Borderline!!

[greenbexy]

My husband has been ill for quite sometime, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last April. Recently though he has be extremely tired, pins and needles and with a constant headache. He was tired when receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but not like this! I took him for blood tests, B12 was 142 range 170-950. This was classed as borderline! Even though he is affected (as is the whole family) the notes on the tests say to repeat in four weeks! No large blood cells, but iron deficient. I have been supplementing him with folic acid as this was low last year. How can folate mask B12 deficiency?

We can't get an appointment until Thursday, but hopefully can get one tomorrow, when they release the emergency appointments. I just feel that he is being fobbed off. We are trying to make the best of the time his has left with us, I just think it's so unfair to leave him like this.

[fbirder]

How on Earth can they possible classify below range as borderline!

The lack of large blood cells could be because of the folate supplements, but it’s much more likely be caused by the iron deficiency. B12 deficiency causes large cells. Iron deficiency causes small cells. Both together gives a mixture, and when they measure the average - well, the average of big and small is normal.

He needs treatment now. A course of loading injections - every other day.

[greenbexy in reply to fbirder]

Yes, I shall be marching in with him, when he finally gets an appointment. Mine wasn't that low when I received loading doses. Thanks for confirming.

[GastritisB12]

My B12 was 145 and I had pretty bad symptoms, I could barely walk 0.5 miles to the shops.

I felt much better after the loading dose but 2 weeks later the symptoms are coming back.

My iron was low too, Mean Cell Volume was ok.