B12 deficiency?

[Ellie21]

Looking for some advice over whether the symptoms i'm experiencing could be a B12 deficiency. I'm a 19 year old female with some stomach acidity and bowel problems.

In April, I began experiencing inner groin pain on my right leg. This seemed to pass on its own.

10 weeks ago, this groin pain returned, and quickly spread down my right leg and into my back. I can't fully straighten my right knee - it feels extremely tight and heavy. There's no inflammation or obvious injury.

I have seen numerous physios and drs who state that I have a trapped nerve and that it will heal. The most recent dr I saw prescribed 30/500 cocodamol and told me there was nothing he could do. My knee is still extremely saw, and in the last few weeks, I've developed more symptoms. My feet frequently go numb, particularly when I left them up. I had pins and needles in my face and fingers for about 3 days (which seem to have calmed down).

This "bone" pain in my legs, and aching in my back and groin is so painful, I wish it could get sorted. I did have some visual disturbances and a horrific migraine recently (only me second migraine ever), though they too seem to have passed.

Should the doctor be checking my B12?

[Ellie21]

Would a trapped nerve in the lower back cause symptoms all across the body?

I forgot to mention that my right eyelid, mid-back and toes have started to twitch frequently.

[Ellie21]

Oh, and also stabbing chest pain when taking a deep breath, as though something is grinding.

[greenbexy]

Have you had a vitamin D test recently? A deficiency can cause bone aches, muscle twitching and pins and needless in the face and hands. Unfortunately a lot of symtoms do overlap with other vitamin deficiencies, best to have bloods checked before starting supplements.

[greenbexy in reply to greenbexy]

PS vitamin D deficiency can also make cardiovascular disease worse, such as Asthma. Just thinking about the pain when breathing in. Go back to the doctor, you should be in your prime at 19 years young, not feeling like this. Xx

[Ellie21]

Hi Greenbexy, thanks for your response!

Interestingly, I had joint aches and fatigue last summer and all blood tests (autoimmune screen etc.) came back normal, aside from vitamin D which was slightly on the low side. I was told to take supplements, which did seem to help.

This pain seems much, much more severe with a whole array of new symptoms, but you're right - I think it's worth checking. I've just been on holiday in the sun for 2 weeks which is why I presumed vitamin D would be fine.

I had blood tests done in May for an unrelated issue and calcium was slightly below the normal range (I know this causes similar symptoms), but came back just at the lower limit of normal in the repeat.

It's worth adding that I regularly take lansoprazole and antacids. I know there's a link between such drugs and low b12, but is this significant?

Thanks!

[FKtheNHS17 in reply to Ellie21]

Try raw apple cider vinegar mixed with luke warm water and stop taking the antacids.

You may have low stomach acid and instead of your tablets helping (they resolve burning sensation) they may be depleting any stomach acid. Which in turn will stop your stomach from absorbing multiple vitamins.

[EllaNore in reply to Ellie21]

I was just informed yesterday by my follow up nurse, that antacids prilosec, can kill intrinsic factor. Without that, you can't absorb b12. Im also D deficient.

[EllaNore]

Hi Ellie, I'm Ellie too. I also have a trapped nerve in my groin affecting my left leg. My leg was crushed in a Motorcycle accident so that sent docs down a different path and 35 years later I have no relief. But I also have abdominal adhesions which confused things even more. No one ever did a b12 test and I feel if they had, perhaps the nerve damage in my leg would have healed. You should ask for a b12 test. Don't let them intimidate you. I was 23 when all my issues started. Im now 60 and just got diagnosed. One doctor admitted, they just don't know enough about nerves and nerve damage. Insist on b12 test. Good luck Ellie.