Again Low B12 Levels After 3 Months of Loading Shots!

[nasiriftekhar]

Hi There,

Sorry for my bad english.

6 Months before I got enlightenment about my b12 deficiency as my levels were 160.

Got 6 loading shots and doctors tell me to wait for 3 months before new test.

10 days before I got my new test result and shocked to see that I am on 165 again...

I visited my doctor and he is talking insane. He does not know what to do next. I also visited 2 other docs but same talk. I am from Pakistan and here doctors don't know much about b12 deficiency treatment.

Please can someone guide me about the experience of getting low levels after loading shots? Should I take another set of 6 loading shots or should listen to my body and find the best adjustment? Means Experimenting with self shot after a week, 2 week, 3 and 4 and will see what is my frequency.

My second question is that after finding right dose for me how long I should continue it? I know it will depend upon my symptoms which are horrible of course but any time line ideas?

Please I need help as I searched google a lot but no date found about shot frequencies everyone on internet is talking about 6 loading shots like doctors are telling me here in Pakistan and now they are saying we dont know why you are on low levels again so check your food etc... huh rubbish.

please Help.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

If you don't have an absorption problem then you will store quite good amounts of B12 in your liver, and use this to even your your B12 levels. If you have an absorption problem this mechanism doesn't work any more so all you are left with is the levels in your blood - which will be astronomic just after a B12 shot and then gradually reduce as your kidneys remove the excess B12. This means that you have to have regular maintenance doses after your loading doses - the frequency with which they are needed varies from person to person so its best to go by symptoms to determine how frequently you need maintenance shots.

I am assuming that your diet includes meat/fish/cheese/eggs so there is no way that your deficiency could be dietary (B12 only found in animal products).

Possible absorption problems include PA, crohn's ceoliacs, h pylori infection, drug interactions, low stomach acidity (often mistaken for high stomach acidity as the symptoms are roughly the same).

It may be that your GP might find this site helpful in understanding more about B12 absorption problems

pernicious-anaemia-society....

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I am not medically trained, just someone with the symptoms of B12 deficiency.

I found these b12 books useful.

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

Martyn Hooper is the 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.

Have you had tests to see if you have PA (Pernicious Anaemia)? In the UK, people who have suspected PA are given an Intrinsic Factor Antibody test.

Risk factors for PA and B12 deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

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

[nasiriftekhar]

Hi, No I am not a vegetarian at all