OpenHealth Q&A

Increasing Full Body Numbness and Hand Weakness in a Graves Disease Patient – Concerns About Spinal Issues

Hello, I hope to convey my situation clearly, as I've experienced various health issues lately, and I'm anxious about the implications. I'm reaching out for some insight as I feel overwhelmed and uncertain about my next steps. I’m a 35-year-old woman, weighing 160 lbs and standing 5'5" tall, currently taking 5mg of Methimazole each day. I have a history of smoking intermittently and have given birth twice, in 2019 and 2024. My second child was delivered via C-section, accompanied by a tubal ligation. In August 2025, I was diagnosed with Graves disease. Initially prescribed 20mg of Methimazole in September, my condition worsened, leading to severe hypothyroidism by December, with a TSH reading of 33.3 ul/U; a stark contrast to .01 ul/U prior to treatment. I discontinued the medication for about ten days and resumed at a lower dose of 5mg in early January. Though I initially attributed various symptoms to substantial thyroid level changes, typical hypothyroid symptoms like depression, fatigue, and severe constipation have lessened, prompting me to think there might be another underlying issue. For the past 15 years, I’ve experienced occasional sciatica, predominantly on my left side, alongside diagnosed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the sensations I am currently experiencing feel distinctly different. Approximately 5-6 years ago, I noticed diminished sensation in a region of my back where my bra strap sits. My doctor assessed it then, noting that although I had reduced sensation, I could still feel touch and he dismissed it as a concern. Over time, this less sensitive area has expanded, and recently, it has become more pronounced, affecting the entirety of my lower back. Recent Developments (January to Now): Earlier this year, I began to feel a lingering numbness and coldness in both knees, particularly noticeable after periods of sitting or upon returning from the cold outdoors. Two months later, I woke to a swollen left knee, which was matched by swelling in the right knee a week later, diminishing after about four months, with my doctor attributing it to my fluctuating thyroid levels. Despite no visible swelling this time, the numbness continues. During a recent cold snap, I noticed that my feet were more prone to falling asleep and becoming cold when outside. Once I returned indoors and they warmed up, it felt as if I was standing on a heating pad—the floor was unusually warm, leading me to check if there could be an electrical issue beneath. In the past few weeks, I have also noticed numbness and hypersensitivity to cold in my legs, particularly surrounding the kneecap area, where it initially felt more acute in my right leg. This sensation intensified after I placed a cold phone in my pocket, eliciting enough discomfort to force me to remove it. Presently, the numbness extends down to my ankles and the top of my right foot, something I observed only within the past couple of days. During work today, my thigh and buttocks intermittently felt chilly. Additionally, I experience electric shock-like sensations throughout my body when I cough (though not when I bend my neck). I have reduced sensation in both my inner and outer thighs—avoiding the groin area. Over the last couple of days, my knees have felt a bit “off” while walking, a subtle yet noticeable change. If I cough while walking, my left knee occasionally feels unstable, resulting in a slight “glitch.” If my focus lapses during the cough, my foot can drag briefly, and it feels as if my walking mechanics have altered slightly. Upper Extremities Symptoms: A few days ago, I injured my left shoulder and neck, causing an ache that radiated down my arm. I suspect this resulted from a poor positioning while using my phone. Initially, I felt a dull pain in my neck, but by evening, it had intensified and moved to my shoulder. I’ve found relief with ibuprofen. This isn't the first instance; similar pain affected both shoulders and arms back in January. An observable trend is the fatigue in my arms when reaching or pushing. This episode has resulted in fatigue in my left hand, consistent with a prior timeline when I noticed fatigue after prolonged use. It's been three days since the latest incident, and I was previously recovering from a different cold at that time. Most concerning is the progressive weakness in my left hand over the past five days. I am dropping objects frequently, experiencing poor fine motor control. When attempting to quickly tap my fingers, my middle fingers seem to drop away, making it increasingly challenging. Quick movements like opening or closing my hand feel clumsy, resembling a “claw hand,” which has escalated to near impossibility after several attempts. Unlike my previous carpal tunnel experiences, the symptoms now lack severe numbness, mainly affecting my strength, coordination, and speed. No pain exists below my elbow. Other Relevant Insights: Post-pregnancy changes have complicated my ability to assess bowel and bladder function; however, I've noticed difficulty fully emptying my bladder unless it is excessively full. Whether this is linked to my current health challenges or solely the result of pregnancy remains unclear. I have not experienced saddle anesthesia or visual changes. Balance hasn’t been a major concern, aside from the unusual sensations in my knees. I haven’t noticed any evident foot drop, though electric sensations from coughing have become sporadic, varying from frequent to now occasional. ### My Concerns: I'm increasingly anxious about potential cervical spine involvement, especially considering the gradual hand weakness and changes in coordination. Could this pattern potentially indicate: - Cervical myelopathy? - Radiculopathy? - Inflammatory or autoimmune neuropathy? - An issue related to Graves disease? Or am I misreading mechanical issues? The escalating weakness in my hand is particularly concerning. Additionally, due to having been removed from Medicaid last November, my family lacks health insurance, making the prospect of extensive testing financially burdensome. I am hesitant to overlook a serious health matter. How critical does my situation seem? Would it warrant an ER visit tomorrow or should I schedule an appointment with my primary care physician soon? I truly appreciate any guidance offered. Financially, we’re stretched thin, and this situation has led to stress in my marriage due to our medical expenses. If anyone knows of programs in Michigan to assist with medical costs, I would be immensely grateful for that information as well.

Answers (1)

3/4/2026, 3:41:29 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about what you're experiencing; it sounds quite overwhelming and concerning. Your symptoms of numbness, weakness, and changes in coordination warrant careful attention, especially considering your history with Graves disease and other health issues.

Main Points:

1. Your symptoms may indicate potential neurological issues that require evaluation, but the severity and urgency depend on specific factors.
2. There are various possible causes, including cervical spine involvement or autoimmune-related neuropathy.
3. Next steps should prioritize monitoring your symptoms while seeking healthcare support.

Explanation:

Given your description of progressive weakness in your left hand, reduced sensation in your legs, and the electrical sensations during coughing, it's understandable to fear conditions like cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy. These conditions can arise from pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, potentially leading to the symptoms you’re experiencing. Additionally, your history with Graves disease might contribute to fluctuations in nerve health, but it’s crucial to consider these symptoms independently, particularly if they are worsening.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor and Document Symptoms:

   • Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur and any associated activities (e.g., sitting, temperature changes, etc.). Note any changes in strength, coordination, or sensation. This information will be invaluable for your healthcare provider.

2. Seek Medical Evaluation:

   • Although you've mentioned financial concerns about testing, it’s vital to reach out to either an urgent care clinic, your primary care physician, or a neurologist as soon as possible. Given the concerning nature of your hand weakness, consider asking if there are payment plans, financial assistance programs, or community health services available in your area to help manage costs.

3. Emergency Care Considerations:

   • If you experience worsening symptoms such as severe pain, inability to use your hand or foot, loss of bladder/bowel control, or significant balance issues, seek emergency care immediately. Your safety and health are the top priority.

4. Explore Health Services in Michigan:

   • Look into local programs that might assist with medical expenses. Organizations such as Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services or local community health clinics can offer resources. Consider reaching out to non-profits that may provide support or sliding scale services.

Conclusion:

Your symptoms are significant, and while waiting may feel daunting, gathering information, seeking an evaluation, and exploring financial resources are your best next steps. You're not alone in this, and there are avenues for support as you navigate your health concerns. Please take care of yourself, and reach out for help.