Does anyone in Victoria, Australia know of any doctors who really understand about b12 deficiency?

[calmyracat]

Most doctors seem reluctant to test for b12 even if there is a family history of pernicious anemia and even those who will test seem wedded to the belief that any reading above 200 is fine despite symptoms

[Suzibelle]

Can't speak for Victoria but I've got lucky out in in the middle of central Queensland by jagging a doctor who at least knows what it is and appears to understand it. When I first went in with my symptoms PA was the second possible cause that he mentioned and it went to the top of the list when I told him my father had had it. Since then he's allowing me to experiment with injection timing to determine what's best, often despite the nurses (especially the current British one!) questioning whether I should have it - I overheard him once telling the nurse that 'if she needs it, give it to her!'. So they exist in Australia; I just thank my lucky stars that I wandered into his surgery shortly after I got here. Keep looking. I don't know if the Australian PA facebook group might be of any help?

[calmyracat in reply to Suzibelle]

Thanks, Suzibelle for that suggestion. I will look into it

[dreamkeeper in reply to Suzibelle]

Where in central Queensland Suzibelle? I recently moved up this way and the useless doctor I saw told me I'm giving myself cancer by having injections every 3wks... and then got banned for refusing to have a blood test to test b12 so he could do injections based on the reads. 🤦‍♀️ So may need to travel to get the next one.

[Suzibelle in reply to dreamkeeper]

Hi dreamkeeper. I'm in Blackwater (between Emerald and Rockhampton). If that's any use to you let me know and I'll PM you the doctor's details.

[dreamkeeper in reply to Suzibelle]

That actually is of use.

[Suzibelle in reply to dreamkeeper]

Just PM'd you the details.

[Neen28 in reply to Suzibelle]

Hi Suzibelle, could you also PM me details of this doctoe? I am in Bundaberg and hubby suspected PA (his mother has it).

[Gambit62 Administrator]

calmyracat, I believe that injectable B12 is actually an over the counter medication in Australia. This means that self treatment is an option if you can't find a doctor who will listen.

You could try writing to your doctor and pointing them to the area of the PAS website particularly aimed at improving the detection and treatment of PA

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Injections can be done sub cutaneous as well as IM - but make sure that you have someone with you when you do the first because there is a miniscule risk of an alergic reaction.

[Melbourne-Girl in reply to Gambit62]

Yes it is an OTC medication in Australia although you really do need a script to warrant the use also of syringes & needles so really it’s not OTC in Victoria. Some Specialists really do understand it and as I just about see all specialists except urologists I will ask them each time I visit a different one.

When I have some information calmlyracatvI will let you know. My next Specialists is on Friday with a skin cancer specialist and my GP the Monday after.I think I have a Rheumatologist appointment soon and also my haematologist one soon,

Can hopefully report back the differences.

Good luck coming

Suzee 🍀🍀🍀🍀

[Polaris]

I'm not able to answer your question but have you seen this very helpful article by martine Cotton in Australia with lots of links:

medium.com/@martinecotton/1...

[Suzibelle]

As commented above B12 is OTC and available on line in this country. My understanding re the needles/syringes (in Qld at least) is that a prescription is needed to get the nurse at a medical centre to do the injection but isn't required otherwise.

[Martin_12]

I am in Sydney. I buy Cobal-B12 OTC at my local pharmacy, and needles, syringes, sharps containers etc from medshop.com.au/ or aimsmedical.com.au - no prescription needed. I either inject myself, or one of my daughters (both nurses) inject me, or I go to a nearby bulk billing GP practice and ask a GP or the practice nurse to do it. No problems so far. (My wife says I bully them!). I think they like doing it because they claim a standard consultation fee but giving the shot takes 3 minutes.

I have had contact with several GPs and neurologists and one haematologist in Sydney and none seem to know much about B12. I think Medicare introduced new guidelines re B12 and folate testing a couple of years ago. That may have something to do with your experience. MMA tests are not covered by Medicare. I have had 2 done by asking the GP to include it, but I had to pay $200 a time.

[Yolzyyy]

Maybe ask for a haematologist?

[Lotus69]

Hi. I live in China currently but my doctor who is fantastic is in Mornington, if that’s helpful to you? He diagnosed my PA (my sister also has it) and is extremely helpful. When ever I’m back home gives me a script for 6 months worth. I currently self inject once a week with his knowledge. He also practices nutritional medicine, so is very knowledgeable about deficiencies . I highly recommend him.

[Lotus69 in reply to Lotus69]

Oh sorry, I’ve just seen this was 2 years ago!

[misskritti in reply to Lotus69]

Lotus69 - Can you PLEASE pass on the details for your fantastic doctor in Mornington? We are in Mount Eliza and I am currently desperate for a doctor to listen to me... I feel like I'm stuck in a living nightmare atm!!!

[Damn-it in reply to misskritti]

Same. I’m in Melbourne, too, and would like to see a doctor who is PA aware

[Hidden in reply to misskritti]

I would be really pleased to have your fantastic doctor too.

[gurman123 in reply to Lotus69]

Hi there! I know this post is old but would really love it if you could share your doctors details please!

[Hidden]

I am in Melbourne and just changed doctors in the hope she can help me. Not looking promising but she is very keen to investigate with her colleagues