Question posted by endlessPred on 26 Dec 2012
Last updated on 28 July 2017
I know this is a side effect from all the meds, but wondering if anyone had specific information on what is causing this. My electrolytes are fine, just checked a few days ago. I take calcium for the thyroid.
I find my hands clenched into a very tight fist that lasts until I notice it. By the end of the day my shoulders hurt from the tension up my arm. Doctor on vacation for another week. Any knowledge would be appreciated. Using hands doesn't matter as this happens at rest. Thanks, my friends.
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Have any of you been checked for Parkinsons?
Hi Enlesspred,
I know you are on Calcium but have you got your levels checked. I had a thyroidectomy when I had cancer of the thyroid and when I came out of surgery I was very low on Calcium. When they would take my blood presure my hand would clench like you mentionned. Maybe you are low after all on the calcium. It hurts eh?
Lynne :)
I had levels checked just over a week ago and am fine. Definitely not calcium. In fact, when low on calcium, my hand does not clench into a fist. Instead it clenches with thumb drawn towards palm and last two digits pulled toward center as well with all fingers extended. I have to pull fingers out of this until it stops spasms. My rheumy thought electrolytes might be this, but those came out fine. Good thought.
However, I was wondering if you have had the thyroid tumor factor done since the surgery. I also had one of those done lately and I was borderline. As I had microcell cancer, they felt it well contained and no follow up treatment needed. Because of a challenged liver and kidneys, that was also part of the decision not to do the radioactive iodine. Just wondering what you might know. Karen
Hi Karen,
They checked to see if I had cancer in my blood. Is that what you are talking about? I went 3 weeks ago but forgot to ask my levels of Tsh and other bloodwork. When I see my Endo I usually ask but we got talking about what test I should be doing. We decide on a WBS in March/13 a year after I had Rai and WBS done last year. She said there was room to play with my Synthroid levels. I should of aksed her then but thought about it later only. She change my Synthroid from 150 to 162 Mcg. I gained 17 pounds since summer. She thinks 10 of those is menopause and they will stay. I get to work on the other 7. Doesn't sound like alot but I can't even loose one pound. How about you? Do you have trouble with weight since you had a thyoroidectomy? I guess we should PQ each other eh?
PQ me with rest. Karen
Wow, Karen. As I was scrolling with my right hand I was doing that same exact thing with my left til my long nails hurt my palm! That is weird isn't it? I get cramps in my hands all the time. Right now I can't keep anything down much, so not taking my magnesium & Vitamins, & that's a big difference, but that is cramps not clenching. I really don't have a clue what could be causing it, just know you are not alone. Sorry to hear you are not feeling too well. Hang in there girl, we need you around here, & so does that family of yours. Your not going anywhere just yet. If I have to put up with this ole world so do you so there! Your friend... Mary
So this is a challenge, huh? Then you better get that rest I told you to get. I sure don't feel like either of us will be the winner.
Calcium low causes my hand to spasm laterally. It feels really weird as the muscles contract. This clenching is a mystery. So many others with it just sounds common enough that one of my docs should figure it out. Perhaps the Endo doc as he is quite brilliant. Love talking to him. Will let you all know should I hear something. Thanks for keeping me going. Days are slowly getting tougher. Not always fun when today is not quite as good as yesterday. Oh well. I still have things to do and all of you to add my two cents with. Hang in there Mary, and each one of you as well.
I plan on hanging as long as I can! You'd better too darn it! Darn that calcium, but only 14 shots left to give myself & hopefully I can cut down on that too. We'll see what the next DEXA scan shows. By the way, I saw my gastro doc today, & didn't even think to ask him 1/2 of what I wanted to. Forgot my notes again. Need a string around my finger to remember my notes, but soon will forget what the string is for too. Looks like C. diff again (or still) UGH! Take care Karen... Mary
I think that its an uncouncious reaction, because i am like that all day long, but never notice it.. I also grind my teeth at night..
I just think that the connectiion between my brain & body is completely lost.. I get bruises & don't remember how i got them.. I just don't pay atention, my body has a mind of its own : )
Angie, my doctor says it is not subconscious response. Iw ill tell more when I learn more.
