Hello-

New to this forum and just starting testing due to numbness/tingling in both feet moving into ankles, severe muscle titching moving from lower legs to thigh, now to upper arm and eye lid. Several days ago my lips and tongue started the tingling/numbness. Will be having a nerve conduction study in 2 weeks but have a question on b12 testing. I have been taking otc b12 (5000 mcg) daily along with mulitB and folic acid. How long should I wait after stopping these vitimins to be tested for b12 deficiency?

Thanks-

Taking an oral product is very efficient, especially if on an empty stomach.

You can try stopping about 5 days before, but if you have been on it a long time, your levels will reflect that and not show a "low" if that was present before the supplement.

It is unlikely you will show a deficiency in the B12. You will probably test over 1000.

Thank you Mrs D-

I have a large HMO in the DC area and it's like pulling teeth to get anywhere with testing, etc. My primary cage Dr. did test for B12 1 1/2 years ago and the results were in the low 600's (while taking supplementation). She said at the last visit that "we already tested and it was good." From what I have read, there are several more tests that can be done to uncover a vit B12 deficiency. Will all the test outcomes be affected by 3-4 years of b12, folate, mulitb supplementation?

Thank you


ps-being new to this forum, I can't figure out how to find where my post went! Just found my posting and your response by chance. Have gone through the FAQ but my lack of knowledge about forum talk I guess was way below normal FAQ's! Have tried the "search" function but still working on tracking threads-

We scan new members posts before they appear on the boards.
It is temporary, to block out spammers who would abuse all our members.

You'll be out of that group soon. So just be patient.

My B12 without supplements is just over 800. When I tested out the new Puritan's Pride methylB12 I tested at 1999 (the machine maximum).

If you don't convert well, the cyano form, OR if you don't take it on an empty stomach, I'd expect lower readings for you.

Cyano is still in most products, but some companies are now switching over to the active Methyl form.

So someone taking oral supplements would have to read the labels for dose (is it over 1000mcg/tablet), is it cyano?
And do you take it on an empty stomach.

Taking the right one the correct way should put you at 1000 or over for 1000mcg/day.

It superficially seems "easy" but the chemistry is quite complex in reality.

Hello MrsD-

Finished my nerve conduction study this morning and was told me the neurologist that the findings indicate CMT. Well, that was a new one for me. He reviewed my file and said, WOW, you've had this going on for some time. Yes- 5 YEARS AGO I went to neurology for the same symptoms through the same HMO and nothing was done about it except to be sent to podiatry. He said my condition was carpal tunnel of the ankle. I really did not think that was the reason but gave up trying to get my HMO to do anything else. My symptoms have progressed significantly in the past year. Dr today asked if the labs were normal and I replied that five years ago my b12 was 416 (finally was able to access my online labs with my HMO). Oh that’s "normal" he said. My reply was not in some other parts of the world. Gee, he about lost it. Anyway, he would not discuss anything else, since he did not order the study, the primary care Dr. did and he would send the results to her. My question is, should I ask for updated b12 testing? And after some research, have realized that I should NOT be asking for nitrous at the dentist. Just had two dentist appt for a new crown and have used nitrous twice in the last three weeks at his office. That is when my lips started going numb. I am just really afraid that I will be labeled "CMT" and no further testing will be ordered. Any ideas? I cant tell you howl much I appreciate this forum. I have learned so much about b12 and CMT here already.

Sincerely,
Judiesva

I definitely think nitrous is a big no-no for you and just about everyone else!

I'd start on 5mg oral methylB12 now, and take once a day
for 3 months and see if you have any improvement.
That should put you in a better range than you are now. At your 400 level you are at the bottom of the normal range.

Nerve entrapment in the tarsal tunnel is not the same as CMT.

For what it is worth, I have found after working several years in an HMO clinic, that the doctors there are not A rated by any means. I'd see a podiatrist after the 3 months of B12 and see what can be done. Some people get relief from release of the tarsal ligament, and others just make more scar tissue and the compression continues or worsens.

Make sure you have thyroid testing, as hypothyroid will cause tarsal tunnel compression.

There is DNA testing for CMT. There are many, many types of it. Also, family history is helpful. EMG/NCV testing can be helpful as well to tell if you have either CMT1 or CMT2.

You can review "PN Tips, Resources, Supplements and other Treatments" at the top of this forum. Just go to CMT which is down around four subjects now. There is lots of information on there concerning CMT.

Hope you get an answer. There is no cure/treatment for any type of CMT at the present time. There is much research going on concerning it.

http://www.cmtausa.org/index.php?opt...d=68&Itemid=42

Nitrous oxide is listed. Too much Vitamin B6 isn't good either.