Left hand and arm pins and needles and goes to sleep ?

[Ryaan]

I used to get pins and needles in hands and arms but been SI B12 for over three years once every 2 weeks and went away and only used to happen after the 2 week period in week 3 when symptoms used to start to return.

Now I get it quite often and wondering is it B12 related or is it to do with something else.

Cholesterol is high at 7.2 and I don’t take the statins my doctor prescribes. I don’t know if it’ could be that.

( I don’t take the statins as they cause several other side effects so stopped taking them).

Any suggestions please ?

I don’t think I need more frequent jabs as I’ve been injecting 2 weekly for a long time and don’t get any other symptoms. I can usually tell when I need an injection (as symptoms start to return in week 3).

Not a major concern but I thought I’ll just ask.

[Nackapan]

I go through phases of disturbed sleep from pins and needles and legs aching.

I haven't worked out why thus happens. I have found if I Stand on the spot for too long my body doesn't like it. Don't feel it at the time but aches that night???

I've a raised cholesterol but have done for years. I've never made any connection with that. I was told my 'ratio' was olay. I'm not on statins not overweight and eat well. Geneticshe!

Perhaos get your magnesium ,sodium and potassium included on your next blood test. You are further in thsn me so hopefully will recognise if it's when an injection due. I've no set pattern yet.

Sounds odd but I did wonder with the drop in temperature in UK our bodies need to adjust??

Hope you work out a reason

[Gambit62 Administrator]

There are a lot of things that could be causing it other than B12 - and if it is only in one hand then its unlikely B12 is the only thing that is going on. Most likely is carpel tunnel - constriction as the nerve goes through a ring of cartilege and bones in the middle of your wrist - this affects the thumb through the the fourth finger. If you are having problems in your little finger then that wouldn't be carpel tunnel but could be trapped nerve in elbow or neck. Posture is definitely something that will help - as can exercises to strengthen the tendons.

Carpel tunnel can be confirmed by a nerve conduction test.

Treatments for carpel tunnel include - use of wrist braces (though not constant use as this can lead to fusing of bones and make the problem worse), cortisol injections in to the wrist (reduces swelling which can help free things up) and surgery. Physiotherapy could also help.

Physio is the normal way to go with elbow and neck issues. Suggest that you speak to your GP.

[Ryaan in reply to Gambit62]

It’s more of the little finger not the thumb to the fourth finger.

I’m surprised with the neck and elbow connection but I trust this site and the experienced people on here.

It’s more than my doctor would tell me.

Unless it’s the use of my phone or iPad as I hold it in my left hand so my arm may remain elevated for longer than I realise.

I’ve been looking for a car for my son whilst in bed on the iPad or whilst lying on my sofa on my phone......long process.

Haven’t done any exercise for years either so weakness makes sense.

I will look into it further 🔎

So Thankyou for your informative reply.

🙂

[deniseinmilden]

Like Nackapan says, I would suggest getting your potassium and magnesium levels checked as these are important for nerve transmission.

Once you have been tested its probably worth trying to really increase your dietary intake of these two minerals (Brazil nuts and that sort of thing are a good option) for a couple of weeks and see if that helps. If it does you may have your answer.

If you search online you can find a list of foods that are high in these.

If not, please ask again - there will be other possibilities.

It still get a stinging nettle feeling over my left shoulder or occasional neuropathy in my toes (especially right foot) if my supporting supplements get out of balance but I can fix it by increasing my supplements.

It's more usual to get neuropathy affecting both sides but this isn't always the case - especially if you have a bit of damage on one side from wear a tear or being particularly "one-handed".

[deniseinmilden]

Might also be worth asking for an ECG to check your blood flow and vascular system is in good order as it is your left side that is being affected.