I wondered if many of you started out with Low B12 to then end up with an MS Diagnosis?
I have been referred to a Neurologist due to very brisk reflexes in my right leg and low-normal B12 Levels. My levels are currently sitting at 211 and my Folate is 12.
I’ve been back and forth to my GP for most of this year with the main symptoms of leg weakness/restless legs/foot pain but it was put down to low Ferritin levels (13.7). I’ve since been supplementing Iron and expected these issues to pass but now my ferritin levels have increased to 46 but if anything my symptoms are getting worse. I should add that when I was first diagnosed with low Ferritin my B12 was classed as normal at 267 and Folate of 11.
When at the GP surgery the other day she tested my reflexes and my right leg was very brisk… it was actually extremely uncomfortable and I winced a little with discomfort. Since then I’ve noticed that I’m having trouble bending my toes.
I’m quite concerned about this… I didn’t expect to have such horrible neurological symptoms from a deficiency and I’m confused as to why my B12 is low when i eat a diet very rich in B12.
MS and vitamin deficiencies are sort of chicken-&-egg situations. Nobody knows which “causes” which because by the time a MS diagnosis is made, the vitamin levels have already been discovered.
What does appear possible is that MS can affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamins. I’m on 1200micrograms B12 and 150 micrograms D (in winter: less sun) which are many times the RDA levels, but when blood tested, levels are now normal.
I had an MRI on my spinal cord earlier in the year due to issues with scoliosis but it was clear. Sounds like they’ll be checking my brain this time. Fingers crossed this is just deficiency issues rather than anything else, but I have wondered about MS.
With regards to deficiencies, I’ve heard that Neurological difficulties would usually be present on both sides of the body… mine are predominantly on my right side, but not completely absent on the left. I tend to have allodynia which is sometimes present on both sides.
My Vit D isnt great either, i’m sitting at 50 but it might be worse. The NHS wouldn’t test me again unfortunately.
I am glad to hear they’re still looking. Don’t take the Vit D refusal thing personally- these days they won’t even test this post-menopausal lady with long-term MS and a history of osteopenia!
