Vitamin B12 and Neuropathy

There is a lot of pain, and anxiety on this "thread." There is also evidence of people determinedly searching for answers. I do not claim to know the answer to the question of the relationship between B12 and Neuropathy but I honestly think that some people are putting too much reliance upon B12 as a clue as to why they experience their neuropathy like symptoms. B12 defficiency is rare, being on the low end of the normal range for B12 levels is NOT the same as a B12 defficiency. Some of the dose levels cited on this "thread" are horrendously high. Luckily B12 is water soluble so well over 90% of your B12 supplements are excreted in your urine and harms your wallet not your body. Statistically you are more likely to need to drink more water than to need mega doses of B12. Having said that IF you actually do need B12 supplements you should take it in a form that is free of impurities and readily bioavailable. There are some excellent articles on B12 on HEALTHLINE.COM among other sites but it might be that instead of focussing on B12 some of us would be better served by reducing our anxiety levels and increasing our overall wellbeing? This is more likely to be achieved by exercise, diet control, meditation and mindfulness than by any "magic bullet" be it a megadose of B12 or a so called "nerve tonic."

On a lighter note some 70 years ago in the East End of London, my Aunt who,suffered from "bad nerves" was told by her Doctor to drink brown ale (for nutritional purposes.) She did....and she lived to be 95 ....because of the ale or despite it!

Well presented thoughts. I enjoy reading your posts although they are at your expense and I'm sorry for that. It's always interesting to learn and understand others perspectives on their health issues, meds, Drs, etc... The more we open our minds to hear others concerns, observations and experiences, the more knowledge we may gain. Whether it's useless to us remains our decision but so productive to keep doors open and not closed. Your posts have brought to attention some issues that I struggle with such as sensitivities to light sound smell. Of course I have mitigating circumstances, like most, which blur the lines... cornea disease, chronic migraine, small fiber poly neuropathy and a handful of bulging/herniated discs in neck and back. Soooooooo, there you have it. Crap!
Anyway I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story, allowing me to learn and continue my acceptance of circumstance. Have a nice day and I hope you enjoy your dog walking! Take care.
Rachel

@rwinney @goldleaf @marazion Hi, folks. Lori Renee, here. I am so taken in by all that you say. All of you write eloquently, logically, emotionally.....I feel that I cannot even add to what has been said. However, I just care. You all have worked so hard to be ok. Just not to suffer. I was innocent of human suffering for most of my life, thank God. I am just so touched by all of you. Such courage, determination, tenacity, intelligence.....God bless all of you. I just do not have more words. Lori Renee

There is a lot of pain, and anxiety on this "thread." There is also evidence of people determinedly searching for answers. I do not claim to know the answer to the question of the relationship between B12 and Neuropathy but I honestly think that some people are putting too much reliance upon B12 as a clue as to why they experience their neuropathy like symptoms. B12 defficiency is rare, being on the low end of the normal range for B12 levels is NOT the same as a B12 defficiency. Some of the dose levels cited on this "thread" are horrendously high. Luckily B12 is water soluble so well over 90% of your B12 supplements are excreted in your urine and harms your wallet not your body. Statistically you are more likely to need to drink more water than to need mega doses of B12. Having said that IF you actually do need B12 supplements you should take it in a form that is free of impurities and readily bioavailable. There are some excellent articles on B12 on HEALTHLINE.COM among other sites but it might be that instead of focussing on B12 some of us would be better served by reducing our anxiety levels and increasing our overall wellbeing? This is more likely to be achieved by exercise, diet control, meditation and mindfulness than by any "magic bullet" be it a megadose of B12 or a so called "nerve tonic."

On a lighter note some 70 years ago in the East End of London, my Aunt who,suffered from "bad nerves" was told by her Doctor to drink brown ale (for nutritional purposes.) She did....and she lived to be 95 ....because of the ale or despite it!

Takes one to know one. 😊

@rwinney Hi, Rachel, Did you find that raising your B12 to a better level helped your pain in any way? I so wish my docs would have found my low B12 two years ago, when my neuropathy started! Thanks, Lori Renee

Hey Leonard and Lori Renee
For what it's worth...while going through all the motions to find the underlying cause of my SFN diagnosis, my B12 was found at 219 and methylmelonic acid levels off. My Neuro sent me asap for injections every 2 weeks and retested me every 3 months until B12 reached 535. At that point he was satisfied for me to take oral B12 daily. He will continue to monitor unless I feel the immediate effects of B12 slipping earlier.