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Possible Hypothyroidism
Hi everyone, I’m a 31 year old woman and I’m hoping that you may be able to offer me some advice. To start, I am overweight (245lb / 5’ tall). I recently (about a month ago) really started to take my health seriously by eating more fruits and vegetables instead of junk food. I pretty much gave up soda (at my peak I was drinking 4 or 5 cans a day – not good I know, but I now only allow myself 1 a day on the weekends only and the past couple of weekends I haven’t even had that much). I’m also starting to exercise outside now that it’s warming up again. I’m in pretty rough shape, but I’m am making steps to improve it!
My troubles started with my wrists sometime last year. They were both aching and hurt if I moved them in a certain way. It was here for a while, then it went away. I never went to my Dr. About 2 or 3 months later it came back, this time worst! I could barely life a pot of water it hurt so bad. So, I went to see my doctor. She did an exam and diagnosed it as carpal tunnel and she sent me off to physical therapy. I’ve been going to therapy for about a month now, twice a week. Hasn’t helped all that much.
It’s really weird because one day it’ll be my left wrist that hurts more than the right, but the next it’ll be my right that hurts more. Sometimes neither hurt all that badly and then other times it’s more the palm of my hand that hurts or it may be the inside of the wrist that hurts one day, but the outer side the next day. If I do something really active one day (like rough housing with my puppy) I know the next day I’ll be sorry, but when I wake up I’m fine. Sometimes when I’m really quiet and do much I wake up in pain the next day. I just don’t get it! There's absolutely no rhyme or reason for the pain.
I also have shoulder pain, same as the wrist pain as it alternates which one hurts more. If I sit too long and get up my hips ache for a few seconds until I walk it off and then I’m fine until I sit and get up again. Every part of my body that aches is on both sides (both wrists, both shoulders, both hips, etc).
I’ve done a few online searches and found a few possible causes ranging from a vitamin D or calcium deficiency, hypothyroidism, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. It could be vitamin D or calcium because I don't spend to much time outside or drinking milk / eating calcium rich foods. I don't think it would be arthritis because I have no visible swelling. Reading the symptoms of hypothyroidism, there are a few that apply to me. I was planning on going back to my doctor for a recheck in 2 weeks (after my therapy is finished), but I think I'll call tomorrow to discuss possible hypothyroidism instead and to see if she can run a blood test to rule other things out.
It’s just really scary to be in so much pain and not know why! Do any of you experience these symptoms with hypothyroidism? Do you have any other ideas on what it may be?
My troubles started with my wrists sometime last year. They were both aching and hurt if I moved them in a certain way. It was here for a while, then it went away. I never went to my Dr. About 2 or 3 months later it came back, this time worst! I could barely life a pot of water it hurt so bad. So, I went to see my doctor. She did an exam and diagnosed it as carpal tunnel and she sent me off to physical therapy. I’ve been going to therapy for about a month now, twice a week. Hasn’t helped all that much.
It’s really weird because one day it’ll be my left wrist that hurts more than the right, but the next it’ll be my right that hurts more. Sometimes neither hurt all that badly and then other times it’s more the palm of my hand that hurts or it may be the inside of the wrist that hurts one day, but the outer side the next day. If I do something really active one day (like rough housing with my puppy) I know the next day I’ll be sorry, but when I wake up I’m fine. Sometimes when I’m really quiet and do much I wake up in pain the next day. I just don’t get it! There's absolutely no rhyme or reason for the pain.
I also have shoulder pain, same as the wrist pain as it alternates which one hurts more. If I sit too long and get up my hips ache for a few seconds until I walk it off and then I’m fine until I sit and get up again. Every part of my body that aches is on both sides (both wrists, both shoulders, both hips, etc).
