Allergies and B12 deficiency - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Allergies and B12 deficiency

GGourmet profile image
11 Replies

I’m not sure whether others have experienced this or this is just a freak coincidence.

Before I developed B12 deficiency I got tennis elbow and had no problems with the neoprene arm band.

Now, after B12 deficiency diagnosis, I have just got tennis elbow yet again. Now however, I cannot wear the neoprene arm band without developing severe itching and skin eruptions.

Is allergy a common feature of B12 deficiency?

P.S. I am being successfully treated.

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GGourmet profile image
GGourmet
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11 Replies
wedgewood profile image
wedgewood

I’ve not heard of that allergy ,and I’ve been a member on this forum for 3years . But , strangely I had horrible bursitis of the shoulder when I found out thst I had PA. The B12 injections got rid of it like magic. Then I read that in the USA that B12 injections are a commonly used treatment for bursitis . Is it really tennis elbow and not bursitis ? Just musing ......

GGourmet profile image
GGourmet in reply to wedgewood

Thanks and very interesting. Looking like allergies was simply just a coincidence after all. It is very strange and reading online the allergy, although rare is to do with the chemicals in the manufacture of neoprene. That’s me wittering on now.

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

being B12 deficient can lower the immune system - part of that could be surpressing reactions to substances - so you might not notice responses. However think that is an unlikely explanation.

Its quite warm at the moment and neoprene could result in a moist environment that could result in an outbreak of a fungal infection which would explain the itch and eruptions. Have you tried speaking to a pharmacist?

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz

I don’t know if my recent skin allergy responses are due to my B12 problems. I have been seen by the dermatology department of my local hospital for skin sensitivity testing. This showed I was allergic to rubber and an ingredient in some soaps and shampoos. This skin problem is fairly recent and could be linked to my low B12?

I’m guessing the neoprene has some rubber content?

Cherylclaire profile image
CherylclaireForum Support

Recently, massive rashes appeared 3 times like rings around both ankles, which I could only assume was related to heat and socks- elastic in the tops, I'm guessing. Never had this before, but it's been a while since it was this hot ( 1976 probably !) Dark red and take a while to go but not itchy, not raised so not bothered.

Also recently had bad reaction to antibiotics. Face pain, nausea and vertigo.

This is not like me, so perhaps increased sensitivity is a thing, a bit like the increased sensory awareness (overload) that some of us get ?

In the past, I have broken bones in both arms in similar ways. The first time was about 12 years ago. The second time, bursitis was found in my shoulder, alongside osteoarthritis. Also believe it may be the cause of my hip/ groin pain. Both much improved by frequent injections, as a side benefit !

Bursitis: worth looking into- wedgewood has a point. I also think that there was a link mentioned between B12 deficiency and bursitis, but it was a while back and can't now recall specifics.

Keep on getting better.

GGourmet profile image
GGourmet in reply to Cherylclaire

That’s really interesting.

Yesterday my GP gave me the hydrocortisone injection. Really good improvement. He jokingly said I always do well with needles referencing when he used to and was able to do acupuncture and it worked well for me until no more could be done and we resorted to morphine. Long story for that one but it worked which was a massive surprise for inflammatory pain.

I did have bursitis of a finger joint. An osteopath gave me an exercise regime which worked.

Leothelion profile image
Leothelion in reply to Cherylclaire

I had bursitis of the hip for 8 months then I had b12 injections and it went, only comes back when I need a injection.

Cherylclaire profile image
CherylclaireForum Support in reply to Leothelion

Yes, me too- rarely get any hip pain now. Due to go for a check-up dexascan (I have osteoporosis of spine) today. Perhaps injecting B12 every other day can have a positive effect there, too ? Although recent vitamin D blood test showed a drop in levels, surprisingly, since taking prescription vitamin D (?)

Cherylclaire profile image
CherylclaireForum Support

Ready for a long story anytime, GGourmet . Stay well.

GGourmet profile image
GGourmet

I’ll leave it that after many years of trying to deal with patellar tendinitis it has become clear, in combination with various bits of Hospital surgery that not only can my liver not metabolise codeine, I have liver cysts (congenital) and because of IBS I can now only take Paracetamol and morphine. Tramadol and other synthetic opioids just destroy the person. Morphine killed the pain in less than 1 hour and I remained pain free.

Through NHS neglect - a complaint was made, I ruptured the perineal tendon in my right foot. My private consultant then reluctantly rebuilt my right foot (it’s an operation which can go very wrong which is why it wasn’t done before). At least now I have very little tendon pain and don’t need morphine anymore. The morphine usage was very low and the GP thankfully specialises in palitative care - that is how I got such a great relationship with him. I never became dependent on morphine and he knows that I never swing the lead. He was pivotal in me eventually getting the B12 treatment I so needed.

Cherylclaire profile image
CherylclaireForum Support

Glad you're still here to tell the tale.

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