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High Homocysteine levels

Jan87 profile image
42 Replies

Hello

Mine is a bit of a long story so hope this is ok.

I am 58 I had my gallbladder out in 2013 before that I thought I was eating not to bad but obviously I wasn’t.

I had lots of gallstones, I got pancaraties and that’s how I knew I had a problem with gallstones.

Anyway I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2009 and ME before my gallbladder in 2013. A few months ago I volunteered for some research into ME, I had a blood test done and urine test in late October, I had changed what I was eating after gallbladder out and was eating more for veggie as I cut out some meat and eggs and stopped having caffeine.

I didn’t know my Homocysteine level was checked or what it even was but it came back high and that I was very deficient in B Vitamins and B6 and other ones. I only got results in December, two weeks I stopped by CQ 10 and my B6 spray and my multivitamins and my B12 spray as I told my doctors about the results and they said my bloods was normal and B12 as well but it’s only normal because of what I was taking so the nurse practitioner said to stop my vitamins for now and when all out of my system they would do a panel of bloods when all cleared out.

I now have shingles on top of everything but I was wondering how long it takes for all vitamins out of your body to clear? and I am taking an anti viral for the shingles so would this effect the blood tests or not? I have stopped taking my multivitamins and B12 spray it’s two weeks now so I’ve i stopped.could I have the Intrinsic Factor antibody, Parietal cell antibody and MMA done now? Or not? as I don’t know if you have to wait to have the multivitamins and B12 out of your system as going to ask the doctor to see if I have pernicious Anaemia.

Thank you.

Thank you.

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Jan87 profile image
Jan87
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42 Replies
Starfish123 profile image
Starfish123

I’m not sure about the rest of the vitamins but understand you need to be off vit b12 for 8 weeks before retesting.

I hope it helps

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator in reply to Starfish123

starfish - depends upon the test - for most its 3 - 6 months - IFA is much less and 2 weeks would be okay for that test.

Julie, were you using the B12 spray when you had the original test? homocysteine can be raised by deficiencies in Folate (B9) and B12 (not sure about B6).

Gallblader operation is something that may have affected the ileum and if it has done then that would explain the b12 problems -

IFA is a bit of a flaky test - and a negative is a long way from proving that you don't have B12

I'm afraid I have to run and can't give a detailed answer now but it does sound as if B12 is likely to be an issue but getting GP to recognise that is likely to be very difficult. Do you have/could you get a copy of the exact test results along with ranges?

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator in reply to Gambit62

Ps please look through the pinned posts -

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Gambit62

Yes I was still on the B12 spray when I had the test the Homocysteine test done.

Had gallbladder out in 2013 due to lots of gallbladder stones.

I have the latest blood tests if you want to see?

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator in reply to Jan87

suggest you start a new post - people tend not to notice stuff going on from a year ago unless it is a reply specifically to them.

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Gambit62

Thank you, I did also reply to some people.

Chippysue profile image
Chippysue

Manuka honey on shingles works really well apparently.

Fibromyalgia is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

It’s all about finding the root cause, your dr is not trying to find it, they just attempt to put sticking plasters on. Your dr is not helping you.

Have you been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?

ME is diagnosed after seeing thyroid bloods are ok - in the UK the TSH needs to be above 10! Many people are hypothyroid and their TSH never gets anywhere near to 10.

I would ask your doctor to test your thyroid antibodies, free t4, free t4 and ferritin, folate, B12, vitamin d. You can have them tested privately. Your B12 needs to be at least 500!

Getting yourself well is about reading, researching, starting with good gut health, reducing toxins like prescription drugs, fluoride and hundreds more so that the liver isn’t overloaded. I have learnt so much on my journey and to start with 12 years ago I just wanted a thyroid pill.

I can recommend books, websites etc to start with.

Sue

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Chippysue

Thank you about the honey, took awhile to get rid of the shingles.

hypothyroidism I have had panel of thyroid tests all normal.

I can post on here my TSH don’t think it’s above 10. My husband has under active thyroid.