I’ve done a few online searches and found a few possible causes ranging from a vitamin D or calcium deficiency, hypothyroidism, arthritis, or fibromyalgia. It could be vitamin D or calcium because I don't spend to much time outside or drinking milk / eating calcium rich foods. I don't think it would be arthritis because I have no visible swelling. Reading the symptoms of hypothyroidism, there are a few that apply to me. I was planning on going back to my doctor for a recheck in 2 weeks (after my therapy is finished), but I think I'll call tomorrow to discuss possible hypothyroidism instead and to see if she can run a blood test to rule other things out.
It’s just really scary to be in so much pain and not know why! Do any of you experience these symptoms with hypothyroidism? Do you have any other ideas on what it may be?
Well... according to my doctor, my thyroid is fine. I haven't gotten a copy of the results yet,but the problems she found in my bloodwork are as follows.
1- My blood sugar is slightly elevated at 104. She considers this pre-diabetic. Since I gave up soda and started eating more salads and started walking, we're both hoping I'll be able to manage this or get it down without the use of medications.
2- My good cholesterol is slightly low so again, with my improved "diet" and exercise, she's thinking this should go up in time as well.
3- This is the BIG problem! My Vitamin D should be between 30-80, but it came back art 11!! She prescribed 50,000IU to be taken once a week for 8 weeks and then it'll be 1,000IU twice a day from there. I have to go back in 2 months to have another workup done.
I can still post my thyroid numbers once I get a copy, but it looks like my problems could be vitamin D related, which I guess is the better of the two evils!
1- My blood sugar is slightly elevated at 104. She considers this pre-diabetic. Since I gave up soda and started eating more salads and started walking, we're both hoping I'll be able to manage this or get it down without the use of medications.
2- My good cholesterol is slightly low so again, with my improved "diet" and exercise, she's thinking this should go up in time as well.
3- This is the BIG problem! My Vitamin D should be between 30-80, but it came back art 11!! She prescribed 50,000IU to be taken once a week for 8 weeks and then it'll be 1,000IU twice a day from there. I have to go back in 2 months to have another workup done.
I can still post my thyroid numbers once I get a copy, but it looks like my problems could be vitamin D related, which I guess is the better of the two evils!
COMMUNITY LEADER
I really doubt that very many of the supplements are going to help you much. The main thing they help is someone's pocketbook.......
Calcium and magnesium may help with pain some, but that's not guaranteed. Vitamin B12 and D, zinc, etc may give you extra energy, but again, that's not guaranteed.
It's unfortunate that you ran out of medication; there are some drugs that doctors are simply not allowed to prescribe more of. Codeine is addictive and strictly regulated. Next time you are tempted to take more than prescribed, why not call and tell him it's not working and see if he will prescribe something else?
Lumps on the bottoms of your feet can be caused by several different things, most unrelated to thyroid (or fibro). Here's a website that gives some info you might find helpful.
http://www.podiatrynetwork.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=122
You can also google "lumps on bottom of feet" and come up with many other sites that will give you info.
Calcium and magnesium may help with pain some, but that's not guaranteed. Vitamin B12 and D, zinc, etc may give you extra energy, but again, that's not guaranteed.
It's unfortunate that you ran out of medication; there are some drugs that doctors are simply not allowed to prescribe more of. Codeine is addictive and strictly regulated. Next time you are tempted to take more than prescribed, why not call and tell him it's not working and see if he will prescribe something else?
Lumps on the bottoms of your feet can be caused by several different things, most unrelated to thyroid (or fibro). Here's a website that gives some info you might find helpful.
http://www.podiatrynetwork.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=122
You can also google "lumps on bottom of feet" and come up with many other sites that will give you info.
Last night I attended a Fibromyalgia support group. Out came the bottles and bottles of supplements. Does anyone out there know if they work, which ones , etc., Vitamin D, Vitamin B...?
I don't want anything to mess up the thyroid (anymore than it is already).
I have to face my doctor today. God only knows the lecture I'll get from overtaking codeine and Soma. God only knows how many other lectures I'll get or what if any medication I'll get for this around the clock pain that never lets up. I'm so tired and depressed. My endo told me to ask him for a sleep aid but he said I would just have to suffer until he sees me. What a punishment!! Whatever happened to compassionate doctors? I called him to tell him I took more pills than prescribed because the dose he gave me wasn't helping. I was honest. He didn't care.
