[Anonymous]

#1138844

I’m not a regular on the BB, but I saw your message and wanted to share my own experience, if it’s any help. I had significant weakness in my legs several months prior to my diagnosis which improved somewhat after I started on antithyroid meds and kept up a slow improvement after I underwent RAI and became stabilized on synthetic hormone. It probably took about year to year and one-half after that until my legs started feeling like their old selves again. My endo told me to be patient — it’s tough, and because I have been a bicyclist and I do step aerobics, I have somewhat overdeveloped thighs, and it frustrated me even more to have legs that felt like jello after exercise.

The arms are another matter. I have never been great in that department, but I started faithfully doing a very short (like 3-5 minute) workouts 3 times on a weight supporting exercise machine that works the biceps, tricepts, deltoids, and major chest and back muscle groups. I also do some work with free weights, but I’ve been doing that off and on since college. It seems to have helped a great deal, and I think they are in better shape than pre-Graves.

The important thing is to make sure your healthcare professional OK’s your doing exercise, and that you get competent instruction from a fitness specialist or other pro before messing about with weights. You might want to check our community rec centers, or a Y, or, if you have one, a facility at your workplace (that’s where I learned how to use that particular machine).

I wish you strenth and success!

[Anonymous]

#1045377

I was diagnosed with Graves disease 18 months ago and had a thyroidectomy for treatment 10 months ago. After many months of trying to get regulated on Synthroid, I switched doctors and switched to Armour. While I feel better on the Armour, I still have severe muscle weakness that started before I was diagnosed. It is especially noticable when I climb stairs or wash my hair. It seems to worsen and improve but never go away. This is my only symptom. Has anyone had this happen? Could this be another unrelated problem? I am getting very discouraged about this as it is interfering with my sense of well being. Any responses on the bb or via email are greatly appreciated!

Kim

[Anonymous]

#1138845

I was diagnosed with Graves 3 weeks ago, but believe I’ve had the disease a long time going without a diagnosis. I’ve been experiencing weakness in my legs and slight weakness in my arms and wonder if anyone has found a way to help rebuild the strength is these areas. My endo over the phone said it’s “part of the disease” and the meds, PTU and Lopressor, should help. I’m active working in the yard and riding horseback and at this time have to use a stool or equivalent to get in the saddle. Any information that you can share is GREATLY appreciated.

Lynn “FancyFace”

[Anonymous]

#1138846

Too much thyroid hormone causes us to lose actual muscle mass, especially in the larger muscles of the legs and arms. It also interferes with the muscles’ ability to recover after “working”. We get weaker and weaker. The only cure is to get the thyroid hormone levels back to normal, and then work out to rebuild muscle strength and mass. I have never heard that exercise is advisable while we still have too much thyroid hormone. You could try to draw your doctor out as to specifics, but the fact is it IS a part of the disease. And muscle comes back and recovers once we are well again.

Bobbi — NGDF Asst. Online Facilitator
Bobbi@ngdf.org

[Anonymous]

#1138847

I have very heavy muscles in my legs. I was very active and I participate in quite a few sports that need thigh muscles. When I started to lose the muscles in my legs my thighs were just disappearing. They seemed to get smaller and weaker everyday. As soon as I started the B12 shots I noticed a great improvement. Ask your Dr. about testing for B12. I can tell the difference when it’s getting time for my next shot. Hope this helps. I’m trying to find a solution for each of my sypmtoms as well as taking the tapazole. I’ve been using buckets of moisturizers for the dry skin, eye drops for the itchy dryness, etc. I’ve had to make some dramatic changes in my diet. I was really lactose intolerant, and I’ve had to make sure that there is no iodine in my diet at all. But I have to say that there is no comparing the way that I feel today to where I was two months ago. I have had to give up the heavy exercises and have switched to yoga and pilates. It doesn’t increase my heartrate but is helping with my muscles. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

#1138848

Thank you to those who have sent info on the muscle weakness. I will check with my doctor about the B12. Roseanne, I can relate to the thighs disappearing, it’s so strange to watch. Have started a lite exercise program in hopes of keeping some tone. Will double check with the doc next Thursday about this.

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