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Hello- I Have CIDP And Get Monthly Infusions IVIG. I
Question: Hello-
I have CIDP and get monthly infusions IVIG. I generally have high inflammation. I am pesce-vegetarian- eat eggs, cheese, dairy, nuts, and supplement (e.g. zinc, iron, b12, etc).
About 9 months ago, I started losing my hair at much higher levels than normal (noticed in shower and previously rarely did) and it continues. Dermatologist believed its distilled thinning by examination and indicated there are multiple potential reasons associated with this (stress, or inflammation, or underlying health). After hearing my other symptoms (below), blood tests were run to that showed that my TSH, T3 and T4 (although low) were normal, but my antibodies were higher than acceptable range. I have an appointment with an endocronologist to rule out early stage hashimotos. I've also established an appointment with my MD to discuss in 2 weeks, but in the interim, ordered supplemental blood tests drawn at a reputable lab. I am awaiting the CMP and transferrin results, but am a bit alarmed on the hematacrit and hemoglobin results since my iron stores seem to be ok. My B12 always come up mid range- last tested 2 months ago.
Symptoms:
Extreme Brain Fog
Fatigue- I am done by 3 PM- when it used to be 8 PM with CIDP
Don't wake up refresh
Memory issues
I thought this was thyroid related and maybe some of it is..
Tests ordered- direct to consumer.
% Saturation 19, Ferritin 106, Iron Binding 343, Iron Total 66
Platelet Count 357 (Normal range)
Low
Hematocrit % 34.2
Hemoglobin 11.6 g.dl
Green/Normal Range-
MCH, MCHC, MCV, MPV, RDW, RBC
Vitamin D
Thyroid and other tests ordered by Dermatologist
In acceptable range
T4= 8.0
T3, Total 121
Histone antibodies ,1.0
Ana SCreen, IFA- Negative
High:
Thyroglobulin Antibodies- 12
TPO- 15
Sed Rate by Modified Westergren 45- High
C-Reactive Protein- 9.10- High
Any suggestions that I should follow up with when I see my MD?
Rectal issues have run in the family and I was advised in my last colonoscopy (due this year again) that I have polyps. I received a notice/reminder than I am due for a check in.
I have CIDP and get monthly infusions IVIG. I generally have high inflammation. I am pesce-vegetarian- eat eggs, cheese, dairy, nuts, and supplement (e.g. zinc, iron, b12, etc).
About 9 months ago, I started losing my hair at much higher levels than normal (noticed in shower and previously rarely did) and it continues. Dermatologist believed its distilled thinning by examination and indicated there are multiple potential reasons associated with this (stress, or inflammation, or underlying health). After hearing my other symptoms (below), blood tests were run to that showed that my TSH, T3 and T4 (although low) were normal, but my antibodies were higher than acceptable range. I have an appointment with an endocronologist to rule out early stage hashimotos. I've also established an appointment with my MD to discuss in 2 weeks, but in the interim, ordered supplemental blood tests drawn at a reputable lab. I am awaiting the CMP and transferrin results, but am a bit alarmed on the hematacrit and hemoglobin results since my iron stores seem to be ok. My B12 always come up mid range- last tested 2 months ago.
Symptoms:
Extreme Brain Fog
Fatigue- I am done by 3 PM- when it used to be 8 PM with CIDP
Don't wake up refresh
Memory issues
I thought this was thyroid related and maybe some of it is..
Tests ordered- direct to consumer.
% Saturation 19, Ferritin 106, Iron Binding 343, Iron Total 66
Platelet Count 357 (Normal range)
Low
Hematocrit % 34.2
Hemoglobin 11.6 g.dl
Green/Normal Range-
MCH, MCHC, MCV, MPV, RDW, RBC
Vitamin D
Thyroid and other tests ordered by Dermatologist
In acceptable range
T4= 8.0
T3, Total 121
Histone antibodies ,1.0
Ana SCreen, IFA- Negative
High:
Thyroglobulin Antibodies- 12
TPO- 15
Sed Rate by Modified Westergren 45- High
C-Reactive Protein- 9.10- High
Any suggestions that I should follow up with when I see my MD?
