Aa
Mild Hyperthyroidism- VERY symptomatic
Hi-
I am a research professor in Orthopaedics at a major university. I have been battling a battery of symptoms for nearly 4 years now that include (in order of "importance"):
- Muscle aches all over, but mostly in legs (feel swollen, but are not visibly)
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Insomnia
- Tacchycardia (resting heart-rate 128 at last GP appointment)
- Lack of concentration/loss of memory
- Intolerance to heat and cold (mostly heat)
- Morning stiffness
- Fine finger tremor
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks (mostly at night)
- Thin build
- Lack of libido
- Have become socially withdrawn
- Intolerance to exercise (feel like I have to lay down)
I have had a battery of bloodwork over the past 3 years that has ranged:
TSH = 0.17-0.4 (0.3-3.0) lowest 2/2008
Free T4= 1.4-1.8 (0.8-1.7) highest 8/2010
T4 = 7.55 (5.1-14.1)
Free T3= 4.6 (2.4-4.2) only one record from 10/2010
TSH Receptor Antibody (<0.93) 9/2010
T3 total = 116 (80-200)
Prolactin = 16.2 (2.1-17.7)
Luteinizing Hormone = 1.7 (1.7-8.6)
Testosterone 180-279 (300-1080)
I'm currently taking:
Propanolol 120 mg LA
Methimazole 5 mg
Neurontin 2700 mg daily
Ambien 10 mg as needed (basically every night)
Lortab 7.5-550 as needed (up to 8/day)
Lorazepam 0.5 mg as needed (up to 3x/day)
Soma 350 mg as needed (up to 2/day)
My endocrinologist does not believe that my primary symptoms (muscle aches, body aches, flu-like symptoms) are due to a thyroid problem. However, she has admitted that I have mild hyperthyroidism and said "it wouldn't hurt to try a low-dose of anti-thyroid medication". Possibly T3 Toxicosis, early Graves is what she said.
We are still waiting on a TSH alpha sub-unit test (had to be sent out, not a common test). However, she doubts it will be positive.
I have been receiving testosterone shots for nearly 2 months now. Originally bi-weekly, but now weekly since levels have not gone up. I do feel greater libido, stronger erections, greasy skin, but I must say that I feel even weaker than when I started.
Without Ambien I will wake up every 20-40 minutes. I do not exercise as I do not have much strength. I have had issues with relationships, problems at work, inability to concentrate (and write grants!).
I do not have any issues with vision or protruding eyes.
MRI ruled out pituitary adenoma, but said that the gland was on the high-end of normal in terms of size. I have a herniated disc and it is interesting that pain seems to radiate from my back, but it doesn't explain the flu-like symptoms (aches, tired all the time). Thyroid uptake scan was on the high end of normal. Normal appearance of thyroid gland. However, when I spoke to radiologist (I know her) she said that it looked a little hyperactive.
I have been taking methimazole for only 1.5 weeks. No difference in symptoms. However, no side effects.
GP wants me to take anti-depressant. However, Effexor caused terrible night sweats and increased shakiness and I stopped after 3 days.
I also have mild-moderate MVP.
What are your thoughts? Do you think my symptoms could be actually a thyroid problem? I understand that pain medication can affect testosterone levels. However, without pain medication, I am rendered completely useless. Without Inderal my heart races wild. Again, any advice would be greatly appreciated. How long before methimazole will kick in? Could a slightly high T3 and low TSH (but still detectable) cause all of these symptoms?
Thanks!
I am a research professor in Orthopaedics at a major university. I have been battling a battery of symptoms for nearly 4 years now that include (in order of "importance"):
- Muscle aches all over, but mostly in legs (feel swollen, but are not visibly)
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Insomnia
- Tacchycardia (resting heart-rate 128 at last GP appointment)
- Lack of concentration/loss of memory
- Intolerance to heat and cold (mostly heat)
- Morning stiffness
- Fine finger tremor
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks (mostly at night)
- Thin build
- Lack of libido
- Have become socially withdrawn
- Intolerance to exercise (feel like I have to lay down)
I have had a battery of bloodwork over the past 3 years that has ranged:
TSH = 0.17-0.4 (0.3-3.0) lowest 2/2008
Free T4= 1.4-1.8 (0.8-1.7) highest 8/2010
T4 = 7.55 (5.1-14.1)
Free T3= 4.6 (2.4-4.2) only one record from 10/2010
TSH Receptor Antibody (<0.93) 9/2010
T3 total = 116 (80-200)
Prolactin = 16.2 (2.1-17.7)
Luteinizing Hormone = 1.7 (1.7-8.6)
Testosterone 180-279 (300-1080)
I'm currently taking:
Propanolol 120 mg LA
Methimazole 5 mg
Neurontin 2700 mg daily
Ambien 10 mg as needed (basically every night)
Lortab 7.5-550 as needed (up to 8/day)
Lorazepam 0.5 mg as needed (up to 3x/day)
Soma 350 mg as needed (up to 2/day)
My endocrinologist does not believe that my primary symptoms (muscle aches, body aches, flu-like symptoms) are due to a thyroid problem. However, she has admitted that I have mild hyperthyroidism and said "it wouldn't hurt to try a low-dose of anti-thyroid medication". Possibly T3 Toxicosis, early Graves is what she said.
