MS and Breast Implants

[lyndacarol]

I will have to have my neuro fax the blood test to me to see my vitamin D level at the time he told me it was high. I was taking 10,000 mg per day at the time. I have since cut that to 5,000. It's Metagenics High Potency Bioavailable D3 5000. It is non-GMO. As for the B12, I never had my vitamin B levels tested. Both the vitamin D and B12 were taken because I was told to take them; not because I was told they were low. I was originally receiving B12 by injection in the arm. It was quite painful. I began taking it orally. This is also Metagenics. It's Intrinsi B12 Folate. This is also non-GMO.
I will get access to the D blood test results and give you those numbers.
Are you a doctor? Are you someone with MS? Are you someone conducting a study?

The B12 injections given in doctors' offices in the US are usually cyanocobalamin, which is the cheapest form of B12 and which must be decyanated by the body before it can be used. (Methylcobalamin is more bioavailable and is available by prescription through compounding pharmacies.) Most people, but not all, can use the sublingual form of B12. Both cyano- and methyl-cobalamin are available in the sublingual form; check the label to know which one you are buying.

In my opinion (I have no medical training), it would be a good idea to request at least the serum B12 test in order to be certain your body is absorbing B12 properly as far as the bloodstream (The other initial testing usually includes a folate test, a homocysteine test, and a methylmalonic acid test.). (Even if the serum B12 looks good, it is still possible to have a functional deficiency in the cells/tissues if all the B12 is on the wrong transporter molecule in the blood.)

I was diagnosed with MS in September, 1992. At that time, none of my doctors tested either my vitamin B12 or my vitamin D levels – I feel that these tests should be routinely performed. (My vitamin D level in January 2016 was 24 ng/ml!) Some neurologists recommend 80 to 100 ng/mL for people with MS/neurological symptoms. I am very curious to learn your vitamin D status.

I commend you for seeking out expert advice (in the form of Dr. Fox) on the issue of breast implants and MS. It is important for people to take an active role in their own health.

[ElliotB]

I am a male and I can tell you really, really want to have the procedure done. So you should probably go ahead and do it.

Since you are here on this site seeking advise and opinions, I will add to my previous comments...

The reality is when it comes to MS, doctors know very, very, very little. This is just a simple fact regardless of how accomplished the physician is. I believe few will disagree that any kind of surgery is a shock to the body and for someone with MS, should likely be avoided unless absolutely necessary (cosmetic surgery would not fall into this category).

But again, if you can't live hapily without the surgery, you should probably go ahead and do it

One more thing to consider: It sounds like you have a very mild case of MS and are in remission and have been for a long time, otherwise you might feel a bit differently. I certainly hope you remain in remission and and symptom free, but no one knows for sure. IMHO, your prime concern should be your health and not physical beauty.

[David1949]

Of course the decision to have implants is your choice and yours alone. As I guy, I can only say that some of us like natural breasts more than large breasts.

I don't know if implants could cause MS. But not having implants certainly will not cause MS.

I wish you well, whatever you decide.

[kzosche]

To answer the question about my vitamin B levels, it was at 80 when I was told it was high. The range they were using was 30 - 100.

[lyndacarol]

To answer the question about my vitamin B levels, it was at 80 when I was told it was high. The range they were using was 30 - 100.

I think you meant your vitamin D level. The Endocrine Society uses and advocates the range of 30-100 ng/mL for vitamin D.

At 80 ng/mL, your vitamin D level is ideal, in my opinion. Many neurologists recommend a range of 80-100 ng/mL be reached and maintained by patients who have neurological symptoms.

The reference range for vitamin B levels is established at each individual lab, based on the mean average of everyone who had taken the test (healthy AND sick people alike) and adding two standard deviations. At the lab where my serum B12 test was done (in 2014), the reference range is 213-816 pg/mL.

[kzosche]

Just to update my thread from before - I am a 51 year old female with MS, diagnosed six years ago. At the time, I'd had breast implants for five years. I had them removed. I just had my third MRI since diagnosis. This is now four years after my last MRI. There has been no progression. It was done with contrast which would have shown active or new lesions. The contrast did not identify any. Disease totally stable. I guess this is good news, right? As pathetic as it sounds, I was hoping for just ONE new lesion which would mean the disease could not possibly have anything to do with breast implants and I could have a pair put back in. I guess this settles the dilemma. Now I will look into the fat transfer surgery where they transfer fat from a different area of your body to your breasts. But I am thin so maybe not an option. Let it rest, huh?

[lyndacarol]

Just to update my thread from before - I am a 51 year old female with MS, diagnosed six years ago. At the time, I'd had breast implants for five years. I had them removed. I just had my third MRI since diagnosis. This is now four years after my last MRI. There has been no progression. It was done with contrast which would have shown active or new lesions. The contrast did not identify any. Disease totally stable. I guess this is good news, right? As pathetic as it sounds, I was hoping for just ONE new lesion which would mean the disease could not possibly have anything to do with breast implants and I could have a pair put back in. I guess this settles the dilemma. Now I will look into the fat transfer surgery where they transfer fat from a different area of your body to your breasts. But I am thin so maybe not an option. Let it rest, huh?

You know your situation best, I am inclined to trust your judgment and the expert advice you have found. FWIW, I think this decision should be made between you and your doctors; together you will make the best choice.

I only suggest that your surgeon check your B12 level before and after surgery (as the nitric oxide used in anesthesia inactivates B12). And ask your doctor to check your vitamin D level at least once a year (maintaining your optimal 80 ng/mL level). All the best to you.

[jennmack75]

I had "gummy bear" implants put in in March last year. I am praying there is no connection but I had 2 flare ups in May and August of the same year and now again just this month. So 3 flare ups in 1 year...I am very concerned. I am hoping I do not have to have them removed and that my body will adjust...?! Any advice would be hugely appreciated.