Post injection blues

[Steap]

I've had a great week after my first b12 injection (9 days ago) but yesterday and very much so today I'm shattered.

They don't want me to take any additional b12 while I'm trying the injected b12 but I'm feeling really drained and achey.

Is this what they describe as 'reversing out'?

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Steap. What some people call 'reversing out' is more a case of symptoms getting worse before there is any improvement.

What you're describing sounds more like the kind of 'running out' that happens when more frequent injections of B12 are required (i.e. feeling good after the injection and then gradually or suddenly running out - with symptoms returning - before the next one is due).

Seem to recall you had neurological symtpoms - might be worth trying - again - to get the neurological regime prescribed. Maybe a letter to your GP? With evidence?

👍

[Steap]

Nope they gave me one injection and I've got to make it last 3 months.......

It's because I got my serum up to 900pg on sublinguals but still felt bad so the agreed a trial of two injections (six months).

[UDEE]

Steap,

That seems strange...When they started me on b12 injections (subQ), they gave me a shot every week for 4 weeks then monthly thereafter. The reason is that only a minute portion of that 1,000mcg/ml actually gets to the b12 "reservoir" (analogy) in your body that is deficient and causing you problems. So, the weekly shots build up the reservoir and then monthly is maintenance. You can confirm all this with your doctor or even just look at an authoritative medical website like Mayo Clinic (not Dr. Google). So, maybe the nurse who gave you the injection is short on education on b12 shots...(no insults intended).

P.S. In my experience also, sudden feelings of "drained and achey" are a consequence of B12 deficiency status, if you are chronically in that boat...

[Deuto in reply to UDEE]

Hi UDEE

I see you are new here so welcome.

I believe you are in the US whereas Steap is in the UK. Different protocols and guidelines apply in the US to those in the UK, and many other countries have different regimes yet again. The majority of the people here are in the UK, although there is also a sizeable number of people from the US, plus others like myself from other parts of the world (in my case New Zealand).

The type and frequency of injections you have had appear to be the standard regime in the US.

In addition, the type of injectable B12 used in the US tends to be cyanocobalamin whereas in the UK, NZ and a number of other countries hydroxocobalamin is the main type used and available through the public medical services.

So the treatment regime that Steap, for example, should be given through the UK NHS is loading doses every second day for two to three weeks, followed by a review at 3 weeks of any improvements etc to symptoms; then where there are neurological symptoms, continuation of the injections every second day until no further improvement, and thereafter injections every two months. Where there were no neurological symptoms to start with, the UK protocol is to give three monthly injections only after the two weeks of loading doses every second day.

So Steap or any other UK based people here are unlikely to get the treatment regime you have in the US.

I don't know whether you have read the pinned posts on the side of this page, but suggest that you do so to understand these differences in treatment regimes and in the different tyoes of B12 used. Otherwise discussion and advice can be at cross - purposes, and misleading to those seeking advice.

Steap has had quite a long and frustrating journey trying to get treatment which you can read about by clicking on their name - in blue - under the post title at the top of the thread or any Steap reply in the thread. This will take you to all the Posts Steap has filed prior to this one which give context to this post.

That said, welcome again. I am sure you will soon meet up with lots of other US based members.

[greenbexy]

If I was you I still take additional B12, as once you've had the injections it would be pointless in blood testing anyway. Maybe go back to GP and tell them you felt better at first, then drained again quite soon after. Which in my book would 'prove' the B12 helped. Then again, on second thoughts, these doctors know best, they make you feel like a hypochondriac at the best of times!