Vitamin B12 and MS

[dm0329]

I just had my yearly visit with my neurologist. I've had a definite MS dx for twenty years (been on Avonex 16). I will get my follow-up MRI, etc., on Friday. Okay, this is the typical yearly stuff.

But, he ordered a NEW blood test for me this year. . .Vitamin B-12 levels? I figured folks at MS World could clue me in on this significance, even before I get my results back.

So, folks what's the scoop on Vitamin B-12 and MS?

[fishead]

dm0329,

A low B-12 level is seen in MS patients. This is good your doc is doing it. A low B-12 count is easily fixed.

[Seasha]

Hi dm~ I just found a good article about B12 deficiency and MS http://ms.about.com/od/livingwellwit...itamin_b12.htm

Hope this explains a lot to you. It's good that your doctor is staying on top of this! Take care!

BTW, I love your signature! LOL - isn't that the truth?

[maitrimama]

Though you are past the Dx stage, during the Dx and "Limbo" stages the symptoms of B12 deficiency can mimic the symptoms of MS. Even when MS is not a factor B12 is often linked to fatigue.

I hope all your test results come back just peachy - M

[MSer102]

Deficiency of B12 is one of biggest mimics of MS it causes all the same symptoms. So it sounds like maybe your doctor just wants to make sure that if your level is low it can be fixed so you know your symptoms aren't from that. Part of treating MS is eliminating anything else that could be causing the symptoms.

[fishead]

dm0329,

Thank you for starting this thread. I hope your question is answered. This thread reminded me that I needed to GET some B-12, so yesterday I went and got a bottle and took a dose this morning. WOW, I forgot how much energy the B-12 gives me.

Just wanted to thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[kshloss]

I go in every month since November and get a B-12 shot and take a vitamin D every week. In terms of my energy level, I can tell when I need the B-12 without even looking at a calendar!

[naphappy]

B12 and Vit D

I have both routinely checked by my neuro and GP. Last fall both were low. Can't remember the numbers right now.

First took 50,000 weekly for 8 weeks. Now 50,000 every other week.

This is in addition to my multivitamin with extra D and Calcium in it.

They also have me take 500 of B12 daily.

I am the fourth MSer in my family and my GP has my children take extra B12 and D also.

[Bionica]

B12 Injections No Longer Working

Almost 2 years ago my doc discovered that apparently I didn't have MS but severe B12 deficiency and started me on weekly injections. Now the B12 shots are not working so I am curious to see if doc now thinks it may be MS since symptoms are returning as soon as the day after my shot.

Warmly,
Doreen

[aitch10]

Years ago I was found to have a B12 deficiency. I had actually been tired so knew something was up, but just assumed it was 'MS fatigue.'

However, I started taking a sub-lingual - under the tongue - B12, B6 and folic acid supplement and it made a world of difference.

I'll have more to tell you soon because my new MS specialist doc has ordered another test, so we'll see.

[bammaw]

Just started with a new neurologist who has been running the gammit of tests. One of these was B-12 levels (which were normal at the time of my diagnosis almost 10 years ago). Anyway, B-12 level test came back very low. Started me on injections once a week for a month then monthly for not sure how long ???? . Since I both autoinjector AND self inject my MS meds he's written me a script so I can do the injections myself at home. I'm glad since it's a further drive to his office.

Gotta add....SOOOOOOOOOOOO glad I found a new doctor. My "old" neuro was "okay" and had been treating me well with Rebif but I felt he was not "on top of things" after so long. The new doctor is very proactive and I'm feeling very confident we will do well together.

He did say, it's not uncommon as we age (I'm 62+) that our stomachs don't work as efficiently and so may not absorb B12 well...thus possibly leading to deficiency. IF this is the case then the injections will work better than an oral medication (which may not be absorbed well). Hope this makes sense. also hoping to see some improvement in balance and memory as I guess low B12 can cause this.

Sorry for the rambling. Just jazzed with all the new doc is doing for me.

[Tawanda]

Just started with a new neurologist who has been running the gammit of tests. One of these was B-12 levels (which were normal at the time of my diagnosis almost 10 years ago). Anyway, B-12 level test came back very low. Started me on injections once a week for a month then monthly for not sure how long ???? . Since I both autoinjector AND self inject my MS meds he's written me a script so I can do the injections myself at home. I'm glad since it's a further drive to his office.

Gotta add....SOOOOOOOOOOOO glad I found a new doctor. My "old" neuro was "okay" and had been treating me well with Rebif but I felt he was not "on top of things" after so long. The new doctor is very proactive and I'm feeling very confident we will do well together.

He did say, it's not uncommon as we age (I'm 62+) that our stomachs don't work as efficiently and so may not absorb B12 well...thus possibly leading to deficiency. IF this is the case then the injections will work better than an oral medication (which may not be absorbed well). Hope this makes sense. also hoping to see some improvement in balance and memory as I guess low B12 can cause this.

Sorry for the rambling. Just jazzed with all the new doc is doing for me.

Wow...makes me wonder if I am getting the best treatment I can get in CT. I guess I just want to blame the messenger most of the time, and my doc happens to be the messenger. I don't know, but you have me thinking! I want to be jazzed!