Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
1388214 tn?1301331216

Vitamin Deficiencies, Severe Chronic Pain - HELP

I have been feeling ill for quite some time now.  I have had extensive work ups from various specialists (I had to travel to Seattle to them since I live in Alaska) who come up with little in the way of concrete answers.  I have some sicca symptoms.  I am positive for anit-alpha fodrdrin IgA.  My labs showed deficiencies in Vitamin B2, B12, D, Iron and Ferritin.  Rheumatologist started me on 400 mg Plaqenil in Oct 2010.  In December I finally had a lab that showed the presence of B2, (yes Riboflavin)  for the first time in a year, so I am assuming the Plaquenil is doing something positive.  I also have lost 45 lbs since December.  I am guessing since I am absorbing vitamins finally my body is not keeping everything it gets?  I have severe joint pains and my muscles feel like they are made out of steel cords some days.  On bad days I cannot even lift a up a fork to feed myself, other days I cannot walk.  The problem I am having is the doctors in my rural area don't know what to do with me.  Since they can't figure it out they don't want to treat my pain.  I have had two specialists say definitively I do NOT have fibromyalgia.  Although the doctors here want to give me that label so they can feel more at ease I think, take some Alleve and go exercise and go away.  

Could the deficiencies cause permanent damage to my nerves which would cause the pain I am having?

There is no gastroenterologist here in my community.  I also have suffered from diarrhea some days up to 15 times per day on the worst days.  

I am at my wits end.  I am living in pain every day with no doctors here knowing what to do with me.  I got denied disability because they said I was not sick enough, but seriously, which employer is going to keep me when I spend more than half my day in the bathroom for more than half the week?  The other half chances are I hurt so bad I could cry.  

I also have carpal tunnel in both wrists.  I feel like a total mess and am very frustrated.  I did notice improvement in my energy level on the Plaquenil.  Current medications are Plaquenil 400 mg, Topomax (Migraine preventative and pain) 50 mg 2x a day, Tramadol 200 mg ER, Tramadol 50 mg 2x a day PRN, Iron 325 mg 2-4x a day, B12 injections 1x a month, Daily Multivitamin, Daily B supplement, Daily Vitamin D supplement 2000 IUs.  Flexeril PRN, Naproxen 500 mg PRN.

Do you have any suggestions that I should follow up on?  I am extremely TIRED of hurting and feeling awful  I would love to find a cure for what ails me or at least figure out what ails me and have adequate pain relief.  I am really at a loss at this point in my life.  

If you think this should be in another forum please let me know so I can repost it in another.  Thank you!
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1388214 tn?1301331216
I have sicca symptoms, and test positive for anti-alpha fodrin IgA.  Docs have me on Plaquenil and that has helped some with the energy department and I honestly think that it has helped me with my vitamin absorption.  I did not have any B2 detectable in my system until after a few months on the Plaquenil.  I have lost almost 50 lbs since December.  

I will try Slippery Elm Bark.

Y
Helpful - 0
434278 tn?1324706225
I too have problems w/ chronic diarrhea.  I take an herb (1/daily) that has helped - Slippery Elm Bark.  

I honestly think the digestive problems can make you feel very weak and sickly.  

Have you been diagnosed w/ an autoimmune disease?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Autoimmune Disorders Community

Top Autoimmune Diseases Answerers
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.