Question About Blood Tests

[doni54]

Finally got a letter from my GP about the blood tests I had on 7/18/07.  She said the tests showed low B12 and Folic Acid.

She wants to start me on an injection of B12, once a week for 4 weeks.  Then once a month afterward.  She says if I don't get better she will order more workup, but she thinks this is all that's wrong with me.  This is what she gathers from a 10 minute appointment, taking nothing I said seriously, and the results of one blood test.  Gosh, if only I were so intelligent.  Sorry, I know I'm ranting.  I should have expected this after reading all the posts from all of you here.

I don't know anything about any of this, but I do know that it would be awfully odd for my B12 and Folic acid to be low for 15 years.  Oh I forget, I'm crazy!!

I guess my quest for a dx is truly underway now.  I will follow her directive so that I won't start out not doing what I am told, but I do NOT believe this is the extent of what is wrong with me.

Have any of you ever had B12 injections?  I am sure it will probably help with my fatique, anything would be an improvement.  Any input from you guys would be truly appreciated.

Thank you,
Doni

[karzme]

So did she diagnose you with anemia?? I have that, it's low iron count. Both drs I told about it, didn't suggest anything. One of my sisters, told me to take a multi-vitamin with lots of iron.

What all kinds of symptoms do you have?? So many postings here, is hard to remember all. Anemia symptoms and MS symptoms are similar for most of them. It can also cause tingling, numbness and other symptoms. I would recommend going to webmd.com and look it up. Also you can put in your symptoms and they can list possibilities. That's where I got my info on MS. Not much from first dr I saw. He was a joke. If you don't like your dr diagnosis, would also recommend seeing a different neuro. Hope this helps you some. Karina

[6-paq]

I believe it's called "pernicious anemia".  I know a friend with MS that also has pernicious anemia, but Karina is right, it has similar Sx to MS.    My friend's sister also has it ~ it runs in their family.

Hopefully the injections will make you feel better and that you can continue to search for additional answers.

Take care, Pat :)

[doni54]

She didn't say anemia just low B12 and Folic Acid.

Some of my symptoms are:

*blurred vision- started in right eye in 2004 with bright lights-always happens when I get too hot
happened on and off after first episode, now right eye always seems to have a film over it that won't clear. Some days like night before last, both eyes were so bad I couldn't see hardly anything.  Tried to read but was impossible, glasses didn't even help.

*RLS - had since I was a teen

*random pains all over body, some so sharp they take your breath away

*falls due to weakness in legs, coordination problems, dizzyness, can stub my toe and fall even on smooth ground

*migraines

*numbness in both arms, from shoulder to hands

*muscle contractions, very severe

*heaviness in arms and legs

*spasticity in arms, legs, feet and fingers,

*pain behind eyes

*facial pain

*brain fuzz

*dropped words, couple of weeks in July couldn't even carrying on a conversation this was so bad

*banding around rib cage

*heat intolerance, if I get hot I am useless for the remainder of the day I am so weak

*severe fatigue, some days I can do light work until lunch, but after that I am a goner. Some days I wake up this way and just have to try to accomplish things a little at a time and sit and rest in between

*sensitivity to some meds

*burning-itching in feet,legs,hands and arms - nothing relieves- been having this everyday for months. When I get too hot the itching burning is pronounced and so bad I want to scream.

*Severe itching inside and outside my ears, ringing in ears been constant since beginning of this year.  This week have not been able to hear well out of right ear.

*Noticed a few months ago that I have a hard time typing cause I transpose my letters, never had this problem, always been an excellent typist.

*Cold spots on legs

*Twitching in random spots over entire body

*Pain and stiffness in right shoulder, been there for a month

*Pain, numbness in base of neck down spine which sometimes moves around to midriff

*Electrical sensations different parts of body at different times

*Eyes twitching, been especially worst this week

*Yesterday started having sharp pains in lower jaw, lasted 2 hrs

Most of these symtoms I have been having off and on for the past 7-8 years.  This year has been the worse year yet with most of these symtoms happening almost on a daily bases. Fatigue and brain fuzz are at an all time high.

