I still have symptoms even though I have Injections every month

[mkane01]

I feel that I am very luck to get monthly B12 injections from my GPs surgery and feel loathed to keep raising other issues every time I go for a jab. I still have mottled skin, hair loss, burning pains in my stomach and right side (leg knee and hip). I also have a lot of gastro intestinal upsets which I have just had a scan for gall stones for (this was negative). The GP doesn't seem to feel that any of this is a concern. I also have falling ferritin and folate levels unless I continuous supplement at high doses.

Does anyone have similar symptoms or suggestions on what addition tests the GP could run to get to the bottom of this?

[Hidden]

Hi Mkane,

Re:"I also have a lot of gastro intestinal upsets", perhaps it would be wise to ask to see a gastroenterologist and have a colonoscopy/ endoscopy to find out why you are still not doing well on your current treatment, particulartly as you are experiencing falling ferritin and folate levels, which imply possible malabsorption issues. These procedures can help diagnose any abnormalities and exclude things like Crohns, coalic desease, H Pylory infection achlorhidria etc all common causes for B12 def/ PA.

Perhaps read this:

patient.co.uk/doctor/pernic...

"Associated diseases[2]

People with pernicious anaemia are at increased risk of developing gastric cancer, and there is an association with other autoimmune diseases (including primary myxoedema, thyrotoxicosis, Hashimoto's disease, Addison's disease, and vitiligo).

•Vitiligo

•Primary hypothyroidism

•Hashimoto's disease

•Addison's disease

•Hypoparathyroidism

•Diabetes mellitus

and:

"When to refer[2]

Referral to a gastroenterologist should be considered for any patient with pernicious anaemia who has gastric symptoms and/or co-existent iron deficiency. Patients with pernicious anaemia have a 2-3 times increased incidence of gastric carcinoma and gastric polyps compared with matched controls."

I've had those investigations and it has helped me with getting treatment for longterm IBS D, and some explanation for some of my issues as in abnormal terminal ileum, plus it has excluded a host of other unpleasant things!

I hope this helps, Marre.

[mkane01 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks - I thought this maybe the next step but wanted to elimainate every other option first. Just have to convince the doctor now!

[myrab]

Might I suggest a referral to a Haematologist as well as they specialise in Blood Disorders.

Myrab