I also need the concentration report that follows the numbers.

If in Britain you use pmol...the conversion is 273 US units for October
and for April is 357.

If they are pg/ml no conversion is necessary.

Both readings are low, so your hubby would profit from using some supplement. I don't know what you have there in UK, but iherb.com will ship to you.

Ideally methylcobalamin would be the one to get. At least 1mg (1000mcg) dose daily or more orally on empty stomach.

Cut of for normal is 400. People with neuro symptoms can profit from being above 400.

Here is my B12 thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html

The conversion is on that thread:
post #43

This is a total conversion table from SI (outside US) to US units.
http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/sc...ical_data.html

Hi again, I have read your tread on B12
I am going to start Mark on B12 tomorrow.

How long does it usually take to see if there are taking effect?

From what I have read it looks like there is little risk of taking to much, but don't worry I will follow the instructions.

You have all been so much help, I now pray that this will help to give Mark some relief.
Thank you once again

People vary in their response. Some get quick results, and some it takes weeks/months. I guess it depends on how long the deficiency was going on. The longer the damage the longer the results.

There are no studies showing taking high B12 is harmful in any way. Just make sure he takes on an empty stomach even if it is sublingual, because one does swallow the saliva containing it.

You can check in here anytime with questions and/or progress reports.

We are so grateful for all your help!
I have now suggested to Mark that we book him in for another B12 blood test to see where we are now.
As he was addicted to alcohol for years, I am wondering if his levels are still rising after being abstinent for 14 mths.
He stopped drinking in July 2010 and his B12 was 202 in October 2010 and had risen by April 2011 to 264.
I will be glad to drop by and let you know how he is getting on
At the moment he is in bed quite a lot as the pain is just to much for him.
I have made a bed cradle to keep the bedding off his feet, but I really cant think of anything else to do to make him more comfortable.

Thanks again, you have given me renewed hope xx

Does he smoke? I don't recall your telling us?

If so he needs evaluation for peripheral artery disease.

Yes these are typical PN symptoms. I'm sorry you and your husband are in this position. Sounds like you need to go after a cause aggressively. It's too bad that most doctors know little about this. The alcohol sounds quite possible. There are several books out on neuropathy, regarding what has helped some folks.

Also see my two documents here:
https://sites.google.com/site/basicpoke/Home/neuropathy

I scanned these from a book in the Numb Foot series, don't have the name at this moment. Supplements that have helped me are evening primrose oil, alpha-lipoic acid, and magnesium.

Good luck
Electron

Yes he does smoke and has done for many many years.
We have both tried giving up a few time, but something always seems to go wrong when we try. We tried a couple of months ago and his mum had a stroke, and we have since found out she has lung cancer, which is not looking good as it's an aggressive strain.
I have said this should give us both a kick up the bum, as if his mum has it there is a greater risk he will get it too!

I have never heard of peripheral artery disease, is there a link you could give me or point me in the right direction?

Thank you kind lady xx

Thank you Electron, I will have a read up on this tomorrow.
Although we have explain to the Dr how much pain Mark is in, he can not get us into see the specialist any sooner. Mark's appointment should have been 30th Sept and has now been put back to 14th Oct. My poor man had tears in his eyes when he read that.
There is not a resident neurologist at our local hospital, so it seems as though we get second best
Mark said he would have his feet off if it would get rid of the pain as it's so bad.
It breaks my heart so see him suffering day in day out, and I don't think it is doing our children much good either. They are 12 & 14, therefore they can see how much he is suffering.

Sorry for going on and on, just needed to vent a little.

Thank you for your kindness xx

Hi Mrs D. the last B12 lab I had was in April. The result was 542. What do you think? I am getting very confused on whether to take supplements or not. Currently, I take nothing. I have had so many doctors tell me not to bother with them. Even one who told me to throw them in the trash. I am not sure what to take. I just had my vitD checked I don't remember the number but it was WNL. Are there any supplements that you believe are a must if you have neuropathy? I don't even take a daily anymore because I was having such stomach issues. I would like to start adding one back at a time. What is your best advice for supplements? Hope you don't mind the questions. I have so many. hopeful

Smoking affects men more than women, in the area of the legs.

I think getting a doppler/ultrasound of the legs is a good idea.
Your doctors may think he is too young... but really when pain is this bad it may reveal blocked blood vessels.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periphe...scular_disease