I'm off to Nepal in a couple of days for 3 weeks+ for a high altitude trek. I already self inject - officially monthly, but I supplement with my own B12 supplies from mycare.de and usually inject every 2 weeks.
Due to the trip I wanted to take a couple of vials/needles with me so I can inject there, so requested a note from the Doctor to say I am authorised to have the medication.
Doctor called me back and basically refused to write the note on the basis that my levels (2000+) mean I already have enough B12, that I don't need it as often as I am taking it and that he can't sanction it.
I tried mentioning the problems with the serum level test and it not being an indication of what you have available at the cellular level, but he just kept going back to my serum levels being very high and therefore I don't need anymore.
He did mention we could review my levels when I got back and do a complete blood count which if it showed my B12 levels as ok along with MCV / HBC, folate then that would prove it I had enough / don't need to take as much as I do.
I did try mentioning the BNF guidelines about not sticking strictly to the serum levels and also queried whether the full blood count would include MMA levels - amusingly he didn't know what MMA was!
I do feel like perhaps I should have kept my mouth shut about injecting as often as I do as now the cat is out of the bag, but as I get my supplies from Germany, the worse they can do is stop my NHS prescriptions.
He did mention possibly referring me to the Gastroenterologist who diagnosed my PA originally if I came in to have my levels checked, but suspect he'll just say they're fine therefore no need. Would like to see the Gastro however to discuss my Gastro symptoms, so not sure whether to do this or not.
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Bristlyridge
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I took my S.I. paraphernalia to Thailand . The needles were put in the hold luggage , the rest I put in the cabin luggage . I didn’t have a problem . But I think it’s really mean of your doctor not to give you a note . He should know that once injections start , B12 levels will be high and testing them is a waste of time .
Yeah, I thought it was a bit petty and non sensical. At the end of the day they are already regularly prescribing the medication.
Interesting to know you had no problems. I'm still deliberating whether to take it anyway in my hold luggage, together with my last repeat prescription. Just a bit nervous as we fly to Nepal via UAE (Abu Dhabi ).
That would be a good description of the doctor! Interesting though that on the one hand he couldn't answer my queries about the usefulness of the serum test and latest research guidelines and confessed to not being an expert, but then steadfastly refused to budge from his position of your levels are high therefore you don't need anymore.
He also kept mentioning how he was an old school doctor - which I took to mean stuck in their ways and unwilling to learn anything new.
I think the ampoules should be ok packaged up in the hold. Not decided whether to risk taking them or to dose up as much as I can before I go.
Looking forward to Nepal with or without B12 though.
Hi Bristlyridge. Shame on your GP. Is there another one you can see?
Can understand your reluctance about whether to take with you. Just a vitamin but injection kit too...hmm...no idea.
You could contact the Embassy (or embassies) of any place that you intend to step foot in and ask their advice...website's sometimes have info...or ask a travel agent to investigate (if you have one).
As a last resort, you could book an appointment with a private GP and ask them to write you a letter. A bit costly but would be a shame to spoil a holiday for want of B12 injections.
Again, shame on your GP. If you have trouble with his misguided notion about testing serum B12 levels following injections, put up a new post and we can leave evidence for you to take along and show him.
Have a fantastic time in Nepal 👍
P.s. trekking at high altitude - hard work...do your best to take B12 injections...just in case 😳
I don’t know what official advice is but when travelling abroad I take the vials in my hand luggage together with a repeat prescription form showing that I’m prescribed hydroxocobalamin. I put the needles etc in the hold luggage in a container.
When being searched on the way into the departures lounge I take my bag of meds (eye drops, HRT gel and vials) and prescription out of my handbag and put it into the tray.
No idea if I’m doing the right thing but I haven’t had a problem yet.
I wonderif it’d be hard to buy b12 in Nepal. Perhaps the further you get from UK the less backwards doctors may be in terms of b12. That being said I’ve found tiny island former British colonies to be just as backwards in terms of b12. Doesn’t hurt to google an expat pharmacy, send an email and find out. May save you any worries travelling
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