New to this ....

[Boo74]

New to this!!

Hi have recently been diagnosed with PA. I have a few questions as follows:

1. I have had persistently high blood pressure for over 9 months - can PA cause this?

2. Following loading dose (5 shots) I have experienced painful large blind spots on my face, scalp and neck - is this normal?

3. Following loading dose I have had lower back pain (I have suffered with this in the past but i normally know what triggers it - in this case nothing other than injections)

4. Following loading dose I have experienced pain in middle finger on right hand which is causing difficultly in carrying things and in the last couple of days I have experienced pain in other fingers on both hands (also have numbness in side of left toe for the last 3 months and pain in feet)

5. Following loading dose, skin feels like very fine sandpaper - is this typical?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Boo74

[pvanderaa]

I get sandpaper skin a day after being out in the sun. The B12 injection makes some people photosensitive.

Spots (pimples) is another side effect. It seems like hormones reactivate. This does settle out.

Increased nerve pain is an indication, at least in my case, that B12 is doing its job and making the nerves function again. This pain is an illusion to the brain. It should also subside as the brain recalibrates. It is not pleasant, in my case it was a sore tooth that seemed to go crazy after I got my jab.

Right after starting injections is like a roller coaster ride. Keep a log of your symptoms relative to the day of your injection and see which ones repeat after the next jab. Some will disappear as you improve.

[Boo74 in reply to pvanderaa]

Thank you for taking the time to respond

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Think most of your questions have been answered by pvanderaa - just the high blood pressure one that didn't seem to be covered.

B12 Deficiency can cause high blood pressure ... but then so can a lot of other things

[Boo74 in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you for taking the time to respond

[pvanderaa]

Regarding your question 4, the long nerves to the tips of the finger and toes are the ones with the most mylin sheath and most prone to damage from low B12 and/or low Folate. Also they are the first to respond to b12 so you can get what has been described as pins and needles in your fingers and toes.

[pvanderaa]

Regarding blood pressure - I'm on Cyano-B12 injection, once a week and have low blood pressure. The nurse comments on it each time she takes it, but it has been consistent so she does not appear concerned.