Does anyone else with a Vitamin B12 Deficiency struggle with bouts of depression? Normally I'm a happy and bubbly person. However, when I'm due my injection that suddenly changes. I cry over the most frivolous matters and I suffer from crazy mood swings. I have panic attacks and start to hyperventilate. I turn into a shell of myself and I don't know how to bring myself out. I take strong vitamins to try and help me cope. My GP refuses more frequent injections and I hate the thought of antidepressants. Sound familiar? Any advice? Thankyou!
B12 Deficiency - Depression? - Pernicious Anaemi...
B12 Deficiency - Depression?
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Rachael1997
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Hi Rachael1997 Depression is one of the many symptoms of a B12/Folate deficiency.
Do you know the cause of your B12 deficiency?
If the cause is dietary have you considered other B12 supplement methods between injections?
Do you know what you Folate level is?
I am not medically trained
Hi, Clive Alive.
Thanks, for your reply. It's an absorption problem and not dietary. But I try and incorporate lots of B12 in my diet: meats, cereals and dairy products.
I've been screened for pernious anemia but the results came back negative.
That's the mystery. Whenever I have a blood test to check B12 and folate levels my results come back really good. But I still get the symptoms.
I understand that.
Is depression a symptom you've experienced?
Oh gosh yes - you wouldn't believe the number of drugs for depression I was on, Valium, Librium and Tofranil all at the same time back in 1968 - four years before I got the P.A, diagnosis 47 years ago.
Testing for B12 after injections will "skew" the results as they are bound to be high and anyway the test only shows what is swirling around in the bloodstream - not what is getting into the cell.
Sadly the Intrinsic Factor Antibody (IFA) test is unreliable in that it gives false negatives in people with PA half the time. So a negative result doesn't mean that you don't have PA. However, a positive result is a sure-fire, 95% certain indicator of PA.
As you say you have an "absorption problem" neither other oral supplements or a diet high in B12 foods is likely to help so I think your first course of action is going back to your doctor with a list of your symptoms and how long before they come back between injections and ask for them to be increased in accordance with the latest BNF guidelines below :
bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...
In particular the section
Pernicious anaemia and other macrocytic anaemias with neurological involvement
By intramuscular injection
For Adult
Initially 1 mg once daily on alternate days until no further improvement, then 1 mg every 2 months.
How often are you injection at the moment?
You cannot "overdose" on Vitamin B12 as any excess is excreted via your urine so if your doctor puffs and blows about it - tell him to Google "Can you overdose on Vitamin B12?"
Many members of this community resort to self injecting but that is something to consider only if you cannot persuade you doctor to help.
Goodnight
You're a veteran! I hope you're all okay now.
I thought the pernicious anemia test was reliable. I didn't know cell as well as blood level could be checked either.
I have one injection every three months.
I've heard that but my GP is reluctant to prescribe more frequent injection.
Yes, I think it's back to the GP with the information you've provided.
Thanks, for your help!
Goodnight.
I understand fully where you're coming from. Certainly not diet related on my front either. I eat lots of fish and greens, eggs, some fruits and I do like my artisan type breads n butter but avoid junk food at around 90% so mine hopefully is not diet related. I also have type 1 diabetes, had a heart attack around 12 months ago this coming weekend; quite severe hearing problems as well; I also lost my partner of 25yrs in Jan; plus the Pernicious Anaemia - so all this mixed up like a cake mixture, surely is all the ingredients to have bouts of depression and feeling very low on times. But I am definately a glass half full man!
Good luck
Hi Dickydon
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles but it sounds like you've come through the other side.
I really try to control my diet too around my defincency. Yours sounds like an absorption problem.
Thankyou, for sharing and I hope you are all better now.
Definitely! It's about trying to keep positive, light at the end of the tunnel 😊.
Hi,
B12 deficiency can lead to many mental health issues including depression.
martynhooper.com/2017/01/22...
martynhooper.com/2013/03/27...
martynhooper.com/2016/08/19...
b12deficiency.info/b12-and-...
"I've been screened for pernious anemia but the results came back negative."
It's possible to have Antibody Negative Pernicious Anaemia.
PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)
Based in Wales, UK.
pernicious-anaemia-society....
PAS tel no +44 (0)1656 769717 answerphone
PAS support groups in UK
pernicious-anaemia-society....
