[grasshopper]

#1019885

First, Happy New Year everyone! I hope we all have a better year with good health, wealth, happiness with peace for all.

I realize every one’s situation is different, but I am taking 200MG of PTU ( two 50mg pills 2x a day) and would like to know
about how long it should take for the muscles in my legs to start feeling stronger. I also have a pinched sciatic nerve in my left leg,
so that is contributing big time to my walking issues.
I feel like a prisoner in my own home, not wanting to go out or do much. I feel depressed & upset much of the time, but blame it on things that truly would depress just about anyone…finances, hurtful relationships, etc. My teeth are falling apart too..I feel like a mess. I know not everything is because of my hyperthyroid, though much is.
I just want to feel better and get back to enjoying life. I’ll be 55yrs old this March and am feeling like a true senior citizen, rather than the fun loving
active person I wish to be:-(
I go to my endocrinologist in a few weeks and will have new blood work done before that so he can regulate my meds if need be. I also had the RAI several years ago, and it didn’t do a thing, so perhaps he’ll want me to repeat it. I’ll do whatever it takes at this point!
The one symptom I do not have is the weight loss, in fact I gain weight very easily. Can a person be both hyper and hypo at the same time? :” title=”Question” />
Figures the one symptom I could benefit from is losing weight… What is going on with my body? I know your not dr’s, but does anyone feel like me? :” title=”Question” />
Again thanks for your replies and enjoy your holiday weekend!

Hugs,
~Grasshopper

[Mickey65]

#1074806

I have weak muscles in my legs and arms/hands.

I have a hard time opening up plastic lids on soda bottles and cranberry juice bottles. I have to use my mouth to get the soda caps off, but with the bigger plastic twist-off caps, I’m still trying to figure it out. I have some cranberry juice in the fridge I can’t drink right now, because I can’t open it! ” title=”Neutral” />

[Bobbi]

#1074807

Hi, Grasshopper:

No, we cannot be both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid at the same time. It’s impossible. What CAN happen, however, is that the medication that you are on might have lowered your thyroid hormone levels into the hypo zone. PTU acts as a chemical block to the production of thyroid hormone, and if we take too much of it, even when we would be hyperthyroid without it, we will have too little thyroid hormone in our bodies.

That said, it is a known fact that some folks gain weight rather than lose it while hyperthyroid (i.e. without the intervention of the ATD).

As for the muscle weakness, that should definitely be checked. We do have to do some exercise to keep muscles strong. And there are times when our doctors think exercise is a bad idea. During those times, I would sit on the floor and do easy stretches; or sit in the rocking chair and rock (yes, it uses muscles!) The stretches helped when I had a sciatic nerve going haywire one time, so you might try that. But the operative word is "gentle" stretches. No bouncing or straining. If the doctor says that it is OK to exercise, try 15 minute walks. It is extremely important that we use our muscles. When we do not use them, they weaken. For us to feel well and healthy again, the muscles need to be somewhat strong.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

[LynneB54]

#1074808

Hi Grasshopper,

We’re exactly the same age; I’ll be 55 in March too. Yikes!! ” title=”Smile” /> Anyway – I hear you. I have the same muscle fatigue/weakness/soreness and it’s quite bothersome. Enough already!! I asked the endo (that I only saw once and never again) why my muscles hurt and were weak and he said it’s just "part of it". Well now. Wasn’t that helpful! ” title=”Smile” /> So you’re not alone in this. Try and keep your sense of humor; I think someone recommended watching funny movies when possible. Laughter has to help! I hope you can get the other problems you mentioned in your life under control. Graves is enough to cope with. One suggestion – when you go see your endo you might want to talk to him about your depression. Medication may be helpful, as well as counseling if you can do it. You have a lot on your plate right now and you need some relief.

Best of luck,
Lynne

[grasshopper]

#1074809

First, thank you for all your wonderful responses! I don’t feel so alone & I know your good advice comes from experience! BTW, if anyone is in NJ as I am, it would be so nice to make some new friends who understand our situation, & hang out together. Doing positive things & having some fun & good conversation seems like a good idea to me.
Does anyone have some suggestions for me? I have yet another issue:
I’m definitely trying to be more active and get some exercise in these days. I had weight loss surgery over 3 years ago, and have
gained some of my weight back, so I’ve made a fresh committment to myself to eat healthier and exercise. It figures the one symptom of being hyperthyroid such as weight loss I’d actually like to have, but don’t! In fact I am very much overweight, yet hyper not hypo..go figure!
One of the problems I’m having is that the food I am supposed to eat are the very foods I have read I should stay away from because
they have iodine in them. I need to eat protein first, but fish, eggs & most dairy seems to have iodine. I’m confused as to what to eat!

