Hi everyone, my first (very long) post - hoping someone may share some insight. Doctors and allied health here in Australia are proving unenlightening.
Short health history: female, 34, Caucasian. Conceived and born in Mexico (I think this is related). Generally 'healthy', although with chronic low-level issues that doctors can't/won't diagnose: high white blood cells; low red blood (megaloblastic); constant digestive issues, generally healthily-low blood pressure. I'm generally of a low-energy and have always required a lot of sleep 8-10 hours daily, 12 in periods of stress.
The last general practitioner I had suggested Vitamin B12 (in a lozenge to avoid my gut, because in her words, I 'obviously have something going on there'), magnesium and MTHF (active folate). I took these supplements and didn't notice a huge difference. Then I got diagnosed with a very severe case of shingles (2.5 years ago) and stopped taking the supplements because I was taking up to 30 pills a day to treat that (oxycodone, pregabalin, steroids among others).
I still have post-herpetic neuralgia, pain and sensation severity changes daily/weekly. Most recently I have developed Morton's Neuromas in both feet - in numerous toe joints. Again, pain severity and sensation changes daily, width and comfort of shoes is often not a factor in the development of my symptoms.
I have joint hypermobility (mild, but enough to cause issues with my pelvis, neck and spine). I have mild psoriasis, get ganglion cysts in my knuckles (occasionally, but painful) and have Raynaud's.
Individually, none of my symptoms are life-threatening. They do however, affect my daily life. I have gone from very active (running daily, going to the gym four-five times a week), to being afraid to add extra activity to my day in case of my foot pain. My tummy issues control my life - where and when I can go out, who I feel comfortable enough to go out with etc. I work long hours, on my feet, but am learning balance in life (yes, I wear good shoes approved by the podiatrist with my orthotics and have never worn heels).

Have recently resumed the vitamin supplements.

I know not to trust your opinions over those of my doctors, but do these symptoms sound familiar to anyone? Do they point to any underlying disorder? What testing can I ask doctors for? I suppose the foot pain is the thing controlling my life at the moment.

Or am I just a little bit crazy?

Hi PalomaW

Welcome to NeuroTalk .

The only thing I can think of is that two possible causes of megaloblastic anaemia are gut-related.

One is intrinsic factor deficiency (intrinsic factor is made by parietal cells of the stomach). The other is coeliac disease which is an autoimmune disorder of the gut.

These might be worth discussing with your GP; a referral to a gastroenterologist could help.

Best wishes.