We are still waiting on a TSH alpha sub-unit test (had to be sent out, not a common test). However, she doubts it will be positive.
I have been receiving testosterone shots for nearly 2 months now. Originally bi-weekly, but now weekly since levels have not gone up. I do feel greater libido, stronger erections, greasy skin, but I must say that I feel even weaker than when I started.
Without Ambien I will wake up every 20-40 minutes. I do not exercise as I do not have much strength. I have had issues with relationships, problems at work, inability to concentrate (and write grants!).
I do not have any issues with vision or protruding eyes.
MRI ruled out pituitary adenoma, but said that the gland was on the high-end of normal in terms of size. I have a herniated disc and it is interesting that pain seems to radiate from my back, but it doesn't explain the flu-like symptoms (aches, tired all the time). Thyroid uptake scan was on the high end of normal. Normal appearance of thyroid gland. However, when I spoke to radiologist (I know her) she said that it looked a little hyperactive.
I have been taking methimazole for only 1.5 weeks. No difference in symptoms. However, no side effects.
GP wants me to take anti-depressant. However, Effexor caused terrible night sweats and increased shakiness and I stopped after 3 days.
I also have mild-moderate MVP.
What are your thoughts? Do you think my symptoms could be actually a thyroid problem? I understand that pain medication can affect testosterone levels. However, without pain medication, I am rendered completely useless. Without Inderal my heart races wild. Again, any advice would be greatly appreciated. How long before methimazole will kick in? Could a slightly high T3 and low TSH (but still detectable) cause all of these symptoms?
Thanks!
Free T3 rules.
If it is high you will get hyperthyroid symptoms, no matter what the other tests like free/total T4, TSH or even total T3 are.
I think that the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and its treatment with methimazole is correct.
Methimazole takes time to work since first has to begin reducing thyroid hormone production and then it is necessary to wait until already circulating thyroid hormones in your blood are broken down.
'Therefore, stores of thyroid hormones must be depleted before clinical effects will be apparent'
http://www.drugs.com/mmx/methimazole.html
By 1 month your symptoms should begin to improve.
5 mg daily may be too low a dose IMO, so ask your MD or endo to get Free T3, Free T4 and TSH every 3 months or so and go up to at least 10-15mg methimazole if necessary.
Propranolol is causing low testosterone as evidenced in studies like:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2900627
It says 'Significant drug effects on both total and free testosterone were found during treatment with all four beta-blockers, although it appeared that the nonselective drugs (pindolol, propranolol) were associated with the greatest reduction in testosterone.'
For now you will need to keep on using propranolol until methimazole lowers thyroid levels and your blood pressure and pulse begins to lower.
Once it happens I think that you should be able to SLOWLY TAPER off most of the other drugs you mentioned Neurontin, Ambien, Lortab, Lorazepam and Soma and you will be able to sleep better by yourself
Hope you get better I know how it feels.
I also suffer from T3 toxicosis. Most endos are slow and reluctant to give proper hyperthyroidism treatment when only free T3 is elevated.
I also got low testosterone and incredible weakness from Atenolol, a quite similar med to propranolol that you are using.
If it is high you will get hyperthyroid symptoms, no matter what the other tests like free/total T4, TSH or even total T3 are.
I think that the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and its treatment with methimazole is correct.
Methimazole takes time to work since first has to begin reducing thyroid hormone production and then it is necessary to wait until already circulating thyroid hormones in your blood are broken down.
'Therefore, stores of thyroid hormones must be depleted before clinical effects will be apparent'
http://www.drugs.com/mmx/methimazole.html
By 1 month your symptoms should begin to improve.
5 mg daily may be too low a dose IMO, so ask your MD or endo to get Free T3, Free T4 and TSH every 3 months or so and go up to at least 10-15mg methimazole if necessary.
Propranolol is causing low testosterone as evidenced in studies like:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2900627
It says 'Significant drug effects on both total and free testosterone were found during treatment with all four beta-blockers, although it appeared that the nonselective drugs (pindolol, propranolol) were associated with the greatest reduction in testosterone.'
