What’s going on?!?

[Tracilynholland]

Hope someone can shed some light (new to the group)... 46yr old, stomach stapled 12 yrs ago and have extremely heavy periods, though think I’m going through peri-menopause. I have been anaemic (down to 2) and was given 2 infusions 6 weeks apart (and 1 B12 shot - that was low too). Hair is thinning so much, coming out in chunks, tongue is scalloped, sore and swollen, I’m soooo tired though I have an executive/stressful fulltime job and had bloods done this week (last iron infusion 6 wks ago) and have come back @:

Iron 16 (5-30)

Folate 14.7 (anything above 7)

B12 16 (5-30)

.... so they all look fine but I just don’t feel “normal”. After getting these results I’m thinking that it’s just my work/life balance but it just doesn’t feel like it. Any suggestions would be well received 🙏

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Could you double check the B12 results - you seem to have copied the iron results.

B12 levels will be high - off the scale - after a B12 shot but will then reduce over time. How quickly they reduce varies considerably from individual to individual. If you have a B12 absorption problem they will continue falling. If you don't then you would be able to replenish your stores and your levels would eventually normalise - unless you aren't taking enough in from your diet.

Unfortunately serum B12 levels are pretty useless after loading shots and significant numbers of people need to maintain their B12 levels well above the top of the normal range after loading shots. The test can be useful for identifying an absorption problem but isn't one that can be used to monitor treatment after loading shots.

Gastric surgery is a risk factor for B12 absorption along with other vitamins and minerals.