Doc won’t do anymore bloods now as had enough with me been tested for nearly everything, u can’t go privately as can’t afford it.

I had my folate tested was ok and ferritin and Vitamin D normal I was told.

Yes if you can recommend something’s that will be great.

Thank you.

Chippysue profile image
Chippysue in reply to Jan87

A year has passed since my comment lol

I would buy dr Isabella Wentz books and wool hard at reversing symptoms

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Chippysue

Yes sorry a lot happened that year and due also to cognitive issues I forgot what I wrote and I only realised when I logged in again.

Thanks will do.

Marz profile image
Marz

I agree with Sue above. Gall bladder issues are linked to low Thyroid - as are some of your other symptoms. You need the FULL thyroid profile tested and not just the TSH .... happy to help 😊

I only know about my family and lack of gallbladders. I had mine removed in 2006 I was never overweight and it was chock full of calcium stones I was out the same day and I was the oldest person on the ward.

I had always ate a very healthy diet I believe that it was auto immune like my lack of a thyroid now since 2015.

I don't know anything regarding what you a taking, sorry I don't have any of your problems.

I hope that you received good advice and soon recover.

I forgot to say that you need to look after you liver which is important. I take Milk Thistle. Cut down to one small glass of wine per week and never have ice or cold drinks from the fridge, it all helps

Auntyp62 profile image
Auntyp62

Wow someone talking about homocysteine........I don't have any asorbtion problems so according to my gp do not have pa but he could not understand why my b12 was low.........this was 2 years ago. Due to having nerve damage he gave me injections which for a while improved my health. I had a gene test done as I was suspicious that my mum, grandmother, and daughter had the same problem. .this came back with many faults that caused high homocysteine showed it to Gp who said loads of rubbish. One year ago I was exhausted and due to gp saying there was nothing wrong and I had to accept that this was just me I gave up on NHS and went private. After seeing an endo and then going to a sleep clinic I was diagnosed with hypersomnia and given amphetamins to keep me awake. When I told my son he said "mum you need to watch doctor in the house series 2 episode 2 about a chap like you exhausted and doctor had no idea about homocysteine. (On you tube)

It was a revelation about doctors ignorance of homocysteine and just how it is now being recognised and the problems it can cause.

Homocysteine is a waste by product produced when the malathion cycle is not function with b12 and folate at cellular level and is toxic.

Under a private Gp I came off b12 injections and started high dose oral b12 tablets plus other b vitamins and on day 5 felt better than I had in years. For me it was not possible to have the homocysteine blood test as I had had b12 injections and they would squeaw the results but my daughters was very high and had a miraculous improvement in health once the homocysteine levels had dropped.

Doctors are not trained about homocysteine and the damage it causes but my gp who trains doctors to be gps has now added this to his training plans as he has seen the difference it has made to several aspects of my health including .....lowering of.high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Auntyp62

Homocysteine has an interesting history. When they were exploring blocked arteries looking for the cause - back in the 60's I believe - they found not only cholesterol but also Homocysteine. Both naturally occurring in the body. Statins were on the horizon and so the Homocysteine research was well and truly dumped as it only required vitamins and some Betaine HCL to lower the level - so no financial gain for Big Pharma. It is now coming back into fashion in that it is being talked about more but sadly still not a routine test on the NHS.

I live in Crete and had mine tested way back in around 2005 - no-one batted an eyelid at the Clinic - seems pretty routine here. Also Homocysteine is a predictor of heart issues and strokes if raised. When Homocysteine reduces so it seems does the cholesterol. Mine did :-) I have read that single figures is the desired level for safety.

It seems that the tests that help us on our journey to wellness are ignored by the NHS - so many have to be requested by the patient ....

Auntyp62 profile image
Auntyp62 in reply to Marz

Thank you for the added information which I did know and others may find helpful.......the last few months journey into homocysteine discovery has enlightened my family in ways Doctors never could as it is responsible for so many things. Particularly with regard to my daughters blood clotting problems which have improved now the homocysteine has been lowered and after years of infertility that no doctor could explain the knowledge we have gained about raised homocysteine has given her an explanation ....onward to better health!

