Thyroxine /B12 Injections

[Lemondrizz1]

I would be grateful of some further advice please -

I am still feeling very unwell with many symptoms

I am currently on 100 mcg Levothyroxine with my last Medichecks BT levels of

TSH 0.06 - (0.27 - 4.2)

T4 19.1 - (12 - 22)

T3 5.87 - (3.1 - 6.8)

Because I also have a number of B12 Symptoms including neurological and my GP has started me on a course of B12 Injections EOD for 4 weeks - -

Although I did not want to change my Throxine dose at the same time - my question is please -

is it possible that the B12 injections have now had an effect on my Thyroid causing me to be over medicated on Thyroxine and should I consider reducing my dose please and if so by how much would you suggest.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Lemondrizz

[GlowCoach Administrator]

What is making you think you might be over medicated?

If anything you might need a bit more Levo now you have got B12 improved but we can't tell that without blood tests.

What were your other vitamins like and are you supplementing and with what? It will take quite a while to feel better with the B12 injections.

[Cornwaller]

I have b12 deficiency and hypothyroidism. I started thyroid meds first before b12 diagnosed. When my b12 deficiency was treated effectively most of my symptoms began to resolve however I then found I needed less thyroid medication. I found this by stopping thyroid meds for a couple of days and felt even better and then restarted at a lower level.

I realise we are all different and this may or may not work for others. However I do know a couple of people who find they need less thyroid meds once b12 is optimal.

I guess it depends is the answer and a short trial at lower doses or even no dose might provide the answer for you. If it makes things worse you can immediately return to your standard regime.

[Lunario]

If you have just started injections, it is very likely that your symptoms occurred due to an initial worsening. With B12-injections, things tend to get a bit worse before it gets better. EOD injections should be continued until no further improvement, which can take much longer than 4 weeks (esp. if you have neurological symptoms). If your doctor is not willing to prescribe you more injections, you can order B12-ampules from German online pharmacies and help yourself (like many of us do).

Regarding B12 deficiency, I can warmly suggest the Pernicious Anemia group here on healthunlocked (healthunlocked.com/pasoc).

All the best!

[Lemondrizz1 in reply to Lunario]

Thank you so much Lunario - I have read about the worsening B12 Symptoms when first starting the injections - my fear is that if I am not showing any improvement that my GP may discontinue them - he is very approachable and understanding - but maybe other pressures in the surgery ? I would feel happier if long term injections were arranged which would then take the pressure off -

Yes I do have neurological symptoms - mostly a very fizzy head , my feet and legs feel as if they are filled with iron filings - general weakness in legs and body, and difficulty walking as I constantly feel intoxicated -

I have certainly received much help from the forums and am grateful for the advice given.

Many thanks

Lemondrizz

[Sneedle in reply to Lemondrizz1]

Hi there,Sorry I can't help! Learning here as a newbie.

Do you know what your b12 latest test result was by any chance? Some of your symptoms remind me of my daughter's. Cheers.

[Lemondrizz1 in reply to Sneedle]

Thank you Sneedle -

My last B12 BT results were from Medichecks in January and were Active B12 147

Which seems to be at the top of the range - but it has been suggested that I may have Functional B12 deficiency - where it can appear that your levels are good - but that the B12 is not getting into your cells/tissues owing to a problem with the proteins that help transport vitamin B12 between cells.

The suggested treatment is continuous EOD B12 injections -

I hope this helps -

Lemondrizz

[Lunario in reply to Lemondrizz1]

Maybe this link could be helpful. You could print the PDF file, mark the parts that concern you, and show it to your doctor. Your doctor should accept this paper as it is from a reliable and well-known source.

mcpiqojournal.org/article/S...

[Sneedle]

Thanks yes every little bit of info does help - feed it into the matrix (could do with a better matrix 😀but nevermind it's early days, I'm learning) and bear it in mind. I'm guessing then your doctor has determined, on your symptoms alone (because your blood level is at top of range) that you need injections? ie it's not caused by anything else? My daughter talks about feeling drunk and the fizzy head. We don't have active b12 results but she is 55%% through the range for inactive b12. And an appalling 0.2% through the folate range arrgh. Still researching at the moment. I'm sorry you're feeling so rough and hope you get some answers here to help you decide.

[D9d9]

You need to know what your Folate levels are together with Iron and potassium. These are all co factors for B12 and are needed in high enough levels for the B12 to work. When on eod injections they recommend taking Folate or folic acid as you will be using it up. Also Ferritin needs to be in upper three quarters of range for it to work. You will also be using up Potassium. They dont recommend supplementing with Potassium but to get it through diet ie sweet potatoes, bananas, coconut water etc.

[Lemondrizz1 in reply to D9d9]

Thank you so much D9d9 -

I have some BT's booked for Monday am which includes Folate and Ferritin with Iron Studies. -

I am also suffering from Raised Ferritin Levels - 715 with Tsats of 59% which no one can explain - so I am wondering if with the B12 injections if these will have reduced ?

ie - as the B12 levels increase - maybe the Ferritin Levels will reduce ??

Hopefully I will get the results by mid week and if so, it will increase my chances of being able to continue with the B12 injections.

Many thanks

Lemondrizz