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swelling

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donna38794
donna38794

Hello I'm new here. I was diagnosed march of last year with a under active thyroid. My left leg and ankle started swelling at that time and still does. It only goes down when I lay down at night. My GP thought it might had been related to my thyroid being outta range. But its pretty much in range now its a 2.57. Just wondering if anyone has this problem?

2 likes, 23 replies

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  • Scazzoh
    Scazzoh donna38794

    Posted

    Hi Donna, how were you diagnosed with an underactive thyroid last year? And were you given treatment? Swelling is a sign of underactive thyroid, but can be linked to other illnesses as well. If 2.57 is your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone level, then this falls within the usual 'normal' range. Doctors tend to use these ranges to diagnose and treat, rather than go by how you are feeling and what your symptoms are. 
    • donna38794
      donna38794 Scazzoh

      Posted

      Hiya scazzoh I had tsh labs done as well as cmp panel I think that's what its called it checks different things including my kidney and liver function. When I was first diagnosed my tsh was 75. I know I need to get this checked out just to make me feel better no pain just agervating. sad
    • jean34329
      jean34329 Scazzoh

      Posted

      Hi Scazzoh

      I was interested in your reply in which you said that swelling is a sign of an underactive thryroid. Do you know why?

      Kind regards

      Jean x

    • Scazzoh
      Scazzoh jean34329

      Posted

      Hi Jean, not sure why swelling is a symptom. It used to be called myxoedema, which means swelling and a myxoedma coma is a very severe form of thyroid disease. Wikipedia has some definitions. 
  • gill43753
    gill43753 donna38794

    Posted

    Hello Donna,

    Yes,I have this problem,and it's interesting that you should mention it.I have hypopituitarism,and was started on Levothyroxine for my thyroid at the same time as being started on Growth Hormone injections.So was never really sure what was causing the swollen and painful legs/feet.I also have a blood problem with a history of thrombosis,so it's been difficult to separate all the problems.Reading another discussion on this site,I wouldn't be surprised if it's a side-effect of Levothyroxine.Try reading the discussion on 'Unacceptable side effects of Levothyroxine'. Out of interest,have you had to buy wider shoes? I have,and given away my others.Gill

    • donna38794
      donna38794 gill43753

      Posted

      Hiya gill thanks for your reply. Luckily I haven't had to buy bigger shoes. And I have no pain not for the whole year its been doing this. But I worry about deep vain clots I have read where sometimes there are no symptoms.
  • jean34329
    jean34329 donna38794

    Posted

    Hi Donna

    I too have this problem. Did your GP explain the link between the swelling and the thyroid problem?

     

    Jeanx

     

    • donna38794
      donna38794 jean34329

      Posted

      Hello Jean no he didn't! If you know please tell me. Is it one of your legs or both? Its just my left one. Thank you. smile
    • jean34329
      jean34329 donna38794

      Posted

      Donna

      I also have peripheral neuropathy and had a dvt in the left calf 10 years ago.

      However this swelling of my left leg started in March 2015. I had a doppler which was negative. In april a CTPA scan showed a multinoduar goitre as  I believe that I have had a thyroid problem for years but it was not until April 27 2015 that the scan showed the multinoduar goitre. The burning sensations in my egs started in December 2013 following the prescribing of three antibiotics at the same time for an uninvestigated alleged case of pleurisy. I have reason to believe that this was the trigger of the acute neuropathy plus the thyroiditis.

      I have been referred to an endocrine surgeon and an endo physician.

      I started with acute anxiety in Dec 2013 which I have since learned is one of the signs and symptoms of a thyroid disorder. All this  has been a massive learning curve for me. Jeanx

    • jean34329
      jean34329 donna38794

      Posted

      No I do not know the connection. It is just my left leg.

      Jean

    • barbara98940
      barbara98940 jean34329

      Posted

      Hi Jean

      From the link Jay sent, did you pick up the bit about goitre...

      'While thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) to...'

      So...what I'm trying to say is 'try not to worry too much.' (Which is easier said than done!)

  • jean34329
    jean34329 donna38794

    Posted

    Hi Donna

    Just the left leg. Jean

    • jean34329
      jean34329 donna38794

      Posted

      Hi Donna

      Sorry about very brief response in my last e mail but laptop playing up and wanterd to send you a reply asap.

      With regard to my dvt. I had the classic signs and syumptoms. That is swelling, redness, very painful. However and please do not get alarmed but have to be honest and tell you that the only way to be sure that there is not a dvt is to have  d dIMER which is a blood test for a clot plus a Doppler scan of the leg because one can have a dvt without the classic signs and symptoms. This information is in the Public domain anyway

      Having said that try not to worry. Perhaps you could approach your GP for reassurance because he or she may wish to examine your leg.

    • donna38794
      donna38794 jean34329

      Posted

      Thank you jean you have been so helpful. Very kind of you to take the time to reply.
    • jean34329
      jean34329 donna38794

      Posted

      Donna

      Have you seen a dr yet about your swollen leg?

      I think you should go to A and E for a D Dimer and Doppler scan.

      Jean 

    • donna38794
      donna38794 jean34329

      Posted

      No I haven't I need to since its been over a year. Only been to my gp I have insurance but haven't had the extra money
    • jean34329
      jean34329 donna38794

      Posted

      A and E should be able to do the rellevant tests Donna.

      Kind regards

      Jean

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