[Lina1]

#1058713

How common is it to have muscle wasting with GD? Before treatment with PTU, I had excruciating pain in my left neck and shoulder (I thought due to previous radiation to that area). This lasted at least an entire year before my diagnosis with Graves. The doctors at that time sort of dismissed my complaints about muscle pain, and my endo does/did not ask about that symptom at all. After starting my medicine the pain diminished, but from time to time I still notice some pain/discomfort in that area. Is this something that should completely go away once the GD is completely under control? Can muscle wasting result in long-term damage in the effected muscles? Also, why is it not acknowledged more as a painful symptom of the disease?

[Kimberly]

#1169520

Hello and welcome to the boards! Hopefully, you will get some other responses, but I’m actually more familiar with muscle *weakness* as opposed to muscle *pain* as a symptom of Graves’. Muscle weakness is quite common, particularly when hyperthyroidism goes undiagnosed for a period of time. Patients can have a hard time with simple tasks such as walking up stairs, getting out of a chair, or holding their arm up to use a hair dryer.

Muscle *pain* can potentially be a side effect of PTU, although it sounds like you were experiencing this issue prior to starting on the PTU.

It *is* possible to rebuild muscle strength once levels have stabilized, but it can take some time and patience. If muscle weakness is a significant issue, a physical therapist might be a good addition to your medical team.

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