JenniferInOhio

Still struggling with low iron and ferritin. My b12 is high at 1005 (220-700 being normal) and folate is >18 (2.8-18). My doctor doesn't seem concerned. He just wants to get my iron up (I'm not anemic, it's just low right now). Iron has been low for a couple years now. If I'm on iron it stays up, but as soon as I go off it trickles back down. I can't seem to get my ferritin up either. I've had both a colonoscopy and endoscopy and they came back fine. Tested for celiac and that was fine. My hair is still shedding like crazy. I do have a heavier period but I've had heavy periods all my life. I can't take birth control pills because of my migraines with visual aura so there goes that option. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is a high b12 and folate concerning when I'm not taking any folate or b vitamins? I tried looking up some information on high levels and it said cancer, leukemia. You can't look anything up on the internet without coming up with some horrible disease. I'm so tired of being worried about my health.

I agree, you need to see an allergist and get an epipen ASAP. Your reaction could be worse next time. I have a life threatening nut and shellfish allergy. My reaction is worse with each accidental ingestion.

I am shocked. My deepest sympathies. Pneumonia - who knew it could take such a young life.

Thank you, thank you all so much!! I'll let you know how it goes...

Well, you all know your stuff and now I am completely confused!!!! I can't sleep at night...toss and turn...takes me forever to fall asleep. I am so tired during the day. So, is wellbutrin going to help me sleep at night or have more energy during the day?

Anyone else? I read in several places that it can increase anxiety before settling into your system. I just don't know if it's worth it. I'm anxious already about taking it and I haven't even filled the presciption.

Kim - he was a cardiologist. I will pm you his info. I actually got a recommendation from a member here.

Mrs. B ~ He did say that the Wellbutrin isn't really used for anxiety, but maybe would help with my fatigue. Fatigue is probably my worst symptom right now. He said that Paxil is used more for anxiety, like you said, but that it would cause my heart to beat harder - maybe more palpitations. I have benign SVT runs and PVCs, PACs at times so I don't want to increase those...otherwise, I think he would have given me Paxil. He said I could continue to take Klonopin as needed for anxiety as well as the Wellbutrin.

Hi everyone ~ I saw a new doctor yesterday who seems to know a lot about POTS. He even calls it...P-O-T-S (spells it) instead of calling it the word, "pots." I like that. Anyway, we discussed my history of mild POTS, my anxiety and hypochondria. He felt that wellbutrin would be a good med for me. He wants me to get control of the anxiety and hypochondria because they make the POTS worse, which makes the anxiety worse...basically a vicious cycle. He said that the wellbutrin helps a lot of POTS patients not for depression exactly, but moving blood around the body better?? Those are not his words, I'm just trying to understand what it does exactly. Does anyone know? How many of you take wellbutrin? What are the side effects? What does it do for the body? Thanks so much! As always, I'm so glad I can ask questions here.

Ling ~ what you are feeling is perfectly normal. I remember reading about your pregnancy and then what happened afterwards. So scary. I have 2 children and still long for another. I don't know if it ever goes away. I have days and weeks where I am okay with our decision, and other days where I am sad and try to talk my husband into having another one. The risk is not something I am willing to take, though. The bottom line is that I have to think of the 2 daughters that I have - they need a mommy. I hope that you will have some peace with your situation in the future.

That *is* bad luck!! I hope the surgery goes smoothly for you.

I had a brain mri 2 years ago. I just had (and still do) a sinus cyst.

Burning, tingling, twitching!! Yes, yes, yes!

Melissa ~ I was so surprised to hear that you have sepsis again. I prayed for you last night. I hope these doctors can figure out what is causing this and help you recover.

cleared my box!

I would think it was some sort of vitamin deficiency, but what do I know? I have vertical ridges from iron related issues. How come your doctor wants you to investigate? How come he is not going to?

I'm anxious and scared about every new symptom I get too. You aren't alone and don't feel embarrassed. I'm thinking getting up too fast and bp issues, blood-flow to the brain sort of thing...but you might want to mention to your doctor and see what he/she says.

Right there with ya. I'm not on meds so that isn't the reason. Right around ovulation (about 2 days) I *might* be in the mood. Otherwise, forget it.

That is great, Pat. Sleep can do wonders when we can actually settle down to sleep.

Infection or sickness itself will cause your heart rate to increase (I think is true for the general population as well - although it does not increase as much as it does for us). Hope you feel better soon!

Anyone else have an extremely hard time getting out of bed in the morning? Maybe it is because I don't go to bed until 11:00 and toss and turn a lot during the night (I can't remember the last time I slept through the night...maybe 6 years ago before I had kids). Anyway, I'm dragging out of bed at 9:00 in the morning. I just lie in bed, and I am so tired that I don't want to move. My girls are usually begging me to get up. However, when I do get up, I'm usually fine. Why is it that I am so exhausted like that and then fine once I get moving? If people knew I slept until 9:00 every morning, they would think I was so lazy...shhh, don't tell

Thanks for the replies. I guess I can't undo the x-rays and scans, but I will more careful in the future. The reason I started worrying is that I ended up in the ER this weekend for dehydration due to a stomach bug. The doctor did 2 abdominal x-rays. I knew the x-rays were stupid and unnecessary and almost refused, but then I didn't want to be noncompliant so I went ahead and let them do it. I was so miserable I didn't feel like arguing. Anyway, I'm sure I missed an x-ray or two in my list so I should probably be glowing too.

Glad you didn't give up. Congrats!

Just wondering how many x-rays or other forms of radiation exposure you all have had. I know I've had a lot due to this illness as well as other medical problems. Does anyone know the risks of too many x-rays? Does it really increase your chance of getting cancer? I've had... several dental x-rays 5 mammograms 2 abdominal x-rays 1 ct scan of abdomen 3 ct scans of neck maybe 10 chest x-rays

Just wanted to add my thanks and appreciation!