I have been self injecting 1mg hydroxycobalamin. I went down the si route last July following the gradual onset of extreme tiredness/fatigue/unable to stay awake in the day. Also numerous neuro symptoms including inability to concentrate, slurring speech, unsteady gait, vertigo, anxiety, paranoia plus a whole load of other unpleasant symptoms. My gp gave me the usual loading doses, but just ignored my entreaties in respect of my neuro problems. After research on this site and others, we decided to si.
Started every other day in September and noticed big improvements, but then things plateaud for a while. At Christmas I went to daily shots and there were further significant improvements. I know that as I have a very physically active and mentally stressful job I probably burn up my b12 like it's going out of fashion. About a month ago I felt ready to try every other day again. After 4 weeks of that I have had to go back to daily shots as I was definitely regressing. My mental capacity had fallen and I was slowing down physically too. No back on daily shots and much improved again. My question is how long do others have to self inject at this rate for? Are others out there having to si at this rate? I shall just keep going as it seems to be working for me. I would like to find out whether I am alone in this or not.
I have been careful to make sure I eat lots of potassium rich foods and keep up with the other important vitamins too.
Many thanks to all who reply.,
Written by
roddogsbody
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Also are you taking a daily multivitamin to support the B12?
Have you looked going dairy (casein protein) and gluten free. These caused me the same tiredness symptoms as the lack of B12 did.
Do you keep a timed logbook of your symptoms to track any food issues? The delay is 3 to 48 hours and may be caused by one of your favorite foods. For me it was milk in my coffee.
Hi roddogsbody as pvanderaa asks "What level of folic acid are you supplementing?" as a deficiency in that can produce similar symptoms to a B12 deficiency.
"Folic acid works closely with vitamin B12 in making red blood cells and helps iron function properly in the body. Vitamin B9 works with vitamins B6 and B12 and other nutrients in controlling the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine".
Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) University of Maryland Medical Centre
I'm not a medically trained person but I have taken 1 – Folic Acid 400μg and 1 – Ferrous Fumarate 210mg tablet every day for more years than I can remember and I've had P.A. since 1972.
Hi Roddogsbody, I have also been self injecting every other day since last November and my symptoms have improved a little but I still have the feeling of cotton wool stuffed feet constantly and electrical shock sensations in hands. and many other symptoms. I sometimes try and reduce to 2 injections a week. I think it is the worry that you will never get better that gets to you but the nerves do take time to heal so I keep that in mind. Eating a good diet of potassium rich food, bananas, kiwi, mango avocado etc is essential also dark leafy vegetables. I take a multi vitamin once or twice weekly. I think trying to rest when you become tired is also important. I am always much worse at night. I understand also that GPs do not appreciate how distressing and debilitating b12 deficiency is and not able to talk to your doctor puts you in a very isolated place. Had I not found this site and discovered many other people were in the same situation, searching for answers and solutions , not sure how I would have coped. You are most certainly not alone. I hope you continue to make improvements . Best wishes
I find it shocking roddogsbody that, in spite of your severe symptoms, and knowing the importance of ability to continue working, your GP did not continue loading doses 'until no further improvement'....
I can only deeply sympathise, as well as relate to all of potter5's post above.
I've been injecting every other day for the last seven weeks after experiencing neurological symptoms following two viruses earlier in the year as well as realising that age related hypochlorhydria had probably been affecting my ability to absorb sufficient B12.
After the initial vast improvement, I noticed I began to relapse in reaction to any kind of stress or overdoing walking (luckily gait not affected) so, like potter5, considering whether to inject daily, for a while at least.
I'm so glad this is working for you. Personally, if not already doing so, I think I would maybe add in a good multi B Complex to cope with job stress?
Hello, I would suggest running the use cronometer.com for a couple of Months to make sure you are getting all required nutrients and minerals. I had the same problem as you. I came the conclusion that I could back off the B12 when My diet was in point. Is super easy not to notice that 2-3 weeks has gone by and that I had not been so vigilant. Also if drinking make sure you replace the minerals and vits as over the course of a few evening this can deplete what you have working for you. Total bore, I know. But it has worked for me. All the best
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