B vits

[Fizzwhizz]

I think I need to start taking b vits again as feeling very foggy brained, apathetic etc. I stopped as ineggus b complex seemed to be exacerbating a pain under my right rib. I stopped taking them and the pain ceased. I tried one tablet again last week and the pain returned. I’ve had a chest x ray and abdomen ultrasound and they both look ok. Blood tests haven’t shown anything specific either. Any suggestions on another brand of b vits to try please? I’ve been put on armour thyroid 1 1/2 grains and have been taking that for a month now and am actually feeling worse currently. I have no appetite so I know it’s catch 22 with vitamins and I need to book bloods etc and formulate a plan of action but it’s really hard to do when I’m feeling so low. I’m having private thyroid treatment but unfortunately the appointments aren’t easy to get and so my next private appointment is end of July. Thanks

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

B complex suggestions: Slightly cheaper options with inactive B6:

amazon.co.uk/Liposomal-Soft...

Contains B6 as P5P an active form:

bigvits.co.uk/thorne-resear...

healf.com/products/basic-b-...

Explanation about the different forms of B6:

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

B complex comparison spreadsheet:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

retest thyroid levels after 6 weeks on current dose Armour

[Fizzwhizz in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks, I will but I’m thinking I’m anaemic again. Finally I recognise the symptoms from before I began thyroid meds. I was very low on folate then. I’m thinking about supplementing that again plus b12 and then getting tested. Hopefully that will help and won’t cause the side pain. I can’t think straight with the brain fog and tiredness to make sensible decisions. I’m back to just about scraping through the day functioning again and no more. Having no appetite was a symptom I now remember from the previous anaemia. That’s not helping.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Fizzwhizz]

Well you are only on low dose Armour and as it contains T3 requires fine dose control because your TSH now likely very low or suppressed

assuming you need next income

Dose is increased slowly up by 1/4 grain daily

[Fizzwhizz in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks Slow I’m on 1 1/2 tablets (grains) one am half pm. It’s 60MG. I read online that 60-120 is a rough maintenance dose, above 180 shows likely not absorbing. When I had my private GP appointment in May she said I could either try levo or armour. I asked her advice and she said armour had a bit of both so recommended that.

I feel so dreadful I wish I’d tried levo now. About a month prior to my appointment I was having a flare I suspect and feeling on top of things. Now I don’t. I just don’t know what to do for the best. I can’t get through to the clinic and they’re busy. They were going to leave me for a review in August!!! Though I read on here a new patient to levo was given an NHS retest appointment in 12 months time.

I can order bloods for 2 weeks time as I’ll have been on them current armour dose 6 weeks then. I have a feeling though that my loss of appetite, lethargy, flatness is to do with vitamins. Last test I was deficient in folate but after supplementing my GP told me I was above range so I stopped. I seem to be tolerating the flote and vit b12 I’m taking now. I’m also menopausal (55) but after 5 years of faffing around, at expense, with HRT I really don’t think my that’s an issue or my most pressing one. I feel the private menopause GP was a pretty poor service really.

So, do I persevere with this private clinic, which is online, try find another functional doctor who cares and will look at everything (I’m thinking wity the autoimmune element there’s more going on and my antibodies were high) and see me more regularly to try get me on track or kinda go it alone with support on here. The NHS won’t treat me as I’m within range.

I’m just so confused and drained. Do you mean 1/4 tablet daily increase? I can’t get my head around that? I was assuming at my next appointment in August they’ll likely just up me to two tablets. That’s a long time to continue feeling awful.

Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Fizzwhizz]

NDT doesn’t suit everyone and is MUCH more expensive than levothyroxine

Are you in U.K.?

Please add age, gender and country on your profile

Any replacement thyroid hormones, do exactly that……they replace your own thyroid. They do NOT top up your own thyroid levels……Especially any that contain T3 (like NDT) will dramatically reduce TSH, in effect shutting your own thyroid output down pretty quickly

There’s almost 2 million people in U.K. on levothyroxine and it costs approximately £1 per pack to NHS for all tablet sizes (except 75mcg and 12.5mcg tablets are a bit more expensive)

Standard STARTER dose levothyroxine is 50mcg. Dose is increased SLOWLY upwards in 25mcg steps over 6-12 months, retesting 6-8 weeks after each increase

You won’t ever get NDT on NHS.

But, if necessary, you might get Liothyronine (T3) prescribed if Ft3 remains low once on full dose levothyroxine.

