High red blood count?

[Emmy1991]

So have been told today I'll be having every 3 monthly injections and (b12 198) folate (2.6). And I've been prescribed frolic acid 5mg. But my red blood count is high. He explained that confirms the b12 but my anxietys taking over I can't remember what he said I'm so worried if it was serious would he of sent me off for further tests or is it due to my b12/folate. ???

[Secondchance]

Hi

Have you had loading doses first? If neurological symptoms maintenance is every 2 months. Get a copy of your detailed results and post here for help. He may have said your blood MCV is high, which means larger red blood cells, commonly due to B12 or folate deficiency, but not found in everyone. This is easily treated by the B12 injections and folic acid and should show on your next blood test. Try not to worry- you are doing well to get on the right treatment for your B12 and folate results.

[Emmy1991 in reply to Secondchance]

Haha I just rang otherwise I wouldn't of slept tonight felt like a right idiot. He did mean my MCV. I was like omg I've got cancer as my health anxiety is stupid at the moment and he reassured all my bloods are perfectly fine apart my b12/folate and high MCV and again that is related to the b12. He's re-accessing me in 6 months. Can't believe my old surgery were not gonna treat me.

Now I'm wondering if I should of asked what caused this and maybe there should be further investigation? But I had a fbc, liver, thyroid, kidney all the standards said all was perfect. Should I just trust my doc now and calm down lol

[Secondchance in reply to Emmy1991]

High MCV is mainly caused by low B12/folate/alcohol- your body will quickly start to make new better sized cells after starting treatment (7-10 days) and gradually your large blood ells will be replaced by normal sized ones.

It is understandable to be anxious especially if you have had a previous bad experience but this doctor seems to know his stuff and has at least started treatment.

Sleep well!

[Emmy1991 in reply to Secondchance]

Deffo them two as I don't really drink. Hopefully I will start feeling better. Thanks.

[wedgewood]

Yes , I want some too.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Emmy1991. Oh that's good news. Well done.

Just make sure you get the 6 x loading doses (1mg every other day) first - the loading doses are designed to get low levels up as quickly as possible - and your's are low 😖.

Also - just be aware that if you have neurological symptoms then you need injections every other day until no further improvement, then every eight weeks. (Rather than the 3 monthly currently suggested). Just saying 'cause not many GP's are aware of this regime and I think you may have said before that you have neurological symptoms - but apologies if I'm wrong - it's late 💤💤.

Just ask if you need pointing towards evidence for the neuro regime - sorry, have to trot...brain's flagging 😖😱😬

Hope you feel much better soon....plenty of lovely B12 should do the trick 😀.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

links to lists of B12 deficiency Symptoms including neuro symptoms

pernicious-anaemia-society.... click on Symptoms Checklist

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

In UK patients with B12 deficiency with neuro symptoms should get loading injections every other day for as long as their symptoms continue to improve. Once symptoms are stable then it's an injection every 2 months. Info about this can be found in BCSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelnes about a quarter through document.

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/

Put Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines in search box on website which should lead to a link to document or click on box at bottom of page which says "Diagnosis of B12 and Folate Deficiency"