injections

Had to go to the doctors to book my 3 month postop injections with hydroxocobalamin, was surprised when they said i needed 6 injections over a 2 week period. wanted to know if this is the normal course of injections

[Lynio]

Hello. My husband had a total gastrectomy in April 2015. Since then he has had hydroxcobalamin routinely intramuscularly every 12 weeks. As far as I know, that is the normal dose post operatively. Kind regards.

[Hidden]

Hydroxocobalamin is for vitamin B12 deficiency, as I understand it. The change in dosage might be because you have been a bit low (with potential anaemia and loss of energy?), or it might be that it is smaller doses given more frequently for some other technical reason.

I completely sympathise because I always think of questions to ask the doctor just after the clinic door has closed behind me, but the straightforward thing is to ask the reason for the change when you next attend.

These things do happen fairly routinely, and it sounds like it is a matter of keeping your levels up to scratch rather than anything developing that is more sinister.

[Lucypuppy]

Hi.

The initial dose of hydroxyocobalamin is 1 injection 3 times a week for 2 weeks. This is called a "loading dose" to build up and replenish B12 in the body. After this you will go on to a maintenance dose of 1 injection every 3 months.

It's perfectly normal for it to be given in this way.

[Hidden in reply to Lucypuppy]

thanks alot, bit shocked when they said 6 injections at the surgery and nothing explained. take care.

[sallym]

.Intrinsic factor produced by the stomach is needed to absorb Vit.B12, so taking a supplement orally doesn't help in certain cases, hence the need for injections. As Lucypuppy says it starts with frequent injections and then a maintenance dose 3 monthly. Many people will complain of becoming very tired just before the injection is due. People who have had part or all of their stomach removed and some elderly people are usually the ones who need it. It soon becomes part of life Best wishes Sally