Polly - I Received A Response From Dr. Cannell :thumbsup:

[tex]

Hi Polly,

I believe you've resolved my dilemma, by suggesting that I write to Dr. Cannell, (of the Vitamin D Council). I didn't get around to writing, until yesterday, so I didn't expect a response before Monday, at the earliest, but I received his response a couple of hours ago.

He said that he doubted there was a connection. BUT, and this is indeed a very big "but" - he also added a most important question, namely, "What is your magnesium intake?"

Bingo! When I added up my estimated intake, it's probably less than half the RDA, and it's probably been that way for years, due to my diet changes, and lack of proper supplementation. I just assumed that my multivitamin would take care of any such deficiency, (since anyone with normal kidneys is not likely to have any risk of overdosing on magnesium). Unfortunately, my multivitamin only provides a paltry amount - 13% of the RDA. When I looked up the symptoms for magnesium deficiency, they're a match, (though, of course, other things can cause such symptoms). I'm 99.99% sure this is it, so tomorrow morning, I'll be calling my doc to see if he wants to do a magnesium "load test", or just prescribe a form of magnesium to get my cellular magnesium level back to where it should be.

The internet is an awesome place, isn't it. No one ever checks magnesium levels, because it's not easy to test for, (blood levels are pretty much meaningless), and it's not a popular cause. My doc never would have thought about checking that, nor would I have, (obviously). I just happened to ask the one guy in the world, who happened to have the necessary insight to comprehend what was going on, and his possibly life-saving advice didn't cost me a penny. (I say possibly life-saving, because magnesium deficiency can lead to serious heart issues). I could have spent countless thousands of dollars in "brick and mortar" medical offices, and I really wonder if anyone there would have ever figured it out. The internet is truly incredible, when you think about it.

Thank you so much, for your suggestion, dear friend.

Love,
Tex

P. S. Needless to say, if this resolves my issues, I'll be making a contribution, on behalf of this board, to The Vitamin D Council, to help support Dr. Cannell's work. He rocks too.

[Polly]

WOW, Tex!

How about that??? Very interesting, indeed! Dr. C. does respond quickly, doesn't he?

My main question is : can magnesium deficiency cause one-sided symptoms? Did you find any reference to that anywhere on the net? IMHO it would seem that the effects would be generalized - occuring all over the body and not just limited to one side. Unless, of course, you had an underlying problem with the specific blood vessels that were involved with your "episode" (which made them more susceptible to the effects of low magnesium), in which case they still need to be evaluated.

Although certainly possible, magnesium deficiency is, of course, a "zebra". A cardiovascular cause would still be the "horse", the most likely cause....... whether it be compromised cerebral arteries, migraine, etc. My advice would be to definitely proceed with your neuro exam but also pursue the magnesium possibility - I would opt for having some testing first. You don't want to blindly take magnesium, given that it can be equally harmful in excess. Also, good medicine dictates ruling out the most probable causes, which then allows for rarer diagnoses by exclusion.

Darn, why do I feel like I'm raining on your parade?
I just want the best health care for you, dear friend. As I said before, If you were my hubby, brother, etc., this is what I would want.

Love,

Polly

[tex]

Polly,

I "knew" you were going to point out that I still need to stick with the original plan. Don't worry, I intend to, but I really think the magnesium is going to be the "key". There's no way that I could have been getting even half my RDA for the last 8 years, at least, due to my diet, and before that, I had major malabsorption issues. If 8 years or more, at less than half the RDA, is not sufficient to cause a magnesium deficiency problem, then the RDAs are way out of line. Also, caffeine depletes magnesium, and I usually get my share of that, (probably more than my share), so there's no telling how low my daily dose has actually been for all these years. Plus, remember that vitamin D depletes magnesium levels, and I have been overdosing on vitamin D for the past 6 or 7 months. If I don't have a serious magnesium deficiency by now, then it may not be theoretically possible for anyone to have a magnesium deficiency.

