Other test results

I've posted so many other places, but don't recall this board. EGD/Colonoscopy - PERFECT Iron - GOOD Thyroid - a little low B-12 - SEVERE DEFICIENCY Believe it or not, this is all good news. The B-12 explains an awful lot , firstly why I'm exhausted all of the time. Then my balance issues (beginning), some of the depression and anxiety, as well as the "nerve" pain I've had in recent months. I didn't post sooner simply because I have given myself permission to collapse. Until I see my primary on Wednesday, I am trying to eat high B-12 items... it's going ok. If the B-12 should preclude me from having the surgery, then so-be-it. I'm hoping that it can be treated, and then proceed forward. I do see where it would prevent me from having the RNY, but don't see that it would be a problem with the lap-band.

Hi Chris! I was EXTREMELY b-12 deficient and they put me on vitamins pre-op. They actually prescribed nasal b-12 for me but were happy when I found some at GNC instead. Cheaper, too The b-12 vitamins I (and my hubby) take are sublingual (under your tongue) - it's one of the better places that your body absorbs b-12. 1000 mcg is the recommended dosage (since we go to the same dr.). I went from 212 b-12 preop to 872 2 weeks ago. Normal is 300-900. I sincerely doubt they would not let you go ahead with surgery because of a b-12 deficiency. Congrats on the rest of your test results! Amy

Mine is really low at 131 Lynn suggested the nasal, but the key will be with my primary. He indicated the need to do further testing to locate the cause. His office primarily has metagenics supplements, and I've always liked them. Although the first will be a B-12 shot. I can just imagine flitting around with all the energy Really this explains an awful lot. I have a wee bit of depression, apathy, (not too sure on the memory loss) do forget what I was saying a lot, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, pallor, infertility, lower back pain, tingling in fingers. I fall/lose balance a lot, nerve pain, premature gray, fast pulse, and low temp. Most of these things have been most of my life, except the nerve pain, that's only been in recent months.

Wow, I wonder what causes a person to be B-12 deficient? I've always taken an extra B-12 supplement because I heard it's good for lots of things including improving a person's mood. But that's interesting that you both were deficient. When you find out the reason for the deficiency, please post again, I'm very interested in knowing. Best wishes! Laura

What I've read so far... The deficiency is pretty prevalent with vegetarians (unless they eat eggs/milk/cheese), because B-12 is only available in animal products. There is an auto-immune component. I have fibromyalgia which is considered an auto-immune disorder (more common in Lupus, MS, and other neurological disorders). Common in cancer patients (especially stomach cancer) or where any part of the stomach has been removed. There is also a heredity issue. Problem is most docs don't test for B-12, but for iron. They do tend to test when folks are senior citizens because it will manifest as a form of dementia.

I'm not sure why I was deficient, and I had never been tested for it before - I eat chicken and beef all the time. I was having problems keeping food in my system long enough to digest things properly before surgery and that probably has something to do with it - my body always felt like it was rushing all the food through my intestines as fast as possible *shrug* but everything works just fine now I still eat chicken and beef now, but I make sure I pop that lil pink b-12 pill under my tongue every morning Amy

I saw my primary yesterday and got my first shot. He is recommending that my sister get her b-12 tested as well, sinse it could be hereditary. He couldn't say enough about how grateful he is that BIW did the B-12 testing. He believes that my folate is so good, that it was masking the deficiency. Not sure if that's how it works. I get the shot every 2 weeks until November 1, then I guess more blood tests, then supposed to go to once a month. He is suggesting the sublingual daily as well. He did admit that he was going to call the numbness, etc. in my hands to be carpal tunnel, but that this puts a new light on everything! And it explains a whole lot of other symptoms I have had. He does disagree with the psychiatrist on the diagnosis, indicating he sees a lot of bipolar folks, and I'm not one of them. I'm pretty happy right now, the energy hasn't broken out yet, but hopefully for this weekend while I'm at the Trimborn Farm event.

I too was very low-161 about 4 months ago. I am having surgery next monday October 11th. Surgery has always been an ok go ahead. I just had to start getting the shots every four weeks and my surgeon said I probably will for the rest of my life. I would rather do that then another pill every day. Plus it is convenient for me. I am a nurse in the clinic where my primary is. Good Luck Lori