Robert 50

[Robert50]

I have finished my six B 12 injections now, I have to have one more injection in 12 weeks time, can anyone recommend what I should take with in the next 12 weeks to help me many thanks Robert 50

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Robert50 do you still have any neurological symptoms?

Do you know what your Folate level is?

[Robert50 in reply to clivealive]

Hi Clivealive

I have no neurological symptoms, and I have no idea what my folate levels are I think I should see my doctor and work out things with him.

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to Robert50]

Agreed Robert50

[Gambit62 Administrator]

you will have been given the injections because you were B12 deficient and the cause wasn't dietary. There are various absorption problems that will lead to a dietary deficiency of B12 - of which PA is the most common.

Most absorption problems aren't treatable - exceptions h pylori infection and tapeworm and possibly some drug interactions - which means that you will need regular top ups of your B12 - hence the maintenance shot in 3 months. If you have an absorption problem that isn't treatable then you will need injections for life.

When you start treatment for B12 it can raise your bodies need for folate so make sure that you are getting plenty of green leafy vegetables - as dietary sources are the best but you might want to consider supplementing with some folic acid - 200-400mcg from supermarket is generally quite adequate..

[Robert50 in reply to Gambit62]

Robert 50 many thanks for the reply do I need to see my doctor and find out if I have tapeworm or any thing else wrong with me many thanks Robert 59

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Robert50]

ideally yes - would be good to try and get to the bottom of what the cause of the deficiency was - h pylori much more likely than tapeworm - but would also be good to rule out coeliacs - though the test will be meaningless if you are gluten free so not worth doing. Different causes have different potential consequences which is why knowing the cause is useful because it means you can be monitored for those consequences - however, it probably won't affect your treatment and your GP may be reluctant to do anything because of the cost compared to the benefit in a time a strapped budgets ... or because they just aren't aware of causes beyond PA.

[Robert50 in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you for your reply very helpful Robert 50