Blood tests after loading jabs

[Dianebee]

Im due to have my last loading jab on Friday, before hand my b12 levels were 113. The nurse stated that I would need a blood test once we finish to determine whether I need 3 monthly injections or not. Surely my levels will be high after having 6 injections? So can they say I don't need 3 monthly jabs. Im so new to this and so many different answers, please help!!

[LtAngua52]

From what I understand having your b12 tested once you are having injections is useless as it will be higher! I think it is a problem if it is still low though, despite injections. The guidelines in the British committee on standards in haematology confirm this. Perhaps the nurse/doctor needs to read a copy? It states that injections should be every 2 months if you have neurological symptoms and 3 months if not. Although many need it more frequently. You need them for life too if you have PA or an absorption problem. I'm no expert but other more experienced members will give you better information.

[Dianebee]

Think this is what I'm worried about

[Dianebee]

thank you!! this is something im thinking of doing

[fbirder]

Download my summary document - frankhollis.com/temp/Summar... - where there are links to three expert papers that say that testing once injections have started it a waste of time.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

B12 immediately after loading shots is unlikely to be anything but high - and is a stupid way of going. It might be useful a few months after the loading shot and before your maintenance shot because if it shows that your levels are low again then that is evidence that you need B12 more frequently.

If you have an absorption problem then regardless of the levels in your blood you will become deficient and need a maintenance shot to replace B12. Someone without an absorption problem can store several years of B12 in their liver and release it as needed through bile into the ileum for reabsorption - but if you have an absorption problem then most of the B12 is just going to go all the way back out through your gut so eventually you will become deficient again.

And the whole thing is based on misconception that what matters is what the levels are in your blood - which is a load of twaddle - you can be deficient at the cell level even if you have high levels in your blood so what counts is what is happening at the cell level.

Really hope that you are able to use the papers fbirder put together to get through the wall of rubbish based on ignorance that the nurse is expressing

[Sleepybunny]

A link that may be useful

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

Have you read Martyn Hooper's latest book? It's up to date with current UK B12 guidelines.

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency"

There may be stories relevant to you on Martyn Hooper's blog.

martynhooper.com/

[Hillwoman in reply to Sleepybunny]

I can really recommend Martyn's latest book - a must-read.

[Leeja]

I have had my 5 injections as my level was 79, I am having another blood test on 1st August to determine what they are going to do. I was put on B12 supplements at first but after 5 weeks felt worse so I saw another GP who said I should have had the injections first. The GP didn't know as much as I did, I have had to push and question everything but feel as if I am making some headway now. Good luck

[Babygodmother]

I had several loading doses as had neuro involvement - my doctor took my B12 again (I was unaware of this) and it was so high it was "undetectable" and he refused further treatment, despite me being very ill and seeing a neurologist who said there was nothing wrong with me! I self treated and finally got some sense out of the NHS when my GP forwarded my notes to a haematologist who said I should be treated. However, I find I need to inject every 2-3 days so I just do this myself. I have found that the vast majority of docs have NOT A CLUE of the consequences of untreated PA - I am a nurse & have given thousands of B12 injections and now I will be sticking up for my patients to get the correct treatment. I have had enough of doctors.

You do not necessarily need your levels checked, your treatment should be based on symptoms and response to loading doses. And f/u injections should be given as frequently as required. Good luck.

[Polaris]

BMJ research document (bottom of page 4 under 'Response to Treatment' :

cmim.org/pdf2014/funcion.ph...

"Homocysteine or methylmalonic acid should normalise during the first week of treatment. Failure to do so suggests an incorrect diagnosis, unless renal failure or other causes of increases in the metabolites coexist. Cobalamin and holotranscobalamin levels are not helpful because they increase with vitamin B12 influx regardless of the effectiveness of treatment,24 and retesting is not usually required."