Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Vitamin A, is this my problem???

Squeemom2
Squeemom2
I was just going through my notes on the "Follow my Health" website provided by my doctor. They tested my Vitamin D levels and my Vitamin A levels. The maximum normal level of Vitamin A is 86. Mine was 104. There is a note that says "Make sure Dr. Janus (my neurologist) knows this." I do not take Vitamin A. I have never taken Vitamin A. I looked up the symptoms of Vitamin A toxicity and BAM!, everything that has been happening to me for the last 2 years. I don't want to get my hopes up but I'm curious why he wouldn't mention it to me. This is really weird. It also can cause pseudotumor cerebri, which would explain the neurological symptoms. It even says "difficulty looking to the side", which was EXACTLY what I was having a problem with. I can't find any information on why a person would have chronically high levels of vitamin A other than taking supplements. Maybe my body is unable to process it correctly? I don't know. Anyway. Getting my hopes up that there is an easy fix for my situation. Who knows....
EPagain
EPagain
Jessica,

Have they done liver tests on you?
* ALT,
* Adiponectin( should be higher)
* Resistin (should be lower)

I ask because the liver stores vitamin A.. If it is having problems this could be contributing to the problem.

Remember Beta Carotene (in things like Carrots) is changed into vitamin A. So it would be best to stay away from these foods until you figure out what is going on. So glad they found this and thank you for sharing.

Best wishes to you,
EP
lchoppel
lchoppel
Wow, maybe this is your problem. Please keep us posted! {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Squeemom2
Squeemom2
I called the doctor's office and found out that this was run on September 27th, the day after I was in the ER for my vision and balance problems. I mean, they obviously ran it for a reason. Who runs a Vitamin A test unless they suspect that Vitamin A might be the culprit? I'm a little perturbed that there is a note to "make sure Dr. Janus knows" and Dr. Janus didn't say anything to me. Even if he didn't think it was the cause of the problem, he could've said, "Hey, if you're taking Vitamin A supplements, you should stop because your levels are high and it can be toxic." He's had the results since October 2nd and I've seen him twice since then. I'm still waiting for a call back from their office about why nobody mentioned this to me and whether it's something to be concerned about.

Thank God I'm seeing a new neuro, in a different office, in November. Starting to think these people are idiots. That or they just don't care.
ezone
ezone
There is a lot of reasons why they miss things. But it definitely sounds like you should go somewhere else. They are really missing things.

Try to rate them on www.ratemds.com so that others will know about them. It is a free rating service for doctors.
EPagain
EPagain
Please do see the new neuro and bring up what is going. So they can figure out what is root cause. Good luck at the next appointment and let us know how things go.