My name is Johnny. I have been sick for a quite a while now.  No diagnosis, just lots of managing symptoms. I have been unable to work for a about a decade.  Many doctors, many tests, no diagnosis, no treatment. It’s been frustrating. You get to know a lot about yourself during times like this.


Well, my wife and I moved out to California a couple of years ago for her work.  My fatigue hit a new level of awfulness after I got Shingles followed by a pretty nasty case of Post Herpetic Neuropathy. So, I trudged my way to a new doctor.


This past February had blood tests done.


Had an extremely  high level of the amino acid, Homocysteine.  


Had never had that checked before.  


My doctor discounted the result as a mistake.  


I have since researched and found that there is a genetic mutation in MTHFR that causes high levels of homocysteine.  The same mutation could explain much, if not all of my disability. It’s also possible that it’s completely treatable and somewhat reversible.  


The basics are this.  I am severely anemic right now.  My Iron levels are perfect. My vitamin B levels are perfect.  Increased levels of homocysteine in an anemic person with plenty of iron and vitamin B12 point to the MTHFR mutation.


Iron treatment was not effective.  Vitamin B12 & Folate treatment were not effective.  The genetic mutation prevents Vitamin B12 from getting to where it needs to go.  


I asked my GP 10 years ago this very question, “Is there anyway my body is not telling the truth regarding my vitamin B12?”  I was told no.


This past February, my new GP thought the levels were a mistake.  I was there for anemia. The MTHFR mutation that causes anemia is one of the most common genetic mutations in the public, but my doctor didn’t even know about it.


I no longer have insurance.  I can’t afford to fight the doctor, pay the doctor, and have all the tests.


I have researched online blood lab work companies and can order the blood work that I need done at pretty reasonable prices.




The blood tests that I need to have done:

Estimated Blood Test Cost: $1023


Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
CBC with Differential
Vitamin B12, serum
Methyl Malonic Acid
Homocysteine
Selenium Level
Vitamin D25 OH
PTH Intact
Lipids
Pre-Albumin
Thiamin, whole blood
RBC Folate
Ferritin
Vitamin A
RBC Zinc
Copper, Serum
Vitamin B6
23andMe* Genetic Testing (MTHFR mutation check)

*I can get tested for the MTHFR mutation from a normal lab, but the cost for that one test is around $500.00.  The $99 special for 23andMe will verify whether or not I have the mutation. I can then do other tests based on that information, but won’t have to spend the extra money if I don’t.




Physical Test Needed:

Lumbar Puncture

Estimated Lumbar Puncture cost $1000.00

Note:  My levels of Homocysteine are about twice the ‘high’ level.  Long term Homocysteine levels that are high have been associated with many neurological disorders, which is what all my symptoms point to.  The lumbar puncture will occur after the blood tests have come back. The lumbar puncture will then be used to verify a diagnosis, or based on the blood work, to gain more information.


For the first time in years I feel like I’m in control of my health.  I understand what I’m looking for and why. I have not diagnosed myself, I’m following the same exact path my physician should have when he saw my blood work.   I’m just going to do it as inexpensive as possible.


For your small investment in my life, I can turn this story into one that can help others.  I have already discovered a path that I plan to exploit to help others when they hit the dead end that I did.  I have so much love in my heart and love to help broken people like me. Help get me healthy and you’ll have one more person out there trying to make a difference.  It’s worth it, I know it has to be.


Thank you so much.