So down today

[Carolyn1964]

Why do i feel so down and weepy today and why do I feel that everything is such a struggle?

Had a great day yesterday - even managed to walk in a straight line!! Made lunch and washed up for the first time in weeks but today (had injection this morn number 8 of every other day) feel awful!!!' Even have puffy feet

Any ideas?

Thanks all x

[fbirder]

A lot of us have something of a downturn when treatment starts, but improvements soon become noticeable. One of the first things I noticed was that the frequency of my 'weepy spells' dropped quote dramatically. But they still crop up every now wnd then.

I'm afraid that, for many of us, recovery is a matter of small steps. Keep an honest symptom diary and you can look back and see the improvement.

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Carolyn1964 sorry to read about your "down day" yesterday and I hope you feel better today. Sadly they come to us all in one way or another.

[deniseinmilden]

Hi!

Don't worry - it only means things are a bit out of balance. You can fix it. Well done for noticing and asking about it!

I find I got like that if I was short of folate until I found a good balance for that and I still get like that if my potassium levels (harder to manage) drop - in fact I use this as one of the indicators that I need more.

In addition to the B12 you are likely to need other things to keep your B12 working and your body running - a broad spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement plus extra folate, potassium and magnesium, maybe iron.

For the folate (vitamin B9) you could try folic acid tablets (not expensive, from pharmacies and supermarkets). You may need up to 5mg per day if you are on every other day injections and can achieve this by taking say 10 or 12 of the 400 mcg ones in addition to the small amount found in the multivitamin supplements. Bear in mind that although most people do well on it, in time you may need to change to methylfolate or folinic acid.

You should try to get enough potassium from your diet (Google it to find out about it) but if you really can't it is possible to get some from low-sodium salts, like LoSalt, and generic alternatives.

It is possible to absorb magnesium through the skin and so you could try taking baths with Epsom Salts (also inexpensive from pharmacies and supermarkets) in or making up a solution and spraying it on your skin. If you "eat" it (take it orally), please remember is is used as a constipation remedy!!

Please ask again if you need more help!

Good luck with feeling better!

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Don't think I can really add to what fbirder clivealive and deniseinmilden have already said but just wanted to let you know that you are genuinely not alone.

It can be very easy to get stressed about things - particularly as B12 deficiency can make you more prone to stress

This post might give you some more ideas

healthunlocked.com/couchtob...

All you can do is take one day at a time

[Carolyn1964]

Thanks everyone so good to have you all around. I think because my neuro problems have come on so quickly (4weeks from being my normal self to now walking with a stick!) it's really effected me mentally. I just can't see an end and try to remain positive but struggling with walking is really taking its toll on me