Before I go on the natural regimens for thyroid and fibro I'd like to hear your experiences. I don't lay around. I walk, work in the yard and do general housework, all with pain. I rest, I use hot and cold and pray that this will all go away. I eat right,drink plenty of fluids and try to maintain a good attitude.
I hurt from my head to my fee (I have lumps all over the bottom of them and when I walk across the room it feels like I'm walking on glass).
Whatever they give me I want it to be effective. I don't want to be constipated. I want to lose weight, this might help the pain and it certainly would pick up my spirits.
I don't want anything to mess up the thyroid (anymore than it is already).
I have to face my doctor today. God only knows the lecture I'll get from overtaking codeine and Soma. God only knows how many other lectures I'll get or what if any medication I'll get for this around the clock pain that never lets up. I'm so tired and depressed. My endo told me to ask him for a sleep aid but he said I would just have to suffer until he sees me. What a punishment!! Whatever happened to compassionate doctors? I called him to tell him I took more pills than prescribed because the dose he gave me wasn't helping. I was honest. He didn't care.
Before I go on the natural regimens for thyroid and fibro I'd like to hear your experiences. I don't lay around. I walk, work in the yard and do general housework, all with pain. I rest, I use hot and cold and pray that this will all go away. I eat right,drink plenty of fluids and try to maintain a good attitude.
I hurt from my head to my fee (I have lumps all over the bottom of them and when I walk across the room it feels like I'm walking on glass).
Whatever they give me I want it to be effective. I don't want to be constipated. I want to lose weight, this might help the pain and it certainly would pick up my spirits.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Before you got to this doctor, make sure s/he isn't following the Dr K protocol, which is not covered by insurance and is very expensive. There are many chiropractors and naturopaths signing onto this protocol. Follow the money trail.
My wife just got a thyroid newsletter from a local Dr. who is not take insurance but specializes in thyroid issues.
Anyway this newsletter specifically stated that shoulder and hip pain were very common in many of his patients. General joint pain but he seemed to focus specifically on shoulder and hip.
My wife noticed this as she also has had chronic hip pain. My wife has also had issues with her wrists. In fact it just re-occurred over the weekend and she is wearing braces on her wrists at night when she sleeps.
Anyway this newsletter specifically stated that shoulder and hip pain were very common in many of his patients. General joint pain but he seemed to focus specifically on shoulder and hip.
My wife noticed this as she also has had chronic hip pain. My wife has also had issues with her wrists. In fact it just re-occurred over the weekend and she is wearing braces on her wrists at night when she sleeps.
COMMUNITY LEADER
No, they don't, automatically, test vitamin B12 with thyroid. Many doctors don't even consider a relationship between thyroid and pernicious anemia; however, they're both autoimmune diseases and we see a lot of people with both Hashimoto's and PA.
Do they automatically test for B12 and anemia when doing a thyroid blood test? I've been so tired, practically listless. I don't believe an energy ftinkt will help but then you never know. It's a struggle for me to get on this computer.
I see my pain doctor and I don't know what to say. I need pain medication/muscle relaxant for my fibro but I'm scared of being messed up. You hear so much about the side effects. I suffered with this since late 80's, over the counter doesn't do me any good. I won't touch Lyrica. I'm hoping that if I could get my thyroid straight I'd feel much better (including depression). The endo wants to blame everything on my fibro.
I see my pain doctor and I don't know what to say. I need pain medication/muscle relaxant for my fibro but I'm scared of being messed up. You hear so much about the side effects. I suffered with this since late 80's, over the counter doesn't do me any good. I won't touch Lyrica. I'm hoping that if I could get my thyroid straight I'd feel much better (including depression). The endo wants to blame everything on my fibro.
