Muscles pain/Numbness in arms

[rohit_786]

I am really tired to death with my TSH level which is playing a ping pong game with me. Since the day i diagnosed to Hypothyroid i am having muscles cramp/joint pain/muscles pain it some times get better which i believe because of TSH level but when i test my thyroid levels it some times came back high or some times came back low . For example in my Oct25th my
TSH 1.1 ( 0.4-4.0)
FT4 1.68 (0.8-1.9)

Levoxyl dosage 100mcg

I started to feel Hyper in just 10 days , push doctor to perform test , in Nov 20th,07

TSH  0.41 (0.4-4.0)
FT4 1.80 (0.8-1.9)

Doctor lower the dose to 88mcg


Jan22nd result

TSH =0.381 (0.4-4.0)
FT4 = 1.1( 0.8-1.9)
FT3 = 3.5 (2.5-4.1)

My doctor said my TSH is normal continue taking 88mcg , instead of increasing the dose , he said my thyroid is started functioning so that is why my level dropped even he lower the dose . he wants me to stay same dose and repeat test in 6 weeks .
My muscles pain/cramp/joint pain is too much , i can write 2 sentence started to have finger joint pain . Today i have to clean my cube within 5 minutes muscles were hurting too much although i didn't lift any hard item .

i also notice my WBC and Neutropilis also went down

WBC 6.0 (4.6-10.2)

Lymphocytes = 40% (10-50%)
Neutrophilis = 48 % (50-70)

Can autoimmune condition like hashimotos reduce Neutrophilis count , what could else be the reason.

My calcium /Potassium level are in normal range .

My hands fall sleep in night because of numbness , may be carpal tunnel syndrome , i need some help here no doctor listening to me . I have changed 3 Endos so far no luck to control my TSH .
Share your stories.

[scarlet37]

  My endo 8 mos after my thyroidectomy told me my symptoms were no longer thyroid related and I should start searching for an underlying cause. My primary doc sent me for a sleep study as all other tests were normal including mri,mra's eeg's, etc. I have found that I have a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. In fact had I not had this disorder I may not have found the hurthle cells on my thyroid befoer cancer set in.

I wanted to tell you this because from what my First sleep specialist told me hypothyroid and sleep disorders are commonly found together. In hypothyroidism your metabolism slows down which means the oxygen levels in your cells is not at a premium add in a nightime breathing disorder and you have even less oxygen. In people with insomnia and hypo their bodies cannot process things as well - sleep deprivation in any manner really wreaks havoc.

Could it be possible that you haven't found your sweet TSH spot because there is in fact something underlying such as a sleep disorder? Once you find the other issue and are treated for that it will be easier to treat the thyroid. Our endocrine system is a vital one and any interference will make it that much harder to heal and operate properly.

Best Wishes-

[rohit_786]

My doctor had test all other levels accept Vit D , which i would be asking him to do test  next time, I started taking Vit D already w/o blood test , it any ways not harm .

[TDCRose]

Have you had your Vit D level and calcium level check?  I had tingling in my hands, face and feet and my Vit. D level was low.  Adding Vit. D Supplement has helped with the tingling.  Also, check magnessium and potassium levels as low levels can lead to cramping.  I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Newbee2000]

I don't know much about fibromylagia, but I recall reading somewhere that having thyroid disease can increase your chance of developing fibromylagia!  You might consult with a rheumatologist just to get a NEW perspective on what else might be going on your health, AND to see if there are any others options to control your muscle and joint pain and other uncomfortable symptoms, even if thyroid is the culprit. Maybe a rheumatologist can offer you something that endocrinologist isn't familar with. Good luck!! And hang in there!

