This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

They have been using fasting since ancient times to heal the body. You might want to consider it. Here are a an article and a video explaining it. Each of us has a doctor inside which will heal us if we give it a chance.

http://www.greekmedicine.net/hygiene/Fa ... ation.html

Well, I finally got up the nerve to visit my primary doctor, and START THE WHOLE PROCESS OVER AGAIN. As usual, I see the PA (never a doctor), and she didn't so much as test a reflex. She chided me for not losing weight, then ordered an X-ray of the C-spine and T-spine. Then I go back in two weeks, and we start the whole, stinking process over again. I am so angry right now. I'm sitting at my desk working (I'm in Social media and spend A LOT of time using a keyboard). My finger dexterity is great, but my left arm feels weak and achey (and I hate a bout of fasciculations above the bicep). Instead of referring me to a neuro (which would have seemed the obvious decision), an XRAY? Are you kidding me? To those of you who have caring, communicative doctors, consider yourselves BLESSED. I'm dealing with a 28 year old kid who doesn't even have an MD behind her name. I'm so exhausted and frightened. She wanted to prescribe "Lyrica" and I told her, "I'm not taking a damn thing until I find out what's causing my symptoms!" I may have to change doctors, but with my ridiculous work schedule and very little support from my husband / family... I feel so completely alone right now. All I can do is get the x-rays, keep my follow up appt in two weeks, and go from there.

NytViolet wrote:Well, I finally got up the nerve to visit my primary doctor, and START THE WHOLE PROCESS OVER AGAIN. As usual, I see the PA (never a doctor), and she didn't so much as test a reflex. She chided me for not losing weight, then ordered an X-ray of the C-spine and T-spine. Then I go back in two weeks, and we start the whole, stinking process over again. I am so angry right now. I'm sitting at my desk working (I'm in Social media and spend A LOT of time using a keyboard). My finger dexterity is great, but my left arm feels weak and achey (and I hate a bout of fasciculations above the bicep). Instead of referring me to a neuro (which would have seemed the obvious decision), an XRAY? Are you kidding me? To those of you who have caring, communicative doctors, consider yourselves BLESSED. I'm dealing with a 28 year old kid who doesn't even have an MD behind her name. I'm so exhausted and frightened. She wanted to prescribe "Lyrica" and I told her, "I'm not taking a damn thing until I find out what's causing my symptoms!" I may have to change doctors, but with my ridiculous work schedule and very little support from my husband / family... I feel so completely alone right now. All I can do is get the x-rays, keep my follow up appt in two weeks, and go from there.

I commend you for starting the investigation of your symptoms all over again, Violet! I am not impressed either with what I hear of that whippersnapper of a PA! At the very least, she is LACKING big-time in social skills. If you have excess weight, it is NOT due to your diet – your pancreas is producing too much insulin. Let her order the blood test for INSULIN. What will x-rays of your spine tell her about a weight problem? If she wants to look for a tumor in the pancreas, let her order an ultrasound! You may very well have dysfunction of the pancreas: pancreatic insufficiency, too little enzymes, too much insulin; this alone could lead to a B12 deficiency.

Good for you for refusing the Lyrica! If she must prescribe something… Let her prescribe a therapeutic trial of B12 injections – every day for a week, then weekly for a couple months. You could easily do these injections at home, subcutaneously, and inexpensively.

Order a copy of the book, Could It Be B12? An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses by Sally Pacholok, RN, BSN, and Jeffrey Stuart, D.O. and after reading it yourself, LOAN it to her on the promise that she will read it! Or GIVE it to your doctor if he promises to read it so that you can discuss it with him at your next appointment.

You have every reason to be angry; I share your feelings. You are NOT alone!

WELL, I finally grew a pair. Fortunately, our new insurance just kicked in through my husband's union, and I went to an internist that I trust and respect. He ordered a CMP and TSH (normal), and referred me to a neurologist for 8/4/14. Due to the extreme fatigue, overall weakness, twitching and my need to avoid stress while searching for answers, I've taken short term disability from work. I've also had blood draw for "Endo routine" which gives them an idea of my sugar over a three month period. I went ahead with a cervical spine MRI, and have it on DVD along with copies of all other tests. I will let you folks know how things go on Monday, and I intend to bring up more specific tests for B12, and other vitamins, etc. I deliberately scheduled the appt for morning because that's when symptoms are worst. Pray for me if you pray... If you don't, please wish me well. Hugs

Good for you, Violet! It sounds like you have embarked on a good plan, starting with an internist that you trust and respect. By this time, and after many medical appointments, no doubt you know how to prepare for your Monday appointment with the neurologist – you will take your notebook/file of symptoms, questions, and notes; get a good night's sleep the night before; and have confidence that you will handle the situation. I wish you the best of luck and you are certainly in my prayers.

Since you have been taking a vitamin B12 supplement, blood tests for a deficiency will probably be skewed and will not accurately reflect your situation. As you know, the serum B12 test alone is not adequate in any case to detect a deficiency. The book and video I recommended earlier offer good guidance for thorough testing. The book also points out that B12 injections in the US (and many oral B12 supplements) are in the form of cyanocobalamin, which must be decyanated by the body before it can be utilized; methylcobalamin is preferred because it is more bioavailable.

Also as you know, I believe that the B12 issue needs to be ruled out first; if this is not the root of your problem, you and your doctors will systematically exclude the next likely suspects. I sense that you are very capable and can deal with this situation. Please do let us know how it goes. You have found friends here.