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Marz

My Homocysteine level is way high 15 and my cholesterol I had checked at the chemist a few weeks has gone up from 5.1 to 5.68 but my good cholesterol is ok but total cholesterol is up to 5.68 and have stared eating red meat, eggs because of low vitamins but my B12 now is 1500 above range doc says but could be due to the B12 soray I don’t know. Yes Homocysteine has be under 8.

Auntyp62 profile image
Auntyp62 in reply to Jan87

Before I found out about homocysteine my gp gave me b12 injections, but you also need folate to work with b12 to eliminate homocysteine. I now take a high strength b complex daily and add 1000 of b12 3 times a week .......feel better than I have in years. Also some of us that have high cysteine often have low vitamin d as well and that can make you feel awful and cause high cholesterol.

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Auntyp62

You see I never had B12 injections because I was using a spray and level was in the 700s but now it’s 1500 so chance.

I have high cysteine as well. But vitamin D was told was ok.

Auntyp62 profile image
Auntyp62 in reply to Jan87

I am saying that you need your folate to be high as well to eliminate the homocysteine....is you folate high as well as b 12.........b12 without FOLATE will make more homocysteine....often doctors say vitamin d ok as it’s in range but it may be bottom of range. Did you get a copy of results?

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Auntyp62

Right I don’t understand levels but it says in my print out that my serum folate is 12.7 and ranges are between 2-18.8

terrybraden profile image
terrybraden

I have had my gallbladder out too, and have hypothyroidism. My problems with a B12 deficiency may have started then. It's really complicated. But, I hear you, even if I don't have all the answers.

I may have H-Pylori and am going to get that tested tomorrow. If I have that I'll deal with it and continue to correct absorption problems.

I also hear you about the shingles, and I also took the antiviral.

Since I don't have the MYHFR gene, it's back to green smoothies and more leafy greens in my diet. I think you're doing good by making the changes you have. Gambit has great advice I think.

I'm not a dr. and each of us has our own journey to health. The best to you on yours.

I

Marz profile image
Marz

Somehow found my way back to your post ! - so how are things going for you ? Any Thyroid revelations ?

Jan87 profile image
Jan87

Sorry everyone for not replying till now, so many things have happened since I last wrote and my Homocysteine is still the same and Amnio acids screen same, I wrote to my MP about lack of support in advice about my Homocysteine and low across the board in vitamins he sent all to the GP who in early December said he has sent to the immunologist who I saw a few years ago as he is just a local doctor and doesn’t know about Homocysteine like you all said so hopefully get back to me.

In the mean time last year we were going to move but it all went wrong and I had two cancer scares but thank god they were ok and not cancer.so from April to September so much stress but by October all stress improved but I feel worse and don’t understand why.

Blood tests all negative and thyroid too. My vision though is a different thing in October I started having buzzing in my head think it’s the same as ringing in ears but haven’t seen doc for it and the vision it’s like I am looking at things but it’s not real like 3D or glass can’t explain it don’t know why I am like that.

I don’t know what’s going on:(.

Oh I had my bloods done in October and had B12 done as well even though I was still on the B12 spray, my bloods showed my B12 of 1500 so doc said no way would he give me B12 injections with that level, I tried explaining that it’s down to the the spray and not all B12 I will be absorbing but he said he didn’t understand it all so sent letter to immunologist, I said all I want is a another Homocysteine blood test done which can be done at the hospital but it’s like asking for the moon. My father died from a heart attack,I am nearly 60 in August.

I had my cholesterol taken at a chemist a few weeks ago and the good cholesterol was about right but all together it had gone up from 5.1 to 5.68, the thing is I have started since last year eating meat red meat, pork, eggs due to the low B vitamins but now I don’t know do I cut down and go down to eating veggies or not it’s so confusing.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Jan87

Which tests were done for your thyroid ? Do you have copies of your results with ranges ? Correct testing rarely done in the NHS ...

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Marz

I will have to look for them but I am sure I have last October ones,

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Jan87

Please read up everything you can on the thyroid below ...

thyroiduk.org

Check out the symptoms list with yours ... Hope you can find your results.

