b12 deficiency

[heldo18]

hello, is there anyone here that knows anything about the nuero effects of a b12 def?

[jcc]

Rose will be along shortly.

Meanwhile, here is her website about B12 deficiency~
http://roseannster.googlepages.com/home


Meanwhile, these are good sources, too:

eMedicine link on vitamin B12 associated neurological diseases (http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic439.htm):


eMedicine on Nutritional Neuropathy (http://www.emedicine.com/NEURO/topic278.htm)

AAFP on Vitamin B12 Deficiency (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030301/979.html)

Subacute combined degeneration: clinical, electrophysiological, and magnetic resonance imaging findings JNNP (http://jnnp.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/65/6/822)

Here are the symptoms I had with my B12 deficiency, but not everyone will have the same symptoms~
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/b12deficiencysymptoms


Hope this is enough to get you started.

Cara

[rose]

Do you have some specific questions? What are your symptoms/signs?

rose

[heldo18]

Hi thanks for replying. Well 8 months ago I had very tight neck and tingling in face which wasn't very nice. Went to docs, he said I was anxious!

I am hoping all my symptpms are from b12 def and nothing more sinister, i worry bout all sortsd

Left it at that for a while, it came and went. Anyway in late july I got it back, this time i felt weak and very tired. off balance, left side not going wihth right side. They tested my b12, came back at level of 65. Been off work a month now, so so tired and need to go to bed during day. Headaches seem bad, and tirdness is not going even tho I started injections 3 weeks ago. I am also getting electric wave feelings through my body, thought perhaps that was the healing process abit? cant handle tiredness tho. I am seeming a heamotoligist 2moro.

Thanks for replying xx i live in scotland.

[heldo18]

Thanks Cara, this is really interesting. It's scary how ill it makes one feel. I was thinking there must be more to it than this deffi but it seems it can be responsible for all these horrible symptoms. I have had 8 injections but I am still house bound as get so tired. My level is 65. I really thought after 8 injections I would be much better?

x Helen

[rose]

Darn. I posted quite a bit, but it didn't show up.

Since then I posted a B12 information thread, so I hope you will do some reading there and then come back here to ask specific questions.

It sounds likely that your problems do stem from B12 deficiency. I hope it was caught in time for you to repair all over time.

Eight weeks is a very short time when it is likely that deficiency has been injuring you for a long time. Some people have a pleasant response within days, but most take a bit longer, and some can take a very long time.

Also, yes, strange sensations and other odd or increased symptoms can be due to repair process.

rose

[Cry Tears]

Helen....I know the desperate feeling you must be having.
Hang in there....you will start to feel better one of these days.
Read all you can regarding B12 Deficiency.
Thank God for Rose! She's saved a lot of lives!
I'm a perfect example of B12 deficiency. I found BT and Roses information just in time.
But it's not been easy and there are times I feel I'm going backwards, but this last only a short time.
Blessings, Cheryl

[heldo18]

Hello again,:D :D

Hope everyine ok. I am feeling so much better. Had 10 odd injections now and althought the doctors won't admit it I think I was feeling so unwell due to my defficiency. I have had a clear mri scan which was a great relief. And am waiting on an appoinment for nerve conduciton tests. The only mystery now is the reason for my folate and b12 def. They have done the malabsorption tests and they were neg. Which is really good but I think the reason for def is going to remain a mystery. I'm not sure what to do about injections etc or whether it was just a one off and I will be fine now.

Any ideas anyone?

H x

[jcc]

If it helps you any, I have never found a definitive reason for my B12 deficiency. My celiac disease and pernicious anemia antibody tests were all negative.

So, I do think it is worthwhile to consider why you were B12 deficient, and run some tests looking at the most common causes, especially ones that might require further treatment (like celiac disease). I know I've read that pernicious anemia antibody tests are negative in up to 25%. Is there family history of autoimmune disease?

BUT, you may never know the absolute reason. I still don't. Don't make it a life quest to figure it out, but I think its good to ask the question, look a little bit and run a few tests, and then keep your ears open in the future to things which might explain it as it may apply to other health related problems of your own or other family members.

I almost missed your most important question. NEVER assume this is a one time fluke, and that bringing your level up to normal range will correct things for all time. You would likely be able to stop the shots, and maintain your B12 level with oral supplements like many of us do (1000-2000mcg daily). I've never had a B12 shot... my supplementing has all been oral.

You should keep a close watch on your B12 level until you are condifident is upper range or above, and [I]staying there....and after that checking it every 2-3 years. My doctor was checking it every three months until it hit upper range, and then every year, and now it hasn't been tested for several years but I am confident it remains high as I am faithful to my supplements and symptom free.

A b12 level of 65 is very low (assuming standard reference ranges...do you know what the reference range was??? usually round 150-1100)... you don't ever want to risk that happening again!! Most people who need B12 need it for life.

Cara

[rose]

all of Cara's suggestions.

:)

rose

[heldo18]

Hi Cara,

Sorry it took me a while to get back the range was 188-1059 so 65 was pretty low. My gp started me on folate about a month before I got any b12 treatment as well so my level possible dropped even lower!:eek:

Thanks

[rose]

To begin someone on folic acid without plenty of B12, especially with that kind of reading. Little surprises me anymore, but that is beyond the pale. :mad: The least educated doctor should know that.

I would stay clear of that one.

rose