Blog post about how PAS can support PAS members seeking PA diagnosis
martynhooper.com/2017/06/24...
PA tests
Intrinsic Factor Antibody (IFA) test
labtestsonline.org/tests/in...
Parietal Cell Antibody (PCA) test
labtestsonline.org/tests/pa...
PCA is not recommended as a diagnostic test for PA in UK.
Both these tests can be unreliable.
It is still possible to have PA with a negative result in IFA or PCA test.
About 50% of people with PA test negative on IFA test.
About 10% of people with PA test negative on PCA test.
How often do you get injections from GP?
Recommended UK treatment for B12 deficiency without neuro symptoms is..
6 B12 loading jabs over 2 weeks followed by a jab every 2 or 3 months
Recommended UK treatment for B12 deficiency WITH neuro symptoms is..
A B12 loading jab every other day for as long as symptoms get better then a jab every 2 months.
See BNF, BSH, NICE CKS links below for info on UK B12 treatment.
Do you have any neuro symptoms?
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
pernicious-anaemia-society....
b12deficiency.info/signs-an...
UK B12 documents
BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines
b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...
Flowchart from BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines
stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...
Flowchart outlines process for diagnosing PA and Antibody Negative PA in UK
BMJ B12 article
Emphasises need to treat patients who are symptomatic even if their B12 level is within range.
BNF
bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...
BNF guidance on treating b12 deficiency changed recently.
pernicious-anaemia-society....
NICE CKS
cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-b12...
B12 books I found useful
"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper
Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society). Book does not show updated BNF info.
"Living with Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper
Has several case studies.
"Could it Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (USA authors)
Very comprehensive with lots of case studies. There is also a paediatric version of this book "Could It Be B12? Paediatric Edition: What Every Parent Needs to Know".
Unhappy with Treatment (UK info)?
Letters to GPs about B12 deficiency
b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...
CAB NHS Complaints
citizensadvice.org.uk/healt...
HDA patient care trust
UK charity that offers free second opinions on medical diagnoses and medical treatment.
Risk Factors for PA and B12 Deficiency
pernicious-anaemia-society....
b12deficiency.info/what-are...
b12deficiency.info/who-is-a...
Have you been tested for
Coeliac disease?
UK guidelines say that anyone with unexplained B12, folate or iron deficiency should be tested for Coeliac.
NICE guidelines Coeliac Disease (2015 version) UK document
nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20/c...
Coeliac Blood Tests
coeliac.org.uk/coeliac-dise...
H Pylori infection?
patient.info/digestive-heal...
Exposure to nitrous oxide?
gov.uk/drug-safety-update/n...
Any chance of internal parasites eg fish tapeworm? Do you ever eat raw fish?
"Whenever I have a blood test to check B12 and folate levels my results come back really good.. But I still get the symptoms. "
If you're in UK, BSH guidelines indicate that it is irrelevant to test B12 levels once treatment has started. Also see summary of B12 documents in third pinned post.
I am not medically trained. More B12 info in pinned posts on this forum.
Hi Sleepybunny
Thank you! For all the information you've provided as well as the links. I appreciate the time you took to do that. I will read through them carefully.
I think it might be a good idea to contact the Pernicious Anemia Charity. Yes, I've heard Martin Hooper's books come highly recommended.
I have an injection every three months.
Yes, I do experience nueological symptoms. Such as brain fog, balance issues and numbness in my hands and feet.
I think it's back to my GP with this.
Thanks, again.
You really need more regular injections . , The “one size fits all “ policy is ridiculous . I have found that a weekly injection keeps symptoms at bay . Doctors are reluctant to give more injections because it takes up the nurses’ time . Many members on this forum have been forced to self-inject to keep symptom free . We all have different requirements . Try to get more regular injections from your GP . Make sure you have plenty of folate ( a 40 mcg tablet of folic acid is good ) if you don’t succeed , , come back here and you can get the information that you need . Best wishes .
Hi Wedgewood
Thankyou, for your comment.
Tell me about it. The policy seems to be catered to the general speculation rather than the individual.
I've tried to ask my GP for more frequent injections but they always decline my request as I have high blood levels. However, I still get symptoms so it's a bit of a mystery.
I'm tempted to self inject. If you don't mind me asking where do you get the injections from?
Thanks, for the support.
