PN Update - Now have IgM anti-GM2 antibodies
 

Hi There:

I have not been on the site in a while. I have posted once before and would like to update my situation.

History:
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- male 40's, non-smoker, fit, active
- osteopenia
- neutropenia
- hashimotos (currently on synthroid 50ug & dessicated thyroid 30mg - TSH approx 2; FT3 & Ft4 optimal)
(both thyroid antibody tests show significant elevations)
- peripheral neuropathy (diagnosed in past 5 years, probably had it for 10 years)
- elevated vitamin B6 (was 10X upper range, now 2X, dropped over 2 year period and awaiting results of Jan 2013 test)
- recently noted: nerve antibody test showing anti-GM2 antibodies

Supplements:
------------

Vitamin D - approx 2000-2500 IU/day
Vitamin C - 500-1000mg/day
Calcium/Magnesium Bone Combo - Was taking 750mg day/dropped to 500mg
Zinc - 15mg/day
Copper - 1mg/day
Balanced Omega Oil Blend - 1 tablesppon/day
Dessicated Liver - 1 capsule/day (for nautral iron boost)
Antioxidants - green tea powder, clove, cinnamon, tumeric, ginger (occasionally using in food/drinks)

Selenium - Was taking 100ug/day (test showed elevation) stopped taking
Alpha Lipoic Acid - was causing significant turbinate congestion - stopped taking
Fish Oil - Was causing nose bleeds daily, stopped taking (problem resolved)
Multi - stopped taking 3 years ago, after B6 toxicity was noted (B6 has been dropping since - very slowly)


Waiting to have nerve conduction tests in April 2013, History of past 4 tests over 4 years shows abnormal results in both upper and lower limbs.

Talked to my neuro over the phone. He cannot tell me much about the anti GM2 nerve antibodies abnormality, if it is the cause of my neuropathy (or a factor), or even any suggestions as to might be done about it.

Can anyone give me any insights based on their own experiences with having anti-GM2 nerve antibodies and PN ? I have noted that you folks in the US have bettter access to sophisticated tests and information. Perhaps someone can share from their experience.

Thanks.

B6 is toxic and is know for causing neuropathies still surprises me that multi vitamines are sold with high doses of b6

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8150322

B6 levels should return to normal within a month or two without supplementation. Since yours dropped but did not normalized, I would check all your supplements to make sure that they are not sneaking B6 in there.

This article explains IGM and anti-GM2 antibodies and the infections that may trigger them.

http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cont.../2591.full.pdf

It is a complex paper, so you may have to read it more than once.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12044986
are you gluten free?
hashi s and osteopenia would fit right in...

The multi-I was taking had 50mg's of B6. Still much much higher than the RDA, but not as high as what one 'supposedly' can take before toxicity sets in according to 'studies'. Even more strange as B6 is supposed to be water soluble, so one would think that the excess leaves the body.

If that is pyrodoxine, it could be you don't methylate properly. Again, have you been tested for celiac disease?? and/or tried the diet.

I have had the Anti-transglutaminase antibodies test completed at least 4 times in the past 5 years. Each time the test was a strong negative. Is this the ideal test for gluten intolerance issues or should I be having another to be sure? I have no physical symptoms when I eat wheat, etc. Digestive system works like charm...fortunately.