B12 with ckd 3

[Sark1]

I have a 2year stabilised gfr of 38 closely monitored. I have been trying to persuade my gp to allow B12 to help with neuropathy They cannot offer any known disadvantage for B12 but say no advantage either. I am tempted to take B12 sublinguialy but hesitate to do any further damage My B12 is 235. Any suggestions

[Julesboz]

I have very mild CKD and suffer from B12 deficiency if I don’t take sublingual tablets daily (I get neuropathy too). Since taking B12 and other vitamins and being aware of my CKD my kidney function has improved. I did research and found there was no known issue with taking B12 with CKD. I’m not medically qualified, but that’s how it works for me.

[Sark1 in reply to Julesboz]

Thank you for sharing

[Bassetmommer]

HI Sark,

You are low end but within a normal range. I would not take B12 unless prescribed by the doc because too much can cause more problems, especially with CKD. There are other drugs also out there to help with neuropathy. I would be more concerned why the doctor is not addressing the neuropathy.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Sark1 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Was offered ameltryptine and declined. Dr agreed that I am borderline B12.

[orangecity41]

I am at CKD level 3, and have neuropathy also, and was referred to a neurologist who prescribed a medicine . My B12 level is ok. I do take a prescribed senior multi vitamin that has B12 in it. Ask your Doctor before you take any supplement.

[Sark1 in reply to orangecity41]

Thank yy

[orangecity41 in reply to Sark1]

I should add that my neuropathy is not kidney related.

[Impregilo]

Hi, Sarki,

My eGFR also hovers around 38 and I had symptoms of neuropathy. I wasn’t sure whether my symptoms were due to my diabetes or lack of B12. Because I was eating plant based diet I was conscious of my lack of B12 in my diet. I discussed my neuropathy symptoms with my GP and I was prescribed Amitriptyline but that adverse affects and did not help towards my neuropathy so I had to stop.

Now I am taking B12 supplements regularly to compensate for my deficiency and my neuropathy symptoms are subdued. My B12 is now 609ng/L. I hope that helps.

[Sark1 in reply to Impregilo]

Sounds so familiar. Have ordered some B12

[AnneEG in reply to Impregilo]

What is neuropathy?

[Impregilo in reply to AnneEG]

Peripheral Neuropathy is caused by nerve damage which induces numbness, pain or tingling in the soles , palms or arms.

Normally it’s due to diabetes but could also be due to other factors ,B12 being on of them.

[Sark1 in reply to Impregilo]

Thank you.

[Rene23]

The only thing I can suggest is if you are not happy with the response from your GP, speak to a renal / kidney specialist for further explanation. Hope you reach a satisfactory outcome

[Sark1 in reply to Rene23]

Thank you

[lowraind]

What does your neurologist say?

[Sark1 in reply to lowraind]

No neurologist. No referral yet

[lowraind]

In normal times, I would ask for a referral. Since these are not normal times, I would search for an online contact. Don;t know where you live, but in in U.S., these might help:

National education, support and advocacy organizations:

• DaVita Kidney Disease and Dialysis Forums is well known for their recipes but they also have a forum for patients too.

• Renal Support Network provides many support and advocacy services including a phone support line.

• AAKP is a comprehensive resource focusing on the quality of life for kidney patients through education, advocacy, patient engagement and the fostering of patient communities.

• National Kidney Foundation provides a portal for patients too.

Hope this helps.

[Sark1 in reply to lowraind]

Thank you so much

[medway-lady]

I have B12 by injection every 3 months as have PA and you can't buy it in enough quantities in the UK (classed as Foodstuff.) which is how H&B sell it. So my advice don't bother what I take would be 35x3 capsules a day . I've had this conversation with a friend a while ago. So if they say your count is ok buying more would be waste of time and money.

Are you vegetarian as that is one of the main causes of B12 defiancy. PA is easy to diagnose its just a blood test and if negative as sometimes you can have a normal count but the body can't use it and you have a normal count then at least you can make an informed decision on buying it OTC and even then you don't really know if its any good.

[Sark1 in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you