Looking for a little bit of reassurance - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Looking for a little bit of reassurance

MatthewOrr1 profile image
5 Replies

Hello all,

First time poster here. I have been suffering for the last month or so with some symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Being an otherwise fit and healthy mid 20s male this is not something I expected to hit me. Burning sensations in my hands followed by foot cramps, pain and muscle spasms.

My initial visit to the GP was unhelpful, the standard 'let's give it a few weeks and see if it goes away' so I have done that but it's only got worse.

Through my trawling of the internet of my symptoms I came across vitamin B12 deficiency. I have been taking Ranitidine on and off (more on than off) for about 2 years now and I read that h2-receptors can inhibit the absorption of B12.

I have another GP appointment this week and I will bring it up, however i expect to be fobbed off so have ordered a private 'active b12' blood test.

Do you guys think I am on the right lines here? (I know you aren't medical professionals)

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MatthewOrr1
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5 Replies
wedgewood profile image
wedgewood

It is very possible that the Ranitidine has neutralised your stomach acid , which is needed to facilitate absorbtion of vitamin B12 . If you cannot give up Ranitidine, the only way to get sufficient vitamin B12 is by injection . Also , lack of stomach acid can interfere with the absorbtion of other vitamins and minerals , so it would be good to take a daily multivitamin and mineral tablet . But the most difficult to absorb is vitamin B12 , and that needs your immediate attention . Best wishes .

MatthewOrr1 profile image
MatthewOrr1 in reply towedgewood

Thanks. I have ended up getting private and NHS tests and all have come back normal which is good and bad I guess. Hand pain has eased off a little of late so I guess I will have to wait and see.

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz

It sounds as though you are on the right track. Did you not want to ask your GP for a blood test for B12? They can be a bit moody about you going elsewhere for proof. However if the test shows low B12 you will need your GP’s help to get your injections underway.

Best wishes

MariLiz

MatthewOrr1 profile image
MatthewOrr1 in reply toMariLiz

Thanks. I have ended up getting private and NHS tests and all have come back normal which is good and bad I guess. Hand pain has eased off a little of late so I guess I will have to wait and see.

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz in reply toMatthewOrr1

Hope things will continue to improve for you, and I’m glad the test results were ok.

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