Hi, I am new here and having a hard time with my GP with my B12 and want to have my own health in my own hands since my symptoms are worse and I don't believe my results are at a normal range for me.
I am looking to inject myself B12, Where do I start?
Where do you get the B12 from ? and where do you get all the things from to inject?
Thank you
Written by
LittleA
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If your GP has not really listened to you before, it may be more effective to write a letter to them. In UK, my understanding is that letters to GP are supposed to be filed with medical notes so in my opinion are less likely to be ignored than info passed on verbally or on photocopies.
Letters could contain symptoms, test results, relevant personal and family history, extracts from UK B12 documents etc.
It's possible that writing a letter may irritate some GPs.
"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".
One I plan to read soon is ""Vitamin B12 deficiency in Clinical Practice" (subtitle "Doctor, you gave me my life back!" by Dr Joseph Alexander "Chandy" Kayyalackakom and Hugo Minney PhD
If there's any chance you might have PA (Pernicious Anaemia) then it's probably worth joining and talking to PAS.
Do you have any neuro symptoms eg tingling, pins and needles, migraine, twitching muscles, numbness, limb weakness, memory problems, balance issues, restless legs syndrome plus others?
If yes, it's vital to get adequate treatment to avoid risk of permanent neurological damage.
1) If neuro symptoms present, have you been referred to a neurologist?
2) NICE CKS link (up page) indicates that GPs should seek advice from a haematologist if patient has B12 deficiency with neuro symptoms.
3) If gut symptoms present, have you been referred to a gastro enterologist? Gastro specialist can hopefully spot signs of gut damage from PA, Coeliac, H Pylori etc
Sadly there can be ignorance about B12 deficiency among some GPs and specialists so be well prepared for any appointments.
Sometimes the route to diagnosis of B12 deficiency comes via other health professionals.
One forum member's B12 deficiency was spotted by his dentist. Do you have mouth ulcers, swollen sore tongue etc?
Other health professionals who may be useful are
Optometrist (B12 deficiency can affect optic nerve)
Audiologist (B12 deficiency can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus)
Podiatrist ( B12 deficiency can lead to neuropathic symptoms and podiatrists are trained to look out for neuropathy in feet)
Help for your GP
1) PAS website has section for health professionals. It is free for health professionals to join PAS as associate members.
Hi, thank you for replying. I have b12 injections already and if I don’t have them then my b12 is low. I used to have it every 2 months which really helped me and my symptoms and chronic pain was so much better. I’m now on 2 and a half months instead but my gp won’t put me back on just the 2 months.
I have written to my gp surgery and the practice manager and they will only prescribe the 2 and half months and 2 months at the doctors discretion, so basically if my gp is in a bad mood they turn round and say no.
So they are ignoring my letter, makes my long term pain condition worse and how my quality of life is suffering.
I can’t absorb much of vitamins due to having radio and chemotherapy when I was a child and all this is being ignored so my only option seems to be self injection.
I will answer your question . I started this before , then something weird happened ! We self injectors mainly get our B12 Hydroxocobalamin ampoules from German online pharmacies . I self inject after having terrible unsuccessful tussles with my GP, who would only allow me 1 every 3 months inspite of many symptoms returning very soon after injection.
versandapo.de is a good site , but is in German , so you need a translation app. Or use Google Chrome .At the moment they sell a pack of 10 ampoules for €8.49 or 10 packs (100 ampoules ) for €52.89
They charge €9.00 courier , no matter how many you buy . Takes 4 days to U.K.
Bodfeld-Apotheke.de is another pharmacy , but some people are having difficulties with the site .
mycare.de is another one, but the courier charges are high .the site is in English as well as other languages .
amazon.de can be obtained in English . Several pharmacies supply them , but many do not send to U.K.
It’s always a good idea to register with the pharmacies . Payment can be made by PayPal .
Search for Rotexmedica vitamin B12 Depot . Do put “Depot “ because this indicates Hydroxocobalamin not Cynocobalamin which they also sell .
Needles ,syringes , swabs and a yellow sharps disposal bin can be obtained from — medicare.co.uk
You need 2ml syringes ,withdrawing needles 1 1/2 “ x 21G and injection needles 1” x 25 G , if you intend to inject I.M. . I don’t know about sub-cutaneous .
I would also watch some utube videos about self-injecting . Some are very poor , some very good .
I hope this helps a bit . I know what it’s like to have symptoms returning , but not being believed by your GP . It is very depressing to put it mildly . Very best wishes .
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