My time line is on here somewhere, it is listed as timeline 1 & 2. I have been working on it to tighten it up and shorten it, this was the first one I did.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Thank you
Doni

[tory2457]

Thankfully you will be getting B12 shots! Did she mention your magnesium levels? If not taking Magnesium Citrate is also a great idea.

Here are symptoms of Lyme Disease:
Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol

If you think your symptoms seem like a lot of lyme symptoms, as I think, here's a good way to find out if lyme could be a cause,,
ilads.org
lymenet.org

These sites will explain "why" testing for lyme is unreliable. Most conventional testing labs produce false negatives. Getting a blood test that Specializes in Lyme Disease is recommended!
igenex.com
This is one of only a few labs in the US that specilizes in Tick Borne Diseases. Along with Lyme are co-infectons, if you stay with your current doctor have them also along with the standard ELISA test have a Babesia and Bartonella test done...These are only a few of the many co-infections,,,and again these tests aren't all that reliable! Testing negative is VERY common. Lyme Literate Doctors diagnosis "clinically", start you on a trial basis of antibiotics and see what your response is..

Wishing you luck, don't give up, and learn all you can about Lyme Disease.
tory

[doni54]

Thanks Tory - now that I have started on this trail to dx I will research Lyme also.  My GP doesn't want to see me again for a month, so I am going to have time to check on this.

The symtoms do sound a lot like MS, I never knew that about Lyme disease.  Thanks again for all you helpful info. Take care and be well.

Doni

[karzme]

It sound like you have the symptoms of MS. Can get a second opinion though.

[doni54]

I went to the website tory recommended about Lyme, but I agree with you.  I seem to have more of the symtoms of MS than of Lyme. The progression of my symtoms seems to be MS also. I don't guess I will know for sure until all the tests are done and I finally get a final dx.

I just mainly wanted to know if any of you had taken ever taken B12 injections? I'm not much for needles and I really dread this.  I am sure it will probably give me more energy, like I said earlier any energy would be an improvement.

I was hoping Quix or Wanna might have an opinion about this.  Maybe they will have time to post later.

Thanks for your post, I hope you are feeling well.

Doni

[tory2457]

yes, I agree your symptoms do sound like MS. and because I have MS I am very aware of the symptoms...
but, maybe the question is: what's the "cause"? This is where understanding Lyme Disease can help.
Do I have MS and Lyme? I guess, that's my diagnosis anyway,,,MS is not cureable. so, with that said; what if an infection is the reason you have these similar symptoms? This is where the 2 very different thoughts come into play.
and this is where we the patient need to become our own advocates, unfortunately. Disease Modifying Drug's hope is to keep MS at bay. but they don't know what the cause is.
It shouldn't be this confusing..

[tory2457]

no problem..

It's never too late to get well!

Let us know how things go!

Most importantly, read about the flawed lyme tests--okay?
Did I mention: publichealthalert.org
This issue talks about Babesia and Bartonella..
the pdf Archives,,,June issue on page 12 explains the Western Blot...very good read!

[doni54]

Thanks, tory.  I know what you mean about being our own advocates. I should have been doing more to find out what has been wrong with me all these years, before it reached this level of discomfort.

I'm not going to give up the search for a dx this time.  I appreciate everyone's thoughts and intend to keep up my research on both Lyme and MS until I can be correctly dx.

Doni

[oncetri]

I have been going through much of the same things as everyone here.

I was told by my neurologist that I had a low B12 count, but that it was not low enough to be considered anemic.  It was just concerning.  So he put me on a B12 supplment and is continuing to test for both Lymes and MS.  I also was diagnosed by my PCP with anemia due to iron deficiency, but iron supplementation has not made the symptoms cease, so my neurologist does not believe the anemia is the cause.

He said that the symptoms often mask each other, but, like Tory said, he wanted to find the root cause of the symptoms and treat that.  It's the only way to ensure that I receive the proper treatment and can start to feel better.

[doni54]

I hope you are feeling better.  I will get my B12 and folic acid scripts filled today and see if that helps.  Any improvement of this fatigue would be a plus.