Do they automatically test for B12 and anemia when doing a thyroid blood test? I've been so tired, practically listless. I don't believe an energy ftinkt will help but then you never know. It's a struggle for me to get on this computer.
I see my pain doctor and I don't know what to say. I need pain medication/muscle relaxant for my fibro but I'm scared of being messed up. You hear so much about the side effects. I suffered with this since late 80's, over the counter doesn't do me any good. I won't touch Lyrica. I'm hoping that if I could get my thyroid straight I'd feel much better (including depression). The endo wants to blame everything on my fibro.
I see my pain doctor and I don't know what to say. I need pain medication/muscle relaxant for my fibro but I'm scared of being messed up. You hear so much about the side effects. I suffered with this since late 80's, over the counter doesn't do me any good. I won't touch Lyrica. I'm hoping that if I could get my thyroid straight I'd feel much better (including depression). The endo wants to blame everything on my fibro.
COMMUNITY LEADER
The antibody tests to ask for are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab). You need them both, because some of us with Hashi's have one of the antibodies, some have the other, and still some have both.
Many doctors don't think it necessary to test for antibodies, because it really doesn't change the treatment. It's important though, because it gives us an idea of what's up ahead. If we know that our thyroid is slowly being destroyed, we know that we'll need to keep increasing our dosage until we completely dependent on the medication.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a lot of issues - one of the main ones, being a nearly debilitating fatigue/exhaustion; untreated B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathies, such as tingling/numbness in the hands/feet. B12 deficiency/pernicious anemia often accompanies thyroid disease.
Many doctors don't think it necessary to test for antibodies, because it really doesn't change the treatment. It's important though, because it gives us an idea of what's up ahead. If we know that our thyroid is slowly being destroyed, we know that we'll need to keep increasing our dosage until we completely dependent on the medication.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a lot of issues - one of the main ones, being a nearly debilitating fatigue/exhaustion; untreated B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathies, such as tingling/numbness in the hands/feet. B12 deficiency/pernicious anemia often accompanies thyroid disease.
I completely agree. The Dr that I go through has an online website portal where we can email them. I'll send her an email tomorrow asking her to include those other tests that you're recommending. If for nothing else, for my piece of mind! I'll post an update when I get a response. :)
COMMUNITY LEADER
Well, at least she's testing for part of the necessary stuff...... I don't see the thyroid antibodies listed there, which is a concern, since Hashimoto's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.
Good that she's doing the vitamin D; too bad she missed the B12...
Many doctors get offended when told that we learned something online.... they seem to think we're all a bunch of children (or rats) and they're the pied piper, whom we follow blindly...... doctors think they know everything medical and when a patient comes in that has some knowledge, it's an ego buster.
Keep reading/learning/researching; we all have to be our own advocate.
Good that she's doing the vitamin D; too bad she missed the B12...
Many doctors get offended when told that we learned something online.... they seem to think we're all a bunch of children (or rats) and they're the pied piper, whom we follow blindly...... doctors think they know everything medical and when a patient comes in that has some knowledge, it's an ego buster.
Keep reading/learning/researching; we all have to be our own advocate.
Well, I had my appointment Friday and it went ok. The only thing that really got me upset is that when I set the appointment up I specifically asked if I could go in earlier in the week to have blood drawn so the results would be ready when I went. They told me that wasn't necessary and that they'd just draw the blood when I went Friday. Well, turns out they want me to fast to have everything tested thoroughly when I go back. So now I have to go back Wed morning to have the blood drawn and I should know by the end of the week or early the following week what the results are.
The things that she wants to test me for are: HDLP (Lipid), Comprehensive Metabolic, TSH, Free T3, Free Thyroxine, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 & D3, Sedimentation Rate, C Reactive Protein, CBC w/Differential, Ferritin, and Iron/Iron Binding Capacity.
I expressed my concerns about possibly having hypothyroidism based on what I've been reading online and was basically told not to pay attention to what I see online. Funny how apparently getting advice from others online is taboo with doctors especially when it's impossible for any doctor to know it all. Needless to say, I'm not changing my ways and will continue to go online for help.
