This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I read about monitoring vitamin levels on here but I have no idea what that involves. Is that a simple blood test or something specific to ask for? How much does it cost?

hi sandy it depends on your coverage, where you live etc.

i live in ontario canada, where a lot of lab work is covered by the provincial health plan - here is the list of what testing can be done here:

biochemistry (includes vitamin a, zinc, potassium, sodium, uric acid, etc)
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/pro ... bfbio.html

immunoassays (includes vitamin D3 -both 25-hydroxy and 1,25 dihydroxy, aldosterone, cortisol, ferritin, etc)
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/pro ... bfimm.html

hematology (includes vitamin b12, RBC, WBC, prothrombin time, etc)
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/pro ... bfhem.html

there are more categories but i don't really use these: Immunohematology, Immunology; Microbiology; Anatomical Pathology, Histology and Cytology

to date i have tested several things that are not covered.

the first was homocysteine, back at the veeeerrrry beginning of my learning curve when i didn't really understand the whole b12 deal too well. the second and third have been selenium, and vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). the homocysteine and vitamin E cost $30 each, and the selenium was $35.

personally i ask my doctor for lab requisitions for the ms 'usual suspect' things that i like to test (that process is easier now but started with me bringing in a lot of journal literature to support a request), and she does me up the requisition.

so then i stop taking any supplements for a short 'washout', take the req to the lab, and the results come back 'normal'.

'normal' is only good enough for healthy ppl not sick ones like us, so then you make sure to get actual numbers, with units.

then check your results against averages determined in 'health and disease' research (doesn't matter what disease you are just interested in the healthy controls), many of which have been posted here at some point or other, or you can just ask me. if i have already done the lit review and found a few good studies supporting a possible 'optimal' level for something you are testing, i can relay.

HTH,
JL

Wow. You have just made me feel ignorant! I don't have any health insurance so I will be footing this. I am able to see a wonderful GP for $20 who is very supportive and will get on board with what I need. There are so many levels to check. You know I have had MS for 16 years and in that time I have gone through a lot of neuros and I have never had bllod work done...except to check liver enzymes while on 'roids. I have put too much trust in doctors and now that I can't get coverage I'm taking care of myself. It looks like I have a ton of homework to do. This site is gonna save my life! Thank you so much.

heya sandy, well i am here if you need to ask questions, and if you like check out the links in my signature to various sites with nutrition info on ms.

also cheerleader has a nutrition program she put together for her hubby jeff. so there are a lot of resources you can check out!

if you want, check out my regimen topic 'orthomolecular biochemistry (formerly Mega D)'. it has a lot of detail about test results and optimal levels and such, especially in more recent pages.

HTH! you're welcome, and seriously - ask away if you need to
JL

Hi Sandy

I, like you, was totally blinded when it came to vitamins, bloods etc. There is definitely a science to it and sometimes it feels like a mine field.

I took lots of information that Jimmylegs had given me to my MS Specialist regarding vitamins etc and how they can help with MS. I also took it upon myself after talking to Jimmylegs to get my blood work done. My regular Dr, told me they were "normal" but they were not.

Based on the info I took my specialist, he has now contacted the drug companies and insurance companies and will be running blood work for all his MS patients and putting them on vitamins based upon what they need for the correct levels and I am guinea pig number 1.

This is the best place to be to gain knowledge and be more informed which will make it easier to discuss these things with your Dr rather than them waffle on and they just hope you "get it".

My specialist listened to what I had to say, based on what I had learned here and the information JL gave me and did what he said he was going to do.

This MS journey can be scary, but if you ask questions and learn as much as you can, it will become an easier path to travel.

Remember, stay up beat and positive because that is half the battle

Mirry

Hi Mirry. When I get health insurance I plan on getting a blood test for everything! Right now, I am taking supplements that MS patients are normally found to be deficient in. I am really upbeat but it is frustrating to not have a doctor help me through this trial. JL is wonderful to supply so much knowledge. I rely on it.

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Diagnosed 1994, Self EDSS is 6.5

mirrryyyy i need an update!

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my approach: no meds so far - just balanced whole foods (partial 'paleo', much less outright elimination), science, supplements, & bloodwork
my regimen - www.thisisms.com/ftopict-2489.html
www.whfoods.com, www.nutritiondata.com