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[PamBow]

Hi, thanks in anticipation ,

Having had symptoms of falling, fuzzy head, unable to hold down a conversation, terrible electric shock feelings in my fingers that would make me wince,

I was diagnosed with VitD3 deficiency, Borderline thyroid and B12 deficiency .

I have for the last 9 maths been given a 3 monthly iron injection.. Vit D3 tablets and 50 microgrammes Levothyroxine.

I find myself in real discomfort still with the electric shocks in my fingers and tips still and even more so 2-3 weeks before my iron injections.

I’ve been told by practice nurse everything is showing normal on my last bloods approx 2mths ago. Which I suppose it would do having taken the meds...I feel a little lost with it all at the moment. I have vague aches and pains all over.

I have reached sixty five years and walk as much as I can and other than the above am quite fit.

I did have the plumbing part of my bowel removed 12 years ago... I wonder if I don’t process vitamins as I should.

Thankyou for listening.

[Polaris]

It's always a good idea to ask for a print out of all results, which you are entitled to ask for, as what many doctors consider normal is very often not normal and, in any case, should be considered in the context of history and symptoms (thyroid disease often coexists with PA/B12deficiency).

It is especially important to be monitored after bowel surgery as outlined in all the guidelines/llatest research, and the neurological symptoms you have described should be treated adequately without delay to avoid permanent damage.

Below is an extract from the BMJ research document with useful summary (GP will probably be able to access full document behind a paywall) :

bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5226

"Who gets B12 deficiency

"Intrinsic factor is a protein, produced by the parietal cells of the cardiac and fundic mucosa of the stomach. It binds vitamin B12 to allow its absorption through the gastrointestinal tract, by way of a receptor on the intrinsic factor that is specific to cells at the terminals of the ileum. If there is resection or disease of the gastric mucosa or terminal ileum this leads to vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of malabsorption."

The document also contains information regarding frequency of injections for neurological symptoms:

"Standard initial treatment for patients without neurological involvement is 1000 μg intramuscularly three times a week for two weeks. If there are neurological symptoms then 1000 μg intramuscularly on alternate days should be continued for up to three weeks or until there is no further improvement.4 25 In irreversible cases, for example, pernicious anaemia, the treatment should be continued for life. "

Good luck for much better treatment PamBow. It's also a good idea to take someone close with you to your next appointment for extra support and ensure you are listened to.

[PamBow in reply to Polaris]

Thankyou so much for replying, I have taken on board all you have said and will make another appt with GP and perhaps be more assertive in explaining my symptoms.