Still fatigued after 7 years!

[ButlerNM]

I was diagnosed in 2011 with PA. I still have some symptoms but was told I shouldn’t, specially because my levels are fine. It’s frustrating to be tired all the time/not have energy and I am wondering if anyone has found relief for fatigue, the sighs and hair loss. The doctor had confirmed I’ve lost abut half my hair.

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi ButlerNM

It may be that you need more frequent injections of Vitamin B12 despite having levels that are "fine". If you have P.A. with neurological symptoms you can have your jabs every two months according to the N.I.C.E guidelines below. Click on the link, then on "Scenario: Management" and scroll down to "Treatment for B12 deficiency"

google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j...

It is also important that your Folate level is monitored as this is essential to process the B12.

There is a complex interaction between folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron. A deficiency of one may be "masked" by excess of another so the three must always be in balance.

Symptoms of a folate deficiency can include:

symptoms related to anaemia

reduced sense of taste

diarrhoea

numbness and tingling in the feet and hands

muscle weakness

depression

Folic acid works closely with vitamin B12 in making red blood cells and helps iron function properly in the body.

I am not a medically trained person but I've had Pernicious Anaemia (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 46 years.

I wish you well.

[ButlerNM]

I inject biweekly. Moved a year and a half ago and had to get a new healthcare provider (not happy about that) and they even questioned my having to do injections biweekly. They made me get copies of all my diagnosis paperwork. Thank for the information! I will see if those other levels can be tested.

[wedgewood]

The doctor should know that, as you have PA , those B12 blood serum readings represent B12 that is in your blood . It’s what gets into your cells that counts . Obviously enough is not getting there . More frequent injections are called for . Once you start supplementing , testing is pointless . I read that some people on this forum inject daily to keep well . What about injecting smaller amounts more frequently ? I know that’s a bother . But worth a try? .Best wishes .

[plug]

Has your thyroid been tested, if under-active causes fatigue, hair loss and lots more that overlap with P.A.

Also thyroid problems are often alongside p,a.

May be worth you getting it tested, if ok then enquire about more frequent injections.

Good luck.

[ButlerNM in reply to plug]

Yes I have had hypothyroidism/Hashimotos for 18year.