Don't assume you are being tested for B12 levels. Typically doctors ignore this. Low levels will impact the nerves and cause various dysfunctions of the nervous system including the autonomic (gastroparesis).

Here is a recent post with a link to Metformin induced low B12:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ight=metformin

Get your numbers also from the doctor. Do not accept "normal"
since many lab ranges include 200's as "normal" which are not! (One should be at 400 or above.)

Some doctors believe if there is no anemia, then B12 does not need to be tested. This is just not true. Many people can have very low B12 levels and not show any signs of anemia, but may still have severe neurological problems. Some patients may show slightly elevated MCV values on CBCs before any frank anemia occurs. This too, is often ignored by doctors. (this test measures the size of the red blood cells, and when it increases can signal low B12 levels). Interpretation of test results is highly subjective and many doctors do not attend to things uniformly. So it is up the the patient in this case to be an active participant.

Since B12 is so simple to take, pennies a day, injections not necessary as oral works, it is a shame to neglect this. Some of our other posters on other boards like MG and MS also take B12. Just about all our posters on PN use it.

This article from 2000 illustrates confusion regarding lab results:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2000/000802.htm

And this medical paper from 2003 corrects the misperception:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0301/p979.html
Stomach acid is required to activate the intrinsic factor that transports B12 into the body. When stomach acid is gone, the only way oral B12 can get in is passively, absorbed in the small intestine. So very large doses of at least 1000mcg have to be given daily (sometimes more) to get the small amount that is actually absorbed (without the assistance of instrinsic factor).
It is best to take B12 orally on an empty stomach for this reason, so the microgram dose will not be lost in fiber from food.

I see my Dr. tomorrow so I will ask him about the B-12 and the Magnesium.

In the meantime, I am doing natural stool softeners, apples, bran flakes and prunes.

Thanks to all of you for helping.

Ada

Hi Ada
Alot of us in pain ,dont move around like we should[not that your not] pain will disable a person to limited exercise,and that will cause this problem,,also stretching helps exspecially the torso,,a stiff back will cause constipation,the back and bowels are connected,,,,,,,also , i use alot of olive oil when i cook,,its natural and very friendly and has alot of good properties including keeping regulararity,,,,,,,,,best wishes,,bobber

I try to drink water everyday. I usually drink up to 64 ozs.

Bobber, I took a walk yesterday. I take one everyday that it's nice. I got a new pair of Sketcher Shapeups so I am trying to break them in. My right foot is the worst and I am having trouble with it with those shoes. I am hoping I can get them broke in.

I see my Dr. today. I am thinking the Nexium is making me nauseated also. I will make a list of what to talk to him about too. I am neauseated this morning with a headache.

Thanks for the help.
Ada

Hi Ada,
I hear ya with the constipation. It is something I am constantly fighting. My neurologist told me to get Laci LeBleu Dieter's Tea. It comes in tea bags and you can get it at a health food store. Only let it steep for 2-3 minutes and NO MORE or you will never stop going! Another good one is Kmart or Walmart I can't remember which one sells liquid Cod Liver Oil but it is orange. It is tough at first but a teaspoon every other day really helps me out and once you get used to the taste it doesn't bother you. It kinda tastes like orange fish (strange huh). It works great. I hope this helps.
Take care,
kathy d

I will check on the tea. I was talking to my Dr. and we were laughing about the cod liver oil. I grew up with that one as a cure for everything. They make it in orange flavor now. At least that's a step up on the taste.

It is so hard to find things that do help. They stop working after awhile.

Thanks again,
Ada