Lynne, an early Happy Birthday to us March babies going to be "seniors" this year:-) Sometimes I feel all of my soon to be 55 years+, and some days I feel 35, but that hasn’t been the case in a long while..lol.
Thank you all again. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

Hugs,
~Elise ( Grasshopper)

[shadowrider]

#1074810

HI Elise, I was diagnosed in June ’08. At that point I was unable to climb stairs without pulling myself up on the handrail. A bad day came when I was unable to lift a small saucepan with one hand and try to spoon the contents into a bowl. I am a motorcycle rider and I kept tipping over on my bike because I could not hold her up anymore, no strength in my legs or arms.
By August ’08 I was feeling much better and stronger, through ATD management and nutrition. I was able to go on a 500 mile tour through New York and Vermont. I definitely wouldn’t have even thought this possible in June.
My Doctors have never said anything about iodine levels in dairy or fish or eggs-but I did get a weird reaction to eating lobster in Oct. It seemed to exacerbate my TED-made my eyes very swollen. But when I asked my endo-he did not seem to feel there was much or a correlation. He mostly warned me about anything contained seaweed-, and stuff with iodine added to it. Luckily lobster is a once a year treat I can live without.
In addition to my endo, I also see an acupuncturist bi-weekly, and a Dr of Naturopathy-who gave me a lot of good advice on lifestyle changes, and food choices. Answered questions that some others couldn’t. I do take a few different herbal products in addition to ATD’s and vitamins.I have just started on some very light exercise- even though I am feeling stronger-everything is just hanging from my arms and legs-but at least I feel pretty good. I will be 53 this spring.
Susan

[Ski]

#1074811

Just one quick hint and a thought to share.

First the hint: when you can’t open jars, get out your playtex dishwashing glove and try again (with the rubber side ~ I have one with a "scrubber palm" that wouldn’t be effective) ~ it’s magical, the grip it gives you!! ” title=”Very Happy” />

And a thought: Please don’t wish for the weight loss associated with Graves’. The weight loss we experience is VERY bad for us, since it is muscle mass we lose. After the muscle mass is gone, it’s like we’re toddlers learning to walk ~ our muscles are mushy and weak, and it takes FOREVER to get them back where they ought to be. Some weight gain is as a result of losing the muscle mass, since muscle eats calories and allows us to eat more and stay at the same weight. When we lose the muscle mass, our body can gain weight because the muscle is no longer absorbing the calories and so, eating the same food, we gain.

[Mickey65]

#1074812

Ski wrote:Just one quick hint and a thought to share.

First the hint: when you can’t open jars, get out your playtex dishwashing glove and try again (with the rubber side ~ I have one with a "scrubber palm" that wouldn’t be effective) ~ it’s magical, the grip it gives you!! ” title=”Very Happy” />

.

I bought a jar opener over the weekend. One of those black rubbed handled things with a rounded top to fit over a lid. I got everything opened with that thing! $4 well spent!

[SLF]

#1074813

I am new to this site – I was diagnosed in October after suffering for months with what I thought were un-related symptoms. I have major weakness in my arms and legs as well as frequent "charlie horses" in my arms and shoulders. I want to start exercising since I have experienced significant weight gain, but cannot do anything but walk slowly on the treadmill.

Any suggestions?

I have to tell you I am happy to have found this site – this disease can be very depressing. In addition to the weight gain my face is very swollen – I am not a happy camper these days!!

I have decided to do the radiation to "kill" my thryoid – can anybody tell me the down side of this?

[canonicalman]

#1074814

Hi,

I am also new to this site, and happy to have found it ” title=”Smile” />

My Graves has been under control for several years. I still have some weakness in my muscles and the muscles will quickly atrophy without exercise.

