B12 levels

[Nickijk73]

Hi - I’m waiting on the results for my latest bloods in order for the GP to see if my levels are low enough for them to change my injections from 12-10 wkly intervals. Would anyone be able to tell me what levels are considered low pls,as whenever I usually ask the gp he just mumbles and then changes the conversation in another direction. This time I’d like to be armed with some info so at least I have half a clue when talking with/ questioning him.

Many thanks

Nicki x

[helixhelix]

The difficulty is that different labs use different measurements, and different reference ranges. So my results may not be relevant to you.

Anyway my last test the result sheet gives that the normal range is 187-883 pg/mol. So depends if your result is also in pg/mol. I think the other commonly used measure is pmol/l.

[Nickijk73 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks for that helixhelix - I really am clueless when it comes to results as they’ve never once mentioned any numbers or gone into any type of detail with me about them before...... a bit ignorant on my part as usually I don’t leave their rooms until I understand everything that’s said to me,but as it’s got to the point where I’m constantly run down before my jabs are due,and this is the only time one of the nurses has mentioned that there is a chance of getting the injection earlier,then I’m doing all I can to try and understand so I can push for it this time x

[Hidden]

I know nothing about B12 tests nickijk tho there is 'lab tests online' which i've tried for explanations of various things as get similar responses when asking about different tests. I know professionals are busy with short appointments but wish they would do info sheet of what theyre testing for, normal levels et etc, it would save us all a lot of angst.

[Nickijk73 in reply to Hidden]

That’s basically my thinking to a T Hidden

There’s so much info online that unless you have half a clue to start with then I just find myself even more confused by it all 🤣

Thanks for answering

Nicki x

[helixhelix in reply to Hidden]

You should ask for a print out of your blood tests. The hospital gave them to me without a problem, but only when I had an appointment. In between times I got them from my GP, but they asked for 20p for the photocopy. The sheet with your blood test results on it should have the reference range.

Also, do you have a monitoring book if you are on Methotrexate? The nurse should fill this in with your results. And at the back it gives the information about the reference range and what the tests are for. If you don't have one you can get one here - look at page 12 onwards

npsa.nhs.uk/EasysiteWeb/get...

It helps to get your head round the tests as helps you feel in control of this.

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks helix helix, i will ask about blood tests, i have asked face to face before but get blank stare for so many queries. I do have 'patient care plan' but again i am the only one who fills it in. Provided by nras to hospitals i think. I asked for copies of all correspondence but have received one so far, courtesy of my GP. I obviously need to be even more proactive, thanks for advice; you re right i don't feel in control, most of my knowledge i have found for myself or off you lovely people on here x

[Nickijk73 in reply to helixhelix]

That’s great - many thanks for that.

I’m not on MTX as I had just about every side effect known on it,and absolutely no benefit whatsoever,but I think I’ve still got my little pink book in my bag somewhere(I’m definitely getting like my dear old ban when it comes to not finding things in my bag nowadays 😝)