Many U.K. members eventually get small dose of T3 prescribed alongside levothyroxine

But first steps are always to get all four vitamins tested and improved to optimal as this improves how we tolerate any replacement thyroid hormones

NDT is usually increased in 1/4 grain steps.

[Fizzwhizz in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SD, I added info but I’m 55 in UK and getting private treatment as according to NHS all’s in range other than antibodies (which are high).

Maybe I made the wrong choice by going for NDT. We did discuss levo but GP said not everyone gets on with that and NDT whilst expensive offers a bit of both. I didn’t fully think through my own thyroid shutting down on these meds but GP seemed to suggest it was probably not in very good shape anyway. Maybe I should have tried levo first but I asked for her opinion and it was the NDT.

My B vitamins are likely low as ineggus b complex seems to give me pains and so I’m currently on vitD, vitb12 and jarrows methylated folate. I need to book a test for week 6, check my levels and then decide what to do next. Just wish I wasn’t feeling so weird. It’s like a slowness, fuzzy thinking, apathy, lethargy and I have zero appetite or interest in anything. It sounds like menopause but after being on HRT for 5 years and feeling increasingly worse I don’t think it is. Thanks for helping me figure things out.

[CoeliacMum1]

I have episodes of under rib right side pain and likewise had scans at times think it’s muscular. I now think mines digestive related.

Your ascending colon is around there amongst other things but your ultrasound might of picked those up eg kidney gallbladder etc… there’s a few things it could be.

For me I think its digestive and triggered by sensitivity to various things but even fatty good coffee and basic things can trigger.

I noticed increased symptoms with various brands of Levothyroxine and supplements I took…I get it also when more constipated and bloated so I think it’s irritable bowel related.

I can’t help re b vitamins brand but look so ones that are methyl type, not synthetic and clean as can be without fillers that are known to possibly irritate digestive system.

[Fizzwhizz in reply to CoeliacMum1]

Thanks, I’m not sure what’s causing mine. I wondered initially if mine was muscular but now I don’t think so. It’s like a sharp stabbing stitch like pain. Intermittent. I definitely felt the b vit complex seemed to trigger it. I was scared it was gallbladder/nafld or similar. It still could be I suppose. I felt better taking the b vits but obviously I can’t. I’m so foggy brained and lethargic currently and feeling sorry for myself. It’s hard to dig yourself out of this hole when you’re not sure if your body’s accepting of supplements or not. I’m going to try methylated folate and b 12 again and see if that helps in the short term without triggering the pain. I’m back with symptoms of anaemia now I think.

[CoeliacMum1 in reply to Fizzwhizz]

Mine can be a low grade ache like a muscle or left feeling bruised for many weeks but I have had sharp pains.

I have seen Gastroenterologist about it nothing was found to be problematic and being coeliac you can get Splenic flexure syndrome mostly felt in left but you can also get hepatic flexure on right side - right colic flexure otherwise called … mostly caused by gas being trapped on the bends of your colon… but usually look at gallbladder to rule out.

If it’s coming and going might be digestive but do see GP get referred to gastroenterologist if persistent.

[Fizzwhizz in reply to CoeliacMum1]

Thanks, sometimes mine felt generally sore but mostly it was stabbing pains. Fortunately it’s not happening at the moment. I doubt my GP would refer and I’m not sure I could cope with a referral anyway currently tbh. I’m feeling low grade deranged with either the thyroid meds or actually as I suspect now reoccurring anaemia symptoms. I can’t explain it, it’s like brain fog but also a slowness processing things, I’m not fully able to trust my own judgment so everything feels overwhelming. I was recently referred to an NHS endo who ordered the x rays etc but didn’t believe I had thyroid issues other than antibodies. I’ve since gone privately for thyroid treatment but now it seems I’m on the meds but having other problems. I’m just hoping the vitamins kick in and I regain some mental clarity so I can pick my way through things and self advocate.

[CoeliacMum1 in reply to Fizzwhizz]

Certain Anaemias can cause digestive issues as can anxiety which think we all dip into at times being gaslighted by medical professionals these days … they don’t seem to realise they exacerbate people’s problems.

Unfortunately at moment it seems if you don’t tick those boxes re guidelines and no drug to give it’s on your way … it’s just one of those things . 🤦🏻‍♀️🙄

[Fizzwhizz in reply to CoeliacMum1]

It’s rubbish isn’t it? It’s not even easy/possible to get good private treatment unless you’re lucky and genned up in my opinion as to what’s wrong and whose the best person to see and private clinics are busy too.

I think the ‘automimmune’ element is starting to sink in but it’s really difficult to take good care of ourselves with the general demands of life. I’ve been running on empty/low for at least a decade. I thought it was menopause but actually I think it was thyroid and autoimmune issues.

