Clawed Hands

[maclin232]

Hello Everyone

I dont ost much as I am still fighting against a particular Doctor, and taking action. I can say anything about that.

I would love to ask a question though, actually 2.

1. My B12 injections were stopped, and I did not have any privately. I am suffering all the B12 deficiency symptoms, but my blood test reads B12 as high, 1500. It never changes. Does anyone know aby reason for that , please.

2. I am suffering severe spasms, like pains start in upper forearms, and then hit my hands like a pulling, painful sensation, making my hands contract like claws. Happens in my lower legs, but feet just go stiff, and calves also. I can feel pains in my hands most of the time,which get worse, and then go into claws.

Has anyone had this, or have any idea if its neurological?

Thanks for any help

[Raven_Cat]

Hi, I am recently diagnosed with PA so am still in the phase of sorting this out, never appears to be an illness that is easily understood nor treated well for some of us. I have the same areas affected as you, off to doctor tomorrow. I know something is showing in my bloods, so hopefully it will indicate the treatment is not working.

I have been doing some research regarding B12 absorption, have a look at this post, my replies and links and all the other responses surrounding each post (perhaps 3 posts deep with my links). From the top of my head, you could have a functional absorption issue which may be proven by a genetic test where despite having high numbers of B12 in your blood, your body may not process it.

There is a fair bit on the topic on this site regarding the unusefulness of checking B12 once starting injections. Hopefully the following link may help. Good Luck. X healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

[maclin232 in reply to Raven_Cat]

Thanks so much. Off to look at your link

[deniseinmilden]

Clawed hands, especially, and lower leg cramps are classic signs of low potassium.

I suggest you look online for good sources of potassium and see what you will like. Fruit, nuts and vegetables are usually the best, but some are better than others.

LoSalt is high in potassium and lower in sodium.

Once you have had B12 injections your blood test levels remain high.

[maclin232 in reply to deniseinmilden]

Thank you. I will look at the potassium,also I havent had any injections for over a year

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

When my symptoms were at their worse, I used to wake up with clawed hands and it would take several minutes before this wore off.

I also had painful spasms and other unusual movements eg twitches, fasciculations, periodic limb movements.

Many of these symptoms disappeared or improved when I started B12.

In my case I think it was neurological. Some specialists I saw felt my neuro symptoms were FND (functional neurological disorder).

I was very angry at this label at the time but recently have wondered if some symptoms were FND as I had been put through tremendous stress trying to get a diagnosis and treatment and stress can do strange things to the body.

I've read research articles that suggest B12 deficiency can sometimes cause involuntary movements.

Please be aware that medical and health articles sometimes have details that could be upsetting to read.

I had symptoms such as restless legs (RLS) and dystonia type symptoms.

B12 is a co-factor of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and seretonin so it makes sense to me that low B12 could mean low levels of neurotransmitters and that in turn could lead to neurological symptoms.

"I am suffering all the B12 deficiency symptoms, but my blood test reads B12 as high, 1500. It never changes."

It's possible to have functional B12 deficiency. This is where there is plenty of B12 in the blood but it's not getting to where it's needed in the cells so the person develops B12 deficiency symptoms.

If you search forum posts with "functional B12 deficiency" there might be some relevant threads.

How long is it since you were given a B12 injection?

"My B12 injections were stopped"

If you search forum posts for "injections stopped" that might show some relevant threads.

I'm not medically trained.

[maclin232 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thanks very much Sleepybunny