In people with the MTHFR mutation, a
serum B12 may show normal. But since they do not methylate properly, that test does not discriminate between the types of cobalamin present.
MMA is a specific indicator to show that the B12 in the body is WORKING. B12 is needed to reduce MMA in the blood and so it gives further evidence in this regard. So measuring MMA is considered helpful in determining if the B12 present is really biologically working.
Some labs do vary in reporting ranges for homocysteine, however. A reading of 10 can be considered a warning. From what I have seen over the years, anything over 8 is considered problematic.
example:
http://andrewwilmot.blogspot.com/200...ne-levels.html
The 3 vitamins involved with homocysteine metabolism are
methylfolate (activated folic acid)
methylB12 (activated B12)
P5P (activated pyridoxine aka pyridoxal 5 phosphate).
It might be a good idea to get the MTHFR mutation DNA testing done just so you know if you have one of the polymorphisms of this. It is not that expensive and can prevent things further along with aging if you have this.
The "abnormal white cells" could be a way of saying... the older term "a shift to the left".... this happens when immature white cells are seen in a differential CBC result. When a person has a serious infection and the body cannot produce white cells fast enough, immature ones are released into the blood, and those show up. An example:
Years ago when I worked midnights, I came down with Shingles.
I had a cellulitis with it, and then developed a very high fever.
This was a pneumonia or pneumonitis that developed next, in spite of the antibiotic I was already taking.
I went to the doctor again, had the CBC differential run and it showed this serious "shift to the left"...And my doctor was stunned and very worried. I had to stop midnight rotations, and she put me on another antibiotic and that seemed to do the trick. So I wonder if that was what your abnormal white cells were reported as?
Gluten intolerance sometimes does not show up in testing. This is because the gluten is entering the body thru Zonulin channels in the membranes of the GI tract. You can Google Zonulin for a long explanation of this. The gluten peptide in genetic celiacs will actually damage the villi and show up in biopsies, but even then not 100% of the time. Zonulin opens "pores" between cells lining the GI tract, and they allow peptides and other large molecules to sneak into the body.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zonulin
Some gluten intolerance just increases the sizes of these pores and allows things to pass (including the gluten peptide) and enter the body, leading to various autoimmune problems. So going on a gluten free diet may reveal to you some changes, and improvements. If this happens, you will know that the testing in your case is not 100% reliable.
Also damage to patients from endoscopic procedures is coming to light:
http://blogs.hcpro.com/osha/2010/09/...paign=20100901
http://www.hcpro.com/INF-255900-6987...y-concern.html
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Sa.../ucm190273.htm
This article contains lists of pathogens that may be transmitted by endoscopes:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...ric5XJWULH4v-g
Candida:
This yeast is very common. It creates a chemical byproduct called aldehydes which are difficult to metabolize by some people. Increased aldehydes can give many confusing symptoms.
Have you been tested for Candida? One GI thing you can do yourself is to use Kefir 4-6 ounces a day. This fermented dairy product is like liquid yogurt, but it has many more probiotic organisms to re-establish your gut to a more normal function.
I did this last Sept with great success and have a new lease on life as a result!
http://lifeway.net/Products.aspx
The smoothies are tasty and not expensive, and will help many people with vague GI problems. Your use of doxycycline would put you in that category, since this drug is hard on the GI tract.
So please try this... you might be just as amazed as I was.
Exposure to arsenic can cause neuropathy and GI symptoms.
You can get it from contaminated well water, from exposure to and handling pressure treated wood, inhaling smoke from burning pressure treated wood, from criminal behavior poisoning (this is an agent used by poisoners to kill a victim), exposure to some ant poisons.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arsenic_poisoning
I'd consider following this clue.