[melsreturn]

This question is mostly for the doc. I believe I have a thiamine deficiency. Here are a few things I have noticed:

*horrible memory
*extreme fatigue
*tingling in right leg for 2 yrs
*foot drop aka slimmers paralysis in right foot though after taking B complex it went away 2 yrs ago, tingling remained however
*recently, my left leg has gone numb and has a tingling sensation when I rub my finger across it

My PCP has done lab work including folic acid and b12. He has not done thiamine and says since the folic acid & b12 were fine, he does not think it is a thiamine issue. He is sending me to a neurologist July 13th as he said it could be signs of MS. HOWEVER, all the signs point to a b1 deficiency in my opinion. I have talked this over with my gastric doctor for the past 2 years, every visit. He says that it is not a thiamine deficiency as well because of my b vitamin labworks Yet no one has or will take the thiamine or micronutrient analysis.

I started today taking 100 mg of thiamine. I am hoping that this will help. How long does it take for this to start working?

[kimtindall]

I would still see the neurologist...just in case!!! Very smart to start the B1. I have been taking 250 mg a day since the week after my surgery. That was scared into me by my surgeon!

[clancythecamper]

What's the big deal about ordering labs for you? You pay for it, so why not just write the script? Perhaps when you see the Neuro, he/she will order it for you.

[DocSanae]

Sorry to hear what's going on.
Vitamin deficiencies can sneak up on you, and seeing how far out you are, you should insist on a COMPLETE vitamin panel plus a COMPLETE minor minerals panel as well. Even if you are supplementing, there always is the possibility that it may not be enough due to the reduced total food intake.
Not only VB1,2,6,12 and other vitamins, but deficiencies of minor minerals such as copper and zinc can cause some neurological symptoms.
Also take into consideration the possibility of osteoporosis, which could cause spinal symptoms through compression fracture and/or herniated disks.
So, yes, you should be seen by a neurologist and have him consider every possibility INCLUDING some kind of deficiency, even if your lab results seem to be good.
(((((HUGS)))))

P.S. If it is thiamin deficiency it may take a month of more before you notice any difference, as it will take time to replenish the repleated stores and then the repairs start.