FOOT DROP

Has anyone had this happen? I am just a year out and I have developed foot drop. I don't have any pain or burning like neuropathy, but the neurosurgeon says that what I have. I am increasing my B12 and adding B1. Any ideas?

Shar

Shar, it's exactly what your doc said.....B-1 and B-12 issues.  I had the exact problem at 3 months post-op, weird feeling.  I have aggressively taken B-1 and B-12 since with no problem since then. When did you have your last labs?  Do you know what our B levels were then?  You might want to have them drawn and see where you are and if needed do injections. Best wishes,

My B12 levels were good. Never had B1 drawn. I have only taken B12 since surgery but now am starting B1 , In my reading, I have learned that B1 (thiamine) can be injected in megadoses without side effects. Is that what you did? Did your foot "undrop?" I am so depressed over this. Thanks for your response.

Shar

Shar, when you say your B12 levels were good that is probably/hopefully the case.  However, saying this the range for one may not be a sufficient range of another.  Example, the range (at my lab) is 200-1000.......a friend of mine with these same ranges had a B12 read of 350+/- and was deficient for HER body with all the symptoms of B12 deficiency.  So I guess what I am saying is make sure that your "good" is really good for you. The B1 I took by mouth was/is sufficient for me.  Yes my foot "undropped" within approximately 7 days from me taking the B1 and increasing my B12.  I did notice it better within 3 days and felt "normal" after a week. How long have you been experiencing it?  I'm sure you'll be fine since you are being pro-active so quickly with treatment.  Take a deep breathe and relax, no need to add additional stress.

Oh, you have given me so much hope. I thank you for that. This has just begun, I noticed it Friday night. It is so unbelievable that the docs who "specialize" in this problem have no clue. The neurosurgeon never had anything about vitamins. If it weren't for everyone on these boards I would be going in a different direction. I will see my internist today and go armed with all my acquired knowledge. Again.thank you

Shar

I might by that friend!  LOL  It was 424 and I was severely anemic caused by B12 deficiency!   I'm always the odd one. I had my incision aspirated with guided ultrasound Tuesday.  Infection.  I was sobbing!  LOL  I'm taking two broad spectrum antibiotics and waiting on the cultures.  At least I knew the symptoms from my last incisional infection and got attention ASAP so they wouldn't have to open it and then have to pack another wound and have a silly scar again!  *shaking head* It's right at my waist line too -- so just simple chores or sitting is painful.  Egads! Dana, I'm done.  This is it.  Right? By the way, drop foot can also be caused by a TSH level too high!  *wink*

I actually have neuropathy and the foot drop problem. I walk pretty funny, looks like Im drunk.  Long story and even longer hospitalization for problems with it all.  But the lack of B12 AND B1 were the major cause.  I dont think you can over due either of them.  I was getting daily shots of both for a few months, then tapered off to weekly than to monthy(finally a yr and a half later).  So if adding the B1 does not work well enough you might want to see about getting injections of it.  Be proactive with your bloodwork and levels of both vitamins because besides the physical problems there are long lasting mental problems that occur that are even more annoying than the physical pain.   

I am being proactive, especially with the help of you guys. I will tell my doc today to start injecting me with the Bs.

Shar

HI Shar.. I am gonna put a different spin on this for you.. web search the term "Slimmers parlysis." It is caused when you loose so much weight so quickly and is seen in wls patients.  I began feeling numbness on my leg.. I went to the doc and they said no problem.  Than they said it was because I crossed my legs.  I continued exercising and the other leg went numb.  Than my foot started droping,,, I sprang my ankle a number of times and although it didnt hurt it was very stressful.  I actually thought I was developing MS as it runs in my family.  I go to a neuro doc and he told me about this.. I had never heard of it but there it is right on the web site.   What happens is, from all the loss of weight the covering of the nerves get weak.  It takes time for them to regenerate and sometimes they dont.. I have been like this for a year.. at least the drop foot is gone.  but when I try and do any leg exercises I feel numbness again.. not of the foot but the skin.. how weird is that.   Check it out Carla

PS.. many doctors make that mistake about the B12/1.  It's because they dont know about this and yes.. you can take to much B supps.. I did when they told me what was wrong with me.  Most times it just goes away when you give the leg rest..  Again "Slimmer's paralysis"