I am 57-years-old, diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus for the past five years. I have a multinodular goiter and of course, am overweight. I have severe GERD as well. I take Protonix 40 mgs bid and think this may be a contributing factor to my B12 deficiency, as well as the Metformin.
About 10 years ago, I started having strange neurological problems. Did not know that that was what they were, only thought they were eye problems. I had a scotoma and it was scintillating with no headache. I then had a blind spot and also pain in the eye. It went away. I then developed a "V" in the vision of one of my eyes. It went away. I was terrified and thought that I had a torn retina. All of these problems lasted a short period of time...a few weeks. Thought nothing more about them.
Over the past year-and-a-half, I have developed either myokymia or fasciculations in both calves of my legs. They look like worms are moving around under my skin. They seem to be intensifying. I also have severe leg cramps that cause me to jump out of bed at night.
I have severe bouts of trigeminal neuralgia. The first time I had this about 1.5 years ago, I thought it was an abscessed tooth pain. I did have an abscessed tooth and had a root canal. The pain has now returned and is on the opposite side of my jaw. It makes me cry out in pain.
I went to my doctor, who sent me to a neurologist. I told her of my past health problems. She thinks I should seek counseling because "everyone has issues". I don't like her. It was if she was saying, "Lady, you have some mental problems and that is about all you have." I did manage, however, to get her to send me to have a brain MRI, as I believe that I may have MS. She pooh-poohs that idea, but because I have some vertigo, she agreed. I will be going for the MRI next Monday.
In the meantime, my physician called me yesterday and told me I have a B12 deficiency. My level was 199, I believe. He too appeared skeptical until this finding. Why is it so difficult to get a physician (by the way WE pay them!) to believe we actually have physical problems, and these things are not in our heads? Anyway, he wants me to start with B12 shots TODAY.
Next, I must say I am very concerned. My father died of AML (myelodysplasia on his death certificate) and even had blood transfusions. The anemia and B12 deficiency that I have is scary, as myelodysplasia starts out like this.
Anyone out there suffering, more or less in the same fashion? Got any suggestions or ideas? I welcome them all.
Hi there. im sorry you are feeling so poorly. Sounds like you are going thru quite a bit.
I will tell you that your story does not ring of anything MS related...of course, MS presents in so many ways, that anything is possible, and it is TRULY a good thing that you are having an MRI as that would be the place to start.
many of your symptoms do actually sound very much B12 deficient issues. Im willing to bet when you get the shots, youll start feeling better almost immediately!
Unfrotunately, MS is so hard to predict and diagnos that you might very well be in for many more tests- however the MRI is the primary test, without lesions, properly placed and sized, they wont consider the disease and continue testing.
Please let us know how your test goes...try to get copies of all your blood work and films and reports so that should you need to consult a specialist, youll have everything ready to go..and good luck!
Nikki
Hi, Daylo. Sorry you're not feeling well. A B-12 deficiency can mimic MS sx. They can also produce brain lesions that sometimes (although less often) can resemble lesions that look like those associated with MS. As far as your TN goes, hard to say. I have seen this appear as a secondary MS sx a lot of times but it can also just be TN by itself. One thing is certain -- you are doing the right thing by getting an MRI. As far as your eye problems go, I hope they don't return but if they do, please, please go see an ophthalmologist and if neurological involvement is suspected, a neuro-ophthalmologist.
Please let us know what happens. Good luck!
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Dxed RRMS April '07
Not on DMDs
Hello. I'm sorry your doctor is attributing this to "issues". This seems to be a common theme here. Good for you for getting her to order an MRI!
I wouldn't worry too much until you try B-12 shots, like the others suggested. Hopefully the deficiency is the cause of the problems. Please let us know the MRI findings, and good luck to you!
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April
dx 9/07
Avonex started 11/07,
Stopped 4/10 due to no insurance.
