Is it normal to feel more and more shaky as part of healing?

[Laverdista]

Feeling shaky (shaking hands particularly in the morning) was one of the last symptoms I developed before being diagnosed with B12D.

I'm now nearly 6 weeks into self-injecting every other day, and noticed that if anything my shakiness has got worse, and is now combined with weak, trembling legs, which I didn't have before.

Is this part of healing, or is there something else I should check. I did notice that it seems to have got worse at the same time as my breathlessness, so could be connected.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I'm not medically trained but I'm wondering if your doctor has checked your potassium levels.

Some people experience a drop in potassium (hypokalaemia) when they start B12 treatment.

[Laverdista in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thanks. Have had my potassium levels checked a couple of times since I started self-injecting, and they'd gone down from 4.9 to 3.9, then back up to 4.3, and that was whilst taking a medication that's supposed to maintain the levels. Have been chugging down coconut water like it's going out of business, but maybe need to do even more

[Nackapan in reply to Laverdista]

Yes had this and many more debilitating symptoms. My ferritin was low when breathless and had restless legs .

Also your metabolic rate will probably be Increased and many nerves waking up.

I initially lost over a stone in weight

.

I can't emphasise enough

It's very early days for you in thr process of healing .

If you've sought s drug for your very low mood and anxiety you've posted about it may kick in soon to get you through this tough period

[Oneash]

Are you getting L-methylfolate or folonic acid, rather than folic acid? How are your magnesium levels?

[Laverdista in reply to Oneash]

Thanks. Just trying 400mcg of l-methylfolate for the first time today - I had been taking 5mg of folinic acid but not sure if it agreed with me. My folate levels were very low (2.6) when i started injecting 5 weeks ago, but have recovered to 27 in the last blood test (although I had taken folinic acid the day before - Not sure what impact that would have had on the accuracy of the test?).

[B12again]

It’s understandable to feel concerned about worsening symptoms like shakiness and trembling legs, but this could be part of the healing process

1. Nerve Regeneration: B12 is essential for nerve repair. As your body heals, it’s common to experience temporary worsening of symptoms like shakiness or weakness. This is a sign of nerve regeneration, which can cause discomfort during the process.

2. Low Oxygen Levels and Red Blood Cell Turnover: B12 is critical for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen to muscles. The turnover time for red blood cells is about 120 days, so while your body is healing, it may take time for new, healthy red blood cells to form. This could explain the weakness in your legs and breathlessness, as oxygen delivery may still be compromised.

3. Other Nutritional Deficiencies: Your body may need additional nutrients like magnesium, folate, vitamin D or iron during recovery, and imbalances could contribute to trembling or muscle weakness.

As your body heals from long-standing B12 deficiency, symptoms can worsen before they improve, a process sometimes known as ‘reversing out.’ This happens as the body adjusts and repairs damage, especially to nerves and muscles. It’s a sign that healing is underway.

What you’re experiencing is common in recovery, but if symptoms worsen or become distressing, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor. Healing takes time, and with continued treatment, improvement should come. Stay encouraged!

[Laverdista]

Thanks for the very clear but detailed response. Much appreciated.