"B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism"

I developed pulsatille tinnitus and I also had struggled with my energy and low mood, although I am generally a positive and energetic person. My body temperature had hit an all time low of 34.5 and my low end of normal BP would sometimes be 60 over 90. By the end of the working week I could do nothing but rest.

I contacted my GP and got told to look into the symptoms of menopause. I explained that I had already been through my menopause - and referenced a blood test done when I was 50 showing this. I was in my late 50s at this time. The blood test was done but without some of the detail I requested for a full thyroid panel, as my mother and a sister have/had hypothyroidism.

My pulsatille tinnitus had made me feel suicidal at times, but I was embarrassed to mention these thoughts. No one ever asked how I was coping with it. When the blood tests came back I was told by a member of staff that everything was fine. I felt desperate. In my despair I told another sister and they found out that there are 3 causes for pulsatille tinnitus - B12 deficiency, alcoholism and a problem in a neck artery. I barely drink and although I felt dreadful I didn’t have arterial problems. So they investigated B12 deficiency. And I got my blood test results hard copy.

My blood tests showed that over 8 years my TSH had doubled, and my T4 was below the mid range. My MCV had gone from 90% of range to only just within range. I did the calculator on b12d, which indicated a trial of B12 injections would be worthwhile to see if I got a positive response or not. My sister doing the research found she had B12 deficiency (glossitis), and she told me she was already on thyroid replacement therapy. We further found out that our aunt had injections of B12 throughout her life. We both started taking high dose supplements. I was already taking some as I am mainly vegan/vegetarian.

Armed with this knowledge, I asked to discuss my blood results with the GP. My appointment was by phone as it was during the pandemic and I was given a trainee to talk to. The GP was listening to the trainee’s part of the call only. I asked for a trail of B12 and thyroid replacement and was refused both. I wouldn’t stop repeating myself, eventually the GP came on and asked if the B12 supplements were helping and I said yes but I still wanted a trial, as although I was better I still found the tinnitus hard and didn’t have much energy. The GP refused and said they wished all their patients were as well as me. No one ever asked me about my mental health.

Subsequently I started B12 injections of 1500 mcg in 1ml EOD. I discovered I had more symptoms of B12 deficiency as I improved: my colour vision improved- the world had lost colour; my dropped foot improved.

I read books on hypothyroidism and trialled different treatments. 

I was feeling much better quite quickly but it took a year to be able to do a lot without an energy collapse the next day. 3 years on I feel terrific and I am my old annoyingly energetic self.

I self-inject EOD and now take 3/4 grain NDT with an occasional extra 1/4 if required.

I avoid my GP.

I am telling my story today because I hope someone reads it and treats their patients doing differently.

To any GP with long Covid patients please look at B12. When I finally got Covid within 24 hours of a high temperature and a heavy cold my pulsatille tinnitus was back with a vengeance. I tested for Covid and it was. I  went every day with my injections for a week to get rid of the tinnitus again. So please consider a trial of B12 injections for someone.