Thinking of giving injections a go, help!!!!

[acdoore]

Hi all

My mum has PA and even though she has some awful symptoms the doctor's still only give her injections every 3 months.

I am 36 an starting to have my own symptoms. You will see my blood results on previous posts but basically they come back "normal" and that's all the doctor's seem to care about and ignore the symptoms I get.

So now I am giving up on the NHS and are thinks of trying injecting myself.

I have seen loads of posts about different types of b12 shots out there and am a bit confused.

I am also a bit nervous about self injecting but feel like it's my only option so any advice would be welcomed.

Hopefully if I get used to self injecting I can talk my mum into it too as she really needs more than just quarterly shots.

Thank

Amy

[wedgewood]

I can sympathise with you . I had to take responsibility for my health into my own hands too. Low B12 (150) was 'normal' my symptoms were ideopathic(totally numb feet ) . Had go to a private GP at a Nuffield Hospital to get diagnosis of PA . . So my GP then had to give me loading injections (5) then would only give me 3 monthly injections . I was still dizzy confused and exhausted . Would not budge . So I took to S.I . I HAVE MY HEALTH BACK, and my feet are no longer numb. I inject once a week . Because I buy in bulk an injection only costs £1 ! I am 80'years old , and I cannot tell you what a huge difference it has made to my life . I do try to eat healthily . The tummy problems that often accompany PA , due to low or no stomach acid , are helped by either a probiotic ( Symprove very good , but expensive ) or home made organic fermented foods like sauerkraut ( very cheap to make) My favourite sauerkraut is organic red cabbage with some red chopped onion : very tasty ( recipes on the Internet ) ! Don't forget to take plenty of folate ( green leaves ) or a folic acid supplement - very important! Also organic apple cider vinegar diluted , or lime juice with a meal helps with digestion . I wish you all the best .

[acdoore in reply to wedgewood]

Thats really helpful thanks. What type of b12 shots do you take and where do you get them and the needles from?

[wedgewood in reply to acdoore]

I have to rush off now - 100 mile journey . I will reply this evening . It is very simple and cheap also if you buy in bulk Best wishes .

[clivealive Forum Support]

If you have P.A are in the U.K and have neurological symptoms injections should be every eight weeks not twelve per both the N.I.C.E and B.N.F guidelines.

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

I suggest you join the Pernicious Anaemia Society and ask their help. It costs but £20.00 for a year's membership.

As your Mum has P.A. you may be at risk of developing it too.

[acdoore in reply to clivealive]

Thanks. I will consider joining, my mum is a life member so it may be worth me doing that also.

[Shattered-FedUp]

Amazon for needles - orange, long & versandpo in Germany for b12. I ordered just a few to start with to see how I got on. After a year I still feel I need my cyno every other day BUT many many neurological symptoms are on the run - truly life-transforming. I recommend it - you will wonder why on earth you waited - and FYI I'm 56 & was needle phobic go as long as I can remember- good luck.

[acdoore in reply to Shattered-FedUp]

Thank you. It is a scary thought but really encouraging that others are doing it and I am not on my own. Thanks for your advice will check it out x

[jrb85 in reply to Shattered-FedUp]

Which injections do you use - there's quite a few on the site?

Thanks!

[jrb85 in reply to Shattered-FedUp]

I've just ordered some B12 from versandapo - how long does delivery usually take? Thanks!

[Shattered-FedUp in reply to jrb85]

So quick - middle of next week at the latest I'd say - I do mine every 6 months, so I forget!

[jrb85]

I'm in exactly the same boat you - levels are on the lower end of "normal" which basically means deficient! I had to really fight and the GP has o my given me 1 injection (no loading dose) and told me to go back in 2 months to see how I feel despite having severe neurological symptoms for 4 years. I also want to self inject but no idea where to start!

[Shattered-FedUp]

It was medisupplies.co.uk that I got needles from last time but by mistake the shorter needles - doh. Just checked & versand not got my brand on the website so am panicking & calling them in a minute - bear with...

[Shattered-FedUp]

I use B12 ANKERMANN 1.000mg ampullen- on the advice of someone on this site when I felt the methyl one wasn't being as effective as I found originally- so far, so good with this one. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's worried though about the potential impact of Brexit on getting this. Do please let me know how you (& your mum) get on