having a colonoscopy and a scope run ... - Pernicious Anaemi...

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having a colonoscopy and a scope run into my stomach and dilation of my throat and have questions.

kimandken profile image
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I have posted several times here and have gotten some great advice. I was suppose to have a colonoscopy and scope run to check my stomach and dilate my throat. My concern is that im still dealing with my doctor and trying to get him to see that b12 deficiency is a real thing. I am a bit worried about being put under for all these test seeing I have so many symptoms of b12 deficiency and still not being treated properly. Should I be concerned about going under anesthesia. any advice would be appreciated as i have been rescheduled for this next monday and my drs. are not listening. I am seeing my dr. tomorrow and will post in my last post to update on what we talked about there...Thank you

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kimandken
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Deuto profile image
Deuto

You are certainly having a rough time, kimandken.

I had a quick look through your previous posts and note that you are in the US. I also see you have had a lot of good advice from the experts here on your B12 symptoms etc.

In respect of your concerns in this post, I would be thankful rather than worried that you are getting a colonoscopy etc which I am sure are intended to further investigate your problems, including your B12 deficiency. Some forms of B12 deficiency (including Pernicious Anaemia) due to absorption problems are very much related to problems in the digestive system. So the fact that they are going in to look at this system is excellent in my opinion. Some of us would like to be that lucky!

I am still very much on a learning curve, but I would be a little concerned about what type of sedation or anesthesia may be used. Apparently nitrous oxide or other forms of anesthesia which contain nitrous oxide can be a problem for people with B12 conditions as it apparently makes the B12 in your blood inactive.

As I say I am not an expert in this area and am hoping that one of the Administrators - eg Gambit62 or Foggyme or fbirder - will come to our aid on the nitrous oxide issue when the UK wakes up.

In the meantime, there was this discussion on this just a few days ago

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

Also another couple of related posts

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

No - you do not need to be come an expert overnight!

Also, if you are having problems with your doctor re B12 issues, I would not necessarily raise this with him/her.

Instead I would suggest that you do what I did just yesterday when I had to have CT scan for problems unrelated to my PA.

I discussed the fact that I have PA with the people doing the scan in the preparation stages, and asked whether the dye they were going to inject into me was a problem. We also discussed nitrous oxide and its issues with B12.

They were totally informed on all of this - far more so than, I suspect, many doctors. I suspect you will find the same with the experts doing your colonoscopy etc as I assume you are not having these done by your doctor.

Very best wishes.

kimandken profile image
kimandken in reply to Deuto

I got very upset and demanding more or less that i have a colonoscopy a mammogram and a referral to a rheumatologist . it was a fight to get these appointments. the mammogram showed a mass on my right breast and i have had a follow up and it still looked the same so in 6 months i will have another mammogram and hope that it hasnt grown. my understanding if it grows then its cancer. my colonoscopy is being done because of the history of colon cancer in my family. its my hope by eliminating all these other things maybe they will pay more attention to the b 12 issue. i have printed out all the information that was given to me in my other post and have read them over several times and i am still a bit confused. i find that i cant concentrate for long at all and i hate it. i have highlighted things to talk and ask about tomorrow. if i have read it right i need a full cbc blood count, my b12 my folate a full iron panel and i think that was it. i am requesting those and am taking the printed copies with me for him to look at of all the info i have been given. i have even printed out all links given to me and high lighted some things on them. i am very motivated to figure this out and am grateful for all the help. my last doctor told me to stop looking for something wrong and gave me anxiety medication and depression and i have never had anxiety in all my life and depression i had many years ago. i told her i know my body and something is wrong and is basically why i found a new dr. hoping i get further with him as he happens to be my dr. ten years ago. when i moved i changed drs. but its worth the travel as i always liked him...again thank you all for the info and support it is very much appreciated as i spend a lot of time researching this and if i can figure this out and change the minds of even one dr. about this and i can go on to help someone as you all have helped me then its worth it.

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

Aside from avoiding nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic there is nothing to worry about in the procedure and it may actually show up problems - gastric atrophy - that would cause absorption problems that would lead to a b12 deficiency.

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