For now you will need to keep on using propranolol until methimazole lowers thyroid levels and your blood pressure and pulse begins to lower.
Once it happens I think that you should be able to SLOWLY TAPER off most of the other drugs you mentioned Neurontin, Ambien, Lortab, Lorazepam and Soma and you will be able to sleep better by yourself
Hope you get better I know how it feels.
I also suffer from T3 toxicosis. Most endos are slow and reluctant to give proper hyperthyroidism treatment when only free T3 is elevated.
I also got low testosterone and incredible weakness from Atenolol, a quite similar med to propranolol that you are using.
After reading through all that you listed as necessary, I was amused that your first comment to prior posters was, "Wow that's a lot of medication you take."
Seems like to me that your recommended approach would be a full time job every day. LOL
Seems like to me that your recommended approach would be a full time job every day. LOL
Oh and like another person mentioned l- carnitine is another great supplement to take for ppl with hyperthyroidism and people lacking energy
Oh yes and make sure you include some protein which each meal ..very important...and limit bread..as gluten and wheat are known intolerances in a lot of people..and to much causes the immune system to gang up on itself..hence why a strong link with people with auto immune diseases and thyroid problems
So with protein for example..breakfast have a fresh bowl of seasonal fruit...or at least two different types of fruit...then have a bowl of oats and add some walnuts for protein..and sprinkle some lsa mix..cinnamon to lower blood glucose and wola..I have this every morning..and once a week treat myself to a nice cooked breakfast of sourdough bread..eggs..cooked spinach tomatoes mushrooms avocado..and couple rashes of bacon
Lunch..roast chicken pieces. With spinach leaves roast beetroot..walnuts..avo red io ion..capsicum...dressing of olive oil mixed which repairs Dana damage and balsamic vinegar and herbs
Dinner salmon or grilled chicken...steamed veggies..I.e asparagus.pumkpin...sweet potatoe mash...yum!
Snack on...chia seeds full of omegas and protein.....goji berries..fruit..I.e cherries...or small handful of nuts like Brazil nuts for selenium or pistachios....
Every mid morning I never go without my %100 cocoa powder hot drink..I put in two heaped tablespoons ..add hot water and splash of almond milk...mmmmmm so good for you and feels like something bad when its so good for your body and mind...full of happy hormone serotonin :)
So with protein for example..breakfast have a fresh bowl of seasonal fruit...or at least two different types of fruit...then have a bowl of oats and add some walnuts for protein..and sprinkle some lsa mix..cinnamon to lower blood glucose and wola..I have this every morning..and once a week treat myself to a nice cooked breakfast of sourdough bread..eggs..cooked spinach tomatoes mushrooms avocado..and couple rashes of bacon
Lunch..roast chicken pieces. With spinach leaves roast beetroot..walnuts..avo red io ion..capsicum...dressing of olive oil mixed which repairs Dana damage and balsamic vinegar and herbs
Dinner salmon or grilled chicken...steamed veggies..I.e asparagus.pumkpin...sweet potatoe mash...yum!
Snack on...chia seeds full of omegas and protein.....goji berries..fruit..I.e cherries...or small handful of nuts like Brazil nuts for selenium or pistachios....
Every mid morning I never go without my %100 cocoa powder hot drink..I put in two heaped tablespoons ..add hot water and splash of almond milk...mmmmmm so good for you and feels like something bad when its so good for your body and mind...full of happy hormone serotonin :)
Wow that's a lot of medication you take.
I highly recommend the natural route if you can as I think you would be surprised how easily the body can heal itself through the right natural approaches.
I had quite severe hyperthyroid symptoms for a over a month..worst stage was when I hadn't slept a wink for over 3 nights in a row..no kidding not even a wink!..my heart was beating so hard and I had extreme anxiousness..I was also getting freaked out by the little changes I was noticing in my appearance when I looked in the mirror....puffy eyes..thinning skin with show through veins..under eye bags..gaunt..it only added to my anxiety as everything felt like this surreal experience and the world as I knew it was changing before my eyes...
I would book straight into see an acupuncturist...mine was able to pinpoint special parts in my body to calm it down and she also gave me two lots of special herbs..one lot called Shi Bai ba Wei wan by a brand called black pearl..although I'm sure you can get it in other brands..this specially helps nourishing the kidneys and liver and directly helps ppl with hyperthyroidism..comes in little miniature balls..I swallow 15 in the morning 15 at night.....love the taste of them to...and some capsule called calm the spirit...which help calm my entire overactive nervous system and give me as ensue of balance and tranquility..I take 3 in the morning and 3 at night..also helps me sleep better and calms you through the day
Also I would take a magnesium powder blend before bed..I take a scoop of ultra muscleze nigh..specially for calming the body for sleep..magnesium is a must for ppl with this condition...noticed a huge improvement right away as regulates all your bodily systems..
