[Kimberly]

#1061826

Hello – Hopefully, you’ll hear from others who have had a similar experience, but I wanted to mention that if this is something new, it’s *really* worth having a medical professional check it out.

Since cost is an issue, a good option is to contact your state’s Health Department or Welfare Department. Even if you can’t qualify for assistance, sometimes they can be helpful with potential resources. Local hospitals, universities, or medical schools might also be able to provide recommendations. I would also check with your county — some have options for providing care on a sliding scale, based on what you can afford.

Also, many drug companies have special programs for patients with financial difficulties. A doctor should be able to get you started with the paperwork. If you could get some $$$$ relief on the prescription side, perhaps that would make it easier to get in to see a doctor for this particular issue.

[ratso]

#1061827

Hi Kimberly and thanks for your reply. I am in the process of applying for medical assistance, but until it’s approved I was hoping to hear from anyone else suffering from associated pain. I’m pretty sure my family thinks I’m exagerating my GD symptoms, and I’m hoping some of the responses will help them understand, as well as helping me find some relief. Thanks again, I’ll be checking back often for additional information about this disease I thought I had under control.

[Ski]

#1061828

In the absence of any new, dramatic shift in your thyroid hormone levels, it would seem odd if your new symptoms were connected to Graves’, but I agree with Kimberly, best to get someone to check it out. People who have been hyperthyroid for a long time can experience the kind of pain you’re experiencing, and people who are hypothyroid can have severe muscle cramping, but again, either requires your levels to be out of whack. Have you had those tested recently? I realize that’s another expense, but it’s critical that you maintain normal, stable thyroid hormone levels in order to feel well. You’ve seen the need to change your dose before, so perhaps it’s time to investigate that again.

In the event that your thyroid hormone levels are normal, and stable, then there’s a chance you’re experiencing symptoms from some new condition, which is best evaluated by a professional so you proceed correctly to resolve the issue.

The only thing that comes to my mind is the potential for fibromyalgia ~ I believe the latest conventional wisdom puts it in the category of an autoimmune disease, and we are slightly more likely to present with another autoimmune disease, once we have one.

[ratso]

#1017956

Hi, I am a 47 yo woman and I was diagnosed with GD in 1998, went through 3 rounds of RAI and am currently on .175 mcg of Levothyroxine daily. I take it faithfully every morning, avoid soy, etc. and my levels have been fairly steady. As time has passed I have had to increase the dosage from the original .50 mcg to the .175 now. I walk daily for exercise and try to eat a healthy, low fiber diet. High fiber causes severe intestinal pain, I have reduced amounts of mucus in my intestines due to the GD.
Recently (the past 3 to 4 weeks) I have begun to experience moderate to severe chronic muscle and joint pain and weakness, especially in my legs and knees. Has anyone else with long term GD experienced anything like this? Yesterday it was so bad I had trouble standing without help. My doctor has in the past prescribed occassional Vicodin and Advil for the pain, but sometimes now even that doesn’t seem to help. I recently lost my medical insurance, and cannot afford to continue my Dr. visits. I have become accustomed to the fatigue, dry skin, dry and somewhat bulging eyes, random spotty periods even though my female hormone levels are normal, but this pain is really getting to me. There have been days recently where I can barely drag myself out of bed in the morning. If anyone else has experienced these symptoms and can shed some light I would be very grateful. I do know I should see my doctor, but without insurance it’s unaffordable.
I would really appreciate insight from anyone suffering the long term effects of this disease, especially if your symptoms have been similar to mine. Thanks for reading and I look forward to any answers or suggestions.

[faith]

#1061829

Has anyone experienced extreme fatigue and sleepiness off and on? It seems like it comes and goes but with muscle weekness.

[ratso]

#1061830

I have had that issue for years now. Some times I am so tired when I wake up I feel like I didn’t sleep at all. One thing that has helped a great deal was becoming vegetarian. After only a little over a month without meat, my energy is better, I’m sleeping better, and my digetive system has never been better! I’ve also lost 15 lbs, which can’t hurt one bit. I found a great, organic women’s vitamin for the over 50 crowd. While I’m only 47, it seemed with this disease it would be a good idea to go with it, and I was right. I walk a couple of miles every day with my dogs, and the added exercise has also helped my insomnia. I guess what I’m saying is that you can reduce, although maybe not eliminate, a lot of symptoms with some basic lifestyle changes. It wasn’t too hard, I just started slowly eating less and less meat until now I don’t even miss it.
I hope you find some relief, and wish you well in your journey with Grave’s.

[Lina1]

#1061831

Hi there. I just wanted to quick say that I have also experience painful muscles with GD. This was before I began PTU as my treatment. For me, it effected my shoulders. It was very painful at all times of day, but especially when I attempted to use my shoulders/neck more than normal. Approximately 1 or 2 months after starting PTU my 1+ years of pain were basically over. I strongly feel that there was a connection between GD and my muscle pain, but it’s always a good idea to get it checked out. It’s smart to make sure another ailment is not being overlooked or masked by GD. Just wanted to let you know you’re not the only one! ” title=”Very Happy” />
Lina

[leelah1807]

#1061832

Hello! I am 23 years old and was diagnosed with GD in March and had the RAI in June. I began having muscle/bone pains like you described back in May, but they told me they would likely go away post-RAI. Much to my disappointment, that has not been the case. I have been an avid runner my entire life, but that is now out of the questions as even walking long distances leaves me in excruciating pain. I too cannot stand at times, and sometimes, it is as if my legs just give out and I fall. I have been to a handful of doctors, but none can seem to determine a cause. They all end up telling me that this is a normal symptom of GD and that I’ll have to learn to live with it. I am not currently taking any meds, so I have ruled out a possible reaction to those. When I was permitted to exercise again, I "re-entered" slowly and was careful to properly train my body. I am frustrated beyond belief, so I definitely can sympathize with you on this issue. I am sorry that I can’t offer any advice, but just know that I understand your struggles!

[Author]

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