Journey With Jen

  One of my tests came back and I have a genetic mutation called MTHFR C677T.  You can look at the letters and tell what they doctors all called it in med school!  (yes that told me that!) 😂 I am one of 20 - 30% of Caucasians that have this mutation. Which at the scientific level means that the DNA base cytosine (C) is replaced by thymine (T).  At the basic sticker level -- it means that my body does not process B vitamins.  I am have been taking in my Multivitamin, a B12 pill, and folic acid each and every day.  And my body has not been able to use it and it's probably now contaminated my body.  I have to switch to a mentholated vitamin.  Which sounds easy enough, right?  Thank goodness the person that called to tell me about my diagnosis is a pharmacist and has this mutation as well.  Because there is so much more than just taking a different vitamin.  The MTHFR gene is critical in the methylation cycle.  Which since I have ...

 Well, just me. Little update on things. I was on the Methotrexate for 4 weeks and it didn't help with pain or inflammation at all.  It did cause some hair to come out, for the hair that I do have to dry out, and for total exhaustion throughout my body.  It really was a great 4 weeks!  (just kidding!)  My last dose was just a few days ago so I'll be glad when it is out of my system. Apparently it must help most people because they were really surprised when I had absolutely nothing positive to say about the last 4 weeks.  My knee swelled so much I could not squat.  My hands had sharp pain several times this month.  Hips hurt constantly not just when I'm trying to sleep.  And my feet are still swelling.  So really - nothing positive to say.  😂 So, they drew blood and are now doing a pharmacogenetics test.   Besides the physical part of it all - I am really missing being me.  I want to be outdoors.  Go on a hike. ...