[Anonymous March 12, 1997 at 1:15 pm Post count: 93172]

#1163877

Many of us have experienced EXACTLY what you are describing in terms of muscle cramping and spasms! That is the important thing about this forum, doctors often deny the reality of what we have gone through, and we sometimes begin to doubt ourselves. I find strength in the fact that many others with Graves’ from all over the continent write in independently to describe the same symptoms.

We have discussed this a bit in the past, so if you haven’t checked the old posts, please do so. I also went to a doctor for back pain. The one thing he did give me which helped was a series of back-strengthening exercises. Physical therapy helped also.

‘Hope this helps with the frustration. I’m sure others will chime in soon with helpful comments.

[Anonymous March 12, 1997 at 4:20 pm Post count: 93172]

#1056604

Talk about feeling frustrated! I was diagnosed in Nov 96 – started on
Tapazole and simultaneously my back started giving me problems until
I finally experienced a major muscle spasm. When the spasm finally
retreated I was left with numbness in my butt and legs and generalized
weakness in one leg. Got in with an orthopedic MD and he sends me to
PT; the PT amounted to nothing and if I’ve gotten better it’s because
of what I do on my own. Went back in today to the Back MD and he
says that if I’m not in pain then leave it all go. He never thought
that it was a disk; either did the PTherapist. Then I remind him
that I have Graves disease and all of my problems began with the
diagnosis and medication; he says why didn’t you tell me you have
Graves? As if I wouldn’t have told him – I simply reminded him. He
ordered some sort of nerve test then and said that possible the back
and Graves are related. I have felt this all along, but they all say
no! The Endocrinologist says you can have mild muscle cramps, aches,
pains but nothing major like what I experienced. Where can I find
information on this subject – muscle problems associated with Graves?
Is there such a thing? Could have all this happened because of
Graves or the medications? I feel totally frustrated. One clear
thing is I had RAI 3 weeks ago and maybe there is light at the end
of the tunnel with the Graves – hopefully. I swear I was OK until
being diagnosed!! Now I am stuck with numbness and can’t walk right –
let it go, I’m not sure. Sorry to babble on and on.

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