B-12 ANEMIA

Peripheral Neuropathy – more information

As I said in my last post, the peripheral nervous system includes sensory nerves that receive feeling.  Keep in mind that not everyone experiences the same symptoms with any condition.  When dealing with the nervous system even more so.  Your nerves may react very differently then someone else, so you might have symptoms and not even realize what they really mean.

I want to take a minute to discuss something that happened to me.  When my B12 deficiency was the most severe, my main symptoms had to do with my bladder and sensitive areas.  To be more specific (hey, if it can help any of you I’m happy to embarrass myself) I thought I had urinary tract infections, bladder infections or some type of yeast infection.

I peed (is that a word?) in many a cup and wasted months going to my gynecologist, who kept telling me I was fine.  And in those areas I was, it was actually a result of the nerve damage the B12 deficiency was causing.  I’ve since been told that the nerves in that area (whether you are a man or woman) are very sensitive, and it’s not uncommon to feel the way I did.  Had I gone right to my primary care physician, I may have gotten my blood work done and the B12 deficiency detected much sooner.  Alright, I’m done with my little rant so lets move on to more facts.

Peripheral neuropathy usually starts in the longest nerves, the nerves that reach to your toes.  This is why most people (myself included) who experience peripheral neuropathy start with tingling in their feet and it works it’s way up into your legs.  Or it may begin in your hands and spread up into your arms.  Peripheral neuropathy may also cause sharp and/or jabbing pain, a prickly sensation, extreme sensitivity to touch or light, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, bowel or bladder problems.

B vitamins, especially B12, are very important to the health of your nervous system.  You should always seek medical advice if you are experiencing any unusual sensations in your hands or feet.  The earlier a problem is diagnosed the better.  Especially when it comes to dealing with your nervous system and nerve damage.  Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing any further damage and possibly healing damage that has already taken place.