+Re:Elevated homocysteine (Michelle) (WAS: vitamin B deficency)

[Guest guest]

Hello Elchanan,

Thank you for your offer to assist me with my elevated homocysteine

levels. My original post was regarding a test I had that suggested a

genetic mutation that can cause elevated levels of homocysteine:

 

Compound Heterozygous MTHFR C677T/ A1298C: The sample has

one copy of the MTHFR C677T and one copy of the A1298C

mutation. This is associated with increased plasma

homocysteine levels, a risk factor for arteriosclerotic

coronary disease and venous thrombosis.

 

Since my original post I asked my doctor to test my homocysteine and

my b12 levels. My homocysteine levels were high and my b12 levels were

low.

HOMOCYSTEINE 18 Standard Range: 4-10 umol/L

VITAMIN B-12 128 Standard Range: 210-910 PG/ML

 

For the last 8 years I have had symptoms that no doctor could explain.

They are mostly related to my extremities. Main symptoms: swelling of

fingers, flakey skin on hands and face, development of spider veins on

face and hands, hot face, hands and feet, raynauds in hands and feet.

I have seen many doctors and none of them - including several

Rheumatologists - could explain my situation. I don't test positive

for any of the autoimmune antibodies, etc.

After reading about elevated homocysteine, I feel that this could be

the cause of my symptoms as they can all be related to impaired

circulation. Spider veins are a form of varicose veins, flakey and

weird changes to the skin on my hands and face, swelling etc. I have

also had repeated miscarriages. I have been able to keep the swelling

and heat under control to a great degree with the raw food diet and

intermittent juice diet. The juice diet especially helps. Having tried

many expensive treatments, supplements, therapies for a period of 4

years, I was and am grateful that I made this discovery. But, I have

always believed that I was not addressing the root cause.

 

I know that Vitamin B-12 is related to homocysteine. I was originally

curious that this could be a result of being a vegan, but after

learning more about the how my condition could very likely be related

to elevated homocysteine and taking the indication of genetic mutation

I think the B-12 deficiency may be a result and not the cause of

homocysteine elevation. My symptoms started long before I became a raw

vegan.

 

My doctor has put me on the following protocol:

B12 Injections: Once a day for a week, then once a week for a four

weeks, then monthly for two months. Then we'll recheck levels.

B6: 10-20mg daily for three weeks, then 2-5mg daily

Folate 5-MTHF: 1mg a day

 

I have also added Trimethylglycine, 500 mg daily.

 

One other question I have had is about intrinsic factor. I am

wondering if lack of intrinsic factor could be the reason for my b-12

deficiency which could then be considered as a possible cause for

elevated homocysteine.

 

Thank you again for responding to my post. I would greatly appreciate

any perspectives you could offer.

Michelle