MICROSCOPIC COLITIS SUPPORT

After doing some reading here I am not sure what I should test for, the MTHFR, homocysteine, or methylation? Cleveland Clinic (CC) does not recommend testing for the MYHFR gene, do the test for homocysteine instead. CC says the homocysteine levels determine our actions, not the MTHFR test results. If I am getting this right methylation actions affect homocysteine levels, so would it be best to get homocysteine tested? Can my primary Dr. order this? Is there a need for a special lab to do this?

I still have high inflammation and a very high Prothrombin Fragment 1.2, 4 times over the reference range, which is related to Factor 5 Leiden. Prothrombin Fragment is a parameter of coagulation, the process by which a blood clot is formed and arterial thromboses are reported in protein C, protein S, antithrombin deficient patients. My sister has Factor 5 Leiden and she takes an aspirin every day, which I can't do. It took 8 months to get an appointment with a hematologist. Now I am wondering if all of these are related to homocysteine and MC.

I have been GF and DF for 12 years, I was doing fairly well and now I am having issues again, so back to no soy and phase 1.

I would appreciate any input!
Thank you,
Barb

Hello Barb,

Your primary doctor should be able to order any tests you need regarding this, but it's not likely that he or she would be able to interpret the test results (although they might come with an interpretation, depending upon how the lab is set up). It's possible to find naturopaths who are quite knowledgeable about methylation issues, although finding one might be tricky.

Methylation is a complex topic and it's still rather poorly understood by medical researchers. I suppose the short answer to your question would be, to request a homocysteine test. For a more detailed understanding of your methylation status, you're going to need a lot more information regarding your MTHFR gene mutations, and interpretations of of those mutations. The Microscopic Colitis Foundation published a newsletter discussing methylation issues back in 2017. You might find it helpful for providing some basic information. For your convenience, here's a direct link where you can read or download a copy:

https://www.microscopiccolitisfoundatio ... 991710.pdf

I hope this helps,

Tex