My first week

[bambuko]

This forum seems to be full of stories about un-helpful and un-sympathetic GPs, so I am sure, you will be glad to hear my (totally different story).

It started with a phone call a week ago on Friday from my GP, to tell me that I probably have pernicious anaemia (I had a routine blood test couple of days before).

Not surprising, considering long history of hypothyroidism.

On Monday I have started my two weeks of every other day injections.

Did a bit of research (including reading a lot of posts here - thank you!)

Discovered the connection with my peripheral neuropathy (an old problem up to this point considered idiopathic and un-treatable) and found:

"Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cobalamin and folate disorders"

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

"...The BNF advises that patients presenting with neurological symptoms should receive 1000 μg i.m. on alternate days until there is no further improvement..."

"...Those with initial neurological deficit should receive hydroxocobalamin 1000 μg i.m. every 2 months..."

Pointed my GP to this info and today my treatment has been revised to follow above recommendations.

A lot of things have happened since a Friday week ago, I still feel shit, but a lot happier with my treatment and where things are going!

[clivealive Forum Support]

That's good to read bambuko

What was your Folate level when the blood test was taken?

There is life after P.A. as I've had it for over 45 years.

I wish you well

[bambuko in reply to clivealive]

Thank you Clive,

B12 was 136.

I felt rough for some time, but have put it down to old age and decrepitude

so if it wasn't for my GP I would still be ignorant of the causes.

[Cobalamin4Life]

That's great news! I am glad your road to recovery sounds like it has less speed bumps than most. With more awareness of PA and education of doctors from patients and the PAS, maybe some day this can be the norm for most of us. All the best to you.

[fbirder]

👍👍👍

Yeah! It's good to hear tales of good doctors.

[Frodo]

Congratulations! One in a million.

[bambuko]

Well it should be simple, but even my excellent GP had to be pointed at NICE BNF recommendations...

The difference is that he is open minded and happy to work with the patient!

[bambuko]

An update:

It is now three weeks since I've started loading injections.

My symptoms are beginning to get better.

Had a review with GP - two more weeks of loading injections before another review...

It's good to have sensible, listening GP!