19 year old male with alarming symptons

[sepkell]

Okay, so for the longest time, I thought these symptons were strictly from anxiety that had came out of the blue, 2 months ago, but now I'm starting to think differently.

The first thing I noticed was feeling tired and fatigued at different times. Some days I could make it up stairs and work out no problem, other times, especially nights, I got kinda tired.

The next thing I noticed was tremors in my fingers and hands, and my feet twitching involuntarily.

Finally, for the first time in 1 month, I played competetive basketball, and I was so out of shape it felt like and after the first game, my face (jaw especially) felt completely numb.

Also, sometimes it feels like gravity is just extra strong on my body and I'm legit almost glued to my couch.

I haven't had any vision problems. And the past 6 nights, I have waken up in the middle of the night to pee. I have almost constant muscle twitches but have not had any painful spasms.

Could this be MS? What else could it be? I'm freaking out. I've been healthy and played sports my entire life.

[jimmylegs]

hi and welcome. quick question - any major changes in your lifestyle or general life circumstances between when you felt good, and now?

[lyndacarol]

Could this be MS? What else could it be? I'm freaking out.

Welcome to ThisIsMS, sepkell.

It could be MS. Your symptoms are common to MS and many other conditions, including a vitamin B12 deficiency. I suggest you take a deep breath; see your GP; discuss the possibilities with him; start by ruling out a possible B12 deficiency with a #1 serum B12 test, #2 serum folate test, #3 serum homocysteine test, and #4 serum (or the more accurate urinary form) methylmalonic acid test.

The serum B12 test alone is not adequate to determine a B12 deficiency. Do not take vitamin B supplements before testing, as these will skew test results. (By the way, request your own copies of any test results – you need the actual numbers.)

[jimmylegs]

can i just ask for clarification, LC, regarding the specific motivation to aim the laser focus on B12 lately? it's not like the b12 concern is big news. why wouldn't the red flag be high insulin, or wheat sensitivity, based on the various emphases you have favoured in the past? i very much get that b12 is important, having personally been b12 deficient myself, and having definitely overestimated its importance when first doing detailed reading about it in '06. but there is SO MUCH more to health than a single nutrient. just my opinion, but I think looking first at circumstances and reviewing the available science on most likely culprits, which may well include b12, would do a better service to a new inquiring mind, than this single brush stroke for everybody approach.

sorry for the hijack sepkell. looking forward to hearing more about your individual circumstances

[lyndacarol]

can i just ask for clarification, LC, regarding the specific motivation to aim the laser focus on B12 lately? it's not like the b12 concern is big news. why wouldn't the red flag be high insulin, or wheat sensitivity, based on the various emphases you have favoured in the past? i very much get that b12 is important, having personally been b12 deficient myself, and having definitely overestimated its importance when first doing detailed reading about it in '06. but there is SO MUCH more to health than a single nutrient. just my opinion, but I think looking first at circumstances and reviewing the available science on most likely culprits, which may well include b12, would do a better service to a new inquiring mind, than this single brush stroke for everybody approach.

sorry for the hijack sepkell. looking forward to hearing more about your individual circumstances

I also apologize to sepkell for the hijack; but since you asked publicly (rather than in PM) for clarification from me, JL, I assume you think my opinion has benefit for all.

As I have explained previously, it works best for me to examine one possibility at a time – if I changed too many variables at one time, I am unsure of which change made the difference. You are correct: my first emphasis was on excess insulin. When lowering my insulin level repeatedly with fasting did not seem to affect my symptoms, I looked at another variable. I tried increased D3 supplements (although my level was not low). I have privately reported to you my high blood test results for zinc, and my situation with magnesium. I have looked at wheat sensitivity (I have been eating a gluten-free diet for a year.) and I do think wheat is involved for me – but, because of the folic acid fortification mandated for wheat in the US. Additional information on vitamin B12 seems to hold so many answers to my history and case. With my doctor I am trying thoroughly to investigate the possibility that a B12 deficiency is the root of my problems. This method of investigation seems to work best for me; I only offer this possibility for consideration "to a new inquiring mind," who may have no idea where or how to begin his investigation. In my opinion, it is reasonable for you to lay out your method as well.

Like you, I think: "there is SO MUCH more to health than a single nutrient." I advocate a good diet and lifestyle, much the same as you do.

I appreciate your opinion and your viewpoint of looking at "most likely culprits" – I hope you can appreciate my opinions and method of approach as well. That is what makes ThisIsMS such a great forum – we are diverse people free to share our diverse ideas and diverse experiences in a supportive and friendly atmosphere.

[jimmylegs]

that is an excellent clarification lyndacarol, and i certainly do think it has benefit for all.
i consider this 3 min video a super example of an excellent rationale for looking at complex issues through the wider lens.