Just had my first B12 injection

[Scorry]

After complaining about fatigue for nearly 15 years, I had the TATT blood tests done last year. The results (verbal) all came back normal. A couple of weeks ago, I started seeing an acupuncturist for my symptoms that include IBS, RSI, Tinnitus and obviously fatigue. The first thing she asked me was whether I had a print out of the blood tests. I got them very easily from Doctors reception and guess what - Full Blood Count - Abnormal. B12 - Abnormal. Ferritin - Abnormal. Vit D - Abnormal. I was so angry that I was told everything was "normal". Unfortunately all the Doctors in my surgery have left in the past year and the new (temporary) Doctor refused to accept that my results were abnormal so I told them I would go private. B12 was 208. I had to go and see a nurse (advanced nurse practitioner) a couple of days later to get a new HRT prescription and casually mentioned the blood tests to her. This resulted in getting a new batch done (I need to request a copy) but the B12 was now 222. Again I was going to be fobbed off, but insisted that something be done to see whether I could improve my health by taking B12. After some consultation with Dr. while I was there, I was given a B12 injection. I was ecstatic - finally someone was willing to help! 24 hours after the injection (yesterday), I was struck down with the most awful diarrhoea and stomach and gut pain. I've taken a couple of IBS tablets to calm down the pain but feel wiped out. My next injection is on Monday and I am now so anxious about the possible reaction to it. Should be having another on Tuesday and Thursday. I am thinking of having the one on Monday but not Tuesday as I need to go into London on Wednesday and will be there until late evening. I really don't know what to do now. I was not prescribed FA. The chemist says I need a prescription for a high dose. So am looking for advice. Will I continue to have a bad reaction or does it calm down eventually? Will FA help my body cope if I ask for a prescription? I have 5 more injections to go before they reduce it to every 3 months. Any possible advice would be very appreciated. Many thanks.

[clivealive Forum Support]

I'm not medically trained but I'd be surprised if it was the B12 injection which caused your diarrhoea especially as you already have problems with IBS but I stand to be corrected by more knowledgeable persons on here.

Do you know what your Folate level is?

[Scorry in reply to clivealive]

Hi Clive

Not sure what my latest reading is, but will find out on Monday. Last year's was 12.11.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

unless you were folate deficient you don't need the high dose prescriptions - and even then only in some specific circumstances - 200-400mcg tablets from chemist or supermarket should be sufficient.

The best form of folate is from food - green leafy veg - not sure if you have been avoiding these because of IBS.

With clivealive on it being unlikely that the B12 was the cause of the diarrhoea - though people do respond in different and very personal ways to B12

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I've only got time to leave a short reply but I'd suggest reading "BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines if you're in UK.

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

Flowchart from BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

and the books

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

"Could it be B12" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (USA authors)

B12 websites

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/

This link to UK b12 treatment info lists some potential side effects of B12 treatment

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

Have you ever had tests for Coeliac disease as this can cause gut issues?

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

My IBS disappeared after I went gluten free but my personal opinion is that it is important to get Coeliac disease ruled out before trying a gluten free diet.

Lots of B12 info in pinned posts on this forum.

Full Blood Count - Abnormal

patient.info/doctor/macrocy...

labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

Low iron can lead to small red blood cells (Microcytosis). low B12 or low folate can lead to macrocytosis. Low B12 or low folate can lead to enlarged red blood cells.

A person with both low iron and low B12 and/or low folate may appear to have a normal MCV on FBC full blood count because effects of low iron on red blood cells can mask effects of low B12/low folate.

Risk Factors for PA and B12 deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

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

B12 Deficiency Symptoms lists (UK websites)

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

I've written some very detailed posts in last few days , may be some useful info if you search for them.

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