Possible PA

[Sultanascone]

Hello all. Around 3/4 years ago I visited my GP for fatigue. After a blood test the doctor brought me back in and explained that my b12 levels were low and that the most likely diagnosis was pernicious anaemia. However I was also given a colonoscopy to investigate for other causes (blood loss?). Meanwhile I was given a course of b12 injections. After my colonoscopy I was told that everything was fine and I never saw a doctor again. I’ve since moved practice.

I’m now feeling a little tired. Nothing drastically abnormal for me but I’m 23 and I struggle to keep up with my 50+ y/o colleagues. Recently I’ve had episodes of fainting and have been feeling very dizzy and unwell when I run. This has made me think about the PA stuff from years ago. Is it possible to definitively rule out PA or is there a chance I might have it? Thanks, M.

[pitney]

Hi Sultanascone As you have moved to a new practice, now might be a good time to have a chat with your new GP about what is happening. You could also go onto the PAS website and see the list of PA symptoms that are on there to see if anything matches what is happening to you at the moment ,there is lots of info on there. I am not a medical person but if it were me I think I would pay my GP a visit as there may be something going on anyway that is not connected to the PA.

Hope you get on ok. All best wishes

[LS2274]

Hi Sultanascone,

Did you get your iron levels checked also? Even if your iron levels were within range I find many people your age can really benefit from a short course of Floradix and a sublingual B12 and B complex also. Most people are not eating a lot of red meat these days and I do question how many nutrients are left in our food anyway. Try that and you may find that your energy improves. Remember to stay away from tea while taking iron and take with vitamin C also.

[wedgewood]

Absolutely endorse what beginner1 has written . Your present GP must be able to access your notes from 3/4 years ago . Perhaps you were tested then ? It is difficult to get a diagnosis because if you test negative , that is not conclusive proof that you do not have PA. If you test positive though , you do have PA .But you should be judged on symptoms not blood test results .

It’s best not to supplement with B12 , as it might skew the result of any tests that you might have , as beginner 1 wrote . Best wishes .