I also have a broccoli sprout powder which specially helps lower to much thyroid hormone in the body....good for ppl with hyper..not hypo.....I put half a teaspoon in water at night...as I used to find my symptoms worsen at night....and every 2nd day half a teaspoon also during the day..
Best teas a swell for hyper is lemon balm..you can order it from iherb.com this specially lowers thyroid hormone and also relaxes your whole body..feat for sleeping...and passionflower tea..also very calming..mother wort tea is also specially good for heart pulpertations...
I have ordered bugle weed tincture as well...this is meant to be one of the best herbs that will help lower to much thyroid hormone....seeing as my symptoms have pretty much diminished now..I will keep this near by in case I feel them increase again...
I think with the thyroid as it's such a delicate organ that can switch either way if you go to hard in one direction for to long..but if you listen to the cues and symptoms your body gives you..and with the right knowledge and tools then I think you can keep it happy and in balance :)
So in summary I guarantee if you do and take the following you can manage your hyperthyroid symptoms naturally:
Acupuncture -start of once a week..then once every two...once controlled once a month..its is seriously amazing how it balances your whole body!
Shi Bai ba Wei wan - herb pills
Calm the spirit - capsules sun herbal brand
Bugle weed tincture
Magnesium powder - ultra muscleze night -bio cue tickles
Lemon balm tea
Passionflower tea
Mother wort tea
Broccoli sprout powder
Stay away from coffee as that's the worst stimulant!..if you want some caffeine get it from green or white tea..but no more than two a day....break from all caffein until symptoms have declined would be better
Limit alcohol...once again abstain till symptoms under control
No kelp or iodine supplements..I was having spiriting everyday..but gave that up as found out if had iodine which was making it worse...may introduce once a week once out of the woods completely
Will be doing a blood test again at the end of the month but confident my tsh levels will now in normal range
Lots of fresh fruits, veggies and light excercise!..you will be amazed at the difference :)..you really can manage and even reverse hyperthyroidism if you make the right choices
I highly recommend the natural route if you can as I think you would be surprised how easily the body can heal itself through the right natural approaches.
I had quite severe hyperthyroid symptoms for a over a month..worst stage was when I hadn't slept a wink for over 3 nights in a row..no kidding not even a wink!..my heart was beating so hard and I had extreme anxiousness..I was also getting freaked out by the little changes I was noticing in my appearance when I looked in the mirror....puffy eyes..thinning skin with show through veins..under eye bags..gaunt..it only added to my anxiety as everything felt like this surreal experience and the world as I knew it was changing before my eyes...
I would book straight into see an acupuncturist...mine was able to pinpoint special parts in my body to calm it down and she also gave me two lots of special herbs..one lot called Shi Bai ba Wei wan by a brand called black pearl..although I'm sure you can get it in other brands..this specially helps nourishing the kidneys and liver and directly helps ppl with hyperthyroidism..comes in little miniature balls..I swallow 15 in the morning 15 at night.....love the taste of them to...and some capsule called calm the spirit...which help calm my entire overactive nervous system and give me as ensue of balance and tranquility..I take 3 in the morning and 3 at night..also helps me sleep better and calms you through the day
Also I would take a magnesium powder blend before bed..I take a scoop of ultra muscleze nigh..specially for calming the body for sleep..magnesium is a must for ppl with this condition...noticed a huge improvement right away as regulates all your bodily systems..
I also have a broccoli sprout powder which specially helps lower to much thyroid hormone in the body....good for ppl with hyper..not hypo.....I put half a teaspoon in water at night...as I used to find my symptoms worsen at night....and every 2nd day half a teaspoon also during the day..
Best teas a swell for hyper is lemon balm..you can order it from iherb.com this specially lowers thyroid hormone and also relaxes your whole body..feat for sleeping...and passionflower tea..also very calming..mother wort tea is also specially good for heart pulpertations...
I have ordered bugle weed tincture as well...this is meant to be one of the best herbs that will help lower to much thyroid hormone....seeing as my symptoms have pretty much diminished now..I will keep this near by in case I feel them increase again...
I think with the thyroid as it's such a delicate organ that can switch either way if you go to hard in one direction for to long..but if you listen to the cues and symptoms your body gives you..and with the right knowledge and tools then I think you can keep it happy and in balance :)
So in summary I guarantee if you do and take the following you can manage your hyperthyroid symptoms naturally:
Acupuncture -start of once a week..then once every two...once controlled once a month..its is seriously amazing how it balances your whole body!