As for the pain I've been experiencing, I was told to take 800mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours or as needed and to get tiger balm patches for my shoulders until we know what's going on. My shoulders have been feeling better, but it's probably because of the ibuprofen. I still have stiffness in my hands and hips, especially in the morning.
So, that's about it for now. More waiting to come. On a good note though, I lost 10lb since my last appt in March. Looks like giving up soda and walking more has been helping! :)
The things that she wants to test me for are: HDLP (Lipid), Comprehensive Metabolic, TSH, Free T3, Free Thyroxine, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 & D3, Sedimentation Rate, C Reactive Protein, CBC w/Differential, Ferritin, and Iron/Iron Binding Capacity.
I expressed my concerns about possibly having hypothyroidism based on what I've been reading online and was basically told not to pay attention to what I see online. Funny how apparently getting advice from others online is taboo with doctors especially when it's impossible for any doctor to know it all. Needless to say, I'm not changing my ways and will continue to go online for help.
As for the pain I've been experiencing, I was told to take 800mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours or as needed and to get tiger balm patches for my shoulders until we know what's going on. My shoulders have been feeling better, but it's probably because of the ibuprofen. I still have stiffness in my hands and hips, especially in the morning.
So, that's about it for now. More waiting to come. On a good note though, I lost 10lb since my last appt in March. Looks like giving up soda and walking more has been helping! :)
Thank you! Tomorrow's my "big" day. I'm so anxious to go. I can't believe I'm actually excited about going to the see Dr, but I am. The pain is just rediculous. I need help one way or another. I'll let you know what happens when I get home.
Thanks again for the tips. I've been making notes so I'm fully prepared at my appointment Friday.
For someone who hates going to the Dr, I have to say that I'm REALLY looking forward to this appointment. The pain I've been feeling has been getting worst and worst with each day it seems. My hips still hurt when I get up after sitting for to long, my wrists still hurt when I move them the wrong way, but what's really gotten worst is the pain in my shoulders. It's a really strong shotting/stabbing sensation and it hurts a lot when I so much as try to lift my arms. Using my arms to push up (like when you're in bed and trying to reposition or get up) is excrutiating.
I just want the pain to go away. I've forgotten what it's like to get up pain free. :(
For someone who hates going to the Dr, I have to say that I'm REALLY looking forward to this appointment. The pain I've been feeling has been getting worst and worst with each day it seems. My hips still hurt when I get up after sitting for to long, my wrists still hurt when I move them the wrong way, but what's really gotten worst is the pain in my shoulders. It's a really strong shotting/stabbing sensation and it hurts a lot when I so much as try to lift my arms. Using my arms to push up (like when you're in bed and trying to reposition or get up) is excrutiating.
I just want the pain to go away. I've forgotten what it's like to get up pain free. :(
COMMUNITY LEADER
Do make sure you get tested for the proper things; don't let them just test TSH, which is what many doctors want to do.
You need to get TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab). The antibody tests will diagnose Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is the # 1 cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.
You need to get TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab). The antibody tests will diagnose Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which is the # 1 cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. First let me say that I am NOT a person who wants to go to the Dr. Growing up, my family didn't have insurance so I was only brought in for an absolute emergency. That kind of started my fear/stress of having to go to the Dr. I've decided this year to more or less just grow up and start taking care of myself. LOL
Well, today I called the Dr office and asked to be tested for thyroid problems, but of course they can't just do the test without seeing me. The next opening they have available is on 4/13 (next Friday) so I booked an appointment. In the meantime, I'll be doing more reading and printing, highlighting which symptoms apply to me so I don't forget anything.
It's kind of funny to me that there are SO many symptoms of hypothyroidism that apply to me (dry skin, dry/brittle hair, muscle cramps, joint pain, irritabilty, mood swings, cold hands/feet, intolerance to cold,constipation, headaches, and more). I really do feel like this is what's going on with me, but I do realize I could be wrong so we'll see what the Dr says and of course what my test results show.
