Hello, my next question is about vitamin B12

[Jan66]

my 100 year old ma-in-law just diagnosed with B12 deficiency. As I started to look this up, found a connection with RA? Some symptoms are same!!!

Now I'm wondering if I am checked when I have my monthly blood tests.

Will definitely ask the question - will you?

Jan

[Hidden]

Heya, I see you haven't got an answer so far so I'll try and see if I can help a bit!

As far as I know, Vitamin B12 and iron levels would be monitored in your rheumy blood test at least at the beginning. This is because RA patients are at increased risk of anaemia because the inflammation process can lead to iron deficiency, which in turn leads to anaemia. Vitamin B12 is needed to make blood as well and if you're deficient in that you get anaemia as well.

So if you're experiencing the same symptoms as your mother-in-law could that be because you're both anaemic? Definitely ask your rheumy/GP for a iron and Vit. B12 blood test!! Do you know your haemoglobin levels? I was screened for iron and Vitamin B12 levels because my bloods showed a low red blood cell count.

Hope this helps a bit!! Love, Christine xx

[minka]

all i can add to this is if you look further into b12 you can find out it can have effects on your feet ie going cold then mad hot

as ive been looking into my feet problems

ive also noticed that i felt great well better by taking an b12 and iron tablet last month an am intending starting again as i was told to stop before operation i had on my knee.

it also whent on to describe if you have somach problems then the b12 does not get absorbed from food into your system

regards john

[Jan66]

Thanks.both for answers.....will investigate further,

J

[mille]

I get B12 injections every 3 months, it was the rheumatology dept that said i was short of it so when you get your blood checked this would have shown up if you were deficient. I also take thyroid tablets so i would say both conditions are connected to RA.

[Hidden]

Hi, my daughter has B12 deficiency and I have RA. I too wonder if these are connected. Or are we just unlucky with different autoimmune conditions?

There is a charity that helps people to understand B12 deficiency, called Pernicious Anaemia. They have a website: perniciousanaemiaorg I think.