So very very new to this. I don’t think I have PA but I do have low B12. I have been feeling low for some time but I put that down to age, work and personal life (which I has not been good).
I started to have a strange hot, pricking tingling sensation in my back. Again I put this down my work. But it has become worse. I thought it might be shingles but with out the rash.
I have seen a lot about the tingling in feet hands but not the back. My GP order the blood test and found that my B12 is low. Started B12 jabs and had my 1st on Thursday got another 5 to go over 2 weeks.
My concern is the strange painful sensation in my back. Plus lack of ability to think straight. I would really appreciate anyone view on this as I’m to say the least a bit worried and very unsure.
People vary a lot in how B12 deficiency affects them, and also in how they respond to B12 shots. It can take a while for symptoms to go and things can get a bit worse before they start to get better and you may notice aches and pains a bit more intensely.
Tingling in feets and hands is very common - don't come across back that often as a first manifestation of the tingling. Generally B12 symptoms tend to be symmetrical.
Suggest that you make a full list of symptoms - even ones that have been around for a long time as B12 deficiency can take a very long time to manifest and then monitor what is happening with them.
pernicious-anaemia-society....
Please also note that anxiety is another symptom of B12 defciency. The not being able to think straight is a very common symptom.
B12 is used by a lot of processes in the body - including those that make new red blood cells, resetting neurotransmitters, the processes that release energy in your cells, and the processes that maintain the lining around nerve cells. The most common cause of B12 deficiency is an absorption problem which is why you need injections. One very common symptom is macrocytosis - larger rounder red blood cells than normal - which is why B12 deficiency has become associated with the name 'pernicious anaemia'. This means that many GPs are under the mistaken impression that it is anaemia that causes all the problems.
Given that you had neurological symptoms, and assuming that you are in the UK there is actually a more aggressive regime but GPs often aren't aware. This is detailed in both the NICE guidelines and also in the BCSH guidelines which your GP can access through the BNF but can also be accessed here
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...
treatment with neurological problems is loading shots (3x weekly) until symptoms stop improving followed by maintenance doses every 2 months.
Many people find that even every 2 months isn't frequently enough so if you find your symptoms are returning before that then there are options for supplementing, that you have probably already read on this forum.
It is probably worth asking for a copy of the results of the blood test so you can see if you had macrocytosis and what was happening with other vitamins and minerals - particularly folate and iron.
Thank you so much for the information. I don’t want to be jumping to conclusions, the back sensation has been very disturbing over the last week or so, as it used to come and go but now it seems to be constant. I do get pins and needles in my legs and feet I have put that down as I sit cross legged.
I think I may be over thinking things, well I suppose only time will tell.