I was diagnosed with severe Hypothyroidism in April 2012. The doctors think that my thyroid has been worsening since June 2009 (untreated) When I finally took myself to the doctors in April my TSH was over 100. (Don't know accurate results) The doctor asked me to start taking Thyroxine immediately. It was a slow process but I did start to feel better. Now Sept bloods my TSH is normal. Although I still have symptoms. Behind my knee I have quite a lot of fluid which is sometimes painful. I have done some research and believe this fluid to be Myxodema. (Not sure if I'm correct) I also feel other areas with fluid. Ankles, hands. My hands can be quite painful at times too. My hips can ache at times. I hae had numbness in my left arm most of the time throughout this year and have had investigations into my heart (which all are normal) my arm today is quite bad. Numb and cold sensations in lower arm and hand. I am 32 years old female and Hypothyroidism is not in my family. When I sleep or sit for long time my legs, hips hurt. Please give me some advice. Thank you in advance.
Hi Nik, Some of your symptoms may not be the hypothyroid problem. The amount of and varied sites of your fluid retention once the thyroid level is undercontrol is unusual. Pain,numbness and cold sensations are more likely associated with nerve damage/irritated nerve endings and or arthritis. Your hips hurting is also an unusual symptom of hypothyroidism.
You need to go back to your gp, take a list of your symptoms so you don't forget/miss any out if you are nervous about the consultation. Ask him/her if they think that the thyroid link may be a red herring.
A blood test can give you an idea if you have raised inflammatory levels. It is possible that you are developing a type of arthritis or inflammatory condition.
Did you do a lot of sport in your youth? Have you anyone in your family who has had arthritis or associated conditions at a younger age?
There are many and varied conditions that you may be developing, only a medic can diagnose and arrange for the various tests needed to get to the bottom of your symptoms.
I have had hypothyroidism for nearly 40 years. As long as the level of thyroxine you are taking maintains a proper level you should feel absolutely normal. It is only if you need a higher dose that you should start noticing other effects.
I also have had arthritis and neuropathic pain problems for the same length of time. It is more likely that having a hypoactive thyroid that people develop inflammatory conditions due to our immune systems not being quite perfect.
Even if it turns out that the thyroid is the main problem in your case it sounds as though you need better information and help to deal with it all. Fluid on the knee can be aspirated very easily by a nurse/doctor trained to do so.Painful joints also need to be kept an eye on and there are many suitable medications and treatments to help the swelling and pain
Honestly my advice is to go back to the gp and have a chat about it all.Do not suffer in silence as there may be an easy and straightfoward diagnosis that will both heal and help you in the long run.
My best wishes to you, Fanny Jane.
Thank you. I will take on board everything you have said. I have an appointment on the 22nd so we will see what they say then.
I am right there with you. What u have described is exactly what i've experienced, thyroid can cause all
of this. I've been to all the doctors and had all the tests and my labs are optimal and still have these issues too.