This is all a bit new to me. But my heart sinks seeing some of the problems other people have had. Also because of the difficulty I have had previously getting diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In fact when I felt tired in January I originally thought it was that, but blood tests showed low Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. I was given Vitamin D caps, advised that I may not be able to absorb Vitamin B12 and to come back in 3 months to have my bloods done again.
Easter weekend I noticed I was clumbsy and irritable so made another GP appointment with different doctor at the surgery. He said when I saw him that Vitamin B12 should have been followed up. While I was waiting to get results through I started getting the sensation of being jabbed by a hot needle. I am worried about this.
I phoned Tuesday last week and was told I would need injections which I started that day. However I don't really feel I have been told much or given much information.
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Panpal
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Sounds like your B12 deficiency could be PA based on the fact you mention an injection from the surgery. However it doesn't make sense as normally you would have been diagnosed with PA following the relevant tests and should be on what is called loading doses until any neurological symptoms stop ie every other day but not an injection then wait for a diagnosis as any further B12 tests would be skewed. Take along the Nice guidelines available from the forum and keep them in your pocket incase you need to refer to them.
I would suggest also that you ask about your folate levels as you should be taking folate once you have started your injections.
Please look through the pinned posts - there is lots of information there about what B12 deficiency is, what the symptoms are and how it should be treated. You may also want to think about joining the PAS itself
Although many of us struggle with GPs there are some good doctors out there - sounds like the one you spoke to on Tuesday was more on the ball.
PA is the most common cause of B12 deficiency but there are others. The symptoms of PA are the symptoms of the B12 deficiency that it causes. It is a vitamin that is used for a lot of processes in the body so symptoms are very varied.
Hi Panpal. So sorry that you're having such a rough time...and thank goodness the second GP recognised that your B12 deficency should be treated 😀.
It sounds as if you have neurological symptoms and if you do, you will need more frequent B12 injections - called the neurological regime - but not many GPs know about this. In this regime of treatment you have six loading doses on alternate days and then continue with every other day injections until your symptoms stop improving (called no further improvement in the guidelines (this can take many months for some people).
Also wondering if your GP checked your folate levels? B12 and folate work together so if you're deficienct or low in folate, the body cannot utilise vitamin B12 properly. So...good idea to ask your GP to check if not already tested.
I'm going to post you some links below which contain information about B12 deficiency and its treatment - and also some 'myth busting' information that may help you in the future (some GP's how odd notions about B12 deficency so knowing some basic information often helps you to help your GP to help you - if you see what I mean 😀).
Don't be daunted by what looks like a lot of information. Most of the links are to one page documents and the longer one (the BSH guidelines) contains summary sections if you don't feel like wading through it all - though it is very good. I've annotate the links to make it easier to spot what might be relevant to,you at any particular time - just print and read at your leisure.
B12 deficency can be quite complex so you're likely to have lots of questions in the future. Just pop up a post anytime you need any help and support - we have lots of lovely knowledgable members who can pop along to offer support and help.
stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten... (B12 Deficiency: Neurological Symptoms Can Present Even When B12 is ‘In-Range’ and Without Macrocytosis (large red blood cells) or confirmed PA Diagnosis)
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