Advice on B12d/PA testing.

[Cn13]

Hi,

Please can someone give me some advice. I have posted a few times previously and got some great advice. At the moment I have iron deficiency anaemia which is being treated. I also think I may have B12 deficiency. In 2012 I was told that my anaemia at that time was caused by a B12 deficiency. I was told to buy B12 tablets so I didn't realise how serious this could affect my health. In March this year after they discovered my ferritin was really low I asked for my hospital records but there are pages missing so I can't see what other tests they may have done at the time.

My new GP gave me 5 B12 loading doses at the beginning of April based on what I told him about what happened in 2012. Because I wasn't able to provide much proof from 2012 he has now stopped the B12 treatment. I have neurological symptoms and Psychiatric symptoms and have been diagnosed with depression.

The GP has now referred me to a neurologist because of my memory problems. He has also said he will do an IF test after I had the neurologist appointment. I would really prefer to have an active B12 test and I mentioned this and then he looked up my serum B12 test which was done at the beginning of March it was 564 but I have been taking supplements. To me it sounds he doesn't fully understand B12 deficiency.

My main question is how long will I now have to wait to get tested properly to rule out or confirm a B12 deficiency. My last loading dose was 10th April. I am having another blood test in 3 weeks time to check on the iron levels is there any other blood test I could ask to have done that might show anything.

I would be grateful for any advice please. Thanks.

[fbirder]

Apart from the anti-IF test, any other relevant test will be affected by taking supplements. You really need to wait several months for the B12 to clear your system to get a good idea as to whether or not you have a B12 problem.

[Cn13 in reply to fbirder]

Hi fbirder,

Thanks very much for your reply. I have been reading and trying to understand more about B12 deficiency thanks to everyone here. I think I have read that the anti-IF test may be unreliable and not give a correct diagnosis. I was thinking of trying to insist the GP send me for an active B12 test or even get it done privately. Or would you recommend a better test please. Do you think about 4 months might be enough time. I know it's probably hard to tell.

Hope you can help I'm finding all this so stressful. Thank you.