Another Day, Another Doctor

Another day, another doctor -- I know this is not a phenomenon exclusive to us, but at times it becomes a tad over-whelming.  Last week -- as I already posted, we had the evaluation by the physical therapist, and saw the surgeons in the complex-spine clinic.  This week, Tuesday (March 29th) afternoon, I received a call from the neurology department at Seattle Children's.  Kyle had been referred to this clinic because the surgeon's couldn't find a compelling physical reason for the change in his gait.  When I called to make the appointment, I was told that Dr. Richardson was on paternity leave and that his schedule was full -- the first available appointment was May 31st.  I asked to be put on the cancellation list.  They called on Tuesday, and we went to see Dr. Richardson on Wednesday.

Dr. Richardson ~ tall, spiky dark hair, square glasses, compelling gray eyes, young ~ and I would have to say, AMAZING!  He spent nearly an hour and a half with us.  He read the reports from the bone marrow biopsy, he graphed the blood level tests....going back as far as they had data which was 2007.  He talked to Kyle, he had him sit on the floor, and then stand up after sitting on the floor.  He had Kyle stand with his eyes closed, observed hands and feet, could he stand on tippy-toe?  What had we noticed about the change in his gait?  Then he had him walk down the hall -- and back -- twice! He watched, observed, checked reflexes and said, "Kyle has all the classic symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency."  I told him that the Hem/Onc (hematology/oncology) clinic had said last week that he didn't need to be re-tested.  Dr. Richardson said, "Oh, but he will be."  He also stated that it is not uncommon for people with vitamin B12 deficiency to appear to "relapse" when they begin treatment.

So first thoughts -- CLASSIC SYMPTOMS?   How can that be?  Kyle has never really HAD "classic symptoms" before.  This doctor saw the things that we've been seeing and knew what he believes it is, and has a plan to treat it!  Kyle had blood drawn -- about 10 vials, testing for all sorts of thyroid, vitamin, and other levels.  When all of those are back we will know more......but Dr. Richardson thinks that Kyle's vitamin B12 is still severely deficient.  We can increase the oral dose, or if it's as low as he believes, begin injections for awhile.  It could be up to 3 weeks before all the tests are back.  Dr. Richardson also believes Kyle's unsteadiness before his last surgery in October, was caused by the deficiency of vitamin B12.  He did need the surgery, but some of the symptoms weren't caused by compression of the spinal cord.

Did you know?  If you are deficient in Vitamin B12, you can have a loss of equilibrium, cognitive acuity, tremors in your hands, sensitivity in your feet, a limp, which is more of a hitch, creating the need to swing your leg instead of being able to lift it, and a foot slap as you step, and once you've sustained a loss over a period of time, re-gaining what you've lost might not happen......and a myriad of other things that you would never think could be linked to a vitamin!  Kyle has most of the above mentioned, and before we started the supplements it affected what little bit of speech he has......so everyone -- get your vitamin B12 levels checked.

This was a very good visit ~ with a few answers and some hope ~ so very thankful for the men and women who devote their lives to studying and learning and treating the many things that can affect the human body!