Rectal issues have run in the family and I was advised in my last colonoscopy (due this year again) that I have polyps. I received a notice/reminder than I am due for a check in.
Brief Answer:
TFT is normal but treatment for autoimmune thyroiditis needs to be considered
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on Ask A Doctor service.
The lab reports posted by you are within normal biological range except Anti-TPO. Anti TPO is detected in autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimotos thyroiditis. Hashimotos thyroiditis is characterised by hyperthyroidism initially followed by hypothyroidism. Treatment is directed towards blocking of the autoantibodies.
Thyroid disorders are characterized by wide spread symptoms. Loss of hair and fogginess can occur in thyroid disorders. However, the thyroid function tests (TFt) are normal currently, they need to be monitored regularly.
Since, there is concurrent CIDP - polyneuropathy can also lead to memory issues and fogginess.
CRP is high which suggests an underlying inflammatory condition.
I suggest you to ask whether to continue treatment of CIDP and to consult your physician for treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis / Hashmotos thyroiditis.
Since you have family history of rectal polyps, kindly proceed with colonoscopy as suggested by your doctor.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
TFT is normal but treatment for autoimmune thyroiditis needs to be considered
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on Ask A Doctor service.
The lab reports posted by you are within normal biological range except Anti-TPO. Anti TPO is detected in autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimotos thyroiditis. Hashimotos thyroiditis is characterised by hyperthyroidism initially followed by hypothyroidism. Treatment is directed towards blocking of the autoantibodies.
Thyroid disorders are characterized by wide spread symptoms. Loss of hair and fogginess can occur in thyroid disorders. However, the thyroid function tests (TFt) are normal currently, they need to be monitored regularly.
Since, there is concurrent CIDP - polyneuropathy can also lead to memory issues and fogginess.
CRP is high which suggests an underlying inflammatory condition.
I suggest you to ask whether to continue treatment of CIDP and to consult your physician for treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis / Hashmotos thyroiditis.
Since you have family history of rectal polyps, kindly proceed with colonoscopy as suggested by your doctor.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Brief Answer:
Hb and HCT are low. Iron studies suggested.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to again,
Th hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) are low.
Since you had anemia with low iron and saturation, I suggest you to get iron studies and ferritin again,
In addition, I suggest peripheral blood smear examination to look for type of anemia.
Kindly, post all these reports for interpretation.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Hb and HCT are low. Iron studies suggested.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to again,
Th hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) are low.
Since you had anemia with low iron and saturation, I suggest you to get iron studies and ferritin again,
In addition, I suggest peripheral blood smear examination to look for type of anemia.
Kindly, post all these reports for interpretation.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you very much. It's relieving to have direction on these symptoms and there seems to be consensus on the likely culprit. I will bring my labs to my upcoming appointments as a start.
CIDP definitely brought my energy level to a new normal. I secured accommodations (on what could be achieved in a day) and have been on a steady stream of that for 4 years. Recently these new symptoms have made daily life largely challenging. It's like piling on; so a protocol/treatment on the underlying thyroid issues should help.
Question-
Confirming whether there is any supplemental action to the labs below (e.g- can we rule out anemia?).
I've had borderline anemia 5 years back, but this was before my supplement routine and the lab results were different (iron and saturation were on low range back then).
Are they in acceptable range?
Hematocrit % 34.2
Hemoglobin 11.6 g.dl
Marked red (low) on the report.
Best,
CIDP definitely brought my energy level to a new normal. I secured accommodations (on what could be achieved in a day) and have been on a steady stream of that for 4 years. Recently these new symptoms have made daily life largely challenging. It's like piling on; so a protocol/treatment on the underlying thyroid issues should help.
Question-
Confirming whether there is any supplemental action to the labs below (e.g- can we rule out anemia?).
I've had borderline anemia 5 years back, but this was before my supplement routine and the lab results were different (iron and saturation were on low range back then).
Are they in acceptable range?
Hematocrit % 34.2
Hemoglobin 11.6 g.dl
Marked red (low) on the report.
Best,
Answered by
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