[lovedoncebefore]

HiI was taking Igneus b complex plus ubiquinol but unfortunately they contain Glycerol and polyglycerol which I react badly to. You may be the same? I couldn't work out what was going on and I need a b vit complex as I am low due to other food allergies and intolerance to wheat eggs dairy soya the list goes on so I feel pretty dreadful most of the time. Confusion brain fog exhaustion extreme tiredness insomnia again another too long a list. I choose igneus brand thinking it had less additives and fillers but unfortunately glycerol and polyglycerol do not agree with me at all. Just a thought incase you maybe reacting too. I'm currently searching for a b vit complex without these ingredients and free of additives it's not easy finding good clean health products.

[lovedoncebefore]

Ps look at wild nutrition food based b12 I'm taking that and looking for a good complex I reacted to their energy support so can't take that but the b12 I'm fine with and it's food based no nasties in it. Good luck

[Fizzwhizz in reply to lovedoncebefore]

Thanks for replying. Sorry you’ve had problems as well. I’m really grateful it’s not just me as my mood is so flat and my brain so foggy I’m feeling slightly unhinged. When I’m on my game I’m reasonably competent so it feels a bit scary to be trying to make sensible health based decisions. I’m not aware I’m intolerant to specific things, although my antibodies are pretty high, but I have no appetite which is obviously isn’t helpful. I had a methylated folate tablet and some vit b12 this morning and am hoping I can tolerate those and they start to lift me up a bit. I was only taking one inegus b complex not the two recommended either. It just feels a nightmare. You take something to resolve one thing and another pops up. I was told by GP to stop taking flite as I was above range but now I think judging by symptoms the problem has resurfaced. I’m having private thyroid treatment but it’s not easy to get appointments with them to discuss. I just feel like I’m going around in circles. Thanks for the tips on what works for you. Good luck too. Thanks

[lovedoncebefore in reply to Fizzwhizz]

I only took one igneus b vit too. The nhs base and top line guides for blood results are often way out and other EU countries treat at the low levels the nhs says is normal. I read all I can and learn as much as I possible can but I have had to pay privately to gain a better understanding of what is going on health wise. I spoke to Dr Frey about my private thyroid blood test and although I'm not coverting T4 T3 he feels I need to seek gut health advice and to look at adrenal function. I have low iron 34 hemocrit and low hemoglobin but the ngs gp say it's low but normal. I started taking 3 arrows food based iron I started at just one capsule. It's definitely helping but early days. My b12 was only measured by my gp as total b12 and we need to know our serum b12 which my nhs gp does not check.Have a look at this book written by Michael T Murray. Natural Meficine third edition has lots of very useful information and help and guidance. I'm totally alone with no support or help when I am having bad flares I have fibromyalgia and osteoporosis and auto immune olp tmj. I'm a bloody nightmare. Lol

I'll try to add a photo of the front page of the book.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to lovedoncebefore]

So far as I can see, the actual B12 is produced (like all commercial B12) in tanks of microorganisms (probably bacteria) - then fed to yeast so that they can take it into their cells and the company can then call it food based.

I am not aware of any yeast which can itself synthesise B12.

Of course, you might have any number of reasons for choosing this product. But it is an expensive approach to obtaining B12.

[Fizzwhizz in reply to helvella]

Thanks. I’m currently taking Nature Provides b12. That’s v expensive. I don’t care as long as it helps and doesn’t make me sick. It’s a nightmare trying to pick your way through all of this and start to feel better. 😢

[lovedoncebefore in reply to helvella]

Thank you for your reply. I react to so many supplements and so far ok with this one.

[Fizzwhizz in reply to lovedoncebefore]

I’m hoping I don’t react to the one I’m on. In addition to everything else the testing, the prescription, private consultations, the vitamins are expensive too, especially if trial and error. It’s so complicated especially when we’re not feeling strong to cope with it all and feeling somewhat desperate…..

[lovedoncebefore in reply to Fizzwhizz]

I know that feeling too well. Some days my confusion and brain fog really concerns me. I've got so many Dr mercola and other vits & supplements half used I could open a health store. It's very expensive but I also had allergy testing and I do have high histamine issues which doesn't help matters. Have you looked into having a gut microbiome test for I.E Sibo? I'm doing that next but again in the hundreds £ to go the private route. It's frustrating and expensive but I still live in hope I will resolve some of my health issues if not in part at least. I just about cope but feel like I am hanging on with a thread 🥴