Shi Bai ba Wei wan - herb pills
Calm the spirit - capsules sun herbal brand
Bugle weed tincture
Magnesium powder - ultra muscleze night -bio cue tickles
Lemon balm tea
Passionflower tea
Mother wort tea
Broccoli sprout powder
Stay away from coffee as that's the worst stimulant!..if you want some caffeine get it from green or white tea..but no more than two a day....break from all caffein until symptoms have declined would be better
Limit alcohol...once again abstain till symptoms under control
No kelp or iodine supplements..I was having spiriting everyday..but gave that up as found out if had iodine which was making it worse...may introduce once a week once out of the woods completely
Will be doing a blood test again at the end of the month but confident my tsh levels will now in normal range
Lots of fresh fruits, veggies and light excercise!..you will be amazed at the difference :)..you really can manage and even reverse hyperthyroidism if you make the right choices
hi all..
i also am hype and have most problems, as you list... not all ....as i am male / 42.. i am going to my first endocrinologist next week. however it was a neurologist who diagnosed my hype condition..
i will update at later date with my endocrinologist results and details..
two points here:
* neurologists can be helpful in this disease
* acupuncture is great, if you twice a week for about 2 months..it can help with overall and local pain, and other positive health issues
so if you got some extra cash to invest, you can increase quality of living with the above..
i also am hype and have most problems, as you list... not all ....as i am male / 42.. i am going to my first endocrinologist next week. however it was a neurologist who diagnosed my hype condition..
i will update at later date with my endocrinologist results and details..
two points here:
* neurologists can be helpful in this disease
* acupuncture is great, if you twice a week for about 2 months..it can help with overall and local pain, and other positive health issues
so if you got some extra cash to invest, you can increase quality of living with the above..
Hi Rland- You definitely need to get to an endocrinologist. I would be surprised if you were not hyperthyroid based on your symptoms. The hair falling out is a tell-tale sign in many folks.
I wouldn't get ahead of yourself regarding fertility. I am not that familiar with fertility and Graves' disease, but what I have read is rather benign.
Again, go to endocrinologist.
Send me an update if you get a chance!
Best Regards,
I wouldn't get ahead of yourself regarding fertility. I am not that familiar with fertility and Graves' disease, but what I have read is rather benign.
Again, go to endocrinologist.
Send me an update if you get a chance!
Best Regards,
I also have the majority of your symptoms. This is recent and is getting worse very fast. I also have tinnitus and joint pain (apparently due to being born too flexible! - my arse!)
The ones I have similar to you are:
- Muscle aches in arms only
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness (In all limbs I get a sensation every now and then that they are numb)
- Insomnia (major diturbance, and in the morning I cant get out of bed, doesnt matter how long I sleep!
Depressive-like panic attacks, anxiety, irritability, restless, emotional, often angry.
Sleeping difficulty (I get so uncomfortable! Racing thoughts, I have to have a note pad beside me to write everything down, but if I loose my pen, man am I angry...)
- Lack of concentration/loss of memory
- I also often get dizzy and cant breath normally. Its not normal dizziness either, it a fuzzy feeling in the front of my head and my eyes go crazy..
- Intolerance to heat (I used to always have boiling hot baths to ease the pain in my joints but now, quite suddenly, I cant take it, i practically faint..)
- Morning stiffness (massive headache, eyes sore, mood low, depressive thoughts)
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks (mostly at night)
- Thin build
- Not socially withdrawn but a desire to be. People are beginning to annoy me when before they didnt.
The symptoms I have that you dont say are:
- increased appetite but I have weight loss, and even though I want to eat, it makes me feel sick to.
- My hair has begun falling out more than normal.
- I cant stand sunlight as much as I used to.
Im really worried about the possibility of graves disease because it can lead to infertility and mental illnesses such as psychosis, and delirium.. and I feel it getting worse.
The ones I have similar to you are:
- Muscle aches in arms only
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness (In all limbs I get a sensation every now and then that they are numb)
- Insomnia (major diturbance, and in the morning I cant get out of bed, doesnt matter how long I sleep!
Depressive-like panic attacks, anxiety, irritability, restless, emotional, often angry.
Sleeping difficulty (I get so uncomfortable! Racing thoughts, I have to have a note pad beside me to write everything down, but if I loose my pen, man am I angry...)
- Lack of concentration/loss of memory
- I also often get dizzy and cant breath normally. Its not normal dizziness either, it a fuzzy feeling in the front of my head and my eyes go crazy..
- Intolerance to heat (I used to always have boiling hot baths to ease the pain in my joints but now, quite suddenly, I cant take it, i practically faint..)
