[pearl girl]

I've been treating my diagnosed pernicious anemia since February this year and taking all the recommended supplements. My B12 level has gone from 68 to 1750 last test. Some of the nerve damage is a little better but I realize that I began at a nearly dead state and that some nerves may never come back. I can accept that. However---

My question: Has anyone found a supplement that actually increases energy? I have to push myself to do anything. My mental attitude is so much better and some numbness has lessened (except for feet/knees which are still very bad). I just wish I didn't always feel like a virtual couch potato.

Short of dexedrine, there must be something to help energize this completely listless body. (taking B12, dibencozide, C, E, folate, multiple vit-mineral, fish oil etc...). I am desperate to feel like a human being again and not a vegetable.

I'll try just about anything. Please. Any idea gratefully accepted.
best regards to all,
Nancy

[mrsD]

I wonder if your Vit D levels are low? This nutrient is getting alot of research attention and this new video is very interesting and made for the layman:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread92116.html

I would also watch your insulin levels, and find out if you are getting borderline with that. A fasting insulin level will show more than a fasting blood sugar (which may not show creeping increasing problems with energy production)

Also a HbA1C test will show if you are having elevated blood sugars during the day. When this happens, fatigue can become considerable. As we age many people develop this problem.

If you feel specifically that you have MUSCLE weakness the supplement acetyl-l- carnitine may help. It works with the energy parts of your cells(mitochondria) to create more energy than with glucose alone. You can try it at 500mg a day to start, and if you feel stronger, you can increase to about 1-2 grams a day, in divided doses.
(2 to 4 capsules)

Another cause for fatigue when you suddenly improve B12 status is that when you are anemic like you were, Pearl girl, and the body suddenly can restart to make red blood cells, it uses up potassium in the blood serum to make the new cells. When that happens fatigue and sore muscles may occur. So you should try to eat high potassium containing foods to provide enough potassium so you are not robbing other parts of the body until the red cells are brought back to normal.
The average red blood cell lives about 3 months, and is replaced. So this process of repair can be stressful for a while.

[daniella]

I had heard b complex helps with energy. I am not sure if it is from the b12. How is your diet in general? I think eating every few hours and staying hydrated. Also a balance of carbs/protein/fat keep energy levels up. Have you been tested for fibromyalgia? Feel better

[Marlene]

Have they check your iron lately? If they did at the beginning, it could have been OK but now that you are making red cells, you may have depleted your iron stores.

When my husband's HGB was 5.5, his FE was at 392 which is high. That's because your body stores the iron from the missing red cells and the FE of 392 reflects the iron from the missing blood. This is true as long as your anemia is not from excess blood loss.

[pearl girl]

thanks mrsD; daniella and marlene !!

All your suggestions are helpful and will be investigated... most of all, appreciated.

I have no idea about my vit d level. nor insulin but have no reason to think it's a problem but will look into. Started LCarnitine yesterday.

No I have not had my iron checked... but will soon.

I do take a good and recommended Bcomplex.
Definitely stay hydrated tho diet could definitely use improvement.

Have never been tested for fibromyalgia but used to think I must have it due to many aches, pains, etc., but then the b12 issue took over and I haven't thought of it for awhile. thanks for the reminder!

Wishing you all better days & peaceful nights. love xoxoxo

[mrsD]

Gosh.... I'd think that ANY doctor would check your iron automatically when you were tested for the B12 and it was so low! Since you have Pernicious Anemia...it follows that the supports for making new red cells should be tested.
Folate
Iron
Copper levels

I get my iron checked once a year with my yearly physical.

[pearl girl]

Thanks, once again, mrsD. I wish I had a list of all the tests I should have... so many have been suggested ... hormones, thyroid, insulin levels, all the vitamins ... on and on. Goodness if I could find a good doc I'd have him pull a pint of blood and say, "TEST ME FOR EVERYTHING" ...