‘Normal’ B12 level but antibodies can it be P.A.?

[Sususulio]

I am struggling at the moment with chest tightness, shortness of breath and have been to the GP and A&E and understandably investigations have taken us down respiratory/cardiac route. They seem to be OK I have had two ECG and blood tests results of the second lot are in process.

I have Hashimotos hypothyroid, taking 125/150 thyroxine - earlier investigations around coeliac confirmed intrinsic factor nd parietal antibodies. My mother had perncicious anaemia.

My question is does this mean I can be suffering with P.A. despite in range b12 blood test. I don’t know my latest level but in June it was 629ng/L (110 - 914) I was taking a supplement at the time.

I have read a lot and my symptoms seem textbook , tired, I have pain across shoulders and recently have noticed floaty poop along with some stomach issues which I hadn’t related to recent symptoms.

I am sure that GP could be dismissive if my B12 is in range but I need to understand how antibodies can falsely influence levels.

My folate levels are low 7.5 ug/L (3.1 -19.9)

I need to back to GP the thinking is viral chest infection but I think not could this be P.A. or do I automatically have that if I have antibodies?

Thanks for any help

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Sususulio if you have "confirmed intrinsic factor antibodies" then you most probably have P.A.

The fact that you were taking supplements will have skewed the results of a serum B12 test and should be ignored by your doctor (you must tell him that was what you were doing) and he should start treatment immediately according to the N.I.C.E Guidelines.

Click on the link, then on "Scenario: Management" and scroll down to "Treatment for B12 deficiency"

google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j...

I am not a medically trained person but I've had Pernicious Anaemia (a form of B12 deficiency) for more than 46 years.

I wish you well.

[Sususulio in reply to clivealive]

Thank you - I’ve just been called in to discuss latest tests and she suggests circulatory problem with another blood test - I have to go tonight. I mentioned P.A. she said she didn’t think so but that’s the thing if I have confirmed (it is) intrinsic factor antibodies should I have treatment regardless of b12 levels in blood?

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to Sususulio]

As I said the supplements you were taking at the time of the test will have skewed the serum B12 results. and should be disregarded.

Does your doctor actually have the Intrinsic Factor Antibodies (I.F.A) test results to hand or was it done in hospital? Can you get hold of a copy?

That your Mother had P.A. may also reinforce the possibility that you have it too.

Please remember I'm not medically trained.

[KimberinUS]

high serum b12 can cause a false positive for intrensic factor antibody tests.

i am not saying yours was high or false especially since your mom had pa. this is just fyi