Newbie w/lots of questions

[LizR]

Hello everyone. I've had numerous health complaints over the last year that have confounded me, I think till now. I first went to my doctor w/pain on my lower right side. He sent me for a CTscan which showed a slightly full kidney. Further tests revealed that I had a congenital UPJ kink, but I didn't need further action on this. Also at this time, my BP was slightly up. Started having palpitations and lack of energy. Fast heartbeat would wake me up in the middle of the night. Had cardiology tests, doc said since I was a 51 yo female, most likely hormonal. During this time, my blood tests were showing BS of 99-109 and my cholesterol would always be in the 200-240's range for total, LDL abt 160, HDL generally above 50 and triglycerides always normal. At one point, my doc said it was pre-diabetes and to watch what I eat and exercise. It didn't seem to faze me as I'm always dieting without results. I'm 5'5" and weigh 170#. In the last 2 months, my sleep is very erratic and new symptoms have developed. I wake up several times a night with hands that are "asleep" and go to sleep very chilled. I also have burning pain in my shoulders. I started researching and found pre-diabetes info. Yesterday I got the book "Syndrome X" about insulin resistance and started a no refined carbs diet. I had protein and vegetables only. Last night I had extremely frequent urination and tingly hands. I had bought keto strips and found a moderate level last night and this morning. Could barely sleep all night w/ a very discernible rather quick heartbeat. Can anyone dissect all of this and give me their ideas?

[BigDogz]

I don't know if this is your problem or not, but my cousin had trouble with palpitations at night and, after exhausting every other possibility, her doctor tested her B12 level out of frustration. Her's was 244, the low side of normal. The doc started her on B12 shots and once her levels came back up to a more median range, her symptoms cleared.

Don't be surprised, though, if your doc 'pooh-pooh's' B12 as being a cause for your symptoms. Most docs aren't taught to worry much about it and simply go by current US lab levels (my lab says anything over 180 is good) to say "you're fine", especially if they don't find the so-called "classic" anemia that supposedly goes along with low levels.

Forward thinking physicians, though, are starting to recognize that levels below 450-550, often without the anemia they're trained to look for, will cause symptoms in many people.

I was having symptoms with a B12 level at 251, though mine were extreme fatigue, severe mood fluctuations, balance issues, muscle twitches and tingling in my hands, feet and tongue. After treatment with B12 injections my levels are up and the symptoms are gone except for some residual tingling in my feet. And, surprisingly, correcting my B12 level seems to have uncovered pre-diabetes issues, although I have read somewhere that diabetics often times have low(er) B12 levels. Not sure about the accuracy of that or what connection the B12 may or may not have had with my pre-diabetes.

Either way, it might benefit you to ask your doc to run B12 and Folate level blood tests (they work hand-in-hand). Even if it turns out to be above the 450 middle range, getting the test done would at least rule something out for you.

[Ronin]

Hi LizR!

Reading your description of a variety of symptoms sounds a lot like what I read about in Know Your Numbers - Outlive Your Diabetes which is all about the "Metabolic Disorder." I highly recommend that you read this book and use the charts they recommend.

As with all things you need to do some triage and determine which symptoms are most important to be addressed and work out a plan to address the various problems in some logical order. From my experience weight loss via exercise and eating habit changes is the best first step. I won't tell you that it is easy, becuase it isn't. However, I can tell you that it works and the benefits are nothing short of amazing.

[LizR]

That is very interesting about the B-12 deficiency. I take a 100 mg. B-complex, but maybe it isn't enough. I will bring it up to my doctor. Thank you!

[LizR]

I am definitely monitoring everthing I eat now. I'm almost afraid of food. I have protein and non starchy vegetables, nuts, seeds and olive oil and vinegar dressing on my salads. I only drink reverse osmosis water, mineral water or decaf tea w/ stevia and I take supplements. Do you think I should have any other complex carbs or leave it alone until I lose sufficient weight? I forgot to mention that my a1c was 5.7. Thank you.

[notme]

Hi LizR. Welcome to Diabetes Forums. One of the things that stood out in your post is your age of 51. During menopause, many of your symptoms are very common. The thermostat being off, rapid heart rate, (palpitations) and weight gain are all common. I am still struggling with the heart rate thing and hot flashes and a faulty thermostat. Erratic sleep patterns are also very common.

You might keep an eye on the blood sugar, but also have your doctor do a blood test and get some idea of your hormone function right now. You may just very well have a couple of issues brewing.

Welcome! :wavey:

[LizR]

Yes, I believe that you are right. I read Suzanne Somers books on hormonal changes and can't believe all the havoc hormones can cause. I am not in menopause yet, but I heard that during perimenopause one would have the same symptoms. Do you do anything for your symptoms? Any natural supplements?