Your neuro is behind the times, severely.

About a decade ago thoughts about B12 started to change with doctors. It is pretty frightening that many still harbor the old
beliefs.

This article is written for them...it was posted in 2003.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030301/979.html

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12.asp
The two most likely drug culprits that are impairing B12 are:

1) long term use of acid blocking drugs. People are given these like candy by doctors who then fail to monitor their B12 status and/or neuro side effects.

2) metformin for Type II diabetes and insulin resistance including PCOS.

There are millions and millions using these two types of drugs daily!

[QUOTE=mrsD;459869]Your neuro is behind the times, severely.

About a decade ago thoughts about B12 started to change with doctors. It is pretty frightening that many still harbor the old
beliefs.


Thanks for the respnse Mrs D. Regarding the PCOS, my gyn has tried to dx me w/ pcos b/c of cysts on folicles. SHe says it is a mild case and to watch it over time. I have wondered about hypoglycemia n the past but my fasting glucose level is always in normal range so Dr say no. Is there a better test I should do for DiabetesII? I have wondered about the 5hr insulin test but dont know if that is the best one and how to get my PCP to order it.

[QUOTE=ru2l8;460344]I would get a fasting INSULIN run. If elevated, it is a quick one draw test to indicate you have insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is when your body releases MORE insulin in response to cells, who are being blocked at the cell membrane and glucose cannot get thru. Early in the syndrome, hypoglycemia is common.

PCOS has other signs, besides the cysts. There is elevated androgens on testing, high blood pressure, oily skin and acne, irregular periods, or longer ones, increased hair on the face and trunk, skin tags on the neck and under the arms, hair loss on the scalp, miscarriages, infertility, weight gain, tendency to depression due to the hormone imbalance.

Blood sugar problems lead to neuro symptoms.
A simple blood test for testosterone will reveal any PCOS there.
One tell tale sign is acanthosis nigricans:
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologi...s_nigrica.html
This is darker in African Americans or highly pigmented whites.
It may be more brownish if you are fair skinned.
I can remember vividly my mother having this on her inner thighs...after my brother was born (she was in her mid-30's then). She died of diabetic cardiac complications, about 30 yrs ago when this condition was ignored by doctors, and type II diabetes was poorly managed.

[QUOTE=mrsD;460542]

Sorry to hear about your Mother, my aunt died of diabetes typeI. I had all hormone levels done and nothing came back high or low. Thats why I dont believe the gyn when she says I have PCOS. My periods have always been 30-31 days apart since i started at 14. She used this and the cysts to dx. I have read that some women have cysts and are completely normal so who knows. Thanks for the insulin test I will ask Dr to order.

BTW, I went to whole foods and got the Jarrow methyl b12 1000mcg lozenges, whole foods brand "365" prenatal, and 1000mcg Biotin. Do you know if these are okay to take together (no risks of mixing or side effects)? I also take Vit D 50,000 once per month.

Which magnesium is best to take and will it interfere w/ the prenatal? I dont want to spend money on vitamins that i dont need or make myself sick in the process.

I think I need mag b/c my muscles spasm and cramp up when I stretch. (Blood potassium was normal)

of magnesium. Just avoid avoid...magnesium oxide. It does not get absorbed well or even barely! Out of a typical 400mg MagOx you can count on 8mg getting thru the GI tract. This has been confirmed in studies where blood levels were measured in volunteers.

You can do SlowMag twice a day.
or any of the chelates like
magnesium glycinate
magnesium citrate
magneisum lactate, etc.

Aim for 1/2 of the RDA which is about 200mg a day elemental.
You can read my magnesium thread for more info:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1138.html
Some people are very sensitive to magnesium and get loose stools. (like me). Others are not affected.
I like the Ionic Fizz and the SlowMag for these reasons.
You can adjust the Ionic Fizz because it is a powder with scoop.
Here is SlowMag's generic:
http://www.walgreens.com/store/produ...uid=sku2783868
If a pharmacy does not have it, they can order it for you.
Costco will get it for you for about $4.80!

I don't see a problem with your other items.
Magnesium should not be taken at the same time as Neurontin or Lyrica if you use those however. It can reduce absorption of them.

Most people feel better on magnesium within a couple of days.
You will sleep better too.

Thanks Mrs D!