Is that all there is?

[Mudmessiah]

I'm having issues with B-12, however, I'm not sure that's all there is to it. I had headaches, breathlessness, and brittle nails.

I began self injections about two months ago. After two weeks the breathlessness went into remission and headaches reduced. However, after a month improvement slowed down, so I began a full red blood rebuilding with iron, vit. E, C, B6, Folic Acid, along with daily multis.

A recent blood test had unusual results, including an over-range B-12 and now the VA doctors refuse to approve monthly injections.

Are B-12 injections (and multivitamins-multi minerals) sufficient on their own to cure anemia or are other internal co-supplements generated by the body needed to reduce symptoms?

[Gambit62 Administrator]

it depends on what type of anaemia you had.

the type of anaemia caused by B12 deficiency is macrocytic - larger rounder red blood cells.

The type caused by iron deficiency is microcytic - smaller red blood cells. This will not be corrected by B12 - only by addressing the iron imbalance.

macrocytic anaemia is also caused by folate deficiency so being replete for both B12 and folate would be necessarily.

If you had been injecting then that will be why your b12 was over range.

What were the other unusual results.

Whilst B12 isn't toxic other minerals and vitamins can be.

Not all the symptoms of B12 deficiency are related to anaemia and macrocytic anaemia isn't present in somewhere around 25% of people presenting with B12 deficiency. PA is one specific condition that will lead to B12 deficiency - there are other things that will cause absorption problems.

Sorry but think you really need to try and work with your doctors - or a pharmacist at the very least. This is a support forum and cannot even begin to be a substitute for good quality professional advice.

Were the VA doctors aware that you had been self-injecting B12 and what were their reasons for refusing injections?

[Mudmessiah in reply to Gambit62]

Blood levels of B-12 were low and in normal range from test to test with no stability.

Following a regimen to boost red cell health has been increasing my abilities. As a result I'm reluctant to stop. I'm aware of safe levels with vitamins and minerals. Folic acid supplements to coincide with presence in multivitamin for example.

The only surprise was The B-12 level. It was the reason I began to inspect other avenues. However, I'm having a follow up blood test (for chronic low calcium and other abnormal readings.)