Can any one help with this - Foggy's "Invisibl...

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Can any one help with this

Charmed81823 profile image
26 Replies

Hi there in been in a lot of pain with my lower back and neck for years docters put it down to fibromyalgia .recently iv started with middle back pain .so now it's in all my back the doctors sent me for a mri

I'm 37 and not a lazy person I like to keep busy .

Received my results today iv added the results

and one go is sending me to a spinal docter for advice

Is this just aging or is there more I don't what to get any worse . I work and I'm so tired now any advice from you all would be appreciated all my love x

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Charmed81823 profile image
Charmed81823
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26 Replies
Foggys_support profile image
Foggys_supportAdministrator

That was a very thorough letter. I think it is saying ageing is your issue although could be Fibromyalgia because no-one really knows what the cause is, and is diagnosed by ruling everything else out.

All I can suggest is relax when you're not working. Look after yourself, pamper yourself x

Charmed81823 profile image
Charmed81823 in reply to Foggys_support

That's what it's says but the gp is not convinced . Thank you for your reply x

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Charmed81823

The mention of stenosis is quite relevant and can be the cause of pain as the spinal cord is inhibited. I only know this as I had surgery at L4/L5 for Stenosis and still have a spondylolithesis. I was 60 at the time of my surgery some 12 years ago. Being referred to a Spinal Doctor is the best way forward.

Do you know your levels of B12 - Folate - Ferritin and VitD ? Bones need lots of nutrients from food. How is your diet ? I would also look into all the nutrients needed for good bones - am happy to give you more information if required :-)

Charmed81823 profile image
Charmed81823 in reply to Marz

Thank you this helps loads

My diet is good and I'm quit active well was 4 weeks ago I got middle back pain that stops me .

I was put on folatacid not user why I was given this for 3 months then taken off. So I don't know xx thank you I will look on you tube x

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Charmed81823

When a GP prescribes folic Acid - it is because your level is seriously LOW. As Folic Acid/B9 works with B12 in the body it is also important to know your B12 level. Taking Folic Acid can mask B12 Deficiency - so stop taking FA before testing the B12. I am guessing that your Ferritin and VitD will also be low. Folate and Ferritin is good at mid-range and VitD around 100 - B12 needs to be around 500 to prevent cognitive decline and the cause of neurological issues - including brain shrinkage. So they all need testing.

You are entitled to have copies of all your test results with ranges. You can then monitor your OWN progress and check what has been missed.

Are you taking any medication that could be affecting the uptake of nutrients in your diet - as you say you eat well. As we age the stomach acid lowers and so nutrients from food become more of a challenge ! You do not mention your age ...

You also mention fibromyalgia - I too was diagnosed with this in 2000 and Hashimotos here in Crete in 2005. ( auto-immune thyroid ) Have you had your thyroid correctly tested ? If you click onto my username above you can check me out - my bio and any posts you care to read :-) Happy to help ...

in reply to Marz

Bless you for the information you give, it is always such a helpful reminder to me. I am intolerant to B complex. I get so jittery and on edge the whole day if I take it in the morning. I take B12 sometimes which I can tolerate if taken very occasionally. I'm not so good with folic acid and do forget to take it. Therefore, your post is a great reminder to stay vigilant.

For a decade I suffered with a deficiency of all the vitamins you mention, as well as Mg. Taking these has made the biggest difference.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to

Thank you :-) Have you considered using an under the tongue spray for B12 and I believe some contain B9/folate/Folic Acid. Which B Complex are you using ? Maybe a different brand could work for you. I believe it depends how the vitamins are developed before becoming a tablet ! Glad other vits and minerals are working for you :-)

in reply to Marz

I've tried many B-complex's and all had the same effect. Many years ago a pharmacist gave me a solgar one which was ok, but since then their products have also deteriorated.

I will investigate the spray version, though I think b12 and folic acid are best taken on alternate days, not together.

Also my diet is vegetarian inc. eggs so I tend to get to be ok. But if I have the flu, like recently, then the levels drop dramatically.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to

Oh I didn't know that about the B12 and Folic Acid. I inject B12 weekly and take a B Complex daily - Thorne Research. I wonder if you would be better with methylfolate father than Folic Acid - the first is more natural and the second synthetic ...

VitD ? - how are your levels - just thinking of you suffering the Flu :-(

in reply to Marz

That's probably a very good idea, the synthetic isn't too good. I will check it out. Something similar applies to B12, two types one is better.

For vit d I got a 4000iu capsule and was supposed to take it alternate days, I think I just forgot so my levels dropped and I got the flu. Once I take it I notice an improvement in my symptoms fast.

Is Thorne Research the brand of your B complex?

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to

Yes the cheaper B12 is Cyanocobalamin and Jarrow B12 - from Amazon - is Methylcobalamin. And to confuse matters I inject Hydroxocobalamin. Different ones suit different people ... so worth investigating :-) The second one is further down the process - imitating what happens in the body ...

