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TTC After a Loss
folic acid from a new angle
In the fall of 2009 I was having major nerve related problems. At the time there didn't appear to be any pinching on the spine, so my doctor(s) started to investigate things like multiple sclerosis, possible viral infection (shingles), rheumatoid arthritis...all came back clear. I still have extreme difficulty with my arms and hands - weakness, pain, circulation problems...I have difficulty opening doors with knobs, jars, WINE!!, lifting anything above my shoulders, raising my arms into shorts etc.. It's been nearly a year of doctor after doctor trying to figure this out - miscarriage aside.
The other day I was sent to a spine rehabilitation expert who did a far more thorough exam of my spine, and went over all my MRIs and has concluded that I do in fact have pinched nerves, and that this is causing a ripple effect through a number of my systems. Could this really be the diagnosis I have been waiting for? Finally..
He asked me things no other doctor asked - including stuff about my digestive system. Now, I've thought all this time that my digestive problems were due to stress, only getting worse after the miscarriage - again stress. He thinks this all may have even have had a role in the miscarriage.
Since folic acid is absorbed through the intestine, the chances of having a deficiency is high if the intestine is not function to par. So, even if I was taking enough supplements, and eating well, my body was probably not absorbing enough.
Shortly before my miscarriage I was told I was anemic and had to take iron supplements - but anemia can often be linked to a folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency - so I'm wondering if rather than taking iron I should have been given more folic acid and B12 too, and if my iron deficiency was actually a folic acid / B12 problem.
Folic acid deficiency can cause fatigue, depression, acne, apathy...um, basically all the things experienced post miscarriage.
When we jumped back on the TTCAL wagon I started taking lots of folic acid, B6, B12, iron every second day, supercharged prenatal, fish oils, potent slow release vitamin C - and the first thing I noticed was a significant improvement in my skin. I have to wonder if the extra folic acid is actually starting to make a difference in some basic functions.
I'll now be taking even more folic acid - up to 4,000mcg a day. (I really, really hope this is helping a blastocyst develop inside me now.) This new spine doctor promises he will have my arms feeling better soon, and that all other systems should start to follow. He also said that in a round about way he has helped people get pregnant simply by solving mechanical problems in the body. He explained that someone can be medically fine but mechanically a mess.
Here's hoping. 
BFP #1 Valentine's Day BFP! February 14th 2010
Missed M/C 11w5d ~ forever in our hearts.
BFP #2 EDD September 30, 2012 ~ natural m/c 5w4d
broken hearted, changed forever
BFP #2 EDD September 30, 2012 ~ natural m/c 5w4d
broken hearted, changed forever
This discussion has been closed.
Re: folic acid from a new angle
It must be such a relief to finally have some answers, and a plan to get things headed in the right direction. Yay for good doctors!
Good luck!
It must be such a relief to finally have some answers! Good luck with everything - I hope it all helps
I just started new prenatals with 5mg of Folic today. I'll let you know if I notice a difference.
TTC#1 since May 2009
PCOS * Hypothyroid
Bean - BFP May 26, 2010. EDD Feb 3, 2011. Natural Miscarriage 8w5d - June 29, 2010.
Pumpkin - BFP Feb 8, 2011. EDD Oct 21, 2011. Natural Miscarriage 6w3d - Feb 28, 2011.
May 2015: IUI#2 - nada.
BFP 1: 3/19/10 Loss: 7/9/10
BFP 2: 12/28/10
My Blog: Losing Sylvia
I am so glad you got an answer and that you are starting to see some relief.
You may have already heard of/tried this, but my OB prescribed me Neevo DHA which was specifically designed for women who had problems absorbing folic acid for various reasons. I ended up not being able to tolerate it (just gave me horrible diarrhea, but I am prone to that) but you might want to talk to your OB about it because it sounds like it is meant for your type of problem.
Just a thought, obviously I'm not a medical professional but I remember the info on that vitamin talking about how it addresses absorption problems.
Wow that's really great you found a doc who has some useful information! I'm really glad you posted this, I also have issues with nerves in my neck/upper back and have an appt late this month w/ a neurologist but just like the slew of other doctors I find myself doubting they'll know anything about why I have constant numbness in my arms whenever I lay down and circ. problems. I also have weird digestive stuff that I just attribute to stress, but very interesting!
My fingers are crossed that he can work some magic, get you some relief and that you've got a pretty bfp on the way!
We love and miss you Jillian (18w) and Peanut (6w). Welcome to our TAC miracle Jacob!
Thanks! I will definitely talk more with my doctor(s) about this. It's amazing how the chemistry can be affected!!
BFP #2 EDD September 30, 2012 ~ natural m/c 5w4d
broken hearted, changed forever
Good luck you!! I'll be curious to know what you learn too. I'm amazed to find out how many functions are affected by stuff going on in the spine. It's making me feel really hopeful this can all be solved relatively easy.
BFP #2 EDD September 30, 2012 ~ natural m/c 5w4d
broken hearted, changed forever
Jenn
IVF#1 BFN IVF#2 BFP, loss at 19 weeks FET#1 BFN IVF#3 BFP, m/c FET#2 BFN
Missing our twins Zachary and Madison, lost at 19 weeks on 11/13/09, edd 4/9/10
BFP 7/17/10, m/c 7/25/10, edd 3/25/11
Ectopic, lost left tube 4/20/11, edd 12/6/11
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