Is this TRULY a B12 deficiency?

[Laur531]

Sorry if this is a bit rambling, but I’m desperate for a little advice…

For the past month I have been suffering from severe nerve and muscle pain.  It started in my left arm, a few weeks later spread to both arms, and literally overnight spread to my entire body.  I have intense pain from the top of my head to my toes.  I’m experiencing a constant burning pain, sporadic sharp pains (almost feels like someone putting a cigarette out on my skin), tingling numbness that occurs all over my body, a constant aching pain, my muscles feel like they’ve all been strained, my vision has gotten increasingly blurry, and I can no longer sleep at night. I have had a brain and cervical spine MRI (normal), a nerve test on my arm (normal) and two rounds of blood work, which showed a B12 serum level of 247 and MMA level of 408. I have difficulty walking and cannot stay on my feet very long without being in a lot of pain. My whole body is extremely sensitive to the touch, particularly my neck, scalp, and elbows. When I stand up for too long it starts to feel like I’m walking on glass.

I have gotten so many conflicting responses from doctors…one tells me that it is absolutely not a neurological problem, while one tells me it definitely is. One told me my B12 was low, but still within the normal range, while the other is telling me all of my issues are due to B12 deficiency. He instructed me to get a shot every month and see him in 3 months if I’m not better. I already received one injection and if anything I feel worse. 3 months is a long time to feel this way… I already feel as though my whole life is on hold. I am no longer able to coach, and I am not myself because I’m in constant pain. One doctor prescribed Neurontin 3x’s a day, which has dulled the burning pain a bit, but it’s done nothing for everything else. I am only 24 and I’m scared to death. This came on so strong and so suddenly, and I can’t imagine feeling this way for much longer. Is it likely that a B12 deficiency is the problem, or should I look for a doctor who’s willing to dig a little deeper? I appreciate any advice you can offer…

[selmaS]

HI...sorry u r in such distress......well let me start by asking, did u request a copy of ur MRI and the reports?....it is a help if u quote the report, because mayb something the dr saw as normal or incidental could be something to look at.....I suggest requaeting the copies and going forward..always rquest copies  of all labs and tests.

I am sure u r aware of how many different conditions have the same symptoms......I am not a dr and can not speculate.....but I would also ? the B12 dx.

Have u been seen by a NS or NL? u deff need a dr to run more tests, but again, get the MRi's and other tests already run...that way if u go for a 2nd opinion, u'll have all the info !!

keep us posted!!

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"

[Laur531]

Hi Selma,

Thanks for the feedback. I was seen by a neurologist (could not stand him...very arrogant & unsympathetic) and he's the one that told me it isn't neurological. My appointments with him would last all of 3 minutes and he seemed like he could care less. I did request copies of all of my tests but I have no clue how to read them. When I get home I'll look them over and quote them. I'm seeing a rheumatologist tomorrow....no idea if he'll even be able to help me but I feel like I'm exhausting my options. Fingers crossed he has some idea what's going on because I can't stand feeling this way and not knowing why...

Definitely nice to have a place to vent though!

[selmaS]

...I am glad to hear u have ur reports....it'll be easier to find help with that info.....I've gone thru a few drs myself...if the rheumitoid dr is a good one, he'll put u thru alot of testing.

lol.....and u r welcome for ne feed back I can offer.

"selma"

[Carol in PA]

B12 deficiency may be the problem, and you may have other nutritional deficiencies as well.
Magnesium deficiency can make the pain worse.
I wonder if you're deficient in Vitamin D.

Musculoskeletal pain due to vitamin D deficiency
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_279/ai_n16865301

Lack of Vitamin D Linked to Pain
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20031210/lack-of-vitamin-d-linked-to-pain

If you want to supplement Vitamin D, get D3.
You can supplement Vitamin B12 with sublingual tablets, powders, or liquids.
You can also eat foods rich in these Vitamins.

I will send you a private message later, with more information, if you are interested.
Wishing you the best,
Carol

[Laur531]

Ahhhh I am so frustrated. The rheumy doctor told me to see a NR. He's not convinced its a B12 deficiency either and called my family doc to tell him so. General consensus seems to be that my first NR didn't do a very good job. This *****, I feel like I'm running in circles. Meanwhile the neurontin isn't really doing the trick anymore because the pain is relentless. I feel like I'm going to lose it if they can't figure this out. My hands keep shaking and my eyes are really blurry which is freaking me out. This is nuts...6 weeks ago I was completely fine! Oh well....got an appt with a NR on Monday morning, so hopefully he can figure something out...