Yes Thorne Research is the name of the B complex I take - it contains Methylfolate rather than Folic Acid I believe - and Methylcobalamin - rather than Cyanocobalamin - what a mouthful :-(

When taking VitD it is advised to take Magnesium to aid uptake and absorption and VitK2-MK7. VitD enhances the uptake of calcium from foods and the K2 directs it away from arteries and soft tissue and into the bones and teeth. Yes VitD is a steroidal pro-hormone and anti-inflammatory so much more than a vitamin. Every one of the trillions and trillions of cells in the body has a receptor for VitD - so easy to understand when it is low - how things can go wrong. VitD is fat soluble so best taken with the main meal containing fats or some yogurt. I use healthy Origins - a gel capsule containing olive oil - again from Amazon.

vitamindcouncil.org

in reply to Marz

Wow thanks Marz that's really useful. I looked up vit b complex by Thorne Research and it looks very good.

However, I don't know why I get my jitters with B complex. Whether it gives me too much b vitamins, or the fillers and methods of production. I'm now wary of taking it unless I have a day to waste on the horrid feelings it gives me.

I have recently started K2 and it made a huge difference. I also take Mg and that helped my muscles so much.

Amazing what a difference the right things make.

Dannyboy54 profile image
Dannyboy54

Have you thought of seeing a chiropractor? Also check out “Motivational doc” on YouTube. I had various muscular pain which seemed to be nerve and spine related but following some of Dr Mandells advice - stretches etc. Has really helped. Good luck

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Dannyboy54

Please read up on Stenosis before thinking chiropractic treatment would be a good idea :-)

Charmed81823 profile image
Charmed81823 in reply to Marz

Yes I will . X

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Charmed81823

That reply was for Dannyboy above who suggested a Chiroporactor - I was just being mindful :-)

Dannyboy54 profile image
Dannyboy54 in reply to Marz

A persons posture can have a great deal of relevance when it comes to pain, hence my chiropractic suggestion. Chiropractors are like doctor’s - there are good, bad an mediocre. My GP’s response to the varying levels of pain was to refer me to a physio (10 week wait) and prescribe me a 100 cocodamol! I went to see a chiropractor who made a couple of adjustments but said that generally my problems were all due to poor posture! I have massage therapy which has helped a great deal.

Coincidentally I was found to be folate deficient and Vit D def despite eating a healthy diet, I had been feeling extremely unwell for a couple of months before the diagnosis and was not very active. I believe this was caused by the various medications I was given following a minor stroke. This in turn led to loss of muscle condition and then random pain throughout my body.

The main point I would like to make is to explore all options - surgical interventions should be the last resort. Unfortunately they do more harm than good IMHO. Keep moving!

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Dannyboy54

I agree with everything you say - I could have had a chauffeur driven limousine with the money I have spent over the years on Osteopaths - Chiropractors - Massages.

If you are Folate Deficient then it is possible you also have Low B12 - as they work together in the body. 500 is a good level. Folate is good mid-range and VitD around 100. I inject B12 weekly and it is used as a pain reliever in many countries. I live in Crete ...

Dannyboy54 profile image
Dannyboy54 in reply to Marz

Hi Marz,

I believe it’s standard practice to check B12 when checking folate levels in the UK. Mine was ok. My wife has pernicious anemia and has to have an injection every 10 weeks or so. Having the folate deficiency anemia has really knocked me about - my levels are now fine but I get really tired easily.

Whereabouts in Crete are you? We went to Stalis a couple of years ago and saw a fair bit of the island and mountains. I fell in love with the place and tried to persuade my wife to move out there but she said no, I would like to come back to walk the Samaria gorge one day. It was to hot to do it while we were there.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Dannyboy54

I live in a village halfway between Rethymnon and Chania. You wouldn't want to be here at the moment - we havve been battered by rain and storms for weeks and it is so cold. The olive grove is under water and there is more to come.

I am also on the PA Forum and read that Docs do not routinely test folate ... so we have to keep an eye 😊

Dannyboy54 profile image
Dannyboy54 in reply to Marz

It’s beautiful in the u.k.😎

Vertical profile image
Vertical

You might search the forums ar Phoenixrising.me. It is the largest in the world addressing MECFS and Fibromyalgia. Good luck. BTW, There are other forums as well, e.g. Healthrising.org/forums, S4ME.info, et al. The forums are your best bet for finding specific information.

Hi charmed - spine-health.com can locate spine centres throughout the US. There are articles written about lumbar and sacral and spine problems with detailed information on the types of help you need through procedures and operations to help you. As you may have a progressive condition, you might want to get help before you are further disabled. As you are such a busy person and take exercise you seem to be coping, but the lumbar sacral disc lesions and the stenosis, may not resolve by physiotherapy or other regimes.

As Marz has mentioned vitamin help is necessary for bone health. New research indicates that vitamin D deficiency including D2 and D3 the sunshine vitamin can cause problems with your bones. You can take supplements for these. Other problems may be linked to low ferritin levels. May be you should have checks for your vitamin levels and if you are deficient, especially in vitamin d your spinal health might be worsened. Expect you will be able to match your symptoms and your medical records with the detailed information

given on the website and find someone who can help you in your area.

hoosier1956 profile image
hoosier1956

I recommend a Chiropractor.

LTD1 profile image
LTD1

Do yourself a favor. Google Dr. Sarno and Dr. Schubiner. Buy their books (used are a couple of dollars each). Do some research on MBS. It costs nothing to try and thousands have found relief and been cured of similar conditions as you have stated...BTW, I'm one of them...

hoosier1956 profile image
hoosier1956

It wouldn't hurt to speak to a Chiropractor. I see one but, for lower back pain.

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