12 weeks for PA injections

[sparkin]

Went to GP for my regular 8 week injection. Felt quite rough before. I was told that injections would only be given every 12 weeks to everyone as there was no evidence that more frequent injections had any effect. Is this the case at all GP's?

[Hidden]

Unfortunately current guidance for NHS GP's is maintenance of B12 every 3 months unless neurological issues, then its 2 months. Some GPs are happy to give more frequent B12 injections others are not. Can be a cost issue..

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Unfortunately it is up to your GP how they treat you - though they do have a duty of care and following guidance such as NICE guidelines would probably be seen in a court of law as being evidence that they have followed that duty of care ... even if the guidance is a bit on the naff side.

what is your GP basing his assertion that there is no evidence that more frequent injections have no effect? In any case lack of evidence does nothing to either prove or disprove a proposition.

Frustrating that doctors can be so stupid and that really doesn't help you.

Could you afford to treat yourself?

[Ruby-Dooby]

I have been so lucky with my GP, the fourth Dr I tried though within the group, and I am now getting monthly b12 shots. It only took a year in the end. I also made an ally of one of the nurses because she had just discovered she had a b12 deficiency too. I did emphasise that the pins and needles in my feet and hands, and frequently my mouth, had not gone. That a thousand other symptoms were still invading everyday. You know if you are poorly and your life is being altered, not for the better! The support and guidance here helped me so muchtoo, to be confident and sure of myself instead of getting fobbed off. There really are people within the medical field who do not understand the repercussions of this deficiency and we as a group have got to put them right, politely but firmly. Good luck Sparkin, and I do hope you can find the energy to fight for your health.

[MariLiz]

The same at my surgery, I keep asking but no luck so far. MariLiz

[mardiray]

Well we got my daughter onto 8 weekly injections by simply going to the nurse more often. They didn't pick up on it and it became normal and accepted. Changed surgery now though, due to move, and they insisted on her having a test to check levels..which have come back very high...and doctor suggested that she stop having injections for three months and then they will test her levels to see if she is low. She will become very unwell if she does this, as just leaving it for 12 weeks causes her to become very unwell, and then it takes a couple of weeks, after the injection, to pick up. At the age of 24 she should have energy to live. She is a singer and her voice is effected when b12 is due, as well as the general muscle fatigue, depression etc kicking in. Within a couple of days she notices the difference. So..now to visit the doctor and explain all from the very beginning. I have to say that not a lot has been done to find the cause of the problem..which two of her sisters also have, (and also do not know the cause of the b12 deficiency).