I just hope that going on Friday the 13th isn't a sign of getting a more serious diagnosis. :(
I'll keep you all posted!
Well, today I called the Dr office and asked to be tested for thyroid problems, but of course they can't just do the test without seeing me. The next opening they have available is on 4/13 (next Friday) so I booked an appointment. In the meantime, I'll be doing more reading and printing, highlighting which symptoms apply to me so I don't forget anything.
It's kind of funny to me that there are SO many symptoms of hypothyroidism that apply to me (dry skin, dry/brittle hair, muscle cramps, joint pain, irritabilty, mood swings, cold hands/feet, intolerance to cold,constipation, headaches, and more). I really do feel like this is what's going on with me, but I do realize I could be wrong so we'll see what the Dr says and of course what my test results show.
I just hope that going on Friday the 13th isn't a sign of getting a more serious diagnosis. :(
I'll keep you all posted!
COMMUNITY LEADER
I've had carpal tunnel also, and while I'm not on a T3/T4 combo, symptoms have been relieved by getting FT3 and FT4 into adequate ranges.
Fibromyalgia is a set of vague symptoms that have no real cause, but all too often, once thyroid replacement hormones are started, symptoms are resolved.
Will look forward to seeing your current labs.
Fibromyalgia is a set of vague symptoms that have no real cause, but all too often, once thyroid replacement hormones are started, symptoms are resolved.
Will look forward to seeing your current labs.
The pain in your wrists can be associated with a number of possible causes. I have had similar problems (carpal tunnel) for a short time. I originally associated it with spending too much time on this Forum. LOL Interestingly though it occurred during the time when Armour Thyroid was no longer available and I had to switch to alternative meds, starting with T4. My thyroid hormone levels got out of whack and I became hypo again. During that time was when I had carpal tunnel, very bad acid reflux, gained lots of weight, needed lots more sleep than normal, and felt bad in general.
As soon as my T4/T3 med became available again, I switched back. In a relatively short time the carpal tunnel was gone, along with the acid reflux and fatigue, etc. Now my Free T3 is back to 3.9 (range of 2.3 - 4.2), Free T4 is .84 (range of .60 - 1.50), and I feel best ever. Over the last 10 months or so, I have also lost all the weight I had previously gained, without making any changes in my diet and exercise habits.
Understand that I am not saying absolutely that hypothyroidism is your problem, but it sure needs to be fully checked out. To do that I suggest that you request to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3, along with TSH that they always test. To determine the possibility of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, you should also test for the thyroid antibodies, TPO ab and TG ab.
Further tests that would be advisable are ferritin, a full iron panel (includes serum iron, iron binding capacity, and % saturation), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, cholesterol, and triglycerides. There are some others, but maybe you should just start by requesting those.
When the lab report is available, please get a copy and post test results and their reference ranges and members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.
As soon as my T4/T3 med became available again, I switched back. In a relatively short time the carpal tunnel was gone, along with the acid reflux and fatigue, etc. Now my Free T3 is back to 3.9 (range of 2.3 - 4.2), Free T4 is .84 (range of .60 - 1.50), and I feel best ever. Over the last 10 months or so, I have also lost all the weight I had previously gained, without making any changes in my diet and exercise habits.
Understand that I am not saying absolutely that hypothyroidism is your problem, but it sure needs to be fully checked out. To do that I suggest that you request to be tested for the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3, along with TSH that they always test. To determine the possibility of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, you should also test for the thyroid antibodies, TPO ab and TG ab.
Further tests that would be advisable are ferritin, a full iron panel (includes serum iron, iron binding capacity, and % saturation), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, cholesterol, and triglycerides. There are some others, but maybe you should just start by requesting those.
When the lab report is available, please get a copy and post test results and their reference ranges and members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.
Have you been checked for FIBROMYALGIA? I'm so sorry to hear about your pain. I have it too and it's not fun!.
twinflower2
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