B12 injections

[Emylou]

Hi everyone has anyone had problems recieving their b12 injections i currently have them every three months due to pernicious anemia and have waited 2 weeks longer but I’m struggling now so called to see what is in place at the moment but told they are not emergencies and doctor isn’t currently giving them, has anyone had them recently or have been told this As well please

[Ceri-NorthWales]

Yes, had major issues getting B12 injections in the first place - well documented on here, just look through my posts. As a result of fighting for B12 injections, I have been removed from GP list. This is whilst I was going through a mental breakdown a few weeks ago when in the space of one week (5 days), I had a serious car crash in the overtaking lane on a busy dual carriageway toward the end of rush hour, neurology appt the next day cancelled at last min (understandably so), re-arrangwd for the Friday, minor surgery on shoulder I injured in the crash (pre-booked), devastating diagnosis from neuroogy that Friday, couldn't book stitches removal, dealing with car insurance and refused PIP and awarded 0 points. All in 5 days and this was week of March 16th, the days leading up to lockdown on March 23rd. Complete mental breakdown, so what is the best course.of action? Remove me from GP list of course 🙄

Wales are not giving B12 injections as directed by Public Health Wales.

They are also now stopping depo injections and moving people on to the pill. When I have a letter from neurology clearly stating that I need to be on depo due to migraines and PPPD.

So much condraction going on, too. In Wales, we are being told, now daily, to use GP services and seek medical help if needed. You try and you are pushed away. Outpatient appointments cancelled, no B12 injections, no depo injections, have to beg to speak to a GP over the phone by telling receptions exactly why you need to speak with a GP to justify it. Welsh gov keep saying 'our NHS is open', when it isn't. They will only deal with COVID-19 patients. It's an absolute mess.

[Emylou in reply to Ceri-NorthWales]

OMG you poor thing that is a absolute disgrace, how can they just remove you, It sounds like you need the support from them that is absolutely shocking, I hope your now ok it makes my complaint very minor now but I’m just struggling as it’s now been 3 1/2 months since last one how can they deprive us of the meds our body needs was going to call my Rheumatologist but don’t think I will bother now, I wish you well and thanks for your reply, stay strong and put a complaint about that gp as that is discussing unprofessional behaviour on their part, stay safe x

[Ceri-NorthWales in reply to Emylou]

No complaint about B12 is small. B12 deficiency has a huge effect on everything. Not everyone can absorb B12 in their diet, making tablet form useless.

It shouldn't be happening but it is. Shows total lack of knowledge and understanding on B12 and B12 deficiency.

[Emylou in reply to Ceri-NorthWales]

Yes it’s absolutely awful and for us with so many other problems as well I can just see this having a knock in effect for everything else I’m gonna phone again to see what can be done for me, very strange days I know but I can’t see how we can be deprived if your on it for life especially if this continues thanks for your help x

[CarolMcl]

Hi Emylou

Vit B12 have been suspended at the moment due to Covid 19 crisis, patients are now being given it in tablet form. It's not as strong as the injection but better than no treatment. Call your GP practice again to ask for a prescription for tablet form.

[Emylou in reply to CarolMcl]

Thankyou very much for your reply, I will do that the receptionist said they can’t do nothing until 4 weeks overdue so I’m half way there just feel like my body is on the ground at the moment and have been holding out already, I will see what their response is thanks again regards x

[Summerrain14]

I too usually have B12 injections every three months but my GP has prescribed tablets whilst we are on lockdown.

[Emylou in reply to Summerrain14]

Thankyou I’m gonna try to get some prescribed now

[Summerrain14 in reply to Emylou]

Hope you get some tablets, I’m sure you will. I know some people are still getting their B12 injections. I think it just depends on the GP surgery resources. I need to sort out my blood tests for next week. 😊

[Emylou in reply to Summerrain14]

My blood tests I’m abandoning for now good luck on yours x

[Summerrain14 in reply to Emylou]

My meds have just been increased with having a flare so back to two weekly blood tests for a little while. x

[Emylou in reply to Summerrain14]

Ahhh hopefully it will be ok for the blood tests, And nice and organised for you it’s worrying enough without flare worries I wish you all the best x

[Emylou in reply to Summerrain14]

Thankyou I’m waiting for gp to call me to see if I can get prescribed keeping everything crossed x

[Jmiller623]

Could you try sublingual b12? My B12 is low and I can’t take the pills. I bought the droplet form (see below). I’ve also used lozenges that you hold under your tongue and they’ve worked too. Anything that bypasses the GI tract.

amazon.com/dp/B07CKWHDVD/re...

[Emylou in reply to Jmiller623]

Thankyou I will look into this as well, these look very good My doctor has told me I should have enough reserve was his response, so I have now been prescribed one month supply tablets hopefully this will give me a boost until things return to normal 😊 x

[chezevo]

I have Pernicious Anaemia and have to have B12 injections every 3 months too. I had an appointment on 14th April for my injection, I rang my doctors surgery to check whether they were still doing them and they said “yes you still need to attend”. Granted I had them done behind a screen in the waiting room but I still managed to have mine xx

[Emylou in reply to chezevo]

Hi thanks for your reply Ow wow your practice must be very good after a battle I now have one booked next week, it’s all down to the practice, hopefully now I will be ok until August stay well x

[Hayleyrose28]

Hi

I was allowed to have my B12 at the GP - it’s obviously very different to normal, as no other patients are allowed in the surgery whatsoever at the same time, and my nurse had a visor on too. I have quite severe gastric issues so cannot absorb B12 unless through injection.

