Is Chronic pain a result of Hypothyroidism?

[Lily2you]

I have all of the symptoms of hypothyroid....(Mother has it, brother has it)  I am forgetful, foggy headed, tired, not sleeping, can't stand the heat, or cold...I've gained 60 lbs in less then 2 years (Dr. tried to put me on synthyroid, but it accelerated the weight gain)  I was on meds for 6 months.   So he took me off.  (my levels of thyroid Hormone before treatment showed in the normal range, but closer to hyperthyroid, during treatment my levels started to level out at mid range)
I still have all the same symptoms, but now I have stiffness in my legs after sitting for a bit, and
I hurt when any pressure is applied to certain areas of my body.  Like a simple poke, especially in my sides up my ribs to my armpits, feels like I am severely bruised.  I can feel the finger poke linger for a long time after wards as well.  
Any guess as to what is going on??  Has this happened to anyone before???

[magpieannie]

If I may, I'd like to suggest a book to you. "Overcoming Thyroid Disorders" by Dr. David Brownstein. You can order it on Amazon.com. He talks alot about the link between low Thyroid and Fibromyalgia. More than likely your pain is related to undiagnosed hypothyroidism! You really should persue this!

[Lily2you]

Thank you so much for all the information that you have given me.  I have been trying to compile a list of symptoms and a list of tests that I have had done and not had done.  This way when I go to see a specialist, I will get some help.  The last time that I went to the Dr.s he told me that I had Fibromyalgia.  That would explain a lot of my symptoms, but it also helps me to establish a connection to something else going on with me, as Fibromyalgia, rarely occurs by itself.  I have IBS, memory lapses (really bad at times), early morning stiffness for about 1/2 hour, sore all over, can't touch my sides, as it feels like you are sticking me with a hot poker, can't stand direct sunlight (in fact I get a heat rash from it as well), I now have food intolerance (gluten, wheat, possibly dairy), and lack of sleep....whoa let me tell you.  I could fall asleep fine, but for the last 4-5 years I have struggled to stay asleep.  I awaken every night at least 4-5 times.  The Dr. has now put me on Amitriptyline, and I am waiting for it to improve my sleep quality...I still wake up, just not as much only 2-3 times during the night.

I believe that Hypothyroidism is at the root of all my problems (my mother had her thyroid removed and is on sythyroid, my brother is also on synthyroid).  Thankfully there are these kinds of forums with which to connect to others that have had similar problems.  This is our tool for the new health care.
Thank you so much TamraW, for giving me the right tests to ask for.  I will take them with me to my next appointment.
All the best to you and yours,
Cheers,
Lily2you

[TamraW]

Your doctor should not be treating you solely based on TSH values. Ideal TSH should be closer to one, but we are all different. TSH is a pituitary hormone and doesn't always paint the whole thyroid picture.

You need these blood tests:
TSH
FT4
FT3
Also the antibodies to test for thyroid auto-immune disease like Hashimoto's.
TGAb and Anti-TPO

Thyroid ultrasound is recommended.

Maybe you do have a thryoid issue, but we can't be sure without the above tests. If you do have a thyroid problem, many people here do better on a natural drug like Armour or Nature Thyroid, but jumping around from Synthroid to nothing obviously isn't helping.

Yes, thryoid can cause Fibromyalgia pain, but we won't know for sure until you get ALL of the thyroid tests. Get an endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid, not just diabetes!!!

I'm a little irked at these doctors for not ordering the right tests for their patients. We put our lives in their care, thinking they know what's best, and we end up having to become our own doctors.

Take care...
:) Tamra

[Lily2you]

I had to search around..(poor memory), but I found my results.  My TSH level was 1.9 which falls between the range of .38--5.5
I'm tired...literally and physically of waiting to find out what the cause is.  I just want my life back.
Thanks for trying to help.
Lily2you

[gimel]

Please post whatever thyroid test results you have, along with reference ranges, so that members can provide the best response.