Anyone folate deficient?

[OhForDucksSake]

It started with me feeling generally bluuurggghhh, tired, stabbing pains and weakness in legs. Numb lips and sore mouth. GP sent me for blood tests which came back as folate deficient. While I was waiting for the test results the aching and stabbing pains started in my hands along with numb fingertips.

I've been taking the folic acid tabs for just over a week and have seen some improvement in my legs (stabbing pains are gone) but the weakness is still there (legs giving way) and my hands are so painful. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen aren't even touching it.

When can I realistically hope to be feeling better? I'm a single mum and finding it really difficult to look after two kids while i'm in pain and cant even walk as far as the shop...I could bloody cry!

Anyone had the same?

[KilledBill]

I have had this and I started to notice a real difference between 2 and 3 weeks with most symptoms. The tingling and numbness took a little longer to go completely because it is effectively nerve damage from being deficient for a while. What I did notice was that after taking the tablet course, a few months later the symptoms came back and I had to have another course. Im now much better.

[OhForDucksSake]

Thanks for that. I went back to the gp, she checked out my hands and couldn't find anything wrong so i'm assuming the pain is from nerve damage. She did give me stronger painkillers but they gave me an upset stomach (also have IBS) so I cant take them (they didn't work very well anyway).

I'm feeling so down. I can just about type my hands are hurting so much and the slightest little touch is like having my hand slammed in a door. I cant clean my house, cook, wash up, fold clothes, wash my hair properly. The kids are trying to help (much grumbling involved) but there's only so much they can do. I dont have anyone else to help me.

What can I do to try and ease this pain until they're healed?

[Shelby1990x]

Hi I know this is an old thread but I've recently tested definciant in folate. I've had pain like a dull ache mainly on one leg and arm and weakness. Pins and needles. I also get some muscle twitching did you get any? Hope your well

[Scotmummy91]

Hi @Shelby1990x, I have been experiencing similar to you. Bone pain in my lower left leg, often at night, and other strange pains around my body. I also feel tender to the touch, particularly my legs and sides just under my armpit. All very odd!! Was told last week after bloods that I am low in folate so am now on tablets. All other results came back OK although not sure I trust the NHS normal ranges. X