Could It Be B12: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses
November 1, 2011 at 10:28 a.m.
Adults over 60 are frequently given hopeless diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease, dementia or Multiple Sclerosis, but many of these patients may simply suffer from B12 deficiency. Do you or your loved ones endure pain from forgetfulness, frequent falls, fatigue, depression, autism or mental illness? Is your current treatment not working?
Could it be B12?
B12 deficiency can be cured with inexpensive vitamin treatment if you are tested and diagnosed in time, but it is a public health crisis that doctors don't know exists. Millions suffer from B12 deficiency but few are diagnosed.
Doctors frequently don't diagnose B12 deficiency until the patient has enlarged red blood cells and/or macrocytic anemia which are often late signs of advanced B12 deficiency. People over 65 are frequently misdiagnosed because doctors blame their B12 symptoms on pre-existing diseases or conditions.
B12 defiency cause symptoms such as nerve pain or tingling, dementia, mental illness, tremor and difficulty walking. It is misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's Disease, depression, diabetic neuropathy, vertigo and mini-strokes.
The co-author, Sally M. Pacholok, diagnosed herself with B12 deficiency when doctors failed to identify her condition as Pernicious Anemia, a decrease of red blood cells that occurs when the body cannot properly absorb Vitamin B12. As a result she is passionate about the need to educate the public about the dangerous consequences of this hidden and all too common disease.
Pacholok was a R.N., B.S.N., an emergency room nurse with 24 years of experience. Prior
to entering the field of nursing, she received an Associate Degree of Applied Science. She was an Advanced Emergency Technician (A-EMT) and worked as a paramedic prior to and during nursing school. Co-author Dr. Jeffrey J. Stuart, D. O., is also certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Life Support. Stuart joined Pacholok after she correctly identified his mother's B12 deficiency who had been diagnosed by board-certified neurologists.
Since the publication of the first edition of "Could It Be B12?" in 2005, the book has been an underground classic that patients recommended to each other and even to educate their doctors about the dangers of B12 deficiency. This 2nd edition is revised, updated and expanded. Six years after its original publication no doctor who has read the book can deny its evidence.
Many doctors have written testimonials among them this letter from Charles H. Liu, R.Ph., clinical pharmacist, nutrition and preventive care specialist: Could It Be B12? is powerful and revealing. It serves as a reminder that often times a simple precaution and nutrition awareness will save lives and a ton of money. Nearly one of five U.S. dollars spent will go toward health care by 2020.
This book will help to heighten the urgency to practice preventive care on a daily basis.
Another letter from Joseph Chandy, M.D., recipient of the Glory of India Award, wrote: “The authors commited themselves to this noble cause. They have made this book a valuable resource for medical students, practicing physicians and other health care professionals. Could It Be B12? speaks only the truth, and in doing so, it gives life to those with B12 deficiency who were well on their way to losing their lives altogether.”
The book is available for $14.95 at book stores and online booksellers