For the last few months, I've been suffering from a lack of sensation in the balls of my feet and toes. I thought it was maybe that I was suffering from type 2 diabetes, but then I read that others have had this and it's been linked to hypothyroidism. Since reading that, I've realised that I may have other symptoms that may be due to this as well. I've been feeling tired for a long time, but first put it down to years of night shift, then a hard, stressful job. Other little niggling symptoms as well. Arthritic fingers, lots of headaches, weight gain that I'm finding it difficult to lose, difficulty in concentrating, repeated viral eye infections, lack of interest in doing things (cooking or eating healthy, gardening, housework). I wouldn't say I'm depressed but a general feeling that life is over and it's all down hill from here coupled with the feeling that I'm falling apart. Pins and needles in my hands that the GP put down to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, loss of strength in my fingers. Blurred vision (may be due to the viral infections), I've made an appointment with my GP, but can't get in for two weeks for a routine appointment. Meanwhile I'm left wondering if what I assumed was me just being lazy and old is something else.
Any thoughts on this please?
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jeknights
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If you are on metformin for the diabetes, it can deplete b12 levels. Low b12 can make you tired, with pins and needles. Low b12 is also associated with low thyroid levels, because this links to low stomach acid....
Admitted your symptoms also sound thyroid related, but i would check the b12 first.
Carpal tunnel is a common hypothyroid symptom. A lot of your symptoms can be due to low thyroid but may be due to other factors too. Confusion, pins and needles in the hand, and loss of sensation in the feet and toes can be due to B12 or calcium deficiency. Fatigue and pain may be due to low iron. Joint and bone pain can be due to low vitamin D.
Ask your GP to test thyroid function, calcium, ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate. Try to arrange an early morning fasting thyroid test (water only) as TSH is highest early and before food. Post the results and ranges (figures in brackets after results) in a new question for advice.
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