Ouch!

I spoke to the doctor about my test results last night. Turns out that Michel and I were able to read an MRI after all. I have three herniated disks in my neck and that is causing the numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in my hands. She said that you normally only see damage like that in someone who has suffered from whiplash. No car accident to sue over unfortunately. I have to see a specialist.

But that isn’t all. My rheumatoid arthritis factor was higher than normal. It wasn’t very high but it was high enough that she wants me to see a specialist for that too. Rheumatoid arthritis might explain why my knees tend to bother me.

And finally, my Vitamin B-12 levels are very low – about 100 times too low. I need to start getting B-12 shots. A low level of B-12 could explain some of the symptoms of fatigue among other things that I have been having. According to Wikipedia: “At levels only slightly lower than normal, a range of symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and poor memory may be experienced.” Yes, I have all of those. Wikipedia also says, “Vitamin B-12 deficiency can also cause symptoms of mania and psychosis.” You’ll have to check with Michel and Beth to see if I have those. Michel told me that there is a genetic link to people of Scandinavian descent and the inability to absorb B-12.

So that was my report. Nothing terminal but plenty of less than great news although if the B-12 shots help I will be very happy. And my neck has been killing me since she told me about the disks. I think I always had pain there but I tended to ignore it. Now I’m thinking about it so it is bothering me. Just another fun day.