Low B12/Folate Symptoms

[Lemondrizz1]

I had just started taking B12 drops to help with low B12 levels - 249 when my consultant decieded to take another test - I requested a print out of this latest B12 test - this was taken ten days after I had started the B12 drops when the level was 249 - and is now -

18/10/22 B12 Vitamin B12 - 567 ng/L (197-771)

My question is - As the B12 is now at a better level - but I still have the symptoms - could this be more attributed to Low Folate Levels ? - and should I continue with the B12 and get some Folate drops/tablets rather that the B Complex which contains Folate ?

I have also read that untreated Paraesthesia can be irreversible - how long would you have to have this before this was the case. Mine in my feet has been since Jan 22 - feet and legs since May22 and Head since September 22.

Any comments or advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Lemondrizz

[Technoid]

Raising B12 does not immediately cure the symptoms because the symptoms are (mostly) not coming from low B12 levels. Theyre coming from the nerve (and other) damage that happened in the period while B12 levels were low (or while there was a functional deficiency). Getting B12 levels up is only the start of the journey I'm afraid, although you may see a quicker/better recovery than most if you get on injections since your neuropathy has only been around for 7 months. Once B12 levels are restored (and personally I would prefer injections to be sure you have sufficient active B12) , then a daily 400mcg folic acid supplement may help for at least the first month or two, but check this with your doctor. Although B12 seems like a likely culprit, be aware of other conditions that might cause the neuropathy and discuss with your doctor to make sure you're getting the right treatment for the right condition.

Do you know what caused the low B12 or has that been discussed at all?

[Lemondrizz1 in reply to Technoid]

Thank you Technoid - very useful information.

Lemondrizz

[Gen89]

usually folate levels are tested at same time as B12 levels so your doctor should know if you are deficient or not.

[Lemondrizz1 in reply to Gen89]

Many thanks Gen89

I do have a reading that was done alongside my B12 - but although within normal limits is on the low side -

Lemondrizz

[SigNi]

Hi - I had a ME/CFS diagnosis and didn't get anywhere until a psychiatrist (for severe cognitive loss) tested me for a wide range of biochemical issues. I had a wide range of deficiencies - B12 was the worst, but I understand a B9 deficiency can cause some of the same symptoms as a B12 shortage. I started with B12 for about 2 months (eased the numbness and sharp nerve pain, but not fatigue and joint pain, stiffness) and then began a B-complex (B1, B6, B5, B12, B9) series of injections & B3 niacin tabs (I actually like the flush). The ampules are easy to purchase here in Germany and B vitamins are water solulable therefore any excess is excreted.

I also had a significant deficiency in Omega 3's & D3. Since beginning therapeutic doses of those (tablets) - my pain/stiffness is diminishing. It's important to take K2 (MK7) along with the Vit D3 so calcium does not build up in arteries, spinal column etc. I understand the D3 can inhibit absorption of calcium. My fatigue is also fading very slowly, my strength is slowly increasing, and my balance issues are improving. But I am honestly not sure which supplement is helping as I am taking so many! I also haven't found the cause of my deficiencies even after endo/colonoscopy. I have learned however, that extreme stress can change the ph of the stomach and inhibit intake of micronutrients. I have had some years of extreme prolonged stress & am beginning to think that was the catalyst. So I am taking betain hcl to improve ph levels.

I am also taking supplements for thyroid & adrenal health and for estrogen metabolism (I am post-menopausal with some fibroid and cyst issues). I still haven't figured out my hearing loss and vision issues. And brain fog remains a real problem. What I have learned is that it takes time. I have been at this for over a year and it seems like nothing is getting better and then I notice that something isn't such a problem anymore. Like today when I got out of a chair after sitting an hour - I wasn't in agony with stiffness. Amazing!!! Pain sucks up so much energy - so that is probably helping my fatigue.

I don't have a specific schedule or dosage amount for the supplements - I admit I work intuitively based on my energy and symptoms. I've tried to educate myself as much as possible on everything (youtube is amazing) and go from there. I also spent time at a Traditional Chinese Medicine Klinik & recieved a lot of good guidance from some of the doctors there regarding herbals and supplements. I do recommend consulting a reputable TCM doctor to anyone who is curious. They really managed to bring my pain down within a week with herbal decoctions and acupuncture. My insurance paid for it - I know not all do, but the treatment is usually much cheaper than allopatic means.

So - far more than you wanted to know. But I don't get on here much these days and just wanted to pass stuff on to anyone who is interested. It's complicated and it takes time. I find that I just really have to listen to my body, get tests for whatever is worrying me, educate myself on symptoms and supplements, ask docs and others to educate me (they love it when I do that - even if internally I don't accept everything they say), and be patient. I wish you the very, very, very best in recovering.