My b12 was 202 ng/l in Feb 2017 (reference range 200-900) - GP said normal and refused to do anything. I took sublingual for a month but seemed to do very little. Private text results on Intrinsic Factor Antibody result 3.00 Au/ML. The lab said this was normal. Is it? Gastric Parietal antibody test also came back negative.
Another B12 test from GP in May 2017: result was 250 ng/l again the GP said this was normal. However, I am having horrible symptoms and would like some advice. symptoms:
Many thanks. Oh how good it is to feel people are listening! I have not had my folate level checked. I was taking sublingual for a month before my latest test which may explain the borderline levels.
Do you know, if Intrinsic factor antibodies level 3 au/l normal? The lab told me it was classed as 'negative'. Is this usual?
I have a GP appointment tomorrow - will read all the documents you suggest and go ready!
Flowchart above makes it clear that In UK, patients who are symptomatic for B12 deficiency should have an IFA (Intrinsic Factor Antibody) test and start initial b12 treatment. This applies whether B12 is low or within range.
IFA test can help to diagnose PA (Pernicious Anaemia) but test is not always reliable and it is still possible to have PA even if IFA test result is negative (called Antibody Negative Pernicious Anaemia).
Are you symptomatic for B12 deficiency? See lists underneath.
Thank you so much. I will take a look at all of these. Is it possible to have such strong symptoms when borderline . . . I have felt like i was going mad and no medical expert would listen!
In my personal opinion, yes...I was highly symptomatic for many years with b12 levels between 300 and 400ng.
I think borderline results are mentioned in several of the links above and in the two B12 books.
In UK in recent years there has been an emphasis on paying more attention to symptoms ....see BMJ B12 article, BSH Cobalamin guidelines, UK NEQAS B12 Alert etc
"no medical expert would listen"
That is sadly the experience of some on this forum and why I think it's a good idea to read as much about b12 deficiency as possible.
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I would go along with Sleepybunny on that as well, my B12 was 385ng with horrendous neurological symptoms and over range MCV. I was even dismissed by a neurologist.
You sound just like me, except I also have high anxiety & depression. I'm in the US. I had 10 weeks of once weekly 1000mg Vit B injections. I also have neuropathy. And the other symptoms you listed. I'm 21 on birth control. I don't have pernicious anemia, don't have celiac, I was also tested for intrinsic factor which was normal. Now I'm being told I should try antidepressants! I've already tried a few & they didn't work for me. I'm waiting to hear from my neurologist. Left a message but cannot get in for a month. The last time I saw my neuro they recommended nasal B12 drop which is a prescription here, it's only 500mcg once a week so I'm also using sublingual also. My B12 did go up to 800, was tested a week after last injection. With my mood I'm really wondering if I'm bipolar without the "highs". Hang in there. I'm not giving up! Also read "Could it be B 12". It's almost like I could of written the book except no test is confirming it. Have you had ALL thyroid tests done? Mine were all normal, no antibiotics etc, ultrasound only should slight to moderate enlargement.
You might need B12 injections if oral supplementing doesn't help.
B12 injections work like magic, but you need to give it time. I started feeling better after 9--10 injections (one per week) then you can lessen the frequency of injections. Some people manage with once a month but most docs recommend 1 every 3 months which is not enough for most people.
I self inject 1 every 2 weeks. (1ml B12)
It all depends on how bad your symptoms are.
You also normally need to take Folic Acid daily when on injections. Normally 400iu so B12 is used properly.
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