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How did you get help with Vitamin B12 Deficiency Recovery?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Nov 17, 2023 | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
From my understanding, to accurately test for b12 serum you need to be off of b12 supplements and b vitamin drinks for at least 4 months (the average life of a red blood cell) . There are other tests to be ran too, but there is no gold standard test. Plus, there is research that the "normal" cut off of above 200 is too low, especially if neurological symptoms are present. Have you heard of the book Could It Be B12? I listened to it for free thru my local library and the free app Hoopla. You can also watch the free movie Sally Pacholok on YouTube. She also has a website. From my understanding, if you have neurological symptoms you need every other day b12 injections until symptoms improve. I am going thru similar issues of buzzing and tingling in my leg. I am also getting the run around in doctors. I have lots more to say on this. But I'll stop here while you have time to process and research what I've said. I've learned I have to advocate and fight for my life.
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I've been on MONTHLY injections of B12 for the past 9 years, as per neurologist-consult at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center (NYC). Was sent to three top neurologists, two at CPMC and the other at Mt. Sinai, when the neurologist here in Westchester was unable to figure out just why I was having all the signs of MS but nothing was "conclusive", nor was it Grave's disease, or Lupus, or any other disorder/disease....The B12 was ordered due to my optic nerve damage, multiple brain lesions, double vision, lack of balance, and a slew of other frightening things happening all at once and making life a living hell. I was told that with all the things going on with my CNS and my peripheral neuropathies, that the B12 shots would make sure that my system would be "better shielded" so I went for it, absolutely no hesitations. I have a standing appointment each month at my primary's office, and her nurse administers the shot.
Something I learned: I have fibromyalgia but my thighs are so much less sensitive than my arms and definitely don't even think of injecting my hypersensitive gluteal muscles. It's in my chart that the B12 is destined for the thighs (on the outer sides), alternate each month, and I found that it's best to STAND for the shot. Relaxing the leg/thigh aids in having a nearly painless injection. The nurse (and substitutes) say they have learned something from me!
I take Centrum Silver for women, and that has B vitamins also, as well as within foods. My blood readings are always within the normal range.
I continue having PN issues, the lesions ceased spreading for nearly eight years but last one indicated minor spread (the other neurologist-consult at CPMC had put in an order for YEARLY brain MRIs, to track the lesions and the signs of transient ischemic attacks). STILL no reason discovered as to the why of my brain demyelination, etc. I believe it's due to hyperlipidemia, which is familial (I traced it back several generations, back to early 20th century via Ancestry and other records). Will be discussing with my new cardiologist at January follow-up visit. One thing for sure, life has been anything but uneventful...And am in the process of finding a neurologist who has experience with the issues that my body persists on presenting. There are several in NYC, Yale in CT, and even Boston...but the distance from where we live is just way too taxing on me. Searching here in Westchester.🤞