I have a number of the symptoms for PAS but as I have a number of other medical conditions, including hypothyroidism, I am now getting very confused. I have just paid for some private blood tests and those on the Thyroid UK suggested I post here. The results are:
Vit B12 252pg/ml Range 197-771
Serum Folate 3.2 Range > 2.9
Ferritin 108 ug/L Range 13-150
Vit D 28.0 nmol Range 15-30 Deficiency
Would you recommend that I raise the possibility of PAS with the doctor or are the results okay?
Written by
Dbe447
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi Dbe447 your Vitamin B12 would probably be flagged as "Normal" although at the lower end of the range and your Folate is also "bumping along the bottom".
Symptoms of B12 deficiency tend to develop slowly and may not be recognised immediately. As the condition worsens, common symptoms include:
Weakness and fatigue
Light-headedness and dizziness
Palpitations and rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
A sore tongue that has a red, beefy appearance
Nausea or poor appetite
Weight loss
Diarrhoea
Yellowish tinge to the skin and eyes
If low levels of B12 remain for a long time, the condition also can lead to irreversible damage to nerve cells, which can cause the following symptoms:
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Difficulty walking
Muscle weakness
Irritability
Memory loss
Dementia
Depression
Psychosis
If you have any of the above symptoms please list them and talk to your doctor about them.
Having thyroid problems may put you at risk of developing a B12 deficiency.
I'm not a medically trained person but have had P.A. (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 45 years.
Thank you. The problem I have is that I have already been diagnosed with depression, ADHD, Arthritis, Asthma, Vetigo, Hypothyroidism, amongst others, all of which have overlapping symptoms. It just seems to me that either I am that unlucky or there is a underlying cause that is being missed. I will raise as part of thyroid treatment and see what my GP says.
I'd suggest reading up about B12 deficiency before discussing it with doctor. My experience has been that B12 deficiency is not always well understood by doctors.
Flowchart outlines when PA and Antibody Negative PA can be diagnosed in UK. Also makes it clear that people who are symptomatic for B12 deficiency should have an Intrinsic Factor Antibody (IFA) test and start initial B12 treatment whether B12 is low or within range.
IFA test can help to diagnose PA but test is not always reliable and it is still possible to have PA even if IFA result is negative/normal range.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.