Not really sure why they are testing - it's a week since my last B12 injection (I had one a week for 6 weeks)
I'm guessing there will be a fair amount of B12 knocking about
They will also be testing for Vit D & hopefully Zinc as that was low
But it seems a bit pointless as they have already decided I go on to 12 weekly injections
They shouldn't be testing your b12 but sometimes to test folate they test b12 too. Vit d deficiency goes hand in hand with b12 deficiency.
Can only think they are looking at response to B12 treatment, usually y7our HB rises, MCV should go down in size, white blood cells, platelet count etc should normalise. And yes hopefully they are keeping an eye on folate, and any other issues you may already have had. It can only be a good thing I think to be monitored, Marre.
Hopefully they are only checking to see if you have had a haematological response to the b12. If your b12 was still through the floor they would have to investigate.
Some people do find though that if their levels are high after an injection then the doctor runs about in a panic.
One doctor, a nice chap, tried to stop my injections (I was self injecting) I thanked him for his advice and carried on regardless.
& the nurse didn't know what she was testing for
So I said B12,Zinc,vit D, full blood count & thyroid
I'm surei should have added some extras in but I wasn't sure what
You perhaps forgot ferritin and folate as these 2 can go down when B12 treatment has started, but not to worry, it should not be up to you what to test...Marre.
OK - my GP appointment is next week
The nurse has suggested that they will be moving on to a 12 week injection from then
If the GP does suggest that I think I should say I want an appointment with a haematologist - does that sound sensible? & offer to pay if she isn't keen
It all depends on how you are feeling, you can but try what is offered to you first and then see if its not helping you, then consider how to address that. Or jump the gun, see a haematologist, but be aware a NHS haematologist is stuck with NICE guidance, the only option you can be given is once every 2 months injections instead of 3 if you have neurological problems. Is your GP open for more frequent B12 injections, have you informed of the BNF guidance of once every 2 months maintenance? It all so depends if the B12 injections are working for you, if you have no other deficiencies and how your bloods are I expect..Marre
I thought if there were neurological symptoms I would have more frequent injections at least to start with
Do pins & needles & neuralgia count as neurological?
& I am so, so tired
Oh poor you, that one is so recognisable, the so very very tired..its still early days for you, and you may well have other deficiencies playing a part, and or thyroid, they will be testing for that to I expect. You have to tell your GP that you have tingling etc, and yes that is neurological, but it is early days, it took me 3-4 months to notice what good B12 injections do. I hope you will feel a lot better soon and perhaps have other issues addressed should they show up after the blood test. Its up to your GP what treatment you get..Marre.
3-4 months after they stopped the more regular/loading doses or after your first 12 weekly one?
From start of loading doses, think that was march felt the benefit September, but it was a long time ago. I know I went back to GP saying you have got this wrong, its doing nothing, but also that I had different loading doses. One a week for 6 weeks, then one a month for 3 months to then go onto maintenance every 3 months, it was a long time ago..2001. It can take 3-4 months for blood cells to be replaced with new ones with the increased B12. Marre.
So I feel better day 2-4 but now I'm on day 9 & I feel wreaked 
How long before test? 
Blood results 
Intrinsic factor blood test results...
Blood test re absorption question
GP will only agree to 3 monthly injections unless I have a blood test showing low b12 levels.
