MTHFR gene mutation and unable to break down vitamin B (no serotonin)

[Dee]

Lately, I've had a lot of blood test trying to find out why I am hypoglycemic.  In doing this they found that my vitamin B was more than double what it should be.  So then they ran the MTHFR gene mutation and found I was positive.  This is a common mutation that can cause a lot of problem.  In my case I was positive for a compound heterozygous mutation.  What this means is I can't break down vitamin B which causes a deficiency.  This also means I can't produce serotonin and also means my SSRI antidepressant isn't working as well as it could be.  Once they decide what to use to treat it, it seems to be an easy fix.  I will be given vitamin B that is already broken down so my body can absorb it and use it.  Researchers are finding a lot of mental health issues can be related to the MTHFR gene.

The bad news, my hypoglycemia is reactive hypoglycemia and is related to years of being anorexic.  No one really knows why is hasn't resolved after the first few weeks of weigh gain and they don't know how to treat is.  For now, I have a glucose monitor and emergency glycogen tablets on hand for an emergency.  I am being sent to a specialist. 

[Three Roses]

  nice to see you!

I'm excited to see this, I'm really interested in being able to be treated for cptsd thru things like diet... and a friend of mine is starting neuro feedback soon and I can't wait to see what she says.

How are you feeling about this additional diagnosis?

[Dee]

I am actually hopeful.  For so long I thought the best I could ever feel is good.  Now, I am beginning to think that happy might be possible.  It is a little more than diet change.  I will have to take a B supplement that I don't have to break down.  Still, It feels more like a natural treatment.

When I was inpatient for my eating disorder I did near feedback.  The initial appointment was validating as early childhood trauma showed up in my brain waves.  It also showed my insomnia, anxiety, stress, OCD (different from what I thought OCD was), inability to relax, mind chatter, tension.  I learned to control my stress and get it down. For me counting by 7s seemed to be the best. 

[Three Roses]

 

[Kizzie]

Welcome back to the forum!

Sorry to hear you have additional physical issues to deal with Dee, I hope your team will be able to help you sort them   

Researchers are finding a lot of mental health issues can be related to the MTHFR gene.

I've never  heard of the MTHFR gene nor SSRI's not working as well as they should b/c you can't metabolize Vit B. It speaks to the sometimes crazy crap shoot it can be to get medications sorted and the fact that there are many more physical/genetic contributors to our psychological well-being than many of us realize.  Glad you are tracking them down. 

[Blueberry]

I am actually hopeful.  For so long I thought the best I could ever feel is good.  Now, I am beginning to think that happy might be possible. 

When I was inpatient for my eating disorder I did near feedback.  The initial appointment was validating as early childhood trauma showed up in my brain waves.  It also showed my insomnia, anxiety, stress, OCD (different from what I thought OCD was), inability to relax, mind chatter, tension.  I learned to control my stress and get it down. For me counting by 7s seemed to be the best.

Sounds fascinating with the brain waves - so glad that it was validating for you. Good on you for learning to control your stress and get it down!