No , Rachael 1997 , there is NO MYSTERY if you know how B12 injections work . It is as if , when we receive the B12 injections , it goes into our blood . But there are differing points at which it then proceeds into our cells where it’s needed to perform various tasks . We all need different amounts before it does that essential thing and proceeds into the cells . You will always have a high amount of b12 in your blood if you have injections. You obviously need a much higher amount than you are receiving . The doctors should know that it is pointless testing for B12 once treatment has started . It is written in the guidelines . But they obviously don’t read them . I know someone who needs to inject 2x a day , someone who injects 1 x month , someone who is fine on 1 x in 3months . I need 1 x week . It’s terrible arguing with the doctor when you feel so unwell . I had to give up in desperation and self inject . Got black marks from doctor —-“ Reckless behaviour , Too much B12 is toxic” ( but they don’t know how much and can’t point to any scientific evidence !).
Many people who self-inject don’t tell their doctor , so he/she thinks then that 1x in three months is fine — so under-treatment is perpetuated .
So - I get my B12 single use ampoules from reliable German online pharmacies . The sites are in German so you might need a translation app or Google chrome . I use either
Or
You can also buy from Amazon.de , but some of the pharmacies that offer on there do not send to U.K. , and you have to go through them to find out .
Search for Rotexmedica B12 Depot ( do say Depot , because it indicate the B12 we use called Hydroxocobalamin. They also have Cynocobalamin which we don’t use. ) You can buy them in packs of ten or any amount, or even 100 ( which I buy )
€9.00 no matter how many you buy . Rotexmedica are 1mg x 1ml ampoules , which I prefer.
Hevert have ampoules which are 1mg x 2ml . Also fine , but more expensive .
You need more than one source , as the pharmacies run out of stock . ( many people inject for other than medical reasons!)
All other needs supplied from U.K. by medisave.uk
Needles , syringes , swabs sharps disposal box .
If you self inject, you need to find out what method you want to use I.M. ( into the thigh muscle ) or sub -cutaneously ( just under the skin into the tummy ) You can research all that on the Internet and find videos to help ( some are very poor, some are excellent.)
Hope this helps you . Best wishes Rachael1997
Hi Wedgewood
Sorry about the late reply.
Thankyou so much for providing this information. I have thought about self-injecting for a long time. I was just scared to as I was worried over not knowing which pharmacy to use.
Could you please look at the link below to just confirm that it's the right product before I purchase:
bodfeld-apotheke.de/product...
The information you've provided has given me more confidence to self-inject.
Thankyou!
Yes , those are the very ampoules that I use . I’ve used them for 2 years . I used to use Hevert 1mg x 2ml ampoules , which also work well . But I changed when I found the Rotexmedica ones ( same amount of B12 ,in less liquid , and cheaper .. The courier charge is the same , no matter how many you buy . You can pay with PayPal or a card . Best of luck Rachael 1997 .
Thankyou!
Hi again,
"I have an injection every three months. Yes, I do experience nueological symptoms"
With neuro symptoms, my understanding (I'm not a doctor) is that you should be having injections every 2 months if you're in UK.
Even without neuro symptoms, BNF guidance now says maintenance jabs every 2 or 3 months...it used to say every 3 months. It's possible that your GP is using a copy of BNF that does not have the updated info in it. It's also possible that your GP has not read the whole of the relevant section in BNF and has missed the bit that explains that patients with neuro symptoms need more intensive treatment than those without neuro symptoms.
I bet you only had 6 loading jabs at start of treatment.
Patients with neuro symptoms should have a loading jab every other day for as long as symptoms continue to improve. There is not set time period for these every other day jabs, they could continue for weeks even months as long as symptoms keep getting better.
"I think it's back to my GP with this"
I suggest talking to PAS before your next GP appointment.
I also think it might be worth writing a brief as possible, polite letter to GP to reach them before appointment which outlines concerns. It could contain symptoms, test results, relevant family and personal medical history, extracts from UK B12 documents if you're in UK. Writing a letter prior to appointment gives the GP time to do their own research.
In UK, letters to GP are supposed to be filed with medical records so in my opinion less likely to be ignored.
This next link is about writing letters to GP if being under treated for B12 deficiency with neuro symptoms.
b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...
I also think it's worth taking a supportive person with you to appointments. It's my belief that GPs are sometimes kinder if a witness is present. Even better if person has read about B12 deficiency and PA.
