strange cramping

[Bluedragon]

I recently- well- a few weeks back - ran out of my NDT and not had the funds to replace. I use the Thai ones.

I don’t know if a coincidence but I’ve started getting cramps or pains in different places like under my ribs, behind my shoulder blades or perhaps when I turn my neck. In feet too (but these fairly common). Often when get into bed but during day too.

I have suffered from the most excruciating inner thigh cramping in the past but fortunately not too often and seems separate from these episodes. These new ones last a couple of minutes. Left rib cramps getting painful and longer.

Anyone any ideas? I did think about electrolytes with the thigh cramps but they seemed ok. Thank you.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

As you have stopped your NDT, might you be hypothyroid?

[jamesal0]

Get back on NDT, once you have stabilized on it and understand the pro's, con's, limitations - it's good stuff. I get rib end pain, neck pain - base of the skull and down neck, sore foot pads, dry eyes, dry skin, gain kg's on the Levo stuff

[mistydog]

Are you taking anything else now, like levothyroxine?I get weird pains a lot but I don't think it's to do with NDT, I take 3.5 grains a day.

[Butterburr]

I have suffered from this type of cramping and I looked at my electrolytes and realised that as I was sweating a lot, I was not getting enough salt (seasalt or rocksalt). I also take Magnesium before bed. I only have problems now if I over do it. It may be linked with the lack of NDT as well though.

[DonnyJam]

I've always suffered with random spasms and muscle knots, especially in my neck and back but they certainly get worse and more frequent if I have been under medicated.If you haven't replaced your ndt with another form of medication then you will more than likely be becoming hypo even if you have swapped to levo or something similar you will probably have a dip/change in your levels before you become stable.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Just to add that you really need to restart some form of thyroid hormone ASAP. If you cannot afford NDT at the moment then this might be the time to get a formal diagnosis from your GP who can at least prescribe Levothyroxine.

I'd also push your GP to test ferritin, folate, B12 & D3 levels. Unless you have been supplementing you are likely low in several of those nutrients.

[Bluedragon in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks Jaydee. Yes, I either get the dr to do or do privately the bloods. I’ve always tended to do my own stuff with the thyroid/b12 as my last drs were terrible. TBF I’ve not tried these ones.

Just sorting out new NDT now. Can’t believe the cost!

I was more worrying that the cramping wasn’t hypo symptoms and not something else going on. I prefer to treat myself where possible and avoid the dr.

Thank you 😊

[Jaydee1507 Administrator in reply to Bluedragon]

It's always best to have an NHS diagnosis wherever possible. Good to have it on your records and you can fall back on them for prescriptions then.

NDT is a very expensive option these days unfortunately. Buying a larger dose size and cutting tablets down can make it slightly cheaper.

Some people are switching to a Levo/T3 combination therapy to save on cost.

Have you had a break from NDT before? It would be wise to work back up to your original dose slowly.

[Bluedragon]

I’m going to get just six months worth, unfortunately with thyroid s it is just one size.

I’m in Greece next month and hope to pick up some T3 there. I had some Turkish Tiromel but ran out.

I’m super organised with everything else - just not me!

Unfortunately a few home challenges have diverted my attention.

[Kapuna]

Muscle cramps and joint pain are a symptom of hypothyroidism.