Pain in my hands

[debs79]

Hi, after 5 weeks of taking levothyroxine i seemed to have a energy, decided to clean my daughters bedroom came to the hoovering half way through my hands just became so painful like cramp but hurt real bad. Ive been having pains in my wrists mainly for a while but nothing like this anyone know what it could be from?

Thanks debs.

[MrsRaven]

Maybe a reaction to using them a lot, after a while when you didnt have any energy?

[shaws Administrator]

You will not be on an optimum dose yet. It takes six weeks to be absorbed into our system but that doesn't mean it's optimum yet. It will take several months for you to feel better and to get rid of all your clinical symptoms.

This is roughly what happens: (very roughly):

Levothyroxine is also called T4. T4 is absorbed into our system where it converts to the Active Hormone called T3 (or liothyronine) and it is that which is needed in all of our receptor cells so that we can function normally when we are on an optimum dose. If we do too much, i.e. use too much energy ie exercise etc, it lowers the T3 more quickly and we might have other symptoms we've not had before.

When you go for your next blood tests (next week - i.e. every six weeks with an increase) you must make the earliest appointment and fast (you can drink water) and leave approx 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test. You can take levo after the test. Always get a print-out of your tests with the ranges for your own records and so that you can post if you have a query. If GP hasn't tested Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate ask for these too as we are usually deficient.

It is a big learning curve when we're diagnosed as hypo. Some doctors believe (wrongly) that once our TSH comes within the range that we're on sufficient dose. That's not the case. Most of us need a TSH around 1 or lower.

"I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions"

[debs79 in reply to shaws]

Hi,

Thankyou, youve been a great help. Doctor didnt explain anything to me only blood test every six weeks until on the right dose and leafets.

Thanks Debs x

[shaws Administrator in reply to debs79]

I don't think doctors know even a small number of clinical symptoms (there's over 300) and they would be hard pushed to know one of them.

[Spareribs]

What is your level of Vitamin D?

[Marz in reply to Spareribs]

...and B12 ?

[debs79]

Hi,

They never gave me my levels, just told my i got underactive thyroid gave me leafets tha was it. All i know i'm to take 50mg of levothyroxine until my next blood test which is next week.

Thanku Deb x

[Spareribs in reply to debs79]

As Shaws says...

"Always get a print-out of your tests with the ranges" .... and ask for vital minerals to be tested too, hormones need these in order to work properly.

This time last year I was still undiagnosed despite obvious symptoms, I'd sorted my joint pain with vitamin D, I asked for a blood test then was told to come for a prescription for Levo - no advice from the GP or a leaflet in sight! Sometimes we have to take back our own health ourselves.

There's more information on the main TUK site here...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/index....

J

[BeccyD]

Hi,

I get what feels like cramp in the backs on my hands and find it hard to pick things up when I am a bit under on my levothyroxin, stick with it, it does get better.

I'm suffering at the moment with mine after a drop about 7 weeks ago, so literally feel your pain. My advice is don't over do the cleaning, little and often or better still get someone else to do it, until you start to feel better.