B12 deficiency

[Olly123]

Hi everyone do b12 injections cause serious headaches??

[Gambit62 Administrator]

depends on what you mean by serious headaches.

some people do find that they get headaches when they start loading doses. some people find that methylcobalamin gives them headaches.

B12 deficiency can lead to headaches - so for some people they actually reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

[Olly123 in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you ... I have had all my doses but of late I have been getting on and off headaches!!

[Olly123 in reply to Olly123]

Iam on the hydroxocolabamin injections

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Olly123]

there are lots of things that can cause headaches. If they continue then suggest that you consult your GP.

Long term use of common painkillers can also lead to headaches.

[Olly123 in reply to Gambit62]

Ok thank you will definitely contact my GP

[ACritical in reply to Gambit62]

Hi Olly123.

My migraines greatly reduce in frequency and pain now I have regular Hydroxocobalamin injections. As soon as I am low on Vit. B12, they rear their ugly head. Usually It creeps up on me, I start to feel tired and can't be bothered or just can not think straight and then the headaches start after a few days. Not as severely as in the past,thank goodness , but it can spoil the day. I know now when I am ready for a top up but the injections don't work instantaneously, it takes a few days so I try to not wait until the headaches appear, catch it before and inject when my tiredness starts again. My legs then won't want to go, specially up the stairs, I start feeling dizzy for no reason, not finding the words and getting a bit ratty again. Also my husband sometimes notices changes in my behaviour and suggests I might be ready for my top up. I still get my 1 monthly/now 3 monthly injection at my surgery but that is clearly not enough for me. I hope you will get a benefit from your injections, be patient as it can take quite some time before improvements will show, especially if you have been deficient for awhile.

[Olly123 in reply to ACritical]

ACritical thank you for the reply.... please also how long did your injections take to work for you to start feeling better..??

[ACritical in reply to Olly123]

After the loading injections (12 ) I started to slowly feel better

So, to answer your question, my migraines got better first, after the loading doze and within 2 month The feeling in my legs and feet started to come back only after at least 5- 6 month ,the dizziness and vertigo slowly disappeared, but are back as soon as I am in need of another injection. Also my memory, energy level and moods have improved so much but can quickly deteriorate if I am in need of a jab.

I feel I am managing my health pretty good by being able to inject myself when necessary. I try to eat healthy, I prepare meals without using additives like flavourings and preservatives, so no jars with readymade sauces etc., I also bake myself, no E numbers in my breads and cakes. I have my life back, 😊 I travel again with my husband and that hadn't been possible for many years, as my migraines became worse and more frequently after I started the menopause. It's not just about the level of Vitamine B12, also the other vitamins and minerals. From time to time( I do private bloodtests, twice a year) I was deficient in vit. D and the other vitamine B's like Folic acid for instance. and magnesium. I try to get most of them from my food but as I seem to have a problem with absorbing, I now use good quality supplements.

I hope you will take the time to read the advise on the PAS site, I found it tremendously helpful also read blogs from other people. You get a lot of support that way.

Not all GP are bad, you just hear more about those who are. I hope you have a good one!

Be patient and I hope you start to feel better soon.

[Olly123 in reply to ACritical]

Thank you so much I will be patient and do all the needful to feel better. Are there any vitamins you would recommend I can take besides the hydroxocolabamin injections.

[ACritical in reply to Olly123]

This works for me but you should check with your GP first as I don't know you or your medical history, I am not medical trained !!

Solgar/ magnesium with Vitamin B6 only when necessary. At this moment I prefer to use a magnesium skin spray ( spray , lightly massage in and leave for 20 minutes then wash off. ) I find that this doesn't give me tummy problems .

Daily I take

Folic acid/Folate 400ug.

Regular I take

Vitamin K2 MK-7 from NATO extract 100MCG.

Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol 4000IU or 100ug...depending on how much natural sun I get on my bare skin( not too often in UK in spring, autumn and winter. )

I get the rest of my necessary vitamins and minerals from my diet from fish, nuts , vegs and fruit.

[Sleepybunny]

"I have had all my doses "

Do you know what has caused your B12 deficiency?

Risk factors for B12 deficiency and PA

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

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

Have you had tests for PA (Pernicious Anaemia)?

Some causes of b12 deficiency eg PA require lifelong treatment with B12.

When you say you have had all your doses, do you mean you've had all your loading doses and are you going to have any maintenance doses or has your treatment stopped altogether with no more B12?

I'd suggest reading the following (some info may not apply if you're not in UK)

1) BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

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

Flowchart below from BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines outlines when PA can be diagnosed.

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

2) BMJ b12 article

bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5226

3) B12 books

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

Martyn Hooper is chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society). Book is up to date with UK B12 guidelines.

"Living with Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Has several case studies.

"Could it Be B12; An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (USA authors)

Very comprehensive book about B12 deficiency with lots of case studies.

Do you have any neurological symptoms?

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

b12d.org/admin/healthcheck/...

If yes, in UK, treatment regime for B12 deficiency with neuro sympotms is more intensive than for those without neuro symptoms.

See following for info on UK B12 treatment

1) BNF British National Formulary Chapter 9 Section 1.2

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

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

2) BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

UK B12 treatment info is about a quarter through document.

There's more B12 info in pinned posts on this forum.

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