I went to endocrinologist with my scans and my bloodwork and she diagnosed me with Graves disease. I have had it for years undiagnosed apparently. I have a strong family history of Hashimotos, including mum, but I have Graves for some reason. I am wondering if The graves being so active could be a cause of my new PN I have a lot of recent numbness. Also does anyone know anything about Graves and neurological connections? It's hard to find info on this.

Thank you

Hi Aussie Which test did they use to dx Graves? I am curious because I do have Hashimotos.
I didn't realize it caused neuropathy. Any information from all would be appreciated.

--have certainly been associated with neuropathy, especially in those areas where nerves pass through narrow channels, such as the carpal and tarsal tunnels (this seems to be related to fluid swelling and depositing of metabolic waste products not eliminated properly when metabolism slows).

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1171051-overview

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/msys/mend.htm#thyroid

The tests that were done were TSH,T3,T4. Also a scan with radio iodine uptake and also antibodies. Coupled with an overwhelming amount of close family members with thyroid disease ranging from hypo/ hyper/ Hashimotos. I am the only one thus far with Graves Which is hyper and take meds to slow it down. My metabolism was twice normal and was interfering with almost everything. I was getting pretty sick. I am better now, but started going numb and can't figure out why. Thank you for replies.

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease about 15 years ago. Had no idea I had it; but had a general blood test with my GP and was unaware she had also tested the thyroid. She called me and informed my that I had Graves Disease; but never mentioned any having problems associated with the Disease. Went to an endocronoligist I was treated for a couple of years with tapozole. Then went into remission for a few years.

Once you have had thryoid disease, the blood work should be done at least every 4 -6 months. About 5 or 6 years later became Hypothroid and will be needing Synthroid for the rest of my life and continual blood test as well.

I know the immune system is compromised; but didn't get PN until Spine fusion surgery about 5 years ago. So, while throid may be a factor; in my case, the disease was not the cause of my PN.

I've got about six books on hypothyroidism, and I'm not sure they all agree anyone with it has to take meds for life. That's a good way to sell meds. There's a huge amount of doctors who are ignorant about thyroid problems and misinform their patients; hence the website stopthethyroidmadness.com.

Once throid disease (which is heriditary) begins, you do have to continue blood tests. That is how the doctor knew about the Graves Disease, also when I went in remission (which is quite unusual). The meds for Graves disease (hyperthroid) should not taken for more than 2 years or if it continues, need to have part of the throid destroyed/removed.

Only thru continual blood test did it show I had become Hyporthroid. The meds (Synthroid) can be taken for life and usually are. The doseage is dependent on the continued blood work. I did find our (thru the internet) that the generic for Synthroid is not recommended and does not work the same way.

Originally, I was using the generic and blood test showed, I needed a higher dose. I asked my doctor to have me do "brand only" Synthroid instead of raising the prescription. 4 months later, the blood test showed normal. Once the disease is set of for various reasons, you should alway be tested for changes. It does not go away.

Can I ask you with the spinal fusion, did you get PN below the fused area only? Is it possible to get PN in torso from fusion?
Thank you

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. My PN is from the spine all the way down to the feet. I have been on a high dose of narcotics to just make it thru the day.

There was a nerve being crushed at L4-5 which I do think contributed a lot to the PN. Also had laminectomy to allow my spinal cord a little more room. About 2 years later, had bladder surgery which resulted in Edema and the PN worsening and causing additional pain in the legs, ankles and feet. So far, the PN has not gone above the spine.. Hope this info will be of some help.
Gerry

Thanks for info. I am really sorry to hear about your pain. I also had spine surgery this past year and then had a car accident 1 month after surgery and got whiplash with a bad PN flare. I spend somedays angry and somedays I am thankful it's not worse than it is. But whatever the cause of PN it's difficult to deal with. Support is very important.