High B12 reading

[Beattie-75]

I have just received a very high B12 reading in a blood test taken abroad. I have cancelled my next 3 monthly B12 injection prior to seeing my GP to discuss. I was originally diagnosed abroad nine years ago and have had injections ever since, am now confused! How should I proceed ? Any advice would be appreciated.

[EllieMayNot]

Because you are receiving injections, your numbers are going to be high. This is why we are told that there is no need to retest once injections have started.

Please see page 5 of this guideline:

hey.nhs.uk/wp/wp-content/up...

"No further testing for cobalamin levels is required once I.M. replacement commenced."

You will find the same instructions in any number of publications from various B12 researchers.

[pvanderaa]

There is nothing wrong with high B12 results when you are on injections. Mine are >1500pg/ml which is off the top of the range for the test.

What makes you think it is too high. You want it high to repair nerve damage.

Are you taking folic acid to help B12 do it’s job?

High B12 is only a cause for concern if you’re not on either B12 injections or B12 supplements.

Are you keeping a logbook of symptoms so you know when they start coming back? How long is it till your next injection?

[wedgewood]

I can only agree with other responses . Do reinstate your injections . Also many GPs are ignorant of the fact that once injections are established , it is pointless to test for B12 . It will always be high . Nothing to worry about ! Best wishes .

[deniseinmilden]

You should not worry about it and reinstate your injections at once.

Always go by your symptoms and decrease the interval between injections if you or anyone notices them returning before your next jab.

You might benefit from taking a broad spectrum multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure that your B12 is working properly.

[Harvena]

I agree with previous comments wholeheartedly, my level always shows as 2000, which is the highest level the test equipment level records I am told. My previous GPs never questioned this and my new one has marked my latest tests as no action necessary. (I keep telling them gently that there is no need to test B12, but they keep doing so!

[Astridnova]

I agree with all the other comments. If you are having doses of B12, you are going to be high or at the maximum of the scale. And B12 is water soluble, so, as someone else said, you pee it out.

[Ryaan]

Mine is always above 2000 as I inject every 2 weeks.

Depends by what you mean high, you haven’t given a number and the range that it should be in.

[Beattie-75]

Thank you all for your wise words, unfortunately I cancelled my next injection on advice from Spanish GP! and will now have to battle to get it reinstated!! I am now aware of symptoms again, unsteadyness, tinittus, brain fog, blurred vision etc. All other readings on Spanish blood test were 'spot on' hence his advice to stop B12 as it was 1300 +. All this occurred as was taken to local Spanish health centre as an emergency where they did everything immediately,,ECG, bloods, wee and poo, etc. Apparently they decided I was dehydrated cos 38 degree heat. I do wonder how I am going to explain all this to my GP now I am back home!

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Beattie-75]

did you say you had cancelled because your levels had been high. If not then try rebooking the appointment saying you had to cancel because of something else and your injection is now overdue.

[cornetto]

Hi Beattie75 Awhile ago my levels were over 1100 My practice nurse took me off injections I then started feeing really unwell was retested levels dropped and back on B12 injections again I would say like the other responses to continue with your B12 jab Hope this helps

[Hidden]

B12 is a water soluble vitamin, your body will simply excrete what you don’t need.

It’ll always be high when you’re supplementing so not worth testing, it’ll just tell you what you already know. If you have P.A and cancel injections you’ll soon be back to rock bottom B12 wise and have to start again.

As others have said, take folic acid and keep to the injections.

Another thing to check is that the figures you were given ( your reading and range) were same scale as used in the UK.

[Beattie-75]

Thank you all so much for your comments, great to have other opinions.

[JOLLYDOLLY]

I agree with what everyone is said. I was told once it has been established that you have a B12 deficiency. then you are on the jabs for life as you do not make enough naturally. Same as thyroid medication.

Please rebook your B12 jab, you need it and if you stop now, you could make yourself very poorly in time.

Take care

[ren41]

as everyone else has said - and as I explained to the nurse only recently! - b12 will always be high when you're on cobalamin injections. If you have an issue getting your injections reinstated (and I would also try just rebooking and see if that works, first), speak with the Pernicious Anaemia Society and they will contact your doctor to explain why your injections must continue.

[garretttimson]

How high? I would have it retested. Do a B12 and folate. I don't believe you can be hurt by a high B12 level. I wouldn't cancel your injections.