First, Many thanks to Rose! Your efforts have much educated me.

Latest labs showed serum potassium at 5.6 mmol/L, a tenth of a point over this labs' age dependent reference range. All other chemistries, liver, kidneys show very good results. I did not have a serum B12 pulled on this pass.

So, I have been experiencing some classic B12 malabsorbtion symptoms; the most prominent being burning foot-soles with a lovely bright red color. All the other symptomology I had been blowing off, as I'm so accustomed to weird stuff as a survivor of multiple brain injury. Increased fatigue, PN, achy muscles, etc..

What caught my attention on one of Rose's posts somewhere was something about potassium stores being drawn down when B12 is being utilised. Am I being too simplistic to wonder about my B12 malabsorbing if my potassium is high, with no other apparent issues?

Only other thing that comes to mind re: potassium would be adrenal/aldosterone insufficiency.

But my gut tells me that B12 and probably B6 are problematic.

Any feedback gratefully welcomed, and thanks from a long time lurker for all your previous help.

Jeff

Fogbrian,

question on your comment - "So, I have been experiencing some classic B12 malabsorbtion symptoms; the most prominent being burning foot-soles with a lovely bright red color."

Just to clarify "burning foot-soles" means B-12 deficiency or B-12 malabsorption symptom?

I had taken my wife to another endo. for a second opinion as she is also severely malabsorbing.Will let you know if anything interesting comes out from test results or doctor talk.

Thanks Jeff. I'm glad you've come out of the shadows to post.

The potassium level would vary from time to time and individual to individual, and the "normal" range just means that a larger percentage of people thought to be healthy are within that range. And it may relate to a good dietary (and/or supplement) potassium intake.

Also, he period of time the body draws on potassium heavily is quite short.

Bottom line: I don't think your potassium result proves anything in regard to a possible need for B12.

Regarding med's question about the burning feet. That is not a typical symptom, but even the "classic" symptoms are not really typical----the fact that they are thought to be causes even more people to go undiagnosed. People are damaged by B12 deficiency in so many different ways that it amazes researchers.

Anyway, it's good to cover the possibility!

rose

Saw my primary Dr. today and what an awakening!

He was not at all surprised on the burning feet, combined with the rest of the symptoms, that I most probably have a deficiency of B12. He advised me to continue the sublingual methylcobalamin (1000mcg) and to call him in sixty days with a report of how I'm doing, stating that if I feel no improvement, we would be checking methylmalonic acid, and antibodies to intrinsic factor and parietal cells.

As to the potassium, he said he would need to go to his books to answer the question I asked here, then went on to state that if the orthostatic dizziness persisted he would be keen to do some tests on cortisol levels and other corticosteroids. I seem to have a family practice Dr. who truly is on top of this and, yeah, I am amazed!

I've only been on the methyl B for (Jarrow) six days and I know this will be an up and down process. I'm digging in for the long haul.

Med Help: The burning soles could also have been an indicator of a copper or iron problem if my wacky memory serves me true. But in this case I beleive the B12 deficiency to be both relative and absolute, meaning I malabsorb (probably due to stress and metabolic issues), and I aso could be needing more in my diet alone.

Here's hopes that your wife is well attended to and gets satisfactory results.

Jeff

Rose:

Many thanks for your input!

I've read enough of your postings on both BT forums to have an inkling of the price you've paid for your knowledge. Great website you have, too! You inspire me to do better. Bless you for that.

Jeff