Some GPs find it difficult to cope with assertive patients and GP/patient relationship may come under strain so have a back up plan eg another GP surgery to go to.
nhs.uk/common-health-questi...
With neuro symptoms present, please don't delay seeking extra support.
Your GP may be interested in info in these links which explain the potentially severe consequences of untreated or under treated B12 deficiency.
Neurological Consequences of B12 Deficiency
PAS news item
pernicious-anaemia-society....
PAS article about SACD, sub acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, access to PAS members only.
pernicious-anaemia-society.... See Page 2 of articles.
Blog post from Martyn Hooper's blog, mentions SACD
martynhooper.com/2010/09/21...
Help for GPs
When I looked further into B12 deficiency , I found out that GPs have very little training on nutritional deficiencies.
1) PAS website has section for health professionals. They can join PAS for free. Perhaps your GP might find this useful.
pernicious-anaemia-society....
2) PAS members can sometimes arrange for their GPs to talk to PAS but need to liaise with PAS first.
3) PAS has many useful leaflets which some forum members pass onto GPs.
Your GP may find this one of interest "An Update for Medical Professionals: Diagnosis and Treatment "
pernicious-anaemia-society....
4) I gave one set of GPs a copy of Martyn Hoopers book "What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" but not sure if current issue has updated BNF info.
Referrals
With neuro symptoms, have you been referred to
a) a neurologist
b) a haematologist
NICE CKS link indicates that GPs should seek advice from a haematologist for those with B12 deficiency with neuro symptoms. Did your GP do this?
c) a gastro enterologist if gut symptoms present
Gastro specialist should be able to spot signs of gut damage from PA, Coeliac, H pylori infection, Crohns disease etc.
I like to say that seeing a specialist doctor meant seeing someone who knew more about B12 deficiency than GP but there is also a lack of understanding of B12 deficiency among some specialists.
I sometimes requested referrals to specialists in short polite letters to GP along with evidence that supported referral request eg symptoms, extracts from documents etc. GPs do not have to agree to referral requests.
Self treatment
Many on this forum have resorted to self treatment because they either cannot get treatment or the level of treatment is not enough for them. To my mind this is an absolute last resort .
Best piece of advice I ever got was ....
to always get copies of every blood test result. I learnt to do this after being told everything was normal and then finding abnormal results on the copies.
Some forum members get a complete set of medical records. Can be very interesting to see what GP has written in past.
In relation to B12, I look particularly at B12, folate , ferritin or other iron and Full Blood Count results.
Link about "What to do next" if B12 deficiency suspected
b12deficiency.info/what-to-...
Blood tests
b12deficiency.info/b12-test...
Macrocytosis
patient.info/doctor/macrocy...
Full Blood Count and Blood Film
labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...
patient.info/doctor/periphe...
Folate Deficiency
patient.info/doctor/folate-...
Iron Studies
labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...
Fish tapeworm/Other parasites
One potential sign of fish tapeworm infection is a rise in eosinophils ( a type of white blood cell). Eosinophil results can be seen on Full Blood Count results.
Look up "fish tapeworm sushi" if you want to know more but be warned that some stories are very extreme.
Giardia Lamblia is another parasite that may lead to B12 deficiency.
Family History
If there is family history of PA, B12 deficiency, other auto immune disease is GP aware of this?
Hi Sleepy bunny
Thankyou, for further information, links and advice. Very much appreciated.
Yes, I believe I would benefit from two monthly injections.
Instead of going straight back to my GP it may be time to follow other routes as you've advised. I'll endeavour to get in touch with the PAS charity.
After a dozen trips to my current GP our relationship is definitely strained.
I always trusted the word of my GP but it may be worth writing to request my medical record.
I had six loading injections a few days apart.
My GP has written to a gastrontologist but their reply was just to wait to see how I progressed.
I've looked up the symptoms of those parasitical worms. I don't think I'm infected.
Self injecting is tempting.
Thanks, again!
Hi,
"I had six loading injections a few days apart. "
I thought so.....I suspect GP has not looked at relevant section in BNF and seen that b12 deficiency with neuro symptoms requires every other day loading jabs for as long as symptoms continue to improve. See BNF, NICE CKS, BSH links for this info.
