Methylation cycle and genetic testing

Wow... it has been awhile! I spent the summer moving from Chicago back home to live with my father in Michigan. Since I'm unemployed due to my chronic health issues, financing my supplement addiction has been a real problem ;)
Though my boyfriend had a job in Chicago, it still wasn't enough to keep us financially afloat.

I started seeing a new Naturopathic doctor here in Michigan. She mentioned something about methylation cycle problems, which I had read a little about before but never really gave it a second thought. Some of you may have recently come across information about genetic mutations and their relation to something called the Methylation Cycle. Thanks to recent advancements in genetic testing, as well as accessibility to that testing, finding this kind of information about your genome is easier than ever. The testing is relatively affordable, depending on where you get it done (Quest labs vs. 23andme.com).

Basically, if you have certain genetic mutations, your body has a difficult time converting folic acid/folate into its usable (or “active”) form. But make no mistake; a difficulty in processing a simple B vitamin (folate) can lead to an alarming number of health issues. Theses issues include elevated homocysteine levels, a functional B12 deficiency, immune system dysfunction, energy production problems, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), problems eliminating toxins from the body, and even issues with neurotransmitter production (like low dopamine). As you can see, the methylation cycle reaches far and wide. For those of you treating chronic viral or bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and are finding that you are still sick or maybe even getting worse, finding out if you have methylation cycle mutations is crucial in order for treatments to work. Removing the blockage within the cycle might just be the missing piece to the puzzle.

As it turns out, I am heterozygous for a mutation in one of the MTHFR genes, A1298C. I got that testing done through Quest labs, and it also tested for the other well-known MTHFR gene, C677T (which I do NOT have the mutation for). There is still relatively little known about the function and relevance of the A1298C mutation. Some health professionals feel that a heterozygous mutation in the A1298C gene doesn’t result in any significant impacts to the functioning of the methylation cycle, while others believe that the mutation does indeed effect the cycle.

After getting my results for those two gene mutations, I was hooked! I did more research and discovered that there are more mutations that can impact this cycle. So I went ahead and ordered more comprehensive genetic testing through 23andme. I got the test for a mere $99.00, which is a great deal seeing as how they report on thousands of your genes as well as ancestry information.

The 23andme.com testing turned out to be very beneficial. I discovered that I have some mutations that need to be addressed first (prior to addressing the two mutations mentioned earlier) in order for my body to properly detox. This may explain why I felt so horrible when taking antibiotics. 

Anyways, below you will find my treatment plan. If you are interested in finding out more about the methylation cycle and associated genetic mutations, check out Dr. Amy Yasko's website. She has done a ton of research on this topic (and its relation to autism), which you can check out here.

 Dr. Ben Lynch is also extremely knowledgeable in this area and has been a great resource for MTHFR information as well.

It's amazing that ust one genetic mutation could throw this whole methylation system out off kilter, and ultimately, our bodily systems.

So currently, my supplement regimen goes something like this:

• SHMT spray - 5x/day - treats SHMT mutation, I am heterozygous for this first-priority mutation according to Dr. Yasko. She states that SHMT and CBS mutations need to be dealt with first before adding in the active form of folate. 
• BeCalm Spray - working up to 6x/day - helps to lower elevated glutamate levels, and provides low dose of Lithium (which is crucial for transporting B12 in the body)
• Resveratrol spray - also helps to reduce glutamate levels and provides  some antioxidant support
• Yasko's new All-in-One multi - trying to work up to taking one of these everyday, I've had to go low-and-slow with all of the supplements I add in because my system is so over-reactive. I had tried her old formula of multivitamin and could not take it even in half-tablet doses because it was causing me detox symptoms. This new formula is better tolerated.
• Klaire Labs probiotic, and Vital Zymes chewable enzymes, 1/2tab.
• Thorne Research Bio-Gest, contains Ox Bile, helps digestion and has brought the "half-moons" back into my nail beds
• Grape Seed Extract - for "short cut" support of methylation cycle, according to Yasko
• Vit. A,C,D,E
• Mag. malate, herbal calcium, other general support

Recent new symptoms: Right eye twitching, return of tingly scalp sensations on left side

It's been awhile

So, since I last posted I had my blood sent to Fry labs in Arizona. Doc had thought I had Bartonella this whole time, along with Lyme.

Positive antibodies for Anaplasma. Perhaps this explains my low WBC, anemia (low RBC) not iron-deficient, low platelets, which are apparently the usual findings in blood work for someone with Ehrlichia or Anaplasma.

Substantial biofilm communities were also found in my blood. Finally getting some answers or a direction on where to go with treatment is a great feeling.

No new bloodwork since June or July due to lack of insurance, etc.

Food allergy test results back show a ridiculous amount of allergies. Kind of surprised. However, not many of the allergies are from things that I frequently (or ever) eat. As suspected, I am VERY allergic to coffee and still showing high reactivity to YEAST. What was surprising are my allergies to things like cauliflower, watermelon, all citrus fruits, carrots, squash... 

Brief stint of Nystatin in December. Will continue to take Nystatin as needed for yeast/fungal issues. 

Introduced Doxycycline in December. I really cannot tolerate these antibiotics! In terms of nausea. Seriously. I don't vomit while on the abx but the nausea is so severe even at the low dose of 100mg. 

