I started LC January 7, 2003, and as of today, I'm down 30 pounds, to
176. (Male, 5'11", age 50.) My "ideal" weight is supposed to be 178.
While I'm still flabby around the middle, I started at the gym today for
the first time in my life. The leg cramps were not good.

My problem is that since August, I have been experiencing increasing
incidences of numbness in my hands, feet, lips, and nose. I have no way
of knowing whether it is connected with LC, but that is the only thing
that has really changed in my life. I've had my bloodwork done, and it
is better than perfect. My doctor (who is also LC and who recommended
the WOL to me) and I were curious to see what this lifestyle would do,
and he was thrilled. HDL was way high, and LDL was normal. The bloodwork
reveals that I do not have diabetes, so the numbness is not related to
that. I don't smoke and don't drink. There is no propensity towards
diabetes or any other disease in my family. One of the tests in my blood
panel relates to whether there is cancer in my body. No problem. The
chiropractor says that it is not related to a misalignment of my spine
because it is too systemic.

Needless to say, I have been quite distressed over this situation. Some
days are worse than others, but the mental and emotional effects of this
problem are quite debilitating.

If anyone here has had a similar experience or has any ideas, please let
me know. Here's what I have done:

o Stopped taking Ambien. (Numbness is a rare side effect.)
o Stopped taking dicyclomine. (Numbness is a rare side effect.)
o Stopped drinking aspartame. (Conspiracy theory on its effects.)
o Taking multivitamin evey day. (Been doing so off and on before.)
o Taking calcium and magnesium. (Been doing so off and on before.)

The only thing that I can see is a vitamin deficiency. We're going to do
a blood test this week to check for vitamins, nutrients, and
electrolytes. I hope that we find something. However, someone in this
newsgroup may have an answer. If you do, PLEASE let me know!

Thanks!