Pernicious anemia

[April513]

Recently diagnosed with pernicious anemia last week. Sadly my complaints to my doctors fell on def ears and now I am suffering with nerve pain in my feet. Going for my third b 12 injection tomorrow and I cannot find anything to ease the pain. I have tried everything from strong pain relievers to essential oils. Somebody please help!!!

[fbirder]

Ordinary pain killers do nothing for neuropathic pain. Ask your doctor for something. There are two main types of drugs that are effective:

Anti-epileptics like gabapentin and pregabalin. I use gabapentin and the only side effect I get is that my dreams have become more vivid. But at least I can sleep to have the dreams.

Some anti-depressants. Amitryptaline and other tricyclics also work.

[Marz]

Is there anyway you could buy and treat yourself with more regular B12 injections rather than take drugs that may or may not work after a time. B12 is sometimes used as pain relief in some countries. I have horrid painful lower legs/feet after spinal surgery and find my B12 injections so helpful.

[deniseinmilden]

You often feel worse before you get better because the nerves "wake up" as they start to heal. Only when you have had high levels of B12 and supporting supplements to make it work for a while, will they heal because you need a lot to make up the deficiency and more for repair.

Try to get at least every other day injections until all your neurological symptoms are resolved.

If you need B12 you need it and taking painkillers, if they work at all, can mask nerve damage until it could be irreversible.

If you can't get enough injections from your GP, please consider self injecting. For more information, including sources of supplies you could look up my profile by double clicking on my name and see my post "My Experiences".

After 20 months of daily SI and loads of extra folate, potassium, magnesium and iron, I can't believe the difference in me and I am still improving. It is possible so go for it and get your life back!

Good luck!

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi April513 Do you know your iron and Folate levels as these work together with the B12?

[NJMommy]

Sorry to hear you are suffering. I had very bad nerve pain once I started injections as well. As mentioned earlier Gabapentin which is generic neurontin works well. It saved me, but does have some side effects. Lyrica works well too but I believe has more side effects than the neurontin does. Good luck and feel better!!!