[rohit_786]

I have asked my last Endo about RLS , when i say last Endo that means i have changed as of now 3 Endos as those are not listening to me. My Lat endo said muscles twitching is Hypo symptoms which can lead to RLS so hang there it will get better but at the same time he wanted me to see Rhemotologist  to rule out Fibromylgia. Which doesn't make sense to me as for my knowledge Fibromylgia is not a disease it's a condition but looks like doctor also think it is another auto immune disease. My GP rule out Arthritis by doing RF test and some other test to rule out Lupus , Pernicious anemia  and some other auto immune disease all came back negative.
I believe it is all thyroid which is doing this with me . Also i didn't have stable TSH once , it is all fluctuating since i diagnose (07/07/06).
Even though i know this all thyroid but my mind is playing game with me which adds lot of stress and anxiety .
Since last week after change to Synthyroid  (75mcg ) from Levoxyl (88mcg) , i started to feel better little better my CTS is less , numbness /tingling less but muscles and joint pain has no significant improvement.

[Newbee2000]

My Neurologist told me my carpal tunnel (numbness in hands, hands falling asleep at night while I was in bed and asleep) and tingling/neuropathies WERE due to hypothyroid!!!!! And I honestly, I didn't need a neurologist to confirm what I already knew in my gut!!!!! I have taken a zillion medical tests and nothing else is wrong with me! An orthopedist also told me being hypo can induce or aggravate carpal tunnel. Try to stay HOPEFUL. My carpal tunnel is about 80% better since my tsh got down to 1. I'm still waiting to see if the tingling will stop, but I think it's not as strong as it was last year at this time. Please hang in there. THYROID CAN CAUSE NEUROPATHIES!!!! I'm telling you three MDs have told me this: neurologist, endocrinologist, and orthopedist! They also told me it take times to recover - that means many months with your tsh in the normal range, NOT fluctuating. And, if you go hyper for a while, that will also make you feel bad. Here's a thought about about muscle twitching at night, I'm just wondering here, but have you asked your MD about Restless Leg Syndrome? As for hands falling asleep when you're in bed asleep that is CARPAL TUNNEL! It's IS a symptom of thyroid, as well as other conditions.

[rohit_786]

That is make me more stress when doctor said my muscles pain /joint pain and numbness /tingling in my arms/leg are not because of thyroid , although my level is bouncing up and down from hypre to hypo since last almost 2 years.
I could not do much physical work because of muscles and joint pain , my weight is increasing day by day w/o any diet increase . I gained around 25Ibs in just 6 months.
Any one also experiencing Muscles twitching in arms /leg which bothers in the night specially because of this twitching i hardly sleep..
I pray one day those endos start to realize these neuropathic pains are because of thyroid  and also muscles and joint pain.
I have done all kinds of testing , From Emg to MRI but nothing found abnormal.
I am not crazy when i asked doctor why i am having this kind of symptoms but their response is always negative towards thyroid all they want is to start Anti-depressant which i don't want start .I hope one day we all enjoy life as we used to before thyroid.

[zoie40]

My arms and hands have been going numb only at night for years now.  I have been to all sorts of doctors and no one can find anything wrong with me.  I also have muscle pain and joint pain which has also been for several years.  It is just crazy because the only time I have the numbness in my arms is at night, and the doctors think that I am crazy.  I also was diagnosed with hypo thyriodism about 5 years ago.  I have searched the web many many times to see what this could be, but have never been told that thyroid problems can cause some of these symptoms.  When I am at the doctor they check my levels and they are in a good range.

[Newbee2000]

One more bit of advice, when my carpal tunnel was raging (from being hypo), my hands also feel asleep at night. I was told by MD to either sleep w/ a brace on my wrists (which I could not stand) OR try NOT TO BEND OR CURL YOUR WRISTS when you're in bed. Many people curl up their hands and wrists while asleep and when you have carpal tunnel  curling/bending your wrists will entrap the nerve and cause your hands to fall asleep. Also, do not put pressure your ELBOWS, wrist, and arms during the day!! Don't lean on yours or elbows on the arm of chairs, or rest them on your desk or table when your type or eat. Being HYPO causes carpal tunnel. Ask a neurologist or orthopedist or advice on how to sleep, type and sit at a desk/table so you won't aggravate the pressure and entraped nerves in your wrists/arms. That helped me!!!!! So did getting my TSH at 1 for a few months. Good luck!

