B12 and Ms Symptoms

[jules868]

Ok.. here goes..for many years now I would develop severe leg pain and stiffness during July(why July? who knows) I am overweight and just fig it was from increased summer activity and arthritis.. but every year the boutsare lasting longer and pain is worse..This year it has yet to stop.. I finally gave up and told doctor I needed help..no amt of pain med is helping..My legs dont want to function and act as if not attached to me, they swell,burn, ache and thump and I am constantly dragging one leg or the other . no cordination ..I cry just getting up from chair or couch and at times cant....other symptoms include cronic night peeing trips..every 2 hrs..dizziness and fatigue....mri of right knee shows I def need a knee replacement..I recieved spartz shots becuase I am too young for other..has helped THAT knee some, but other symptoms continue so went to rhuematoloist.. diagnois B12, folic acid and vit d severe defiencies and was placed on folic acid vit d pills with weekly b12 shots.. but wondering if this could be just masking a MS problem.. I did also have ankle problems at 25 so severe they would turn black from bruising and was off on disability for 12 weeks..and always had a fatigue problem with high white cell count..but this is a first for low b12..and my doctor runs quarterly blood work as I also have hypothyroidism..for which I take daily pills..so how does one just develop b12 problems so fast? what causes it..

[steph74]

Several low vitamin levels could suggest a malabsorption problem.  When I finally found out I have celiac disease, my iron stores were non-existant (literally), I had low B-12 (borderline), vitamin D, cholesterol (exceedingly low), can't remember the rest, but you get the idea.  There are lots of things that could cause low vitamin levels, so you might want to consult a GI doctor.

Stephanie

[jules868]

No no statin drugs or anything else beside thyroid and pain meds..I am overweight so my problem is most doctors jump to the conclusion its a weight problem and tell me to go on a good diet...I do eat a healthy diet and I have been the same weight for many years now and it hasnt stopped me from being active but this leg pain is..even sitting can be a chore...strangely though I was not overweight when I had the ankle episode..
I am so hoping the b12 shots will help..it is scary when its hurts to sit, walk or stand  and it gives you nightmares ...it is a wierd pain I cannot even describe..almost as if someone has beat me black and blue..I have a high threshold for pain too.had 3 children with no pain meds or epidural..not a problem..

[twopack]

I don't have an answer for you - sorry because I can hear you are desperate to have one.  I'm new here too so just learning.

I am wondering through if you take statin drugs to control cholesterol as they can cause a lot of problems with muscle pain.

Also wondering if you take any medications for heartburn or GERD.  Anything that cuts down the acid production can also decrease absorption, possibly causing anemia and (maybe?) B12 deficiency.

The drugs we have available today are terrific at helping some problems----and causing others.

My hardest challenge has been getting a doctor who will look at the totally of what my body is doing instead of commenting on or treating little bits at a time.

~Mary