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6101368 tn?1387833572

B12 deficiency advice

Hi, I've had a confusing mess of symptoms for a long time and recently realized it may be my B12 deficiency.

This year, I've had palpitations (heart tests look fine), pains, swelling calf, headaches, weakness, twitching, brain fog, derealization, paralysis, vision problems, etc... And I've considered these: stress, muscular dystrophy, schizophrenia, mental break, MS, fibromyalgia, tumor, heart issues, strokes, etc. I've only been diagnosed with anxiety, acid reflux, and an intracranial arachnoid cyst (my neurosurgeon thinks I've had it for a long time--good news!). But other than that, no one's been able to figure it out.

The past few weeks, my symptoms have worsened neurologically. I've noticed depression, trouble speaking and understanding, daze is worsening to the point that people's faces blur, I'm able to trigger derealization, (and I know this is weird but) my eyes will slightly cross involuntarily... Things just don't feel right. The past few weeks I've felt like a zombie who can't recognize myself or my life.

I'm a 5-yr vegetarian and about a year ago a blood test showed that I was B12 deficient, so my doc told me to start vitamins, and I was very naive and didn't take any consistently. Now, I'm furious with myself--last night I researched B12 deficiencies and read that not only can a B12 deficiency cause these symptoms, but once it reaches the point of brain fog and neuropathy, it's too late to reverse the effects. I don't care about pains, my fear is that I've gone so long without enough B12 that I'll never feel "normal" again...

(Also, I have sinus issues and am on antibiotics for sinus infection, so before this I was considering that my sinuses were making me disconnected.)

Are the effects irreversible once it gets to neuropathy and brain fog? If so, or if not, what action should I take? I started 1000mg B12 vitamins yesterday, but also read up on B12 shots and spray which seem to be more effective, any suggestions there?

Thank you!
10 Responses
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4274823 tn?1388529098
I'm glad to know the sublingual B12 supplement is helping. I recommend it also as it has helped me with my level also.
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Avatar universal
i have been having the same symptoms if you don't mind me asking how much vitamin b12 are you taking a day
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Avatar universal
yes, i can say that for almost 5 months i was taking sublingual B12 supplement. results were good. after 2 months of taking i saw improvement, my level were going up :).

i truly recommend the sublingual
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Is the B12 supplement helping? Have you had your level checked?
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Avatar universal
I have almost the same kind of symptoms, and have been literally house bound for 7 months.  Mine was from a B6 toxicity, but right now that level is fine and I still have the same issues.   Have you tested for other vitamin deficiencies or toxicities?  I also got tested for the MTHFR gene mutation and one out of two was positive so I am seeking answers for that as well.  My doctors don't seem to have any answers.   Hope you are feeling better.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Good luck with your new doctor. My doctor never offered me B12 shots.
How are your Vitamin D and iron (ferretin) levels? Are you taking any supplements at this time?
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4274823 tn?1388529098
Since I have hypothyroidism and an occupational injury (tendinitis in my forearms) I don't know for sure which symptoms were from either condition and which were from the B12 deficiency. Do you include or exclude dairy and eggs from your diet?
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6101368 tn?1387833572
Thank you for replying--it means a lot! May I ask if you experienced brain fog, neuropathy, or anything else in particular during your deficiency? I'm seeing a new doctor soon, and will talk to him about taking the B12 under the tongue or shots instead. Any other dietary suggestions for a fellow vegetarian? Thanks!
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4274823 tn?1388529098
P.S. I'm a vegetarian also.
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4274823 tn?1388529098
I realize your post was some time ago. I just posted my first question on this forum. I use the thyroid forum.I previously had a B12 deficiency which I treated by taking high dose sublingual B12 supplement. It is taken under the tongue so it doesn't go through your digestive system. You can also get B12 in a B complex that you swallow. It is in a much smaller dose. I now take a combination of sublingual and B complex. I hope this is helpful.
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