Leg Pain

[MeganL]

My TSH without meds is 200.  I take 2 grains of Armour Thyroid each day and have been doing this for about 10 years.  Over these years, I am bothered a great deal by leg pain....I try to walk a mile or two every day, but, the pain in my legs whether walking or at rest is almost intolerable.  Is this common among hypothyroid patients...and could it be caused by being hypothyroid or by the medication?

[Bama_Lori]

Neuropathy is a symptom....not a disease.

Look for the root cause!

[thyroidian]

Hi Megan

I definately would try to get your last results of your nerve conduction tests, and find the test which was abnormal, and then work from there.

If it means finding another neuro for answers to your problem, then so be it.

Remember it is you is suffering, and not them.

I hope you can resolve this problem soon.
Good luck
Nicola

[MeganL]

Hi Nicola....

I did have nerve conduction tests by a neurologist prior to therapy...most things were normal, but there was one test that wasn't normal, and he said he didn't know why....but, that it wouldn't be causing this problem.  I've just begun taking Vitamin D...I understand that hypothyroid patients have a unique need for this vitamin.  It does seem to be more of a muscle problem than bone....I say that because of the weakness in the muscles...they actually freeze on me in simple moderate exercise....something very different for me.  I've always been fairly athletic in my life.  You've raised a question in my mind now, however....perhaps a visit with another neurologist is in order.  When I query my endo about these things, he simply says "thyroid can cause just about anything," but, somehow that's not really helpful.  Thanks for the additional info!!

[thyroidian]

Hi Megan.
After reading your post, i was just wondering have you been checked for neuropathy, this causes leg pain, along with weak muscles.
I do know this can be found in people with hypothyroidism.
I would definately check this out, also with bloods doing for calcium, vit B12, and Vit D.
also get checked for diabetes also.

If you do feel this could be neuropathy, then some nerve conduction tests in the legs, might find the cause to your problems.

Hope this helps
Nicola

[MeganL]

You and I have the same opnion about many docs....I sometimes have the feeling theyr'e telling me all is fine while thinking I'm going to be treating her for "xyz" in a few months.  I usually always get copies of my blood work...but, my endo moved to another town, which requires that I visit him yearly, get a prescription for blood work, locally, and the lab reports to him.  His office then calls me with instructions.  I did not get the lab work on the T3 T4 test....but, I definitely will this time.  I finished a series of therapy about 6 months ago, and there was some improvement...but I would just like to know the cause.  I'll get to the bottom of it for sure.  Thanks again!!

[Bama_Lori]

Hi Megan,

I am a massage therapist;  muscles work on the sliding filiament theory;  They need the calcium in the blood to release tension, you may be low on calcium instead of high.

Whatever it is, do not let them tell you all is normal, get copies of the labs for yourself...unless you look at it...they will tell you everything is fine when many times it is not.... for example;  the endo told me congats, you dont have ostepororsis....but yet my DEXA bone scan said I had osteopenia...  That is like telling someone, Good news, you dont have AIDS, and not telling them they have HIV....I hate doctors now.

Lori

[MeganL]

Hi Lori....Actually, the pain goes from the lower back down to my toes...and it's accompanied by muscle weakness....just rising from a stooping position (if I can manage to stoop) is next to impossible.  The muscles seem to freeze and lock.  I've always been a very active person, so this is particularly bothersome for me.  I've never had a high Calcium reading...nor stones of any kind...but, I will be questioning the endo about this possibility.  I have a friend who has a calcium and parathyroid issue like you, and she and I share many symptoms.  She was on calcium supplements but the doctor took her off of them saying that she doesn't need any more calcium....so your point about getting more calcium is an interesting one.  I will definitely be bringing that up with my endo as well....thanks so much for your input.  Hope you can get the surgery you need soon....pain takes such a toll on life.  Thanks again!

[MeganL]

Thanks so much for raising some good points.  I did not receive the T3 and T4 numbers, just assuming they weren't normal since I'm supposed to continue with the 2 grains of Armour....and not really sure if they were total or free.....I am due back to the endo so will raise that question...and especially question him about the FT3.  Will definitely follow up with you.  Thanks again.

[Bama_Lori]

Hey Megan,

You said leg pain....is it near the joints or hips?  I didnt know my hip pain was actually bone pain from being HPTH with thyroid issues as well.

Has anyone ever told you your calcium is high?  Ever had kidney or gall stones?  

Would not hurt to have your doc check Calcium level, PTH, parathyroid hormone, and D.  If the first two are high, and D is low, then look at Hyperparathyroidism.  Check it out at www.parathyroid.com

High calcium will cause a lot of pain, in combination with low D....My hips feel at times like someone has driven a railroad spike in between the joint, and left it there....I cant even lie in the bed any longer due to it.  

Until I can have the adenoma removed, I make sure to eat lots of calcium rich foods throughout the day, this way, there is no need to pull the calcium from my bones, which hurts like hell.  The only cure for that is surgical removal of the benign tumor wreaking havoc on my hormone levels.. 95 percent or more are benign, and I am just being optimistic here....going for the odds.

Good luck,
Lori

[gimel]

TSH is a pituitary hormone that is totally inadequate as the sole diagnostic for thyroid problems.  At best it is an indicator to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4.FT3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Studies have also shown that FT3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while TSH and FT34 did not correlate very well at all.  

If the tests run by your doctor were for free T3 and free T4, then knowing those results will be helpful in assessing your situation.  If the tests were for total T3 and total T4, then you really need to get the Frees done.   Please post the T3 and T4 test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report so that members can help interpret.

I expect that we'll find that the tests were for total T3 and total T4. and even those were in the lower end of their ranges.

[MeganL]

As I've mentioned, my TSH is 200 without medication.  I take 2 Grains of Armour Thyroid every day.  The normal range is 0.3 to 3.  With medication my TSH is 0.2.  Doc has also checked T3 and T4 levels and advised my cardiologist (HBP) that I should remain on the 2 Grains of Armour.  Other symptons would of course be weight gain.  I gained a good bit of weight before I learned about my thyroid (10 years ago), and I've never been able to lose it.  My face is puffy and lots of hayfever and fatigue.  My antibodies before beginning the meds were off the chart....they had reached the maximum for the test and gone beyond.  But, the leg pain is the most bothersome...there's not only pain but extreme weakness in my legs....this from someone who always had very strong legs.  Of course, I see similar symptoms in the postings, but, I'm confused as to what could cause the leg pain....does just being hypothyrloid bring that about...or is it medication.  I have heard both, but that seems too vague.  Appreciate your help.  

[gimel]

When you look through this list of typical hypo symptoms, are there any others that you also have?  Also please post the results of your thyroid tests, along with their reference ranges shown on the lab report.

http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/hypothyroidism-too-little-thyroid-hormone