I read some about B12 deficiency and was surprised because I don't drink alcohol, I eat many things that would supply the needed B vitamins.  Don't know why I have this problem, but I guess I will just do as I'm told by my GP and maybe feel a little better.

[Super_sally888]

Hi Doni,

the B12 shots won't be so bad.... It definitely won't hurt.  B12 deficiency can also mimic some of the symptoms of MS.... and sometimes B12 is used as part of MS management.

I am on oral B12 supplement for now, because my B12 is low normal. No diagnosis for me on anything yet.

B12 can be low if there are any absorption problems.  It is also often low in people who have celiac disease (this is caused by a reaction to eating gluten), treatment is complete avoidance of gluten (found in products made from wheat, barley, oats, and rye)..... oh celiac is also more common amongst people who have MS and other autoimmune conditions.....

Give the B12 a chance....  it may help some of your symptoms.  If not, at least you have given it a good try (actually you should continue on the B12 anyway, if you are low) and can keep looking for answers.

Sally

[tory2457]

I too in the past tended to have low B12 levels; I was told it was common for MS sufferers. I now supplement with Methylcobalamin. It's a sub-lingal B12 and my levels are through the roof. Doctor is very pleased..

If you consider supplementing and not getting shots make sure you don't buy B12 with Cyanocobalamin as the main ingredient. "Cyanocobalamin (the kind in vitamin supplements) is converted by the liver into methylcobalamin but not in therapeutically significant amounts."

so, methylcobalamin offers better absorption...here's a vitamin shop that offers 5mgs of Methylcobalamin...not mcgs, and has helped me raise my B12! swansonvitamins.com
You'll find that health food stores will mostly carry B12 with Cyanocobalamin...and not Methylcobalamin. You can't take too much B12 either,,,I take 2-3 mgs of Meth a day!!!

but, Don't be afraid of the B12 shots,,,,shots are a great way to increase B12 as well!

[doni54]

Thanks guys, I so enjoy reading the posts you send me.  Well, got my script filled today, got home and was going to get my daughter to give me the B12 shot, but she just couldn't do it! --ha-- She knows how I hate needles!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not far from my clinic so one of the girls there gave me my shot.  They all got a good laugh at me for being such a  wuss! -- ha--

I very much hope this helps with some of my fatigue, I am sure it will. I'll let you guys know.


Thanks again!
Doni

[oncetri]

I was told by my chiropractor (a sports nutritionist) about gluten sensitivity.  She and my coach believe I might be sensititive to gluten, but not allergic, so I've been cutting back on gluten containing foods, and it seems to help with the fatigue.  I'm not sure why, but it's just working for me, and maybe it could help you.

I follow the Paleo Diet for Athletes, most of the time, though lately it's been difficult, but since that was brought up to me, I have cut pasta out of my diet completely and cut down the amount of bread I eat each week (try to keep to less than 6 slices a week).  It's been helping me a bit with my fatigue.  I also take Cerefolin (a B12 supplement) and FolgardOS (a prescription multivitamin).

I'm waiting for a metabolic profile, if I can ever clear the radiologist contrast out of my system with enough time.  I believe you can order a metabolic panel online, it's a simple urine test.  Mine is being done through a nutrition supplement company that custom makes vitamins to fit the need of the patient.  You might want to ask a nutritionist about it if gluten might be an issue.

[doni54]

Well, can feel small difference since my B12 shot.  I am sure after a full month of the shots I will be able to notice a bigger difference.

Dummy me decided to clean a few things outside this morning but ended up getting too warm so now I am paying for it. The weather is very hot here (102 with heat index of 112), but I just hate having to stay inside all the time.  Thought I could beat it this morning, but I guess the humidity did me in.

Now it's dizzy, brain fuzz, no legs, no arms, just floating away in my own little la la land!  -  ha  -
Guess I'll keep my butt inside now for a couple of days!!!!!!!!

Hope all of you are well, and thanks again for answering my posts.

Doni

[6-paq]

I'm glad to hear that you are starting to feel a difference with the B12!!!

OUCH!!  Boy, it's really HOT where you are!!!   Take it easy!!!!  I know when I feel a bit more energy, I try to get some things done that are in dire need of attention and I always pay for it later!

Take care!  Pat :)