Feel worse

[loopyLoopster1968]

Just been diagnosed had loading injections still feeling very tired and stomach really sore also heart burn, how long does it take for b12 to absorb and start working.

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi loopyLoopster1968

It is not uncommon for some symptoms to appear to get worse before they get better as the B12 you are having injected starts repairing the damage done to your nervous system and your brain starts getting multiple messages from part of the body it had "forgotten about" or lost contact with.

I sometimes liken it to a badly tuned radio on which you have turned the volume up high trying to catch the programme you want when all of a sudden the signal comes in loud and clear and the blast nearly deafens you.

A lot will depend on the severity and longevity of your B12 deficiency as to how long before there is no further improvement or recovery.

Some symptoms will "disappear" quite quickly whereas others may take months or even years. There is no set timescale as we are all different.

If you can get to see a doctor please also ask him/her to check your Folate level as this and B12 help your iron to make red blood cells and to function properly.

I am not a medically trained person but I've had P.A. (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 45 years.

I wish you well

[loopyLoopster1968 in reply to clivealive]

Thanks for the advice

[Gambit62 Administrator]

the heart burn sounds like it could be due to low stomach acidity - a side effect of B12 deficiency - whilst this may improve with treatment it's something that won't reverse. Many of us use a little lime/lemon juice in water to calm it.

The heart burn/acid reflux can be treated with a PPI - if your doctor is willing to prescribe - although PPIs will affect absorption in the gut you are getting injections now so it shouldn't be an issue.

[loopyLoopster1968]

Thanks gambit62

[Sisiluna]

Get tested for gluten. B12 deficiencies can also happen when the body cannot absorb B12 due to the damage Gluten does to the gut and intestines. Buy yourself a couple of books on gluten sensitivity and gluten free diet and make a change in your diet. Gluten is in a lot of processed foods from soy sauce to caramel flavors, so there is a long learning curve before you figure out your new diet.

If you start eating completely gluten free and you have gluten sensitivity, you will start feeling better within a week (but you need to cut out ALL gluten). You will continue to get your B12 shots. Once the gut is damaged by gluten it will never go back to completely normal.

[loopyLoopster1968 in reply to Sisiluna]

Thanks for that I will try this, and let you know the outcome.

[terrybraden]

Hi loopyloopster1968

I use fresh squeezed lemon juice and I have it with my meal or 1/2 hr before. Also about 45 min before breakfast I take a probiotic.

I am gluten intolerant as well as dairy. He’s right, gave yourself tested. It’s also a good idea not to drink anything with your meals as this dilutes your hydrochloric acid. I usually leave 2 hrs after a meal to drink water and stop 1/2 before a meal. Your body needs at least 2 litres of water the day before order for your liver to make the enzymes to digest your present meal.

It is a learning curve. I didn’t know gluten was in caramel flavour. I uses transdermal patches and sublinguals. At one time I was going to self inject, but I can’t even stand the pain of having to test my blood sugar, BTW I was pre-diabetic but I’m not now.

Hope this helps. I haven’t been on the forum in awhile.

[loopyLoopster1968 in reply to terrybraden]

Thanks will try this.