And why are you referred? Did he say? B12 low I assume?
The haematologist will do more bloodtests probably, check some things (like bloodpressure etc) ask you about your symptoms and then depending on the results either order more tests, refer to another specialist or treat. All depends on why your GP referred you.
Sorry yes, a b12 deficiency was identified for me in January. The purpose of the phone call was to tell them I needed it more often than 3 months (which they agreed to, result!). But she also said she'd refer me too.
My GP didn't do any further blood tests after id'ing the problem, although I had a private consultation which seemed to rule out PA, celiac disease, crohns.
I guess the nhs (unaware I had a private consultation) are looking for the above, maybe. I might have answered my own question.
Your private test that 'ruled out' PA was probably a test for anti-Intrinsic Factor (IF) antibodies. This is a great test if it's positive, because it almost certainly means you have PA. However, a negative result doesn't rule out anything - because 50% of people with PA test negative.
With a bit of luck the haematologist will order the same test - so you'll have another chance.
Self injecting is the next step for me. They're going to show me how to do it and I assume arrange for me to procure b12 through the nhs.
I know you can get it via the www from German pharmacies. However I'm very apprehensive about ordering something from the net in a language I don't speak!!!!!
Is it the right stuff?
Does it have the equivalent of a British kitemark quality standard?
Basically I don't want to inject something I think is right only to start foaming at the mouth shortly before kicking the bucket.
I thought your GP was going to give you more? Maybe the haematologist can help as well?
The b12 from Germany: yes, it's the same and yes, very good and reliable. A lot (and I mean a lót) of people in Holland use them. There are 3 (or more) good ones:
My Gp has agreed to a frequency of every 2 months based on nice guidelines. But it's more like 7 weeks for me. I'm assuming if I start getting them every 7 weeks someone will notice and tell me off for being a b12 junkie. Maybe they won't supply me with it through the nhs.
You can always just try and go every 7 weeks til you get noticed Or add (good) supplements in the last couple of weeks (or longer) Might work well, you wouldn't be the first.
I got put on vitamin D by the private doc, it's hard to gauge if that had much of an effect. I've tried the spray and eat all bran and sauerkraut.
Onwards I go, injecting myself (with the right stuff) will be the win for me. I need to not be a waste of space in my private and work life 1 week of 8!!!
for me the stuff i got from abroad is better than what they give you in the UK.
I get neurobion forte currently from greece, when people go on holiday there. its cyanacobalamin and b1 b6
its all scary in the uk because its in an inject-able form, we are programmed in the uk that anything inject-able must be bad and must come from a doctor.
They just handle things differently on the continent, infact when i was given a uk supplied bottle of hydroxycobalamin it was "made in Germany".
I wouldnt buy the bootleg stuff from china but the EU is fine.
neurobion is not recommended (in general) because it has high dose B6 as well, which could give neuro problems if it is taken often, and benzylalcohol as preservative, which some people are allergic to. But some people do fine on it, so then no problem.
sure, im not suggesting someone else takes this, im just saying it works good for me. i have no neuro symptoms and am obviously not allergic, but well pointed out i wouldnt want someone else to take this and get ill.
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