- Morning stiffness (massive headache, eyes sore, mood low, depressive thoughts)
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks (mostly at night)
- Thin build
- Not socially withdrawn but a desire to be. People are beginning to annoy me when before they didnt.
The symptoms I have that you dont say are:
- increased appetite but I have weight loss, and even though I want to eat, it makes me feel sick to.
- My hair has begun falling out more than normal.
- I cant stand sunlight as much as I used to.
Im really worried about the possibility of graves disease because it can lead to infertility and mental illnesses such as psychosis, and delirium.. and I feel it getting worse.
Armywife92- you rock! Thank you!
I have electronic access to all of my records and will dig through them to see if I can find those tests (work in the healthcare system).
Endo said that a Vitamin D supplement might be wise. 2000 IU / day. I've read some pretty interesting things from people with low Vitamin D. The reference range of "normal" seems to vary, but most websites (not that this is best source of information) says anything less than 50 is suspect. The lab where I got my blood-work done said anything less than 30 (30-80). Mine was 37, so I am flirting with being "deficient". We'll see what that does. Wouldn't it be crazy if a $4.99 bottle of Vit D did the job? I've spent THOUSANDS *well my insurance has*- thank God for excellent insurance. My PCP never checked Vitamin D- not once in the last 4 years. I should have gone to medical school, not graduate school....
Thanks again for your help. I still think I have thyroid issues since hand tremor, high HR etc is not as consistent with Vit D deficiency as it is with hyperthyroidism. However, I must say #1 priority is to get these muscle aches and "flu-like" symptoms under control. The mornings are the worst. Takes me hours to feel human. I immediately wake up and say "how much did I drink last night?", then realizing that I haven't drank in months since it makes me feel even more terrible- even one glass of wine!
God, thyroid issues suck, dont they? So tricky...
I have electronic access to all of my records and will dig through them to see if I can find those tests (work in the healthcare system).
Endo said that a Vitamin D supplement might be wise. 2000 IU / day. I've read some pretty interesting things from people with low Vitamin D. The reference range of "normal" seems to vary, but most websites (not that this is best source of information) says anything less than 50 is suspect. The lab where I got my blood-work done said anything less than 30 (30-80). Mine was 37, so I am flirting with being "deficient". We'll see what that does. Wouldn't it be crazy if a $4.99 bottle of Vit D did the job? I've spent THOUSANDS *well my insurance has*- thank God for excellent insurance. My PCP never checked Vitamin D- not once in the last 4 years. I should have gone to medical school, not graduate school....
Thanks again for your help. I still think I have thyroid issues since hand tremor, high HR etc is not as consistent with Vit D deficiency as it is with hyperthyroidism. However, I must say #1 priority is to get these muscle aches and "flu-like" symptoms under control. The mornings are the worst. Takes me hours to feel human. I immediately wake up and say "how much did I drink last night?", then realizing that I haven't drank in months since it makes me feel even more terrible- even one glass of wine!
God, thyroid issues suck, dont they? So tricky...
They dun good, theye tested for everything, LOL.
TSI(graves disease marker, don't listen to the docs who tell you you dont have it, b/c it's in the reference range, you should have ZERO antibodies)
TPO
ANTITHYROGLUBIN.
If the last two are elevated (and you have an enlarged thyroid or abnormal thyroid panel) then you have an autoimune thyroid disease.
TSI(graves disease marker, don't listen to the docs who tell you you dont have it, b/c it's in the reference range, you should have ZERO antibodies)
TPO
ANTITHYROGLUBIN.
If the last two are elevated (and you have an enlarged thyroid or abnormal thyroid panel) then you have an autoimune thyroid disease.
Hi again! Thanks for the response. My Vitamin D was 37 (30-80), so it is indeed a little low. My potassium is right in the middle range of normal. I don't know about zinc or magnesium, but I will check into it. I will also check into the L-carnitine. My iron has been fine (drop sinks like a rock). My adrenals were checked with a 24-hour urine collection. Everything looked good there. I can post my other labs if you would like to take a look.
I am not sure which of the antibodies I should have done for thyroid dysfunction. Can you recommend them?
Thanks!
I am not sure which of the antibodies I should have done for thyroid dysfunction. Can you recommend them?
Thanks!
