I did another (private) blood test a few months ago, to see whether my "kitchen sink" routine was having any effect.
The vitamin D was now optimal, and my Folate (previously very very low) was slightly less low - still deficient. The B12 had improved a little, but that doesn't mean much as it measures whats in the blood, not what is getting to the cells. The protein supplements don't appear to have made any difference to the thyroid, but it's possible that the still-low folate and likely absorption issues are preventing them from working.
The slippery elm and marshmallow supplements are helping with the digestive issues and I haven't taken a PPI for months (although I have been close to giving in a few times).
Following on from this, I started on a Folate supplement about 7 weeks ago. I found it quite difficult to find ones that didn't have fillers in. I found some in the US, a brand I've also used for Vitamin D3. While I was waiting for those to arrive I found a british company doing a spinach based Folate supplement which diodn't have any additives, so I've bneen using that. It's made a noticeable difference.
Initially, like the Vitamin D protocol and the CPAP/Nightshift treatments before it, the change was gradual. The first definable difference I noticed was one afternoon -I had no tinnitus! It was only temporary, lasting a few hours, but it was bliss.
It hasn't cured the tinnitus, but I now have the joy of occasional tinnitus-free time. When my tinnitus is present, it's often (but by no means always) much less than previously.
Up until thios morning, I would have said that was the only real symptom I'd had of the folate making any difference. However, when I look back over the last couple of months (and writing the last few blog entries have helped me do that) I realise that I've definitely had a bit more energy, my mood is a little better, and I feel a bit more resiliant. Physically, I'm not sure I can do much more than I could before, ad I don't think it has noticeably fixed the muscle or pain issues that I have.
But it's a promising start. I'll carry on like this for a while, and then I'll get another test done and see where I'm at and what else I could/should try.
