More pooh-poohing.

[stumpnme1]

Well, what a waste of time and energy. I plucked up the courage to go back to the doctor, I am not happy with them, so I saw one I haven't seen before, hoping for some support. I really wanted confirmation that the pain in my back and hip was a muscle spasm. It is. However, I was silly enough to ask questions about b12d, why the injections have no effect on my weakness +++++++ and she happily refused to believe that b12 was anything to do with my symptoms, didn't think people got referrals to Haematologists or anyone else, thinks there must be 'something else going on' and wouldn't 'get into that now'. She also said that previous bowel surgery wouldn't matter as I am having injections so the bowel wasn't involved. I'm afraid I came home in tears, feeling stupid and a waste of space. And hopeless.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you felt your appt was a waste of time.

"didn't think people got referrals to Haematologists"

If you're in UK, doctor could look in her copy of BNF (British national Formulary) Chapter 9 Section 1.2 where I think it suggests a referral to haematologist for anyone who is symptomatic for b12 deficiency with neurological symptoms.

NICE guidelines mention referral to haematologist if neuro symptoms present.

cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-b12...

I think referral to haematologist is mentioned in BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines, A UK b12 document. I'd recommend reading whole BSH document.

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

"came home in tears"

That happened to me many times, you have my empathy.

Have you considered writing a letter to GP?

link about writing to GPs about B12 deficiency (UK information)

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

HDA patient care trust

UK charity that offers free second opinions on medical diagnoses and treatment.

hdapatientcaretrust.com/

Is there any way you could move to another GP practice?

I read on an older thread of yours that you had loading doses then 3 monthly injections. this is the standard treatment pattern in UK, for people with b12 deficiency without neuro symptoms.

Neuro Symptoms

In UK, people with b12 deficiency with neuro symptoms are supposed to have a loading injection every other day for as long as symptoms continue to get better then it's an injection every 2 months.As far as I know, this pattern applies whatever the original cause of the B12 deficiency.

This information is in BNF British National Formulary Chapter 9 Section 1.2 Most UK GPs will have a copy of BNF sitting on desk or bookshelf . It's possible to get own copy from good bookshop or popular internet retailer.

UK B12 treatment info is also in "BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines".

Do you have neurological symptoms?

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

b12d.org/admin/healthcheck/...

If yes to neuro symptoms, has GP explained why you are not receiving B12 treatment regime for those with neuro symptoms?

There can be many causes of neuro symptoms as well as b12 deficiency, if you have neuro problems have you ever been referred to a neurologist?

I think you mentioned gut issues in one thread. Have you ever been tested for Coeliac disease?

coeliac.org.uk/coeliac-dise...

Multiple causes of B12 deficiency

It's possible to have more than one cause of B12 deficiency at the same time.

Risk factors for PA and B12 deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

b12deficiency.info/who-is-a...

I am not medically trained just someone who has struggled to get a diagnosis.

[stumpnme1 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Hi, Sleepybunny, thanks for such a comprehensive reply. I will read it again and take it all in. I am mentally preparing myself for a visit to the dentist this afternoon for some root canal work, goody goody, I shall be glad to go to bed tonight! Thanks again.x

[Sleepybunny in reply to stumpnme1]

Does dentist know you have B12 deficiency? Some drugs can interfere with B12 and folate in body.

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

[Annnon58]

Know how you feel , I hope gP s are trained soon