In all my years of studying health, I never realized how vital B12 was until “it happened to me.” Out of the blue one day, I started to have severe pins and needles, along with numbness in both my legs. I thought my back was out.
This went on for a month. It was so bad, I could only lie on the floor, and my legs were still vibrating with numbness. Of course, I started with my “googling research” (side note never google your symptoms, go to your doctor).
According to my research, I had diabetes! That is impossible because it does not run in my family, plus I live a pretty healthy lifestyle. I made the call to my doctor, and she did a few tests to see how my nervous system was working; all good.
Then she ordered a blood test, including B12. I have never been tested for B12 before, and the results came back, I was deficient. My number was low, and she gave me a prescription for B12.
The doctor also orders an EMG and referred me to a Neurologist. My legs were no better, and it was turning chronic. The EMG was not fun, and the test result was a pinched nerve in my lower back; L5, S1 (possibly). Not pleased with that result.
Now for the MRI. If you ever had an MRI, you know how upsetting this test can be. I had no clue until I was in the room with the machine. Claustrophobic? No way! UGH! The Tech did the fastest MRI ever for me.
The results came back, nothing to worry about. So, all these tests and no answers. I was taking the B12 for a month now and did notice the pain was dissipating. The last doctor I went to, for some kind of answer, was the Prompt Care Doctor, His remedy; massage, B12, and magnesium. Okay. Magnesium? Here is another mineral deficiency; I never thought of and had to get some fast.
It has been over three months of me taking B12 every day and the magnesium. When I feel the numbness, I quickly take the magnesium! Knock wood; I am 99% better than five months ago.
There are so many other signs of being deficient in B12 and not to be overlooked. Ask your doctor to do a blood test to see if you are deficient and stop Googling your symptoms!
About the Author:
Keri-Ann Laurito – RYT/E-RYT/Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist/Wellness Educator, YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider)
Keri~Ann’s teaching has led her to New York City, Ireland, Italy and San Diego where she was teaching yoga to the Navy/Marines.
She loves to travel and to meet new people from different cultures and the challenge of different yoga backgrounds. Her style, of Vinyasa/Hatha Yoga, is fun and high-spirited flowing practice of that links the breath to the movement.
