muscle and nerve pain

[lcjackso]

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's a few years ago, though I didn't actually have any symptoms then (a doctor noticed I had a bit of a goiter). I've been on and off thyroxine (I've changed doctors and there was some confusion over whether I should be taking it!) but was found to be hypo last Oct/Nov when I increased my dose. In December I started getting pains in my arms, hands and feet which are still continuing. The pain is sometimes in the muscles and sometimes along the nerves (shooting/tingling etc in ulnar, median and sciatic nerves) and my muscles often feel very tight. My physio says that the muscles are pinching the nerves. My doctor has done lots of blood tests and ruled out anything obvious

Having increased my dose in November, my TSH in Jan was 0.8 and then later in March was 1.8, so we ruled out my thyroid, but now I'm starting to wonder, particularly as my recent TSH reading was 3.9 (which is higher, though still within the limits here in the UK). I'm just seeing my normal doctor rather than a specialist, though from past experience he would be happy if I increased by dosage even though I'm within the range. I'm wondering whether I should get to see a endocrinologist who would obviously know more, but might not be as flexible. Is it possible that these symptoms are from being hypo despite my TSH being okay through Jan-March (at least) when I was experiencing these symptoms? Also I haven't being feeling particularly tired, which I thought would be the first symptom.

Thanks

[goolarra]

Different people have different symptoms from being hypo.  I was never really tired...I'm making a distinction here...I'd fall asleep if I sat down for more than about 10 minutes, but as long as I kept going I felt fine.  So, I was drowsy, but not tired.  On the other hand, I had muscle aches and extreme weakness, especially in my back.  Not everyone gets all the symptoms.  You're right, though, fatigue is about as close to a universal symptom as you get.

[lcjackso]

Thanks - I agree I need to increase my meds (I'm speaking to my doctor about it).

Is it possible to get these muscle/nerve problems from being hypo without the more normal symptoms of feeling tired? Also is there any advice from anyone who's found ways to help with these symptoms?

[goolarra]

Well, Im sure you've heard this before, but you should make sure your doctor tests free T3 and free T4, as well as TSH and bases meds adjustments on those, not TSH.  They are the actual thyroid hormones and give a much better indication of thyroid status than TSH.  By AACE standards of 0.3-3.0, your TSH is high (I know most labs still use old ranges).

Your pains could very well be the result of your remaining hypo.

FT3 asnd FT4 should be tested.  It sounds like you need a meds increase.