Help - have had symptoms for years but serum B12 OK, MCH slightly raised

[DanielLondon]

Hi everyone. I'd b incredibly grateful if anyone has any advice I'm really not sure where to turn to at this point. Am a 47 year old man. I've had a long history of problems--

a seriously bloatedstomach since I was about 8 with chronic dyspepsia.

- chronic tiredness and irritability that really restricts my life

- projectile vomiting and severe diarrhoea frequently around the age of 18/19 and then for the next 10 years or so every now and then, would come on during the day and last for about 6 or 7 hours then just end, onset with sulphuric smelling burps

- severe paleness which I have about 80% of the time with red rimmed eyes

-blocked sinuses

-diagnosed with gastritis and have some acid reflux

- on and off pins and needles, but had nerve test two years ago which they said was all fine.

- new onset dropped foot which is heavy, tingly

I've just had more blood test and as usual my B12 levels are high. 852 pg/ml (normal 197 - 771 my report says)

MCH - 34.1 (normal 27 -33.50)

So does this mean I dont have any B12 issues? I did have some B12 injections privately a few years back and I think they helped but I can't be sure. My doctor just thinks I'm a hypochondriac and I'm just not sure what to do or whether I've got some issue would b12 or not.

If anyone has any advice would be incredibly grateful.

[Hidden]

Good morning Daniel.I’m sorry to read this you’ve certainly had a rough ride since childhood.I suggest you get copies of your blood tests and post here with ranges,usually in brackets after results.The lovely members here will then have something to work with to help you.

Have you ever been tested for hpylori? This is something that you could maybe have a google on and research a bit as it’s more common than people think and can effect you from a very young age and could account for your gastritis.do a bit of reading about it and it’s easily treated with triple therapy,ie two different antibiotic courses and a ppi so don’t worry about it,it’s a very easy test for your gp to do.good luck and I’m sure you’ll get some helpful advice.

[DanielLondon in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much for replying. Ive tested negative for hpylori, unfortunately!

[Hedgeree]

Hi Daniel,

When I read your post and you say you've been experiencing 'sulphuric smelling burps' it jumped out at me!

I'm not a medic nor an expert but hopefully my own experience may help you.

I was very unwell a few years back terrible digestive issues, similar to yours, projectile vomiting, serious diarrhoea with sulphuric burps, horrible and I felt so very unwell. As I didn't know what was wrong it took a bit of searching as GP no help whatsoever. I found I was sensitive to sulphites in food!

Have a look at what you're eating. At the time I became ill I'd consumed two glasses of concentrated orange juice and some trail type mix of nuts and raisins, sultanas etc. These are both heavily sulphited foods. It is added to foods as a preservative and is also naturally present in some. It can also cause wheeziness and chest congestion, particularly if you experience asthma.

You'll have to if you don't already start reading the ingredient lists on shop bought products and cook as much as you can from scratch at home.

You need to avoid sulphites and sulphur dioxide. These are the e numbers to avoid but there are others;

E220 Sulphur dioxide

E221 Sodium sulphite

E222 Sodium hydrogen sulphite

E223 Sodium metabisulphite etc

Also do you drink wine or cider?

Unfortunately I was scared to eat anything much for about six weeks after, apart from baked potatoes and olive oil as I felt so unwell and so lost a lot of weight. Have a look online; sulphite sensitivity (also sulfite different spelling), also there are food lists too. If I can, later I'll try and find some links to information that you may find useful to read.

It sounds like your GP is no help and they don't get much training in nutrition or food sensitivity/issues I'm told; also please don't take on board the hypochondriac label!

Best wishes