Neuropathy

[Caze]

I am experiencing neuropathy in feet and hands. I have Hashimotos and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2009 but my diabetes is controlled through diet and my blood tests have been within normal range for several years. I understand neuropathy can be a symptom of the hypothyroidism and wondered if others on the forum had experienced this problem and if it was resolved.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Do you have a copy of your latest blood results to share with us?

When testing on NDT its important to split your dose into smaller amounts and time the last dose so you take it 8-12 hours before the test.

Nerve symptoms are often due to low B12.

Being hypo gives us low stomach acid and we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food.

Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

[Caze in reply to Jaydee1507]

Many thanks for your reply. I am having blood tests next week and will post with the results.

[greygoose]

Neuropathy can be a symptom of hypo, but it can also be due to low B12. Have you had that tested recently?

[Caze in reply to greygoose]

Having it done next week.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much levothyroxine are you taking

Which brand

What vitamin supplements

my blood tests have been within normal range for several years

please add actual results and ranges

Looking at your profile page

You have Hashimoto’s and very low Ft3

Low Ft3 needs addressing and will frequently result in low vitamin levels

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with Hashimoto’s

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you taking

Low B12 is much more common as we get older

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

If on NDT or T3 ……..day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day, with last dose approximately 8-12 hours before test

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

[Caze in reply to SlowDragon]

Having blood tests next week will post with results etc.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Caze]

What vitamin supplements are you taking

if taking B complex

IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12

[SlowDragon Administrator]

as you have Hashimoto’s are you on strictly gluten free and/or dairy free diet

If not get coeliac blood test BEFORE trialing cutting gluten out

[Caze in reply to SlowDragon]

Am gluten free but not dairy.

[serenfach]

I have bad neuropathy in my feet - like walking on bubble wrap lego! Nothing seems to help, as my thyroid levels are OK and my B12 is now good after supplements. I mention it at every GP appointment and get a shrug. Now have burning feet too, which you would think I would not feel, but sometimes I feel I could fry an egg on them!

I also have raynaud's in my hands and feet, have had since a child, so lily white toes with bright red chilblains. Such a fashionable look! I spend my life in wellies so I dont scare people, well my feet dont! The rest of me is a different matter!

I hope you find something that helps. An old doctor told me that quinine would do the trick, but apart from drinking a lot of tonic water, it is difficult to get hold of!

[Caze in reply to serenfach]

Just bought a bk called reversing neuropathy. Not read it yet - hoping it gives some answers.