If your B12 was this low would you ex... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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If your B12 was this low would you expect treatment?

Pamela0106 profile image
9 Replies

Hi

My recent B12 result came back at 187 (Range 180-900).

It was a blood test taken at 9.55am and I had not eaten or taken any other medication prior to it.

My GP has said it's in range therefore no action needed but I am concerned it's only 7 points in range and I suffer terrible fatigue on a constant basis.

Any thoughts?

Pamela x

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Pamela0106
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9 Replies
DanielleGemma profile image
DanielleGemma

Good Afternoon Pamela,

I would first of all ask to get retested on another day, and speak to your doctor or another GP about this and explain your concerns, as you are just in the limit it might affect you more than it would another person for example, as we are all different. Make sure you voice your concerns and don't take no for an answer if you aren't satisfied xxx

Pamela0106 profile image
Pamela0106

I should say I have 2 auto immune diseases already as well as Hypothyroidism now too. My Vit D is too low. My ferritin is too high. And my B12 is a concern. The fatigue and muscle/joint ache is terribly bad. I'm not diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but it's a worry.

Greenpeace profile image
Greenpeace in reply to Pamela0106

Hi ther Pamela0106 ,

I can fully sympathise with you. ☹️ My b12 levels were 2 points within range, and my GP said " we'll repeat again in 6 months".

I was admitted to hospital with another problem, and the Consultant was puzzled as to why I was having such tiredness and muscle spasms and pain, " since my Fibro seemed to be under control " his words not mine. I replied " since my b12 levels were just 2 points into normal range, could that be why?" He replied " we never treat deficiencies unless they are below normal". Oh really! How come then that my Ferritin, and Iron levels were allowed to get so low, that I needed to get IV Iron Infusions to get them up quickly as I was to have surgery, and the Drs were fully aware of this.

It seems we can't win, and it's a constant battle to keep on top of things.

I suspect that because of the state of the NHS just now, first and foremost, is to save money, and the other big fault that I've noticed is that each Consultant only deals with what you present with, and doesn't refer to your notes to join up the dots of other illnesses or symptoms that you have due to other illnesses, and there is no time for the patient to mention other illnesses or symptoms that could be related. Personally I think they waste more time and money using the current methods of Consultation.

In your case, I would definitely get tested again soon to see if your b12 is dropping further. If it is still within the normal range and your GP won't treat it, then Holland & Barrett sell sublingual b12 where you spray it under your tongue once a day, this method of delivery means that you absorb the whole dose into your system, rather than taking a pill which has to go through your Digestive System.

Hang in there, and good luck in getting this sorted.

Cheers.

GP. 😊😊

Pamela0106 profile image
Pamela0106 in reply to Greenpeace

Thank you so much. I've actually ordered the H&B spray just yesterday. Not arrived yet.

I will start it after my blood test is taken. I've asked for them to redo it now I'm a few weeks down the line from the last one and I don't want the spray to skew it in any way.

Sound advice. I really appreciate you taking the time out to reply xxx ❤️ Thank

You x

hebden profile image
hebden in reply to Greenpeace

I agree GP. There is more money being wasted because our symptoms are being treated individually instead of being looked at as a bigger picture. Things are being missed and we are left untreated. Most of the consultants Ive seen have been so arrogant in their approach they can't wait to get you out the door and discharged back to GP. I had one consultant discharged me back to GP because she was retiring and if I felt I needed further treatment to ask to be re referred. What a waste of time and money.

Hugs Joolz.x

ukmsmi4 profile image
ukmsmi4 in reply to Greenpeace

Well put Greenpeace and hebden , I couldn't agree more.

I too think the current NHS method of treating symptoms and move them along is wasting more money than it saves because people keep coming back because there issue keeps flaring up because the NHS just aren't addressing the underlying cause.

Doesn't seem like rocket science does it but the NHS don't seem to realise! xx

hebden profile image
hebden

Hi Pamela. My B12 was similar and just in range at lower level and I was told "normal" in range no treatment needed. 12 months ago I started to supplement with a good B12 methylcolbalamin that dissolves under your tongue. My last blood test showed B12 @ 890 and the gp said "its a bit high but nothing to worry about. I told him I supplement and he said ok so I continue to take them and D3. I still get bouts of extreme fatigue but I get times when Im not but I think thats the nature of the beast we know as fibro. hugs. Joolz.x

ukmsmi4 profile image
ukmsmi4 in reply to hebden

Do you mind if I ask where you get your sublingual B12 from Joolz. I'm always dubious about buying supplements because I worry that they may not contain sufficient of the required ingredient. It can be so hit and miss!

hebden profile image
hebden in reply to ukmsmi4

Hi ukmsmi4, I know what you mean I used to get B12 from H&B but then read on the thyroid forum that these contain nasties but not much of what you take it for. Not only that but they made my skin smell funny. I now get Jarrow methyl B12 from Amazon. I get the 1000mcg in lemon flavour and these seem enough to me. These also come in a twin or triple pack. Not cheap but then what is? Its a minefield isn't it when it comes to knowing what is good and what isn't. Thank the heavens for this forum I say. Hugs Joolz.x

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