Ohh.. my back & neck spasms are crippling... so i can just begin to imagine what you are feeling.. maybe i need more calcium too.. never thought of that..
Angie, calcium is very important as is enough vitamin D. I too get spasms up and down my back. Luckily they are brief but they feel like the muscles are tearing off the bones. Definitely the most painful thing I get.
You can always check with your doctor and run a Comp. blood draw. Calcium shows there. Hang in there. Karen
Hi friend,
Sumilarly, I previously found myself clenching my jaw/grinding my teeth when I was taking Buproprion and now that I've discontinued it, this mannerism has not reoccurred. May not be in any side effects list, but it sure was true for me.
I have done the-fist-clenching-thing as well. Haven't talked to my Doc about it but my message therapist advised me she sees this in many clients dealing with stress. Her hand massages are wonderful and seem to really help. I actually keep my nails shorter because of this habit.
I know that's not particularly diagnostic, ha ha, but maybe it helps to know you're not alone with this mannerism.
Wishing you all good things in the New Year my dear.
4N Substances
Thanks. Do you think she would come on by and give me one of those massages? Thanks for the reassurance. Happy holidays and a bright new year to you. Karen
ME TOO!!! The very first day I took Buproprion I noticed the need to clench my hands (and feet) I've been looking for a term to describe it so I can include it in the side effects for some disability paperwork I'm filling out. Its good to know its not just me!
Hello my friend. I have the very same problem and Shelby has to remind me to relayx and open my hands. Try and stretch ... open and flatten your hands roll your shoulders
Like this see... I'm showing you ;)
Also hot baths are good. I often balk at themat first but they do help.
On the medication side... sometimes I take an ativan to help me relax or a kolinipin 1 mg which seems to last a bit longer.
It also happened to me at rest... very much!
My arms will be curled up with hands balled in a fist and rolled in. I don't know why.
I was hospitalized at one point because I completely froze like that and had no use of my upper body. My legs froze up and my feet were useless I couldn't walk and was I. A wheelchair until I got put of. 60 mg of awful Pred.
Maybe try to sleep with one of those wwrist braces on that have the metal on the underside that forces wrist and hand to stay flat. Your fingers can kinda curl in but I sleep in those often.
You con also buy athletic type to tape your wrists so they don't bend. I use it at work for support. Its called k t tape. They sell it at Wal-Mart in the sports section by the golf and tennis gear. It comes in fun colors too.
I've thought of you often and hope your holidays have been a blessing to you. I'm sending you a hug.
Jenny o a little turkey :)
Thanks. I was considering using my wrist braces to see if it helps at night. I use Xanax but am not really anxious. Just the prednisone doing that. I believe it may be the tacrolimus. My doc felt it was electrolytes but that was fine. since it has been for the last three weeks, it is new.
I can hardly walk and would give anything to sit In a tub. Unfortunately I can't get out without someone picking me up. I am as big as my husband and when i fell a while back he actually picked me up. he is very fit, but the last thing we need is injury for him.
Just complaining a bit because my world keeps getting smaller. It is sobering to find one cannot get off the floor. And PT has shown me how. Just not strong enough. I appreciate your thoughts.
We had a quiet Christmas and waiting for our girl and her beau to return from a trip. It is beautiful here with plenty of snow and the birds eating away at the feeders. Thanks for your kind thoughts and hope you are having a very merry holiday season. Karen
Ill be part of your world. Ill make it bigger. One moment at a time. Try your braces and the xanex. I don't often "feel" anxious , but the feelings may be deep inside. Holidays can do it to us. I'm down to 9mg. Happy that I don't sweat profusely but sad at how weak I am... I did walk down the hill in the snow and watched some beautiful little birds. I've been sleeping a lot. So very worn out.
Just write back and I'll fill your world with aunties and love or at the very least a listening ear.
Love
Jenny
I meant antics. I'll fill tour world with antics. Enjoy your girl his beau and the snow :)
Hugs received. Thanks for the thought. Write me privately and see what you can do! A few good laughs are always a good thing. Karen
Remind me how to send u a private msg...
Forgetful jennyooo
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