PAS should be able to suggest relevant info to pass to GP. You probably need to be a PAS member to access support. Best to phone them.
PAS membership
pernicious-anaemia-society....
"but they always decline my request as I have high blood levels."
Might be worth getting a copy of BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines and looking for the sections that suggest testing b12 levels after treatment has started is irrelevant. These could be passed to GP, perhaps in a letter.
There is a useful summary of mainly UK b12 documents in third pinned post on this forum. It mentions the issue of retesting B12 levels after treatment has started.
Have you asked GPs directly why they are concerned about you having high B12 levels ?
Some GPs mistakenly think that high levels of B12 are toxic.
Treatment with high dose vitamin B12 been shown to be safe for more than 50 years (English article from Dutch B12 website)
stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...
Misconceptions about a B12 deficiency
stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...
BNF
bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...
See section in link above on how hydroxycobalamin is used to treat cyanide poisoning. Huge amounts of hydroxycobalamin ( a form of B12) are given to patients in this situation.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms of B12 deficiency: not just in the elderly and often without anaemia
stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...
"I always trusted the word of my GP "
So did I and that brought me to the brink of dementia and potential spinal damage.
I learnt that GPs are not infallible. These days I don't trust what I am told about blood test results unless I have a copy in my hand.
I stayed far too long with one GP practice because I thought it was me with the problem...sometimes I would burst into tears after an appointment because they weren't listening. I realised later that it wasn't me... it was the GPs that had the problem.
Are you able to consider private treatment? If cost is an issue then HDA patient care trust may be able to help if you're in UK. They can arrange access to specialists without cost in some cases.
Good luck
Thankyou!
Hi, depression was a big problem for me until I started self injecting. My gastroenterologist was surprised until she remembered another PA patient who was admitted into a psychiatric hospital and treated with high doses of B12 despite good serum levels, as she said, you live and learn!
I have malabsorption issues and a diagnosis of B12d, rather than PA.
I now self inject but before I did, when I was short of B12 I felt just like you describe.
Ideally you will manage to get your jabs more frequently from your Dr using the information from Sleepybunny, but failing that...
Have you tried 1000mcg methylcobalamin sublinguals every day? Although expensive I found the Solgar ones best but there are other good ones as well. And you can get methylcobalamin sublingual sprays too. If you hold either of these in your mouth long enough then you might get enough into to your system to boost your levels enough to keep you going until your next jab if you are only dipping at the very end, if you can afford it.
Alternatively - much cheaper, easier and less hassle - you could buy your own jabs (the same ones that you get at your Dr's) and do a mid point SI (self injection) to keep you covered. There is no issue of having "too much" as B12 is safe and any excess is just excreted.
If you read through Wedgewood's replies, by going to her profile by double clicking on her name (I'll post a link below) and looking under the heading "replies", and those of others on those threads you will be able to find lots of information on SI and buying B12 online from Germany.
I hope you manage to get it sorted so you have enough B12 soon as if you are getting symptoms the deficiency could be doing other damage.
Good luck! 🍀
wedgewood
Hi deniseinmilden
Thanks, for your reply!
I plan to follow the advice of Sleepy bunny. Lots of information and options for me there to sort through that will hopefully lead somewhere.
Thankyou, I'll look into those supplements you mentioned. It could that I just need stronger ones to carry me through the last weeks before my injection. I feel bitter being forced to pay for them though.
I did and it's a relief to know you can't overdose on B12. I'll definitely look at the profile. Thanks, for the link.
I'll keep pushing my GP but self injecting just seems that much easier.
Honestly, it's nice to have people who know how I'm feeling.
I hope you're all better now that you self inject.
Thank you! 😎 x
Yes definitely!
I was tried on three different types of antidepressants but refused to take them as they did nothing for me.
Then told I had B12D & PA, I now feel the best I've felt in many years after getting the amount of B12 I was then lacking.
My Dr refused to give me Injections more often after I kept a diary between each one of how I felt & for how long. It wasn't until I found this place & the amazing people on here, that I started to claim my life back.
I still have the odd "off" day, but so does everyone. But my partner tells me that most of the time now, I'm just like a 51yr kid & my old sense of humour is back.
Good luck 👍
Hi Ritchie1268
I'm glad you get it when so many others seem to think it's all in my head.
Antidepressants are the shut up and put up solution I think. I've heard horror stories about them and would never try them myself.