The key to the one-sidedness is the migraines. Cerebral blood flow is reduced during a migraine, but as you know, it is not an ischemic event. If you read much of the research on them, it's pretty clear that magnesium deficiency is a primary contributor. It's probably not a coincidence that I had my first aura on May 17th. The days were getting pretty long by then, and I had been overdosing on vitamin D supplements for about 4 months. Here's a rather unique clue, IMO. Since Sunday, I've had the other ER, (Erectile Dysfunction ), and that particular symptom is common with magnesium deficiency, and not generally attributable to a TIA/stroke, (I asked my doc about that one. ). As Barbara mentioned a few days ago, we don't hold back many secrets here, do we.

Also, another unique symptom that I've had for several months now, is a peculiar sensation that I can't take a deep breath, (it's very annoying, especially sometimes while I'm trying to get to sleep). That's mentioned in the article that I cited in another thread, (about migraines):

http://www.mbschachter.com/importance_o ... _human.htm

I didn't realize that taking magnesium could be risky, (except that it can cause D, of course). All the info that I looked at said that overdosing was very unlikely, as long as the kidneys were working correctly. Am I overlooking something? Is there a preferred method to take supplemental magnesium, while minimizing the risk of D? Breaking it into 3 or 4 smaller doses per day is probably a good idea, if an oral treatment is used.

I understand what you're saying, about "good medicine", but to my "jaundiced eye", of course, a magnesium deficiency is the most probable cause.

Please don't worry about raining on my parade - we need all the rain we can get, and I respect and appreciate your thoughts and opinions.

Love,
Tex

[JoAnn]

Hi Tex, last fall when I was falling apart with mc, part of the plan my pcp physician put me on was 5000 iu of vitamin D (my levels were very low, I think 15) and a twice a week injection (shots) of magnesium, folic acid and B12. I also take a b-complex shot once a week. I'm still doing the injections twice a week (at home). I think I have an absorption problem with the mc when it comes to minerals. One of the problems unique to me. at least I haven't seen anyone mention this on this board, are muscle twitches and restless leg. The restless leg has improved dramatically, but I still have issues with muscle twitches in other areas especially in my face (eyes, cheek area) at times. No one can really see them, but I feel them. I've been seen by two neurologists who have ruled out anything serious. As you know, I have the migraines, too, and the auras without a headache. I haven't had one for months now. I just hope as my gut heals and my body is better able to absorb and utilize nutrients, minerals, etc.these things will eventually disappear. I'm so glad you're doing better and thanks for sharing. Love JoAnn

[Polly]

Evenin' Tex!

I figured you would keep the neuro appt. but it is a relief to know for sure! I know you are very astute about medical issues, and I always trust you to make good choices!

From what I recall, it is relatively easy to measure the kind of magnesium that appears related to migraines. I think the blood test (serum magnesium or ionized form) is what they use, even though theoretically that doesn't tell you much about the other 99% of magnesium that is intracellular. Apparently up to half of migraine sufferers have low serum magnesium. This is a simple blood test.

You are correct that, except for folks with kidney or heart disease, supplemental magnesium can be safely given. I was jumping ahead to thinking that you might consider IM or IV magnesium to try to raise the levels quickly, since you seem quite convinced that you are significantly deficient. I would opt for more slowly, of course, if supplements become an option.....by mouth (in divided doses as you indicated).

Thanks for sharing the info on E.D. and your inability to take a deep breath. Yes, those two can be symptoms of Mg deficiency. And the timing of the aura IS interesting.

Anyway, thanks for reassuring me. I just don't want to leave any major stone unturned prior to figuring out the zebras. Once we know there is no horse, I'll be ready to learn all we can about magnesium (the "new" vitamin D- LOL!) and anything else that may be found.

Love,

Polly

[tex]

JoAnn,

I believe that one or two other members have mentioned restless leg syndrome, (I know that Cristi mentioned it a few times), but you're right, there hasn't been much discussion about it. I had problems with it for a little while, when I was recovering, but it went away. I can't remember now, if that was when I started taking a multivitamin, or if it was unrelated. I started taking vitamins, because I was starting to bruise easily, and the vitamins resolved that problem within a couple of weeks, or so.

