muscle aches and twitching

[patue]

Hi,
I am experiencing lots of muscle pain and muscle twitching all over/specially my legs.  Is anyone else experiencing this with hashimoto?

[lcarter6]

Speaking of JOINT problems...I was originally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a little over 1 1/2 yr. ago by the GP,  who then sent me to a rheumy.  I was taking Celebrex 1-2 times a day with Tylenol for break through joint pain, stiffness and mild swelling of feet, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and some finger joints.  They were just about to start me on Plaquinel, when low and behold, it was discovered that I had a goiter (along with some symptoms of hypothyroid).  I was started on just 25 mcg of thyroid hormone and within just 3 DAYS the deep aching pain, etc. I had more than 2 yrs magically went away!  It was miraculous!  The character of the achiness just changed dramatically overnight.  I still have some muscle problems-- mostly a little stiffness and soreness, but nothing I need to take pain pills for.  I told my dr that he is a genius!  I have been on the thyroid med for only 2 months now and am really looking forward to him bumping up the medication this next month when we redo all the labs to see if we can get rid of any residual muscle problems.  

[eo24]

I do!!  I'm hypo, but have been on Synthroid 150 for several months and am now slightly hyper.  I get twitches in my face, arms and legs.  The worst is when I'm tired or hungry, my legs muscles will shake and shake and there's nothing I can do.  I also get odd cramps that don't really hurt, just feel  weird, in my arms and legs.  I often get strange sensations in my neck too.

I know I haven't offered any explanation...  but at least you are not alone :)

[kitty9309]

I also have dizziness as a main symptom when my TSH is too high as well as muscle twitching all over my body.

Dou you know what your actual TSH level is/was? Did you have thyroid antibodies tested?

Any TSH over 2-3 is suspicious, especially with positive thyroid antibodies.

I went for 13 years misdiagnosed with an inner ear problem I do not have because my TSH levels were deemed normal. They were always in the upper end of the range- over 3.5 consistantly.

My endo said I should have been treated several years ago, at least.

The above 2 ladies rarely post here anymore. I am friends with EmpatheticJenny. She recommended her endo to me as we live in the same area.

[pattycake60]

I've been reading this dialogue with great interest.  Surely we can learn from each other's experiences and I'm wondering how much my symptoms have to do with hypothyroidism:  pain/aches in my muscles (legs and arms mostly), weakness in legs at times, headaches, some occasional dizziness, twitching feeling and cold sensitivity on occasion.

The TSH results are within normal ranges, so my doctor hasn't suggested hypothyrodism is the culprit, but maybe there's another marker to check as well?  I don't want to start taking medication but would do about anything to alleviate these issues.

This all started about 9 months ago.  Previously I was a very active 59- year old, having gone through menopause about 5 years ago. I've been to a neurologist, who took a brain MRI, an EMG test (electric probes to check nerve conduction), and an overnight sleep study.  Results were normal throughout, thankfully, because like others I was frightened of the prospect of having MS.

A rheumatologist did 4 blood tests:  C-Reactive Protein (inflammation, homocysteine levels), a gene marker for rheumatoid arthritis, sedimentation rate and checking on viruses.  Again, all normal.  She said the aches are likely part of the aging process and suggested I discuss this with my OB/GYN -- maybe consider taking hormone replacement therapy.  Haven't been through that yet and frankly do NOT want to take HRT.

I have osteoarthritis and am willing to deal with occasional pain in upper and lower back, but the weakness in the legs, along with aches, dizziness, headache, etc. is just wearing me down.  Seems there is no escape from some type of daily assault and I never know what to expect.  At times, I'm afriad to travel because the unexpected seems to follow me everywhere.  No doubt you all can identify with that helpless feeling regarding the unknown.  I keep wondering if the doctors are missing something.    

Any thoughts on what else to check to confirmation that this is familiar (in terms of symptoms and tests taken) would be much appreciated.   Thanks!  

[EmpatheticJenny]

Dear GL,

In regard to your comments about hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and muscle or joint-related symptoms: thank you for the tutorial! As I look backward in time and rethink the symptoms I have had in light of the still-new knowledge that my thyroid gland has been failing, the framework you have provided is very helpful.

Your opening words "While not generally well-known or understood" made me think of something that has become a running joke during my six-year relationship with a wonderful rheumatologist. The joke is that my LEAST favorite phrase in the English language is "poorly understood."

Best wishes,
Jenny

[ChitChatNine]

Unfortunately the potassium didn't help me.  I was (in error) taking alot of potassium with my vitamins in a concerted effort to try and use the vitamin regime the Uroologist suggested to prevent kidney stones from growing or new ones forming.  It was ok to take the potassium (I took it in form of alot of juices which contain potassium) and the cramps kept coming.  

I stopped the incrased potassium as the Uro told me the potassium was an inert ingredient in some prescription kidney stone pills *Urocit-K to be exact* to help with absorption so when I stopped the Urocit K (bcz of bad gas/heartburn) I took potassium thinking @ least I'd be getting the potassiumand but the stopped as it was useless all around.  

BOO HOO on the muscle cramps :(  .. they kept on coming with or without add'l potassium for me. :(

Another key factor that didn't help one bit for me was prescription anti-inflammatories!  Did not touch the pain of the ankle joint or muscles.

Exercise specifically to strengthen that area did nothing.  I was ready to see an Orthopedist or Rheumy when we figured this out finally.  

Just 2 weeks ago, I found out it was from hypo for sure and the only thing that helped it was the higher Synthroid.  I am very very lucky to have an answer and proven not a coincidence.

I still get them but nearly as bad ... I may be lucky as having that as a barometer to know if my #'s go off-keel once I'm regulated on my dosing, huh ?!

C~