Most of the methylation chemistry is understood more by metabolic doctors, or hematologists. I can't say how much of it your neurologist understands.

This link is made for doctors, you can print it out and
take it in:

http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0301/p979.html

Most doctors still are trained that low B12 leads to anemia.
With the folate fortification we have here in US, that would be masked by the folate. Masking B12 deficiency leads to neuro damage, and I do think most doctors understand THAT. However it is not a good thing that our lab ranges still report low values as "normal".

So, if my ferritin levels are low (12)--which could mean I'm anemic,
do you think that means my B12 is low? Even if it shows up at 587?
I did take a 2500mcg B12 sublingual tablet today to start. I need to look up what I should be taking...I think what I learned here and online is that B12 can't really be maxed out...
Editing to say, I saw your B12 link and that you said you tink 5000 mcg a day is good until 1000 level is reached of B12.
I still am curious as to your thoughts on the ferritin link to this above...

Thanks.
Cher

Have you been to a reumatologist(spelling is wrong)? Or maybe an endocronolgist.

The ferritin measures stored iron. This could be a result of pregnancy. Also ferritin may be low when protein gets low, since it is made of amino acids. There are people who have genetic errors in making the peptide that carries the iron, but I don't believe that is common. Since you were actively dieting to lose weight, you may not have consumed enough protein to rebuild what you gave to your babies.

There is iron in your prenatals typically.
Here is a more complete description:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferritin

People with reduced acid in their stomachs, either due to aging, or taking acid lowering drugs for long periods of time, do not absorb iron well. They can develop iron deficiency anemia easily.

So do you have any idea if I could benefit from more iron?
I understand what you're saying about pregnancy, but my 'baby' is nearly 19 months old now. We also are now finished nursing as of a few weeks.
Wouldn't you think my levels had time to rebuild?

Thanks.

I always recommend people should get tested for iron.

Your doctor should supervise you with supplements. Too much is as bad as not enough.

I think your question should be asked at the doctor's on this issue.

If you eat iron rich foods, and a proper amount of protein and don't have low stomach acid, you will rebuild your stores.

Question: getting tested for iron... is that the ferritin level? or a different test?

Thanks.

Ferritin is extra... because it is a storage form only.

Typical CBC including hemoglobin, hematocrit are typically done.
An elevated MCV in the CBC may point to a developing B12 deficiency. But many doctors ignore it in otherwise healthy patients.

This link explains the tests:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/unders...ns/anemia.html

Mrs. D,

First of all, do you mind me just venting for a second that tonight the 'pain' is really getting to me and the ear-ringing and I'm really tired of it? I just want to cry.
At the same time I am blessed in so many ways and thank God for people like you that are out there reaching out to people like me. Thank you.

Ok, I looked at your link. From what I can gather, I'm thinking I may truly be anemic.
Here's the deal...
2 doctors ordered bloodwork for me. Dr. #1 did the whole CBC.
Dr. #2 ordered the ferritin and never saw the CBC results. I had told them they were 'fine'--because my family dr. had told me so.
Well, I have the paperwork on all the bloodwork.
So here it is...
My WBC was 3.8 (LOW) Normal=3.9-11
RBC was 3.89 (LOW) Normal=3.90-5.10
Ferritin 13--normal is 12-156

Again, another case of 'just missed normal', but can these lower levels not indicate iron deficiency? My B12s appear good and my B6s are too high.
The lady at the health food store that is a nurse thought I could safely take an iron supplement. Well, dh picked it up and it has B6 in it. I'm not supposed to injest anymore B6, so I can't start the extra iron yet.
I see a 'new dr'. for a fresh perspective on all of my bloodwork results on St. Patty's day.
I pray he can shed some light on things, too!

I get SO tired at the kids bed time, that I feel I have no choice but to lay down for an hour nap in the evening even before bed! It has scared me how 'suddenly tired' I'll feel since getting all of these symptoms. But I"m Vit. D deficient and if I'm low on iron--um, not a great mix for high energy, right?

Thanks, Mrs. D. Thanks for reading. And for all of the information you have given.

Cher

You are having ear ringing?

This can be due to poor circulation or a magnesium deficiency.
Have you tried soaking your feet in epsom salts? This will allow some magnesium into the small blood vessels, and also will be relaxing.

Another thing that helps ear ringing is using some form of antioxidant.
Antioxidants such as grapeseed extract and citrus bioflavinoids can help with vascular inflammation too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoflavonoid

Are you taking alot of aspirin? This will also cause ear ringing (tinnitus). NSAIDs for the foot pain?
http://www.tchain.com/otoneurology/d...g/tinnitus.htm

If you do decide to take some iron, there are forms that are easier to tolerate. SlowFe is one of those. And iron is best absorbed with acid...like orange juice.

The low white count is troubling too. But sometimes people have a virus, and a low count can be due to that.

Don't forget.... magnets may help your pain in the feet and allow you to use less oral medication.

If you want that information, search "magnets" on this forum, and PM me.