Yea, most docs shy away from supplements unless it's vitamin C, lol. L-carnitine is really good for hyperthyroid, as well as zinc and magnesium. For moods-- your vit D may be low(which is very common) and I'd add some Vit d. It's good for your bones too,as well as mood.. Hyperthyroid people(don't like to use the word 'patients) tend to have low potassium, mine was critically low at one point, and they had to give me several tabs at the hosp. Low potasium can cause muscle pain/discomfort. If you have low iron(which is also common in thyroid disease) you can have massive shedding and feel achey and tired too. I say all that to say being deprived of one or more essential nutrients can also mimick ''diseases'' if you will. I am not saying that your problem is a simple vitamin deficiency, as we can see that it's not, I'm just stating for informative purposes. You may also want to get your adrenals checked to rule out adrenal fatigue. I was only on 5 mg of methimazole for 3 weeks, and it brought me hypo. However I also have hashi antibodies, so I'm not your ''text-book'' case either. LOL.
Thank you both for the prompt response. Regarding the following:
Supplements: I must say that I have not routinely taken a supplement. I get very mixed signals from physicians regarding their effectiveness. I also don't know what to take. I have considered (and briefly tried) the B vitamins, magnesium, copper, potassium, vitamin D, ecchinaceia, and HTP. I have tried "restful legs" and a couple of other non-prescription medications to no avail.
MVP: I have also read that MVP can cause some of these symptoms. I've had a full cardiac work-up (several ultrasounds, trans-echo cardiogram, stress test, etc.). My case is considered mild to moderate (most docs cannot hear it). Symptoms listed above started well after I was diagnosed with MVP. Thus, while possible, I don't think the MVP is having a major effect.
Diet- I rarely eat 3 meals a day and very rarely eat snacks. I never have much of an appetite. Most days I eat one large meal- terrible, I know. However, I make sure I get a large amount of protein, whether it be from shakes, yogurt, nuts, etc. Most people say to eat smaller meals and more of them. However, it is really hard to force food down sometimes. The appetite varies SO much. It's like I have a bipolar diet. I have never been big on carbs at all. I do have a sweet tooth though. Which foods would you recommend eating?
Exercise: Unlike folks with CFS or Fibromylagia (which I have been diagnosed with by other, less experienced, doctors), I don't feel bad after exercise per se, nor does exercise make my symptoms worse. However, initiating exercise is indeed hard for me (physically and mentally). I HATE exercise. I have never been good at sports and I have never had a desire to exercise. I began running 3 days/week last year at about this time. However, I felt like my heart was going to explode and I had to stop (HR approached 180). I agree that exercise would be good. Finding the right approach is difficult. I also tore my acetabular labrum, which also made me stop running. I had surgery this past July and am waiting for it to heal before I start exercise again. I did buy a ski pass this year (live in Utah) and hopefully that will motivate me more. Its very hard for me to just get the energy to do pretty much anything these days. Again, I agree and must find something that will work for me.
It will be two weeks tomorrow on the methimazole. I haven't had any side-effects from it. I was very concerned that I would develop the aches and muscle cramps that some people complain about when taking it as I already have those! However, so far, so good. I just want a miracle cure and realize I need to be patient. Did any of you take methimazole? Did it work?
Fortunately I work for major university with excellent medical facilities. Despite this, I have been through SO many doctors. Most say that I am depressed and that I need to exercise more. I agree with the latter, but I don't with the diagnosis. I tried Effexor for 3 days and felt like I was going to die. It made any anxiety so much worse and caused terrible night sweats (I now have a deep sympathy to ALL women who have to deal with menopause, what a terrible thing).
I look at my list of drugs and wonder how many symptoms are due to this laundry list. However, my symptoms were present (although much less) well before I started taking all of these meds. Each seems to work for awhile, but then they seem to stop.
I would like to get off all pain medication, but as I have said, I am rendered useless without them. I am fairly convinced that the testosterone deficiency is from the pain medication as my numbers were in the 500s when I first started feeling symptoms back in 2007. Ideally, I would be on methimazole and inderal only to ensure that my heart is okay.
I wonder if it is possible to have leg cramps and flu-like symptoms chronically due to persistent opioid and pain medication withdrawal. All of the flu-like symptoms and pain started after I stopped taking pain medication for a herniated disc. I was only on them for 2 months, but ever since then I have been off and on them to combat pain. I've been debating about locking myself in my room for two weeks with no pain medication and only methimazole and inderal (and possibly some anti-anxiety meds) to see if the pain eventually goes away. However, I doubt this is the cause.
I am happy with my endocrinologist, but only recently started seeing her. However, even she is not convinced that my primary complaints (pain, flu-like symptoms) are due to thyroid disease. Do you know of anyone who has had mild hyperthyroidism with pain as their chief complaint?
Thank you again for your thoughts. I would really appreciate further feedback.
At 31 years old, I am too young to feel this terrible.