[Newbee2000]

My last TSH was at 1, that was in Sept. and I won't be tested again until March. That was my MDs idea. I'm still taking 75mcg of synthroid. I still have tingling in my feet and a little in my body. But I think the tingling has gotten a little weaker/milder in the last month!!! I've been seeing a neurologist periodically who cannot find ANYTHING wrong w/ me and insists the tingling/neuropathies were caused by hypo thyroidism!!! I had a brain MRI, spine MRI, and a variety of neuro tests including an EMG. All normal! The neurologist (and also an orthopedists) both told me that neuropathies can last for MANY months AFTER your TSH is back to normal!!!! An that many people have to maintain a TSH of 1 (or normal range) for at least 6 months to feel better. The neurologist told me that she has seen thyroid patients who continue to have tingling/neuropathies for years after their thyroid disease is under control. I'm sorry to report this!!!! But I too am wondering if I will be one of those patients who start to tingle and never really stop!!! I'm 4 months at normal TSH and still tingling.Only time will bring the answer for me.At least it's not a pain, right!. On a more positive note, my hypothyroid induced carpal tunnel (numbness, pain in in wrists.hands) is almost gone!! So, hang in there. You too can improve!!!!  Try to keep your TSH at 1 - without fluctuations!!  I feel different from day to day, some days are pretty good and others my symptoms seem to be acting up more. I think that's just part of hashimoto's, so I try to accept it and stay HOPEFUL. Work with a good MD and give your body time ( a LONG time) to recover. I'm doing better, but not well, and I try to focus on the SLOW improvements. If your MD isn't helping you, please see a new MD!! And get your tsh tested every 6 weeks so you don't go HYPER which will make you feel bad too!!  I'll let you know if or when my tingling stops! Anyone hear from MsFergy??? She hasn't been here for a while!!!

[rohit_786]

Newbee2000 , i hope you are doing great . Please share your current Neuropathic symptoms with me .I believe this is surely related to thyroid now i started to feel better with numbness and tingling , however i feel muscles ache and joint pain /breathing fast. Unable to do much exercise.

[rohit_786]

I have been on Levoxyl since Jan 2007 before that i was on Levothyroxine . My TSH level was up and down since i diagnosed to Hypothyroid.
I was on 100mcg of Levoxyl before Oct , that dose was changed in August 07.
My Ab were tested in Oct , TPO was at 144 higher but lower from last year when it was 288.

[chigirl29]

I take iron too.  Make sure you take it at least four hours after your thyroid pill or it can interfere with absorption too.

[chigirl29]

Ask your doctor to perform the thyroid antibody test to see if that is why you are going up and down.  It is hard to get dosages right if that is going on.

I'm getting sleepy, but I wanted to check yours before turning in.

My husband is from Nepal:)

[AR-10]

Looks like maybe he needs to lower the doage again.

Your TSH is still falling.

What dosage wer you on befor it was changed in October. Or was that the first time you put on Levoxyl?

[Christy1950]

Sorry you are going through all this and I am surprise that we all have to discover 90% of our assistant and cures on a website. I guess once a doctor graduates thats the end of their learning and I feel that a lot of them should have learn't some interactive and communication skills during their studies. Then we would know if we can't cure this what we can do to at alleviate some of our problems.
I had the same problem of number arms and fingers whilst sleeping sometimes the whole arm and other times just two fingers on left hand (small finger and the one next to it). Only at night and only intermittant. I also have my same finger that goes numb during the night is tight and sore at the second joint.
I have given up taking my hay fever tablets as I have been told that this medication blocks the thyriod and I have started taking iron suppliments as I have noticed that some people have found a colilation with low iron levels and hyperthyriodism.