Strangely, the surgery wouldn’t administer my steroid injections which I have 3-4 weekly (the GP point blank refused and suggested I was selfish), when, again, I can’t tolerate oral prednisolone, and it can prove extremely dangerous to stop steroids suddenly. Luckily, I’ve been able to get these privately. But it really doesn’t make sense why the rules differ from GP practice to GP practice, or in my case why the rules are differing in the same practice for different injections x

[Emylou in reply to Hayleyrose28]

It’s very strange times and yes your right it’s down to each practise. I now have it booked after a battle so thanks for reply, it’s sad to hear you have to pay privately, it should be your gp that pays for that as they won’t provide it for you sadly, best wishes x

[madmum]

I have my b12 injections monthly and have had no issues getting it done. I had my last one in the surgery but now I'm in the shielding group, my next one will be in the car. When i arrive at the surgery I have to phone and she will come out and do it. They did offer to send a nurse out but I said I would go to them. I have also had no problems getting a blood test, I did have to go in a back door and it was done in the stair well, but it was fine.

[galaxie]

My B12 injections have been suspended for now but my doctor has given me tablets instead they are called Cyanocominn 50mcg i take 1 three times a day between meals.

[Emylou in reply to galaxie]

I have managed to get one now after a battle so maybe try again yourself thanks for reply x

[Aeam487]

I’m a nurse at a Gp surgery and am still giving B12 injections. Does seem that each Surgery has their own rules. I know some patients have started giving their own injections so they don’t have to come in. Hope you get something sorted. X

[Emylou in reply to Aeam487]

Ahh thanks yes it’s seems to be the case after a battle I have now got appointment for next week I would be quite happy to do it myself or my best friend is a nurse so I know she would do it for me but it’s so sad I had to fight for something my body needs thanks for reply z

[Aeam487 in reply to Emylou]

Completely understand how you feel. That is why we are still doing them as we know how much they are needed. Hope you don’t have anymore problems. X

[Emylou in reply to Aeam487]

Ahhh Thankyou to you and the marvellous work you are continuing to do, it’s nice to feel supported fingers crossed for the future stay safe x

[Purple-Owl]

I've been told I can't absorb vitamin B12 by mouth because part of the intestine that facilitates its absorption has been removed following an internal hernia. I've been having B12 injections but made no appointment for the next one due when I started self isolating. Doctor gave me Cyanocabalamin tablets with the instruction that if they don't work I can resume injections. Trouble is that I can't tell if they are working or not! The tiredness I was beginning to feel might have been due to pred tapering (5 to 4.5mg following a flare.) Or even the fact that I always find Springtime saps my energy. True I'm feeling less exhausted, but is it the B12 tablets? If so should I try the sublingual method....safer than injection by nurse...

[Emylou in reply to Purple-Owl]

It’s a worrying enough time as it is, I guess I’m luckY as after a battle I have had it booked for next week, I eat a lot of greens and high b12 food anyway but unfortunately I feel no affect from these, hopefully you will feel some kind of something from the tablets If not the sub lingual route is the next step I would have taken, so it’s good to now know this and best wishes to you x

[CarolMcl]

Hi Jacky

Worth taking on board 👍🏻

[Jacquie3242]

Unfortunately not all of us can absorb B12 from tablets/food, so need injections.

[LupieLady45]

Hello Emylou sorry to hear your feeling worse I totally understand your frustration. I have 3 monthly injections and was due just before lockdown. I was supposed to go for a routine blood test first but with the social distancing I decided to wait. I phoned my surgery and explained to them how ill I was was and will get without this boost. I was given an appointment instantly with the nurse. It was a very quick in out jab go process but they understood. The surgeries are still open and seeing vulnerable patients as long as you do not have the covid19 symptoms. Otherwise I know pharmacists can also give injections so that is another option or call nhs 111 they will also help. For those who think we can get our b12 from eating extra foods please understand that our bodies just DO NOT absorb the goodness. We are already using our stored supply and without these crucial injections it can leave us with critical injuries for life. I hope you find a solution.

Stay safe x

[Emylou in reply to LupieLady45]

Hi lupieLady thanks for reply after a battle I have been given an appointment next week so hopefully it will all go well, I have been told it’s down to the surgery owner which I think is madness as like I told receptionist I cannot believe they have the right to deprive us of what our body needs and the scarey thing is that they haven’t even contacted me to inform me of any of this and offer any alternative and the gp just said you will have reserve, sadly if I had the reserve I would not have phoned after holding out two weeks over my due date, innnow these are very strange days but at least I got there in the end so looking forward to feeling a little stronger and this will now see me through until August stay safe and well x

[LupieLady45]

Good news! Its so annoying with all these mix messages but hopefully you will receive your injection. 🙏