Supplements: I must say that I have not routinely taken a supplement. I get very mixed signals from physicians regarding their effectiveness. I also don't know what to take. I have considered (and briefly tried) the B vitamins, magnesium, copper, potassium, vitamin D, ecchinaceia, and HTP. I have tried "restful legs" and a couple of other non-prescription medications to no avail.
MVP: I have also read that MVP can cause some of these symptoms. I've had a full cardiac work-up (several ultrasounds, trans-echo cardiogram, stress test, etc.). My case is considered mild to moderate (most docs cannot hear it). Symptoms listed above started well after I was diagnosed with MVP. Thus, while possible, I don't think the MVP is having a major effect.
Diet- I rarely eat 3 meals a day and very rarely eat snacks. I never have much of an appetite. Most days I eat one large meal- terrible, I know. However, I make sure I get a large amount of protein, whether it be from shakes, yogurt, nuts, etc. Most people say to eat smaller meals and more of them. However, it is really hard to force food down sometimes. The appetite varies SO much. It's like I have a bipolar diet. I have never been big on carbs at all. I do have a sweet tooth though. Which foods would you recommend eating?
Exercise: Unlike folks with CFS or Fibromylagia (which I have been diagnosed with by other, less experienced, doctors), I don't feel bad after exercise per se, nor does exercise make my symptoms worse. However, initiating exercise is indeed hard for me (physically and mentally). I HATE exercise. I have never been good at sports and I have never had a desire to exercise. I began running 3 days/week last year at about this time. However, I felt like my heart was going to explode and I had to stop (HR approached 180). I agree that exercise would be good. Finding the right approach is difficult. I also tore my acetabular labrum, which also made me stop running. I had surgery this past July and am waiting for it to heal before I start exercise again. I did buy a ski pass this year (live in Utah) and hopefully that will motivate me more. Its very hard for me to just get the energy to do pretty much anything these days. Again, I agree and must find something that will work for me.
It will be two weeks tomorrow on the methimazole. I haven't had any side-effects from it. I was very concerned that I would develop the aches and muscle cramps that some people complain about when taking it as I already have those! However, so far, so good. I just want a miracle cure and realize I need to be patient. Did any of you take methimazole? Did it work?
Fortunately I work for major university with excellent medical facilities. Despite this, I have been through SO many doctors. Most say that I am depressed and that I need to exercise more. I agree with the latter, but I don't with the diagnosis. I tried Effexor for 3 days and felt like I was going to die. It made any anxiety so much worse and caused terrible night sweats (I now have a deep sympathy to ALL women who have to deal with menopause, what a terrible thing).
I look at my list of drugs and wonder how many symptoms are due to this laundry list. However, my symptoms were present (although much less) well before I started taking all of these meds. Each seems to work for awhile, but then they seem to stop.
I would like to get off all pain medication, but as I have said, I am rendered useless without them. I am fairly convinced that the testosterone deficiency is from the pain medication as my numbers were in the 500s when I first started feeling symptoms back in 2007. Ideally, I would be on methimazole and inderal only to ensure that my heart is okay.
I wonder if it is possible to have leg cramps and flu-like symptoms chronically due to persistent opioid and pain medication withdrawal. All of the flu-like symptoms and pain started after I stopped taking pain medication for a herniated disc. I was only on them for 2 months, but ever since then I have been off and on them to combat pain. I've been debating about locking myself in my room for two weeks with no pain medication and only methimazole and inderal (and possibly some anti-anxiety meds) to see if the pain eventually goes away. However, I doubt this is the cause.
I am happy with my endocrinologist, but only recently started seeing her. However, even she is not convinced that my primary complaints (pain, flu-like symptoms) are due to thyroid disease. Do you know of anyone who has had mild hyperthyroidism with pain as their chief complaint?
Thank you again for your thoughts. I would really appreciate further feedback.
At 31 years old, I am too young to feel this terrible.
I don't see that you have had ALL the antibody testing done for Graves and Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid diseases. You need to have a complete panel of all the antibody tests done. Many people, myself included, will test positive on one test but not the other.
Yes you definately have something affecting your thyroid. Don't give up. Not all endo's are well versed on the proper tests to run for thyroid.
Yes you definately have something affecting your thyroid. Don't give up. Not all endo's are well versed on the proper tests to run for thyroid.
MVP can also cause some of the symptoms you listed. The good thing is they have found where some of your problems lie, and at least you have a few diagnosis. Some don't even have that lol. Have you tried taking natural supplements/herbs/vitamins that have been proven to boost the immune system. Many of us run to supplements when traditional methods aren't cutting it, and find that the supplements actually make us feel BETTER!! How is your diet, what about exercise? How long have you been taking the methimazole. It can take 2-6 weeks to feel normal again....''if'' it's working, and ''if'' it's the right dose.
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