Hi everyone- I am having problems with memory, concentration, numbness, tingling, balance, coordination, headaches, dizziness. My MRI was negative and I am waiting for a neuro appt.

I am currently on two Protonix a day and I have been on prilosec, nexium as well over 10 years- with about a one year break a few years ago. I also have had my gall bladder removed and I had a huge stone removed from my bile duct-both in 2006.

Shelley suggested on another thread to look into B12 methyl. My PCP said my B12 was "normal", however after reading through posts here for the last few hours, I called my doc and was told my B12 is 451 which is under the 500 that has been discussed here.

I am going to order the Jarrow B12-5000 to start with. I have noticed other posts about B6, Folic acid, Magnesium and Omega 3. Should I start any of those now or wait to see how the B12 methyl works? If so which ones should I buy and how and when should I take them. I already have read to take the B12 on an empty stomach. How many hours before I eat should I take it?

Thank you so much.

Flyersfan

Hi,
I was wondering , are your symptoms all over or located in any specific areas?

As far as numbness and tingling, about a year ago it was just the hands and only at night in bed. In the past month or two, this has progressed to the feet as well. At times I also have numbness/tingling in my face, tongue, nose and right leg and now it is anytime-day or night. I also have horrible itching all over.

Thanks

Flyersfan

Hi there.
Just noticed your post.
I take 5000 each and every morning of Methyl B-12.

I then go out to breakfast which is about 20 minutes later. I have LITERALLY no problems, and it's the best thing I ever did.

So best of luck,

Melody

Thank you MelodyL!!


Flyersfan

--is among the largest that the body uses on a regular basis; it is therefore very easy to interfere with its absorption (probably part of the reason B12 deficiency is more common than is generally believed).

Taking oral methylcobalamin (or even cyanocobalamin) im large doses is designed so that even through passive absorption, sufficient cobalamin will get through to provide enough for most normal needs. In a 1000mcg dose, perhaps 1-2% will get through (10-20mcg), but since figures on the daily requirement for cobalamin are usually set around 8mcg, this is usually enough for most people. People who are deficient or who need tissue repair often go above this though, often to 5000-10000mcg daily.

Still, it's probably best if one takes one's cobalamin seperately from anything else--I generally have mine at least two hours after a meal and at least one hour before, trying to time it to as empty a stomach as possible.

I'm glad to read that you're going to take Methylcobalamin.

I used to be iron deficient and feel dizzy from the anemia whenever I stood up, but after having B12 replacement I've not had the iron deficiency anemia any more.

If you keep a few notes when you're using the Methylcobalamin then later you can look back and see how it worked for you; sometimes that can be useful.

I'm glad I stumbled on to this site..... I just spent the last 3 1/2 years thinking I was going crazy and just excepting that I would never feel good again. It's a very funny tale because if it was not for the loss of my health insurance I would still be living in dailly pain.

I was on PPI for acid reflux and my doctor told me that I could be on them as long as I wanted. They made the reflux go away but longterm use can cause b12 absorbtion problems as I now learned. Not to mentioned the side effects to PPI can be simmilar to some of the B12 problems. Dizziness, conentration problems, memory loss and recall issues, mood swings, anxity and dpression....the list gose on.

I would feel exasuted all the time, I would wake up in the morning and feel like I awful. When I exercised I just felt worse. I would tell my doctor and he just wanted to put me on Lexapro...! no way!

Anyway, as I mentioned, I went to walgreens to fill my prescription and when they told me what the cost was going to be, with out insurance, I said I would get back to them. Well it has been two weeks and I feel much better, the reflux sucks but I can think, my muscles are relaxing and working out actully feels good. I don't feel like I'm going to fall over and I want to spend time with people. My wife says it like I woke up. I wake up refreshed.

So been taking a time release b complex and slowly working my muscle and mind out. What a nightmare!! I hope no one else ever has to be robbed of their life like I have been...

proton pump inhibitors also interfere with other nutrients...

B12
folic acid
calcium
magnesium
zinc
iron

Do not supplement with iron unless you have blood work done to show you need it.

There may be other nutrients affected, that have not been researched yet. Magnesium for example was just added to that list.

I have mentioned before here...PPIs give me headaches.
Have no idea why...they just do...big time.
I take Axid instead. Works well in small dosages. I try to control my eating and drinking to help with digestion issues. I also take a magnesium tablet daily. If I have trouble with constipation, I take a sool softener. I am exploring natural things to take intead of or in combination with a low dosage of Axid to help cope with stomach burning, etc. Bottom line...I just don't do PPIs. Some doctors really push them. If you feel strongly they are not for you, don't hesitate to try something else. (However, I wouldn't recommend doing this w/o checking with a doctor and w/o taking something for your stomach...no need to walk around in pain and miserable!)

I too have gotten benefits from the B vitamins.
I take a B50 tablet and extra B12 as well. GREAT stuff!
I'm also a huge believer in the medicinal properties of exercise. This is one of the reasons I push myself very hard in this area.
However, if fatigue hits, it is IMHO, best to honor it. Sometimes we need to modify our exercise or not do it at all. Just get back on the saddle again asap.