Loading dose question

[Jnelson123]

Hi all, I am new to this. About a month ago I was diagnosed with b12 deficiency and my level was 152. My doctor gave me one b12 injection and I just had my second one a couple of days ago. Numbness and tingling/burning better, bit now have headache and nausea...should I have had “loading doses” with my level? Seems like everything I read talks about it but my injections and a month apart... any feedback is appreciated. I’ve never had health issues and the symptoms I am having are scary and I just want to feel better. Also, how long will it take to feel better based on only one per month injections? Thank you!!!!

[fbirder]

Yes, you should have had a course of loading injections.

Go back and see the doctor and ask them to look up hydroxocobalamin in the BNF (British National Formulary - they will have a copy on their desk or in their computer).

Make sure they read the second paragraph, the one for people with neurological symptoms (like your peripheral neuropathy - the numbness and tingling).

It says...

Pernicious anaemia and other macrocytic anaemias with neurological involvement

By intramuscular injection

For Adult

Initially 1 mg once daily on alternate days until no further improvement, then 1 mg every 2 months.

[Jnelson123 in reply to fbirder]

Thank you! I am going to a different doctor tomorrow and will inquire.

[Jnelson123 in reply to fbirder]

One more question, is that typical in the US as well?

[fbirder in reply to Jnelson123]

Ah, no.

There are no standard practices at all in the US.

[elvistoronto1 in reply to Jnelson123]

I am in Canada and had a B-12 level of 153. Here as well there appears to be no standard treatment for B-12 deficiency. I was also placed on monthly shots.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Some links that may be of interest.

B12 Deficiency Symptoms

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Risk Factors for PA and B12 Deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

b12deficiency.info/who-is-a...

B12 books I found useful

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society). Book is up to date with UK b12 guidelines.

"Living with Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Has several case studies.

"Could it Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (USA authors)

Very comprehensive with lots of case studies.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK but has members from around world.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS tel no [phone] answerphone

B12 Deficiency Info website

b12deficiency.info/

B12 Awareness (USA website)

b12awareness.org/

More B12 info in pinned posts on this forum.

I am not medically trained.