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Marz

Thank you, I am doing that now, a lot of the symptoms is the same as ME/CFS it’s basically identical, my sister has overactive thyroid and had thyroid cancer, the thing is when docs say your thyroid is fine you believe it.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Jan87

Sadly too many people do ! Yes my daughter was told it was all in her head and her GP refused to look at her scans and results done correctly here in Crete. She too had thyroid cancer ...

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Marz

Still trying to find my notes. So sorry about your daughter, my sister had a massive lump before it was checked and they realised it was cancer.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Jan87

Hopefully your sister has made a good recovery ...

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Marz

Yes my sister is fine now thank you.

I can’t find my thyroid readings but I found my ferritin and folate if any good,? My B12 don’t ask as I don’t really know if all this is down to lack of B12 or CFS.

Before I started using the B12 spray I had a B12 blood test in 2009 it was 412 doc said normal and never had one since 2016 when had one using the spray saying I was 751 and had one last October saying my levels was above average 1500. I came of the spray three days ago so eventually I can have a proper reading but in the meantime having all these strange symptoms and getting worse.

Lyynn123 profile image
Lyynn123 in reply to Jan87

I totally get you on the vision issue. I felt the same way. Injections stopped all that. It was scary!

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Lyynn123

Did you have similar vision issues? Started last Oct and buzzing in my head same time. I think that is titinus though but in my head.

It’s like I am looking through glass and things around me not real really hard to discribe. Feel going or gone crazy.

The doc won’t give me injections though cos last test was 1500 so I come off spray and taking no B12 just food with it in.its very scary though.

Lyynn123 profile image
Lyynn123 in reply to Jan87

Yes I had a hard time describing the vision too. And I had buzzing and vibrating weird head feelings. It was awful! You really need injections to get better. The number means nothing. You need to inject based on symptoms. Even my naturopath dr agrees with this. Look into purchasing your own b12 serum and injecting yourself. You will just continue to get worse if you don’t. I took sublinguals for 4 years before I knew I had PA and I still became deficient because of pa.

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Lyynn123

That’s exactly how I feel though and getting worse each day.

The doctors won’t though and can’t pay privately as we on benefits now due to this.

I was told you have to have your first injection done by a doctor not self inject but can after first one. It’s due to shock or something.

So the vision and like 3D effect is down to lack of B12 even though I am eating meat eggs etc? Could I loose my vision?

Could I not wait for four months to come of the B12 and then have a proper reading and see?

Lyynn123 profile image
Lyynn123 in reply to Jan87

If you have pa then you won’t absorb through food or supplement. You need injections for life. I don’t know about having your first shot by a doctor. That may be true it may not but either way I would try another doctor or plead to them and tell them you vision is declining as well as other symptoms. It is very crucial you get injections ASAP.

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Lyynn123

I have been trying to explain and because my B12 is 1500 level they won’t do anything. I rang the doctor this morning and waiting for him to ring me back, I am trying but no one is listening.

It’s like they don’t want to know. I really don’t know what else to do.

Lyynn123 profile image
Lyynn123 in reply to Jan87

I’m so sorry Julie. I wish I had an answer for you. Just keep trying and pushing. Try to find proof online showing that the b12 number isn’t a good standard to follow for injections. Start a new post and ask people about that evidence. I know there are a lot of Knowledgable people on here. 😊

Jan87 profile image
Jan87

Thank you lynn

I saw doc today but he won’t give me them so I stopped taking the B12 spray and will see how low I go without out been taking it since late 2015. I think it’s four months without and then I can have a B12 test to show my proper levels.

I have tried that today and tried different docs and I changed practices still nothing. Thank you though.

Lyynn123 profile image
Lyynn123 in reply to Jan87

Oh man sorry. Keep me posted on how things go. Hang in there. 😊

Jan87 profile image
Jan87 in reply to Lyynn123

Thank you, will keep you posted, nervous about been off the spray but I have too as need a proper reading.

Wish I had never used it in the first place.

Doc sending me leaflets on anxiety etc.

😀 will try.

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