Dr responses

[Gardeningbuff]

I posted the other day that my surgeon( i have had 2 surgeries for diverticulitis) sent me for b12 and iron studies blood test because of my symptoms. That was Thursday. If they were abnormal, would he have got in touch or just wait for my next appt with him (this thursday coming). It may seem a silly question, but he's very conscientious. I guess i am looking for reassurance. I am pretty sure its what i have and getting worse. Maybe I'm worried about the misdiagnosis thing.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Gardeningbuff.

Difficult to say but if you have an appointment coming up on Thursday, they would be unlikely to contact you if they found deficiencies in either...that is, unless your iron levels were so depleted that an immediate transfusion was required. For B12 deficiency, the levels would have to be seriously depleted for them to contact you before your appointment...they would be more likely to wait until Thursday...even if a deficiency is present.

I know it's difficult, but try not to worry too much. Best to wait and see what the results actually are. Do ask for copies of your blood results and if they can't give them to you there and then (i.e. they may not have access to a printer - odd in this day and age but mine never do), then ask what the results are and make sure that you get the reference ranges too (iron and B12). Also ask if they did a full blood count (FBC) and get those results too. In fact, get copies of all your blood results 😉.

Failure to diagnose B12 deficiency (in particular) does happen...because many doctors do not understand that the serum B12 test is a pretty useless tool for diagnosing B12 deficiency. But your doctor may be one of those who knows that 🤞.

So...wait and see what happens on Thursday. If things do not go as you hope, then you can post here again (with blood results and reference ranges) and we can help with more suggestions and point you in the direction of evidence that you can take along to your doctor if you feel that B12 deficiency may be a problem which you want to persue further...even if results are within 'normal' limits.

In the meantime, have you read the PAS pinned posts to the right of this page - or at the bottom if using a phone (third and fourth posts down). Lots of information there that will help you understand about the diagnosis and treatment B12 deficiency - and some of the common mistakes that doctors make. Look particularly at information to do with problems with serum B12 testing, B12 deficiency without macrocytosis but with neurogical symptoms, and the importance of treating immediately if neurogical symptoms are present (even if B12 levels are 'normal'). May give you some ideas about what questions to ask if your doctor thinks that B12 is not an issue (based on your blood results)....and you still think it is 😉.

So...for now, don't worry. Best to wait and see and take it from there. And we can offer advice and support if you need it.

Take care and good luck on Thursday. Let us know how you get on 👍

[Gardeningbuff in reply to Foggyme]

Thank you Foggme i feel better having that info. And i will certainly let you know how i get on. Great forum.