[rohit_786]

Results

Oct25th my
TSHPituitary and tsh
Tsh 1.1 ( 0.4-4.0)
FT4 1.68 (0.8-1.9)

Levoxyl dosage 100mcg

I started to feel Hyper in just 10 days , push doctor to perform test , in Nov 20th,07

TSHPituitary and tsh
Tsh  0.41 (0.4-4.0)
FT4 1.80 (0.8-1.9)

Doctor lower the dose to 88mcg


Jan22nd result

TSHPituitary and tsh
Tsh =0.381 (0.4-4.0)
FT4 = 1.1( 0.8-1.9)
FT3 = 3.5 (2.5-4.1)

I am from North Asia , Rohit is popular name in north side too :-).

This forum is awesome , i feel relax when read other people stories..

[chigirl29]

Rohit, if I remember correctly, Cymbalta is not a good drug to take if you have a thryoid condition.  I should look it up, but I think I remember that from the commercial.  Maybe that is why you had a hard time with it?

[chigirl29]

Are you from South Asia?  My husband is.  Rohit is a popular name there. Hope you get to feeling better soon.

[AR-10]

Sorry I assumed you were a female.

Your icon is pink, so I figured you were a girl. Sorry.

I'm a guy too, and there are a lot more women posting here than men. Something like 90% of thyroid patients are women.

I understand why you don't want to go back on anti-depressants. I just wasn't sure what meds you were on. I have seen some posters say they take anti-anxiety meds "when they need one" rather than daily, so I was just trying to figure out what what meds you are on and how you are taking them.

It will take a while for symptoms to go away once your levels are correct and stay fairly stable.

I feel a lot like you do, except I don't notice it as much because I had to stop working in October. My muscles don't get much of a workout.

I get a sore back just sitting at the computer. Muscles and joints both. I still get the carpel tunnel feelings sometimes, but again, not like you do because I can't do much of anything.

My heart is weak and any activity or stress makes it hurt, sometimes quite badly.

I haven't had the numbness and tingling, or limbs going numb at night.

I've had insomnia pretty bad lately, but my TSH is around 40.0 right now, so nothing is quite right.

It sounds like you are not close enough to where your body needs to be with your levels. You don't happen to know what the last tests showed, do you?

Your doctor should be trying to get your TSH to be about 1.0 or so. It could be anywhere between 0.5 and 2.0 that will make you feel best, but first you have to get VERY close to what your body needs and then it could take a few weeks to feel better, and several months for most of the symptoms to go away.

Not very encouraging, I know.

I understand what you are saying about the doctors, too. I am on Endo #3, and I'm not sure I like her yet. She keeps losing my information and forgetting who I am. Ignoring what I say.

I think I have finally broken her of that, because she finally figured out that when I tell her something won't work, I'm right and she is going "that isn't supposed to happen".

She finally decided to throw the book away and listen to what I am saying. So maybe I will keep seeing her.

I wish I could be of more help to you.

If you have any test results, post them. If you don't, start asking for copies of your tests. It will help you keep track of what is going on and sometimes you have to wave your medical records in the doctors face to refresh their memory.

I hope you are feeling better soon.
I know for me a lot of times just getting on here and talking helps.      

[rohit_786]

Thanks a lot for your reply .

Yes i have been dealing Hypothyroid since almost 2 years  and still not get to my comfort zone atleast close to what i felt before even diagnose to thyroid. I was diagnosed Hashi because of my Ab TPO was elevated to 282 .
2007 Jan my doctor switch me to brand Lexoyl but it didn't make much difference . I had prescribed cymbalta in Dec 2006  with Neurontin , i stopped talking Neurointin in July 2007 as it was not doing anything for me , i still had muscles pain /tingling and numbness in my arms/feet. In Oct12 i stopped cymbalta as i don't want to be on Anti-depressant. It took me 3 months to completely get rid of that stupid drug from my system. I had lots of withdrawal symptoms so i don't want to start any other antidepressant.
I am male , i know it is odd to be thyroid in male but i guess i am the unlucky one.
Currently my doctor switch me to Synthroid 75mcg which i was started from today plus selienum 200mg /day  to help reducing the Ab level .

