Neuropathy

[Hope75]

Thanks so much for your post. I will have to ask my doc about that! I tried 1000mcg of Methyl B-12 under my tongue once a day, but it didn't seem to do anything. I will give it another try though. can't hurt! Thanks again:)

[SueinPain]

Hi! I'm brand new here (as of tonight when I found this forum). I'm pleased to meet everyone but sorry that we have this common bond - neuropathy and all the pain that goes with it.

Hope, do your family members have a vitamin B-12 deficiency? If so, you MIGHT have the situation I do. Some people are born without what is called "intrinsic factor", an element in your "gut" that enables your body to absorb B-12 from food or by taking pills. This condition is often inherited. I have to give myself a B-12 injection every month.

My neuropathy is driving me crazy. In 2001, it was so severe I couldn't lead a normal life and had a neurostimulator implant. It helped tremendously. In 2008, I discovered that I didn't need to use it - the neuropathy was gone. (I was disagnosed with ideopathic neuropathy.) Now the past six months, It has come back. During the day both my feet are numb and I get sharp, stabbing pains in the evening. Once I get to sleep, I can sleep through the night.

I tried turning on the neurostimulator but it doesn't help the pain. I know it's still functioning, because if I turn it on and raise the number, I can feel the little electrical currents. This situation has me stumped.

I am not diabetic and my thyroid is fine. I take B vitamin complex pills and Vitamin D. The antidepressants didn't help at all and I hated the way they made me feel (especially Cymbalta). I had EMT/NCV tests done, and the neurologist said I had "mild" nerve damage. He didn't seem concerned at all. I guess I'll just put up with it. But I was curious if anyone else has so much pain at night.

I'm going to check out some of the shoes mentioned here! I'm sorry for everyone who has to deal with this agonizing condition.

[penney]

sueinpain Can you please tell me about being B12 deficient, I was constantly telling my Dr. that I was tired all the time and just did'nt feel good. He would say you work to much you cannot do this type of work anymore, I have always worked in factorys it is very physical, and I am small 5ft.1" and weigh 102 45yrs old, he says my body wasn't meant to do that type of work anymore. But I'm not smart enough to do any other type of work, the B12 has messed up my memory some. I get Injections once a month at the Dr. office. I don't know why I don't absorbe it through food. The Dr just did blood work and It showed that I was deficient, I know I have to take them for the rest of my life. But I really don't know what all it does to your body. I also was just found out that I have RSD in my foot from surgery, I've had it for 3 months It is awful, I don't know exactly what it does to your brain, but I'm scared because the B12 has already messed up my memory, like I may ask you a question and then ask you the same question 5 min. later. It drives my husband and daughter crazy but I can't help it. I've been taking the shots for about 3yrs now. No one else in my family is deficient. So any info you could give me about it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Penney

[SueinPain]

Hi, Penney. Sorry I'm so slow in replying to your post. Your body must lack the same "intrinsic factor" mine does - you can't absorb vitamin B-12 from taking it by mouth (food or supplements). Many times B-12 deficiency is hereditary (as in my case) but that isn't always true. You mentioned your memory is not as good as it used to be. Neither is mine. I looked up an article I saved on my computer about vitamin B-12 deficiency. A lack of B-12 can cause all kinds of problems. I'll copy the information below. I hope you find it helpful. But please don't be alarmed. Just because all these effects are listed doesn't mean you'll get them all. I'm glad you discovered your deficiency. I know how awful you feel when you have that. I hope your problems with your feet are improving. My neuropathy drives me crazy at night but not as much during the day. I have gotten some better quality shoes that have helped the pain. Good luck with your health problems.
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The Far-Reaching Effects of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

Vitamin B-12, called "cobalamin" because it contains the mineral cobalt, is required for a staggering number of physical functions and chemical reactions. Best known for its participation in the manufacture of red blood cells, B-12 is also needed for production and maintenance of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves and for production of DNA, the genetic material of all cells. And that's just the beginning.

The serious health consequences of vitamin B-12 deficiency can adversely affect nearly every system in the body.

Energy: Even minor deficiencies of vitamin B-12 can cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness.

The Nervous System: Deficiencies of B-12 can cause neurological changes including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, depression, confusion, poor memory and Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Long-term deficiencies of B-12 can result in permanent impairment of the nervous system.

The Gastro-Intestinal System: B-12 deficiency can cause decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea or alternating constipation/diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain.

The Immune System: Vitamin B-12 is necessary for normal functioning of white blood cells. Studies show that B-12 helps regulate Natural-Killer T-cells and prevents chromosome damage.

The Cardiovascular System: Vitamin B-12 participates in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Elevated homocysteine levels are a known independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke and thrombosis. Without adequate B-12 levels, homocysteine levels typically rise.

Special Senses: Degenerative changes in the central nervous system caused by B-12 deficiency can also affect the optic nerve, resulting in blue-yellow color blindness.

Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include sore mouth or tongue.

With so many physical functions at risk, it is easy to understand why knowledgeable clinicians and researchers consider B-12 supplementation beneficial.
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Take care, Penney.

Sue (in pain)

[penney]

Hi Sue Thanks for the reply. My RSD isn't any better, went to a second neuro. Dr. Friday he wants me to go to PA. he video taped my feet and legs, to show the diffrences although it is so hard not to tell, because of the swelling, the color red purple. Also my arms and hands because I now have alot of pain in my left arm. He also thinks I have dystonia. Why I don't know and he didn't explain. Any way he thinks I should see this Dr. in PA. then go to Germany to be put in the Ketamine induced coma. I just don't know about that. SCARY! ( have you heard about that?) So now Monday morning I will be looking for another neuro DR. that knows about RSD, which is hard to do here in KY. He thinks I'm bad enough for that but he told me to take tylenol for the pain. In the earlier post I read about the merrell and dansko's clogs. I'm going to check them out right now, I still can't get a shoe on this foot. If the B12 causes neurological changes wouldn't that make RSD worse? Thanks for listening, you have been a big help. I wish you a wonderful day and a peaceful rest tonight. Penney