I can recall a few times when I had muscle twitches, and when they were in my facial muscles, they were usually between my right eye and my temple. I don't recall them appearing anywhere else on my face. When they were in an arm or leg, I don't recall if they were limited to my right side, or not. The facial twitches were definitely limited to my right side, though, and those were the last episode of twitches that I can recall. This was within the last couple of years, but I don't recall having any twitches within the last several months. At the time, I didn't realize that they meant anything, so I shrugged them off, and forgot about them, (until I read your post).

I'm sure you're healing, and it shouldn't be too long before you'll be absorbing nutrients normally, again. That's very interesting about the auras disappearing, following the treatment - very interesting.

I appreciate your concern, and thanks for all the great information.


Polly,

I'm not so sure I would rate myself as "astute", but I do appreciate the vote of confidence.

Maybe I should ask my doctor about that blood test, the next time I see him. I just assumed that the sample would have to be taken while a migraine was in progress, in order to yield any worthwhile information. Yes, I would rather do any supplementation slowly, unless there's proof that I'm seriously low on magnesium, and my doc feels that some other method is called for. If I'm significantly deficient, I've probably been that way for a long time, so I suppose there's no reason to fall into a panic at this point.

I'll try to keep everyone updated on the "stone turning."

Many thanks.

Love,
Tex

[cludwig]

Hi Tex,


I am glad to hear you are feeling better and sorry you had such a scary experience. Just wanted to send my good wishes. I know you will figure this mystery out.

Love, Cristi

[starfire]

JoAnn,

I have had restless legs off and on since my late teen years. Sometimes it's lots worse than others and sometimes it seems I go for a while without any problem but it always comes back.

Love, Shirley

[cludwig]

Hi JoAnn,

My legs ache a lot when I get very anemic. I also was addicted to chewing ice which is another sign for anemia.

Love,
Cristi

[tex]

Cristi,

Thanks, I appreciate your good wishes.

Love,
Tex

[JoAnn]

Hi Tex, my facial muscle problems are mainly on the right side. My neurologist even asked about hemi-facial spasm, but I don't really fit the pattern and he thought that would be a stretch. This right sided thing is interesting. He said sometimes you never can pinpoint what's causing things. He even said it could be nutritional deficiencies which I think is my problem. Even if I eat the right kinds of foods, I don't think I absorb the nutrients the way I did before mc.
Shirley, I think I read in another post that you take potassium and mag. for foot cramps. I have those problems, too which makes me think all my muscle issues (restless leg, twitches, toe/foot cramps) are mineral deficiency problems. I've been supplementing, but until my gut heals, I wonder how much is actually absorbed. That's one reason my pcp has me do the injections. I didn't have these problems before mc. Cristi, my neurologist also suggested trying iron to help with the restless leg. He thinks the mc could be affecting my iron absorption.
When he checked my ferritin level, I was on the low side. I don't know much about this, but apparently checking the ferritin is different from just checking iron levels. Thanks all for sharing, JoAnn

[Bifcus16]

An alternative way to check for mineral status is hair analysis.

They use a chunk of hair which represents about the last three months growth, and analyse that and compare it to their lab range. I have done it twice. It showed quite a few out of kilter results, like low zinc, high copper, which make sense with my health profile. They pay attention not just to the absolute levels, but also the ratio's, as for some things that is more important.

It also shows the levels of nasties like mercury, lead, arsenic etc.

The theory is that it is checking what you excrete through your hair and will therefore pick up stuff that your body excretes to keep the blood levels normal - which won't be picked up on blood tests.

You could find a lab online as mine insists on sending results to a registered alternative health provider (my naturopath).

Lyn

[tex]

I may have to try a hair test. My blood test showed 2.0, (reference range 1.8 to 3.5 ng/dL. That doesn't surprise me - I didn't expect it to show anything. I do feel better this morning, after taking one 250 mg tablet yesterday at noon. That's a pretty fast response, so it was probably just a placebo effect.

Tex