My issues i have these days are

Muscles cramp/pain /twitching.
Numbness and tingling in my arms /feet specially left one.
Joint pain in neck fingers (hard to write a page /type longer in keyboard).Can't stand longer muscles started to hurt so it seems like lot of stiffness.
lack of energy not that bad as it used to be  .

I heard it took longer to completely symptoms free in thyroid even your level is stabilize ?. I have changed many Endos but they don't seem to take me seriously with my symptoms . Please help me  you guys are my forum friends and always get some  peace of mind after reading your replies.
  

[rohit_786]

Thanks a lot for your reply .

Yes i have been dealing Hypothyroid since almost 2 years  and still not get to my comfort zone atleast close to what i felt before even diagnose to thyroid. I was diagnosed Hashi because of my Ab TPO was elevated to 282 .
2007 Jan my doctor switch me to brand Lexoyl but it didn't make much difference . I had prescribed cymbalta in Dec 2006  with Neurontin , i stopped talking Neurointin in July 2007 as it was not doing anything for me , i still had muscles pain /tingling and numbness in my arms/feet. In Oct12 i stopped cymbalta as i don't want to be on Anti-depressant. It took me 3 months to completely get rid of that stupid drug from my system. I had lots of withdrawal symptoms so i don't want to start any other antidepressant.
I am male , i know it is odd to be thyroid in male but i guess i am the unlucky one.
Currently my doctor switch me to Synthroid 75mcg which i was started from today plus selienum 200mg /day  to help reducing the Ab level .

My issues i have these days are

Muscles cramp/pain /twitching.
Numbness and tingling in my arms /feet specially left one.
Joint pain in neck fingers (hard to write a page /type longer in keyboard).Can't stand longer muscles started to hurt so it seems like lot of stiffness.
lack of energy not that bad as it used to be  .

I heard it took longer to completely symptoms free in thyroid even your level is stabilize ?. I have changed many Endos but they don't seem to take me seriously with my symptoms . Please help me  you guys are my forum friends and always get some  peace of mind after reading your replies.
  

[AR-10]

Statins are cholesterol meds, like Lipitor or Crestor. There are other names for statin drugs as well. They could be causing your problem if you are taking one of them.

That is why Dusty60 asked. I am not familiar with your history, so I am not sure what drugs you take and if you understood that question.

I'm not sure where the girls are right now, but I can tell you what I know about my own muscle pain.

When I was severely Hyperthyroid, like 0.07, I experienced quite a bit of muscle pain. When I am slightly hyper, like 0.1, I get early twinges of carpel tunnel, but not really much muscle pain. The joints in my fingers bother me, and my wrists and elbows feel like I am developing Carpel Tunnel, but it is nor full blown pain.

If you have been through several Endo's, you must have a fairly long history of thyroid problems.

That may be why you are having pain different from my experiences. I don't know how long you have been up, or down, or what your health is like.

One thought I have is maybe you should ask your Endo about trying a different replacement hormone, like Synthroid perhaps. I would try to stay away from generics if you can.

I know that has nothing to do with your muscle and joint pain, but it may help you with your levels jumping up and down.

I don't know your age, either, but I wonder if maybe your "female" hormones might be interfering with things.

I'm just throwing ideas out there. I don't know if any of it will help.

You sound pretty stressed out. Are you taking anti-anxiety meds "as needed" or all the time, or not at all?

You mentioned anti-depressant. Do you have a perscription for them? Just asking.

Any info you could provide would help other members who might be able to help but do not know you as well as the girls you are looking for.

Hope you are feeling better soon.
Wish I could be of more help.  

[chigirl29]

You need to have your thyroid antibodies checked if you are going up and down.  I had muscle pains too; it was not fun.
Get those checked--