Should I ask for PA test?

[Sunnydevon]

I’m not sure what to do. In 2016 I had low b12 reading and doc advised loading doses. I have recently had gastro issues and had an endoscopy which looked normal apart from slightly lax valve.

I was diagnosed with Graves in 2003 treated with RAI in 2005.

I’m worried about PA as Endocrinologist wrote in a letter to gp that I probably have second autoimmune disease because I have had low b12 in the past.

I have been supplementing with a B12 spray for a few months so levels are ok at the moment.

I don’t know whether to stop supplementing for a few months and then ask for intrinsic factor test or ask for it now? I’m most worried about my tummy. Will stopping supplementing cause harm for a few months?

Atrophic gastritis is my worry really because of acid pain I am getting.

Also going to ask for Gastrin levels to be checked.x

[fbirder]

If the spray is working then just keep taking that.

[Sunnydevon in reply to fbirder]

Thank you for your reply. You don’t think investing more is helpful?

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Sunnydevon]

IFA isn't a very sensitive test and gives false negatives about 50% of the time, so a negative is a long way from ruling out PA. Gastrin likely to be more useful but don't know if it is generally recognised as a test in relation to PA.

If the spray is helping continue with it.

You only need to stop supplementing for up to 10 days (depends on the test method and varies from 2 days to 10 days) for the IFA test. To get a baseline for B12 you need to stop for at least 3 months.

There is quite an easy home test for low stomach acidity which would be associated with B12 absorption problems

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-...

ignore all the expensive test stuff that comes first and look at the Baking Soda Test

[Sunnydevon in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you for your reply. My doctor said she couldn’t do Gastrin test. There is private medichecks but it has to be done in London. Will try the baking soda test. Thank you 😊