Advice on B12d/PA testing.: Hi, Please... - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,672 members24,065 posts

Advice on B12d/PA testing.

Cn13 profile image
Cn13
2 Replies

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.

Written by
Cn13 profile image
Cn13
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
2 Replies
fbirder profile image
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 profile image
Cn13 in reply tofbirder

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.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Diagnosis of PA advice please.

Hi everyone, I posted here recently asking for advice about being diagnosed with PA/B12 deficiency...
Cn13 profile image

Should I keep investigating B12 deficiency or just give up

Hi Everyone, I'm looking for advice and help on whether I should keep investigating B12 deficiency...
Cn13 profile image

Co-morbidities with B12D/PA

Did anyone get any strange or unusual comorbidities around the time of their B12 deficiency or PA...
Pickle500 profile image

Various B12D/PA resources

Admin Edit: This is not an official PAS post but it does contain many resources that may be of use...
jade_s profile image

Hallelujah

5 months to get to see a consultant and finally I speak to someone who knows about being b12...
Steap profile image

Moderation team

See all
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator
Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator
taka profile image
takaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.