Muscle weakness with over active thyroid, interested to know other people's experiences.

Posted , 4 users are following.

I am 54 and thought most of my symptoms were menopausal and just getting older, went to doctor with a bad foot and fortunately she took one look at me and suspected straightaway I might have a thyroid problem. Anyway, seen Endo and have been on Carbimazole 12 weeks, 40 mg for 4 weeks and now down to 20 mg. feeling much better as long as I don't have over do things. Except for my weak muscles. 

i was also on a low dose beta blocker for 8 weeks, to regulate my heart rate, just to give the full picture. 

i used to walk miles everyday, at least 3, more likely in excess of 6.

Every year we have a week's walking holiday and we walk all day, every day in all weathers, across moors, up Snowden; you will get the picture. I can barely walk half a mile now, so depressing. Forcing myself to walk is what gave me the bad foot.   My thighs felt like lumps of concrete and I could barely lift my arms to shoulder height. I was crawling up the stairs.

i am better in so many ways, but this muscle weakness is worrying me. I have difficulty in doing and undoing my bra, my arms hurt so much; I can't undo jars, and as I said, I can barely walk half a mile.  Most of the time I can cope, just need to pace myself but Christmas doesn't allow much time for rest breaks, and has highlighted just how bad I still am.  

Am am I expecting too much too soon? I am worried about long term damage in just carrying on. . If anyone has experienced the same thing, I would be grateful for any advice or just to read your story. 

Thank you. 

 

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Hyperthyroid patients lose a lot of vitamins, minerals and amino acids from their muscles thru urination when they are running hyper.  These
  • Posted

    Hyperthyroid patients lose a lot of vitamins, minerals and amino acids from their muscles thru urination when they are running hyper.  These need to be replaced.  You can take Regular L-Carnitine 3,000 to 4,000 mg daily, vitamin D3 1,000 to 5,000 IU daily and magnesium 200 mg daily.  You can verify this by getting your Total Carnitine and Free Carnitine levels checked along with your vitamin D levels and magnesium levels.  If low or deficient take these supplements along with your meds.
  • Posted

    Thank you Linda187, that makes sense and gives me something to have checked out. 
  • Posted

    Hi,

    I have had thyroid trouble since my teens and I was great when the Doctor put me on thyroxine but somewhere along the line some other Doctor took me off and I was told that my bloods are OK 3 years ago when last checked, but I did have a colloid on the thyroid gland 2 years ago and the Specialist was all for removing my thyroid gland but as there was an 80% guarantee of no cancer showing I refused as 2 Doctor friends said 'why when there is no cancer there', if it aint broken then dont fix. I sometimes wonder whether the colloid has returned on my Thyroid Gland but cannot see any sign as yet and anyway have enough health issues to worry about. I am sure you must be devastated not being able to walk with your family, but just take short walks and exercise in bed all through the day as it does help this old crony ha ha. Will remember you in my prayers my dear and really feel for you as at 54 as its very young.

    Enx

  • Posted

    Hi, I'm in the UK and suffered with muscle ache in my shoulder and arm, my doctor recommended a NHS Phyiso and it turned out that I had a partial frozen shoulder. I could not reach to undo and do up my bra as it was too sore. Physio and Doctor said same as Linda187, when we are hyper we are losing loads of vitamins and minerals, so I now take additional supplements. Also that I must have over stretched without knowing about it, causing the muscles to be overworked. The Physio gave me some exercises to do and now shoulder and arm area are nearly back to normal.

    My story - I was hypothyroid for 11 years and earlier in the year went hyperthyroid with graves disease. I'm on Carbimazole as well as Thyroxine (block and replacement).

    Thankfully I didn't have a foot problem...and I'm a big walker too.

    My advice is take supplementation as per Linda187 and visit a Physio asap.

    Take care and I hope you get sorted soon x

     

    • Posted

      Thank you. I was wondering if a trip to see a physio might be a good idea, someone to explain what I should and should not be doing. 

      Everyone's replies have made me feel much better and I don't feel like I am being lazy (for want of a better word) or that I am not making an effort. 

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