My condition does not appear to be as severe as for many of those who have posted, but for me a regular regiment of exercise definitely helps me feel and live better. I believe what is needed is resistive exercise that strengthens the muscles. That is, strength training with weights, and other similar exercises. I find that regular workouts are crucial to maintaining my strength and well being. If I stop for even a couple weeks, my strength diminishes significantly.

Like any exercise program start with easy exercises and work up as you build strength and endurance. Consult with a fitness trainer to develop a program for you.

I work out three times a week doing primarily strength training with machines and weights. Don’t overlook some cardio like the bike or stair climber to exercise your heart and lungs.

Maybe the simplest exercises to start with is to walk, then try climbing stairs. The legs and buttocks are the biggest muscles in the body and need the most exercise.

You should and will get tired and achy. That’s good. Start slowly. You will probably experience fatigue after exercising for the first few weeks. You may just need to lounge around all of the following day. Best to nap a lot and then get back to exercising then trying to keep going all day and feel like skipping a work out.

Good luck!

[Ski]

#1074815

A physical therapist may be a good place to begin ~ they can give you an idea of where you stand right now. We have the idea that we’re just the same, and all we need is a little workout, but in fact the truth can be FAR different. It’s important to use the right types of exercises and, as the last post points out, NOT to overdo.

In addition, no strenuous exercise at all until the doctor allows it. While we are hyperthyroid, our entire body is out of whack, and the electrical impulses to the heart can be erratic. Exercising can make those erratic impulses into a life threatening event. So pay attention to doctor’s instructions.

[Mickey65]

#1074816

I had the RAI almost 4 weeks ago tomorrow. I saw my endo yesterday for my 3 week check-up, and she said NO strenuous exercise still. Walking was okay – but nothing else. I guess raking leaves is out of the question!

When she says walking, what kind of walking? Taking the dog for a walk, type of walk? I’ve got a hyper cocker spaniel who pulls me as he walks, so I have to move to keep up with him.

Is that type of walking out of the question? Anyone?

[Madame_X]

#1074817

Mickey: try a gentle leader for your dog.

Pet stores carry them — I know they are used for larger dogs but it will probably work with your cocker spaniel, too, when you take him for a walk.

[blueribbon]

#1074818

Hi, I’m new to this group but wanted to comment on the muscle weakness and loss. I was diagnosed in October, had radioactive iodine early December. I am hoping to get an anti- depressant as I am having trouble coping with life. Muscles in the legs are especially weak and sore. I really hope things improve soon because I feel like I”m reaching the end of my rope.

[b-well]

#1074819

Hi all, back to the board after a long time off. Was diagnosed with GD in 2003, RAI in 2005 and been through the ups and downs. I have 4 children with #3 a freshman in college and #4 a high school senior heading to college. I will be 57 next month. Currently, I work full time with 2-3 per diem positions as well. I feel that I have to work that much because I am divorced and their dad provides no support beyond the miniscule court ordered amount. That said I don’t think that I was looking for a complaint forum because I am very fortunate to have been able to afford to buy a house and am in no danger of being without work.

SLF you mentioned that you were having RAI. Have you had it yet? My experience was that the actual taking of the capsule was not a problem and following the guidelines immediately afterward went smoothly. My entry into hypothyroidism was quicker and more ‘robust’ than my endo and I anticipated. Plus it was January in VT so I was extremely cold. We worked carefully to get the right amount of Synthroid and things have been pretty okay. Getting my strength back has been a long process and I notice, even now, muscle fatigue and lack of flexibility. Good luck to you.

Others: Many of you have talked about problems with your endo. I have been very fortunate with mine. He spent time with me and responded to my questions (when I remembered to write them down). When I went into severe hypothyroidism much earlier than anticipated I called his office, had blood test orders waiting for me at the lab and an appointment at his office the next morning. His office staff says that he blocks time just for such events.
Let me say this. I work for the local Visiting Nurse Association (as a speech pathologist) which is part of the medical center. You do have recourse if you are less than happy with your doctor or care. First, try to talk with your doctor about your concerns and take an advocate/family member with you. Second, fill out those surveys that you get from your medical center or insurance company. The results are used in a number of ways, particularly funding related and the combined results are shared with providers. I get provider satisfaction results that tell me where I am doing okay and where I need improvement.

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