Next step is to introduce Malarone, an anti-protozoal/anti-malarial drug. I've been on Plaquenil for so long (about 4 years) and do believe it helped me. However, I would love to give something else a try seeing as how I'm still battling these bugs even after being on the Plaquenil for so long.

--
I last saw the doctor in December. Through my own research I started Artemisinin and Lumbrokinase and Nattokinase (biofilm busters) in January. Cymbalta dosage has also been reduced to 40mg. I'm alternating the Lumbrokinase and Nattokinase every other day. Have yet to work my way up to my daily goal of 500mg of Artemisinin. I am rotating that out every 7 days to avoid resistance. I've been on pain meds the past few months, so as far as any herxing goes, it would be hard to tell. Though, lately, I have been having bouts of low-grade fevers and hot/cold flashes. Could be some herxing there. 

I don't think I gave Flagyl a fair trial this past fall, so I've restarted it. Starting at 250mg a day, would like to quickly work up to 500mg a day. Since my desire to take Flagyl was the reason for quitting the Plaquenil... I need to give it another go. 

As for clean-up agents, I've added chlorella tablets as well as vitamin C powder (1,000mg/day). Still continuing with D-Ribose powder for muscle pain. Switched multivitamin from New Chapter to Country Life.

Lyme and what to do now...

Received Igenex results a few weeks ago. Appear to be equivocal. Have tested positive for one double-starred band, and one non-starred band (58). My doctor has decided that we will continue to treat this as Lyme disease. I'm still on minocin and zithromax, and doc wanted to add in Flagyl (cyst buster).

Now, I had read that nerve damage is a rare side effect of taking Flagyl, and also that it may interact with Plaquenil. So... long story short - I've quit the Plaquenil.

While waiting for the plaquenil to clear out of my system (has a long half-life of about 1-2 months), I've decided to start the Byron White formulas. I purchased the A-L formula and the A-BART (bartonella). Will start the A-Bart formula first, try it for a few weeks to get a feel for it, then add the A-L.

Quick recap of current supplements/medications:

• Minocycline, 200mg, every other day (started December 2011)
• Zithromax, 250mg, every other day (on days not taking minocin), since May 2012
• Banyan Botanicals ayurvedic herbs - Healthy Vata
• Cymbalta, 60mg
• Night: melatonin (small amount, less than .5mg), L-Glycine, GABA, L-Glutamine, Magnesium malate
• Buffered Vitamin C (with rutin), Vitamin D3, Malic Acid, D-Ribose, Multivitamin, Calcium citrate, the list goes on...

In the midst of a flare

Updates on Antibiotic therapy - switched over to brand name Minocin

Since starting the brand name Minocin about 2 weeks ago, I haven't been feeling well. Don't know if I can attribute this to a Herxheimer reaction or what? Previously, I had been on the generic form of minocycline since December 2011. With the generic I didn't really feel a herxing at all, but I did end up getting sick (not sure if it was a cold, really) at the end of December. It was a complete mixed bag of symptoms, running the gamut from muscle pain to night sweats to sinus drainage to nausea. The whole shebang. I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical as to whether or not the Mycoplasma are playing a role in my autoimmunity/symptoms. I'm trying to be very careful with attributing my symptoms to flares, herxheimer reaction, or just plain old autoimmune bullshit. I'd love to be able to admit that I am 100% sure that what I'm feeling is a herx reaction, but I honestly don't know. What I do know is that since starting the antibiotic protocol in December, I've never felt worse. Which is a good sign, I suppose.

Unfortunately, I also ran out of Plaquenil (generic) a few days after starting the Minocin, and was off the plaquenil for almost 2 weeks. In these 2 weeks I've had a increase in muscle pain all throughout my body, but mainly some severe pain in my neck (cervical vertebrae) running up the muscles through the occipital bone at the base of the skull. My left knee pain has returned, and it usually doesn't bother me at all when I'm taking Plaquenil (which is good, though, because it shows that the Plaquenil is working to some degree). In addition, the bursitis in my right hip is giving me some trouble and ibuprofen barely touches it.

Tramadol helps to take the edge off the pain, but the pain and discomfort is still there. I really don't like taking tramadol considering it acts similar to an SSRI, gives me a small headache, and I'm already on a high dose of Cymbalta (an SSNRI). I don't like to mix the two drugs together.

I have some leftover prednisone from a horrible itchy rash that I developed in 2009, and have taken it upon myself to treat my current symptoms with a small burst of low-dose prednisone, 5mg a day. The rash has appeared again, making its debut about 2 months ago (as it seems to do every year now since 2009).  The rash is mainly confined to the groin region, lower abdominal area, saving the worst of it for one of my shins. The rash doesn't respond well to hydrocortisone cream (though I continue to use it), I usually end up using an ice pack over the rash for a few minutes to dull the itchy feeling. Typical antihistamines (benadryl, etc.) don't work on these rashes, either. At night, if the rash is so bad that I can't sleep, I end up taking Atarax (Hydroxyzine). I hate to take this medication as well, because it tends to make my hypothyroid symptoms worse, and seems to linger in my system for 1-2 days following the dose making me feel like a zombie.

The pharmacy also magically filled my plaquenil. I was under the impression that the script had expired, but shiiiit, I'm not going to complain! Either way, I have plaquenil for another 60 days and started taking it again 3 days ago.

Started doing veggie juices again about 4 days ago. I try to make one a day to help with detoxing. Last night's was super salty tasting and consisted of: celery, ginger root, lemon, spinach, golden beet, and carrots.