Finally got my GP to email my blood results - after being told it would cost me 50p a sheet to have them printed out! Although some results are "within the normal range" they seem to be at the lower end.
Is anyone able to take a look at the results and let me know their thoughts?
The report gives B12 as low and folate is on the low side.
Is your doctor absolutely sure that the reason your B12 is low is because of diet - the B12 dose he has you on - looking at your other post - is actually quite low so isn't really going to change much if you do have an absorption problem.
Yes, you need folate to absorb and use B12 and getting that up would be good but that shouldn't impact on the format of B12 that you need.
Doesn't look like IFA or PCA were included in the tests so they can't rule that out as a cause. Other absorption problems would included:
stomach acid levels - get lower as you get older and you need a certain level of acidity to process B12
surgery or genetic abnormalities affecting the ileum (where B12 is absorbed
drug interactions: including metformin (diabetes), omeprazole (acid reflux), gabapentin (anti-convulsive) and rafts of other
Really your doctor should be ruling out absorption problems first rather than assuming that you don't have an absorption problem and treating you on that basis ... and B9 levels aren't really relevant to that.
White blood count being low could be related to B12 but definitely not an expert when it comes to anaemia.
Can't help in relation to any potential thyroid issues either - don't think there is much there that might relate to thyroid. Think it is the TSH level which is okay but there is an awful lot more to thyroid than just one test result - the little I do know.
Your B12 is low. If you are symptomatic you need treatment. Go back to GP with someone after reading BCSH guidelines (google). Tablets will not be enough at those doses if you have symptoms. Good luck!
Or at the very least make this post private so it can only be seen by members of the forum - though not sure if you can do that once the post is up - though think you should be able to change it
You should make sure you have a copy of your results, then delete this post and put up again after deletion of your personal information at bottom of form. Not good to have any personal info online.
50p a sheet? Gosh, thats really going to save the NHS!!!LOL! you are entitled to a copy of your blood tests, your doctor CANNOT refuse so I would be minded to hold out my hand for the printout, say thank you very much and walk away before they get their hands on my lolly! What an absolute cheek! Ok Rant over.
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