What tests to start with?
 

Neuro appt in October, in the meantime seeing PCP.

Can I have the PCP test for vitamin deficiencies, A1C etc? Do I need to stop any supplements ahead of time, and how far in advance of the blood panel?

Thanks!

Welcome SMOHR :Wave-Hello: I cannot help you but someone will be along.

Kitt

I'll respond from what I have done in my long life. I never have gone for any testing for neuropathy reasons....figured it out on my own, WHY, I ended up with this nerve damage I live with....a messed up hip replacement in my body 10 yrs ago.

As for deficiencies, I believe as we age we just are deficient, Our soils are so depleted and that's why they are called supplements, to replace some of what we lose.

I think it's good to get A1C checked and keep on top of that....diabetes is not a fun thing to be challenged with.

There are givens like Vit D, Vit C is also good to take every day, and in today's mess with the VIRUS, we need a strong immune system.

I believe Thryoid is good to be on top of and so many are living with hypoT and not getting support, I was in that world for 10 yrs many yrs ago.

So this is what I have to say, and again today I even know my young adult grandkids are supplementing.

For the neuropathy issue, there is SO MUCH good info in the PN group here.

Vitamin C helps with your immune system. However, it doesn't fight the Covid19 virus.

Kitt

I'll take my chances that it does fight all viruses...and even hospitals and clinics are using higher doses of Vit C during this crisis and in general. My grandgirl works in a clinic that dispenses the Vit C.

And more so, Grape Seed Extract is 50 x's more powerful than C so taking Grape Seed for 25 yrs has kept me cold and flu FREE for all these years.....

I believe it does WORK and works very well.

[QUOTE=caroline2;1287977
And more so, Grape Seed Extract is 50 x's more powerful than C [/QUOTE]

This is a very specific claim; do you have any evidence for it?

Getting a bit Off topic from the original posted question..
but I have seen the GSE vs Vit C comparison before, here's one website with info....
[Grape seeds contains mainly phenols such as proanthocyanidins (oligomeric proanthocyanidins). Scientific studies have shown that the antioxidant power of proanthocyanidins is 20 times greater than vitamin E and 50 times greater than vitamin C.]
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdfpl...31?src=recsys&

Bumping up to get back On topic.....
You may need to ask for expanded testing..some do the minimum and some will do a comprehensive panel.

I would ask what the Dr ordering the blood tests prefers for vitamins/supplements & blood work....

Two good comprehensive guidelines--
 

Quest Diagnostics: Test Directory

and

An Algorithm for the Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy - American Family Physician (The Poncelet Protocols).