I'm glad you finally had the answer to your symptoms and received treatment. It's crazy how a little B12 can turn your whole life around.
Good idea! I think a dairy will tell people how I was feeling at certain times as well as the present. It will help me to remember everything too.
I agree! This forum and the support provided is amazing.
I think we all do. I love how you've put that.
Thankyou, for sharing your experience with me. It's a light in the dark.
Hi Rachael.
You're welcome & thank you.
I refused to take them after a while due to Opiates i was prescribed for my back took 10 years of my life & turned me into a 'legal' Heroin addict.
I know it caused my B12D & PA.
I've said it many times that loads of people don't understand just how important B12 is & the devastating effects the lack of it can cause. Most of us feel like hypocondriacs as when you try to explain to someone who isn't deficient, all you get is:
"It's only a vitamin" 🙄
I'm sorry you had to go through that experience. Time gone is time you can't get back. However, all we can do is fight on. I hope you receive the care now that you didn't then.
Yes, too many people are ingnorant to the havoc that a Deficiency in B12 can cause. This ignorance leads to a lack of help and makes a bad situation worse.
I completely agree with you there! If only people could feel how others were feeling then that wouldn't be the case.
hi Rachael1997, ok this sounds familiar of course
I want you to replace your gut bacteria.
You will take one tablespoon of castor oil when you are NOT anywhere near your periods (menses).
So on a normal day, you will take a tablespoon of castor oil, it will cause loose motion and ofcourse you will have to stay at home for that day when you do this procedure. You will do it consecutively for 3 days. This will completely clean your gut and remove most of the bad bacteria from it.
Now you will stop taking synthetic sugar, but you can take as much fruits as you prefer.
You will eat fruits and veges, those which suit you.
Eat a raw grounded garlic once a week at-least. Take with a glass of milk
You will add roasted tomatoes to your diet, eat without peel if it is hard to digest peel. Anything that is hard to digest causes gas.
I assume you just take B12 supplement in whatever form and no other vitamins, if you do take some other vitamins, try those which contain no additives. Actually the raw roasted tomatoes/carrots etc you will ad to you died will be enough to suffice for the rest of needs of body so that you dont need other vits. But B12 you may still need. So continue taking that as prescribed by doc. But this change will allow you to observe yourself and you can judge how better you got compared to previous. Keep checking moons on your fingers especially the thumbs of hands, if they are there, then your b12 is also there, when moons disappear, b12 goes very low. That will allow you to judge how you are doing for b12 blood levels.
Compassion
Thankyou, for the dietary information and advice surrounding the improvement of vitamin b12 levels.
Yes, I take vitamin b12 supplements as well as other vitamins.
I'll have to try and put some of this into practice.
Oh yes, I can tell immediately when it's time for my B12 injection. I'm freezing cold and it's 97 degrees outside plus worsening depression, sleeping too much etc. Just wanted to mention that my tests usually show up over 1,000. I have EPI (exocrine pancreas insufficiency) which makes most of the vitamins that I am supposed to absorb, go nowhere. I have injections once a month but I can't tell you how much. I hope you are able to talk your doctor into more since you need them.
Hi Angela
You learn to know all the tell tale signs that indicate you need another injection soon.
Yes, with an absorption problem you're reliant on injections or powerful expensive vitamins. Diet does nothing.
If I had one a month I think I'd be bouncing of the walls.
Thankyou! I hope so too.
I'm glad you can recognise your symptoms, unpleasant as they are, and can receive an injection when you need too.
It's definitely an uphill climb.
Hi Rachael. An unequivocal yes to depression with B12. You have all the links to information you need to make up your own mind, for me the route was clear and I self inject once a week. For me this has worked. I was open with my GP, asking him if there was any reason I shouldn’t do it. As a former endurance athlete I still struggle to come to terms with a new normal where I have to measure my efforts at work and play, but at least that’s stable and the very dark depression I felt has lifted. Good luck on your journey.
Hi Nick
I'm so happy to hear you're doing better now.
Yes, with the information I've been given I'm hoping I'll be able to persuade my GP to give me the help I need.
I know self-injecting has improved many people's lives who suffer from a B12 defincency.
It's balance. Accepting what you can't and can do. I still struggle to accept that sometimes too. But there's good and bad days.
Thankyou, for sharing.
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