain.  I am on Levoxyl now.  When I am off of it my pain increases so much so I feel like I can't move.  So there is something to it.  
Another amazing thing out there especially for energy is Iodine supplements. I started taking them about 3 months ago, the effects are dramatic both for me with FM and my husband with diabetes.  I also get monthly B12 shots. A lot of FM people have low B12.  Also add Vitamin D2000. Best to you!

[hipchick47]

Thank you for the advice about the supplements and Iodine, I didn't think of that, I do take a good multi vitamin for women, a liquid B vitamin, calcium/magnesium supplement and acidophilus, I am curious if my thyroid could be off, I haven't gained any weight but can't lose it either, also I feel like I never get enough sleep, thanks so much again,  Dawn

[concerned621]

Have it checked out but again the doctor I went to and I believe a naturopathic MD and a good family MD  will tell you to consider your symptoms even if the blood work comes back normal. So if you look up the symptoms of thyroid and you seem to have the symptoms like not being able to lose weight discuss that with your doctor and how there are studies (research prior to going to the doc, so you can better discuss it with him/her)  to suggest that low dose thyroid medication helps FM pain and in some cases studies show it has cured some people of FM symptoms. Or just try the iodine initially.  

I just lost 21 pounds in 6 months. I have not been able to do that in over 15 years.  I do attribute a lot of it to the iodine. Exercise and eating well is also important but the iodine gave me that extra start without side effects that I never seem to have.  

All the best to you.