(Thanks, L. :)

Reader L. writes:

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y GP cited new research showing most people in US have been infected with Lyme, but that many never get ill. So the new path for research is why some are devastated by Tick Borne diseases and others don't even feel ill.

My son and I were both disabled by Lyme and it's related diseases. Recent testing has now shown that we both have the MTHFR gene mutation. We are now testing to find out if we have one gene or two that are mutated. Two would increase the effects. This mutation causes an inability to process B9 or Folate. This creates many problems including an impaired immune system and diminished new cell development. MTHFR mutation is thought to effect between 20-60% of people, depending on the source of the statistics. Testing for the mutation is not something your GP can handle. They do not know the intricacies of testing for it. My own GP tested my B9 and B12 which are both effected by the mutation. My B12 was indeed low but my Folate was high. That to him meant I did not have the mutation. But my specialist later said a bit high can suggest the body is hoarding the vitamin because of chronic severe deficit.

Another test the GP wanted to do, if the B's were low, was a Homocysteine test. I ordered that 35 dollar lab test on my own through Ulta labs online. My high result proves conclusively that I have the mutation, but a low Homocysteine can also indicate a mutation. Another test option is a DNA test. I am now having to take this step to see how damaged m Methylation processes are. One provider of the test is Ancestry.com. $99. But, to get the raw data they don't automatically release, you need a Dr to order the raw data and interpret it for you. The Dr I hired, said do not use 23 and me, because they are now refusing to release the raw data.

There are better labs that do the testing, but the labs require you to use providers who are trained by them and in their network. The tests can be up to $1000 and it provides no additional info than the ancestry test. Many common chronic health issues including Heart Disease, Hormone deficiencies, Insomnia, poor cognitive function/Dementia, weakness and fatigue, Osteoporosis, Diabetes and mental illnesses are associated with the MTHFR mutation. This is not an exhaustive list, nor the only possible causes of these illnesses. I am feeling much better now I am getting a pre-digested Folate and B12. But, taking these without the mutation can be dangerous. For me, the mutation was missed because everything I thought was Lyme, was the mutation.

My hope in sharing this is that others can improve their health and get back to living. After 30 years of being disabled, I am now able to hope for a full life again. God bless everyone and help them find all the reasons they feel ill. There are at least 10 different gene mutations out there that can be identified by DNA testing. I hate to type that cause I know most people on here will feel the same way I do about sharing my DNA with our corrupt medical profession. It has taken me a year to finally agree to the test. I can't wait any longer. And there are others out there that may not be able to wait either. I regret that I don't have the time today to find and post any links to day on Lyme or MTHFR. It's a big event day here and I just have to move on.

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