Need a hug...not too tight though
Hi family,
I am need of prayers and hugs today as I am feeling overwhelmed. I was going to share my update when all the answers were in, but that might take a while.
It is my turn now it seems to have some long term metabolic problems. I have had increasing muscle weakness for the last 6-7 months. My regular labs keep showing the same things...except for low normal protein nothing seems unremarkable.
My pcp wasn't sure what to do. I asked for a more specific metabolic workup testing for fat, carbo, or protein metabolism deficiencies. I asked her to order a carnitine level. Carnitine is the amino acid that transports fat into the skeletal muscles, brain, and heart cell's powerhouses the mitochondria to provide for energy at rest. Well, wouldn't you know that it returned very deficient. Carnitine deficiency is a metabolic state in which there is not enough available for normal function of these systems. You don't often see symptoms until the level is less than 10-20% of normal. Oftentimes it is not diagnosed until there is sudden cardiac death or coma. Further labs were drawn and all abnormal...a long story but all related. I was referred to an endocrinologist and neurologist. The endocrinologist is trying to sort out all the abnormal labwork that suddenly appeared. I have an appointment with the neurologist next week.
I have been falling since I am so weak, I guess....4 times in the last month. I have hurt my foot, ring finger, knee. This last fall I broke 4 ribs in 3 places, cracked my head, and landed on my hip prosthesis (which blew up to a huge hematoma). I'm going to my orthopedic surgeon tomorrow.
Sorry to be so long. I would welcome your prayers, if you are so inclined. I also need some hugs....but not too tight!
Will keep you updated.
Paula 
Oh Paula,
I am so sorry! This is scary! Do they have any theories besides the bypass. I have always had underlying fears of what is to come in the future. Please keep us posted and know that I am sending you a cyber (((HUG))) and prayers.
Have you been getting all your supplements and protien? I forget my supplements on the weekends sometimes. I hope it doesn't cause problems. I really need to make myself remember. I get into a different routine during the weekend.
Hugs,
Debbie
Paula -
My thoughts and prayers are with you, as always - I'm glad that you were able to get your PCP to run the right tests - that often is quite a battle if they "don't feel it's necessary", and I hope with the help of the endocrinologist and the neurologist, they can get you the supplementation you need now, and get you started on the road that you'll need to be on in the future to make sure this doesn't happen again.
If you can, please keep us posted how you are doing...
Gentle hugs,
...Nick
Hi Debbie, thanks for the response. They are working up primary versus secondary carnitine def. If primary (born with it) the wls could have quickened the progression to these symptoms. Scarey if I had it 54 years. wls can cause secondary def by itself or with the primary type.
I was slacking on my vitamins and supplements for a while, but am back on track. All of those levels are normal thankfully. I am very careful with getting the protein in. I can't tolerate any meat though, and carnitine is only found in meat and dairy.
Will keep you all updated. Hugs back, Paula
You are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. You WILL pull through this and be even stronger for it. You have not come this far to let something take you down. Hey, I fractured 2 ribs and broke my back last year. So I know where you are coming from as far as that.
You're loved by a lot of people and you have us all routing for you to get better. AND YOU WILL! 
(((hugs)))
Joanne
(((hugs)))
Joanne 
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