I am looking to find someone who specialises in Vitamin C deficiency, in or around Oxford, UK. I have suffered from Scurvy as a child. I have also read that it can be hireditory. I believe I may have this. have been to local GP but she doesnt know too much about it.
symptoms are
* aching/painful joints
* Tiredness
* Depression
* loose stooles
* Easy bruising. esp. arms and legs
* I catch every cold and bug that seems to go around
* many infections. inc. Cystitis, Chest and tosilitis
* I smoke
* Easy bleeding gums
* Spider Nevus
* Gastroentoritis when younger
* take longer to heal, bled for 6 weeks after giving birth.
* Generally feeling unwell

also could it be possible my daughetr has it as while i was pregnent i had these symptoms.

* Extreme vomiting- was admitted to hospital for dehydration 4-5 times
* Water infection
* numbness and tingling in fingers
* Smoked
* Lost weight during pregnancy
* Gastroentorits
* Loose stooles

and my daughters symptoms are

* tiny bruise like marks that come and go withing 48 hours
* Sickness, due to reflux
* Hardend leg muscles
* Dry skin (which has now cleared)
* infections inc, Thrush (2-3 times), umbillical cord.
* has had a cold (maybe something to do with sinus' as she snores and has a lot of gunk up her nose.

Please bear in mind that my daughter is only 10 weeks old. and I am 22

I am in desperate need, I am going through a very hard time at the moment and need some advice asap. this is a serious matter so only serious comments please.

Many thanks

You may have a combination of related problems, but it's not likely you have a hereditary problem with vitamin C deficiency. there really isn't such a thing, although there are problems with iron absorption which could result it less ability to use the vitamin C you do get. You smoke, evidently- which would predispose you to problems with respiratory illness. If you didn't take those prenatal vitamins, or don't take a daily vitamin, you might well be anemic- not helped any by your smoking either. Smoking means your blood is not carrying the oxygen it needs to carry- because it's carrying more carbon dioxide instead. So your extremities would be more likely to get numb, cold and tingle. your spider nevus are more than likely related to the increased blood volume of pregnancy, and those go away in the months following delivery. And you may simply be more prone to them- those do run in families. Excessive vomiting could also have been related to the pregnancy, and you'd not be the first to suffer enough to need hospitalization for it. Mostly the troubles with your digestion are more related to poor eating habits than any disease. your daughter sounds like a regular newborn, with a nervous first time mother. All newborns have a certain amount of congestion and breathe funny. most are actually mouth breathers. the pediatrician would be keeping an eye on the reflux bit, although at her age- she could swallow enough air from a bottle feed to bring up most of what she could eat, if she isn't burped well enough. she may have what appear to be bruises show up, because she is also still making a lot of adjustments to the outside world as well. For her, you really need to rely on the pediatrician. As far as you go, you should take the opportunity to stop smoking and eat better- for yourself and your daughter. Eventually that baby will need to eat people food, and will need to learn good eating habits for life. She's going to learn that from you, and from watching you eat. So, mom- you need to shape up for better health for both of you. get picky about what you eat, and cleanliness of the kitchen and the food prep. Wash your hands before you cook, and before you eat, and after a trip to the bathroom, as well as after changing a diaper. most digestive upsets are from bacteria on your hands, that you transfer to your own mouth yourself. I don't think you likely have any major health problems, at least none that won't improve if you alter your eating habits, and dump the ciggies. Drink more water, and be sure you are going to the bathroom every 3-4 hours, which will help prevent kidney or bladder troubles. get a daily vitamin, a children's chewable is just fine- and will cover most of your needs. do all that, and you may just find all those troubles go away.

ask gp to send you to someone that knows

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