PIP-joints deforming, ganglions, CTS, underactive thyroid....?

[Jocelin]

Hi all,

Since a few years I have problems with my hands/fingers. My PIP-joints in 4 fingers deformed and my hands lose mobility/flexibility. I also have CTS in both wrists. I cannot make a fist anymore, meaning in daily life it gets more difficult to get a good grip on things in my hands. Especially at night my hands feel weary, tingling. It causes bad sleep. A recently made MRI showed very minor osteoarthritis, but various joint ganglions and cysts in both hands, and a bit of bone edema. Last week I also discovered that the SC-joint (connecting clavicle with sternum) is deforming/thickening. I'm quite worried where this leads to. No diagnosis yet. Reumatologist does not recognise it yet as a known rheumatic condition. Neurologist sees no neurological problems. Plastic surgery seems the only option for removing some surface ganglions and the CTS. I also have diabetes type 1 (well regulated with an insulin pump) and an underactive thyroid function using levothyroxine and liothyronine (synthetic T4 and T3). I still have hypothyroid complaints despite good lab results. I wonder if the synthetic drugs, or injust medication dose, can be causing these joint problems. Is there anyone who recognises this joint condition, with or without thyroid abnormalities, and has had succesful treatments or tips or advice?

Your reaction is most welcome!

Thanks,

Jocelyn

[eeng]

Have you had your Vitamin B12 level tested recently? If not it might be a good idea to get it tested long with Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate. You may be supoptimal on some of these. Hopefully someone else more knowledgeable will reply to your post soon.

[Jocelin in reply to eeng]

Thanks for your reply, eeng. A year ago all of these were tested and found normal. I have been eating vegan/vegetarian with lots of vegetables, seeds and nuts for years, however. And I do not know if that has resulted in a long term effect/disclosure of deficiencies. Since a year I lowered my carbs and added eggs and yoghurt and some cheese to my diet. And for over 20 years I always have used and still use a strong very complete multivitamin/mineral supplement. I'd be happy to learn if you, or someone else here, think that there still can be a deficiency?

[Marz in reply to Jocelin]

What were those normal results ? Was your VitD above 100 - B12 above 500 - Folate and Ferritin mid-range ? Are you supplementing B12 - if so which one and how much ? When Docs say normal - they mean in range - but it is where you are in those ranges that is the key to feeling well ...

[Jocelin in reply to Marz]

Hi Marz,

Thanks for replying to my questions. Vit D was 156 (50-113), B12 was 398 (110-560), folate 36 (5-21) and ferritin 25 (6-85). The B12 supplement form is cyanocobalamine and I take 175 mcg per day. Furthermore, my hemoglobine, of which I thought indicated also the iron status, is 8,6 (7,5-10). And a value that always is very low, and of which I have not found any adequate explanation yet, is my AF (alkaline phosphatase) which is 38 (40-130).

With what you described, do you suggest to try what the effect is of more B12? Or another form? Also more iron?

[Marz in reply to Jocelin]

You could try the Methylcobalamin B12 - Jarrow Lozenges on Amazon - they are often mentioned here. A level of 500 may be better for you. VitD looks good.

Ferritin - stored iron - could do with a nudge upwards . Folate is over range - have you looked into that - sorry I am not able to help with the alkaline phosphatase.

[Jocelin in reply to Marz]

Thanks, Marz, for all your helpful tips and suggestions. I go take a look at the methylcobalamin and try to find out what causes or relationships there are that cause high folate. I took a look at your profile also, and highly regard you in the way you have searched to find the best path for yourself! Sharing your personal experience here is of high value for people like me! Super!