General advice please

[RoniB]

Early last year was diagnosed with very low B12 after a blood test for fatigue and had a call from the doctors to go for loading injections I felt so much better and a few months later the nurse gave me a single injection. They prescribed cyanocobalamin tablets and I’ve been taking it ever since. I asked for a blood test as I was again feeling very tired and the results came back normal. I’m not at home so this might not be exact but it was something like 217 in a range of 190 - 800. They agreed it was low but won’t give me injections as it’s not low enough. I am 72 and have a good diet. We grow our own veggies and I love meat.

I bought some methylcobalin patches on line but they were very expensive. I felt well whilst wearing them but I did continue with the cyanocobalamin at the same time

I am in Canada at the moment and I can buy methylcobalin tablets and I’m wondering if I should do it. I don’t know how much they are, but I have a flyer from Rexall pharma with a buy one get one free offer.

If I bought them, would I be able to take NHS cyanocobalamin AND a methylcobalin.

I have been told that I should insist on injections from my doctor (they were cyanocobalamin) but I tried very hard last time I saw him to no avail. Incidentally when I phoned for the last results the receptionist told me my Folate was low and I should get some ‘over the counter’ folic acid which I have been taking for a couple of weeks.

I should perhaps mention that I am also taking levothyroxine for under active thyroid.

I hope this is not too long and complicated but I would to have your opinion please.

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi RoniB I don't know the protocol for treatment in Canada but as I also am on cyanocobamalin (injections every three weeks now) and also supplement between with a methylcobamalin spray I would say you are quite safe to mix the two.

Fortunately you cannot "overdose" on B12 as any excess is excreted via your urine.

Well done for supplementing with folic acid.

Having thyroid problems also increases the risk of your developing a B12 deficiency and given your age I'm surprised your doctor is withholding injections.

I am not a medically trained person but I've had Pernicious Anaemia (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 46 years and I'm still "clivealive" at 77.

I wish you well.