Hypothyroidism and BFS Connection

[AingealGirl]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in January, a few weeks after my twitches started. I wonder if my thyroid has something to do with my BFS experience -which seems to be mostly sensory issues and very few twitches these days. I know it's not the medication (Thyroxine, 100mcg every other day) that's causing my BFS, since the twitches were first, but my thyroid auto-antibodies (which are still too high in number) might have triggered this somehow...Does anyone else here have thyroid issues? I'd love to discuss the possible correlation. And also; a big fat THANK YOU ) to all the contributors who take time out of their day to reassure us poor newbies who are freaking out that we're ok! You've made an amazing difference in my life of the past few months!!Cheers,Wendy

 

[Gracer]

I seem to have some subclinical changes but rather of hyperthyroid nature. There are several fellows here with definite hypothyroidism, so it is not impossible to have various issues due to thyroid troubles (both at high and low hormone production).

 

[kins]

I have been hypothyroid since 2007 and have been on meds with different doses throughout. I recently in November had a dose increase of Levo to 112 mcg and then in December sometime had noticed the toe twitching. Then in March I started to get the postural isometric tremors of my hands, then a week or so later an explosion of twitching which I at first thought was my increased dose. I did stop the meds (bad I should not have done that) for a week or two to see if my twitching would decrease and it did a little as well as the muscle spasms I was getting, but symptoms did continue so I started taking my meds again. I have heard on this board of others with thyroid issues and I know if you are hyperthyroid it can cause a lot of muscle issues, but since I have always been on meds I assumed mine was not from being hypothyroid if it was controlled. I have no idea if this is correct or not. I would love to chat with you about your experience too! ) I also have buzzing sensations, internal shaking feeling, jerks of arms and legs at times, vibrating muscles, etc.

 

[StefanDonegan]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about a month or so ago. It was my twitching that led me to to go to the docs. When he ran the gamut of blood tests, he found that my thyroid was under active and could have been causing some of my symptoms. To be fair, the meds made me feel a ton better, but the BFS synptoms persisted. I'm due back next month actually for a follow up to see if my meds need adjustment.

 

[AingealGirl]

That's interesting Wimpy39jen, that your symptoms changed when you went off your meds... But then again, I've noticed that whenever I change something in my routine (for the worse) that my BFS increases. Seems like our symptoms are pretty similar too! I won't go off my meds -like you said, bad idea), but next time I will ask my doctor about going off them, since I only started in January and my thyroid's not "dead" yet I just don't want to be on them for the rest of my life if I can fix it naturally somehow, it's a bit of a hassle :S donegan_himself; our stories are SO similar! My doctor did the same thing, test for my thyroid when I got BFS symptoms. 2 years before my doctor already knew I had Hashimoto's but decided not to medicate yet. That's why I think I can do without Thyroxine, I've done it before and was fine! Thyroxine isn't making me feel any better yet, because beside the BFS and a little anxiety, I was fine!I'd love to get your feedback guys!Cheers,Wendy

 

[TwitchyBoomer]

I certainly thought I might have due to all the similar symptoms I had. Dysphagia, hoarseness, cold extremities, temp fluctuations, fatigue, shortness of breath, tinnitus etc... But I only had a TSH done and that came back normal. Mark

 

[StockholmSiberian]

I have been hypothyroid and taking levothroid for 15 years. For most of that time I was feeling fine and was in fact an avid endurance runner and felt like I was in the best shape of my life. I had a health event five years ago that started a downward spiral that I have never fully recovered from. I somehow was infected by Giardia that took my Doctors nine months to diagnose and then went thru 3 separate rounds of antibiotic treatments to get rid of the Giardia. The antibiotics finally worked but I still felt like crap for another year and a half. At that time I had just about every test and procedure available and the only thing that showed up was low vitamin D. After starting mega doses of vitamin D I started my twitching episodes. Energy level finally improved with increase of Vitamin D levels but twitching remained. In addition to twitching I have also developed parathesia in my extremities and tremors in a few fingers, upper cheek (when muscle is activated like when smiling), and muscles under eye. I also have GERD and on and off digestive issues that may or may not be IBS. Also, some vague muscle aches and pains that come and go.I have seen a boat load of specialists across all medical fields and my only formal diagnosis is BFS, essential tremor and GERD. There is no question in my mind that my immune system is ultra sensitive (due to my Hashimotos thyroid problem) and that the Giardia and antibiotic events overloaded my already comprimised system. I am not sure the part vitamin D played in my twitching but I have noted on another post that my twitching was at its worse when I was taking 10000IU a day. It has gotten better as I have decreased my daily dosage. I am convinced that my overactive immune system is playing the key part in my issues and the Giardia and Antibiotics were triggering events.