New here, from the USA

[AZnana]

Hello, I live in Arizona in the US. I have what seems like a rapidly growing number of diseases. Once they find one, they seem to stay. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and Pernicious Anemia for the longest period of time. Now, MS, Fibromyalgia and Limited Scleroderma. I have arthritis scattered about about my body. I see an Internal Medicine Specialist, a Neurologist, a Rheumatologist and a Therapist. My husband has Ankylosing Spondylitis so we take care of each other. So happy to be part of this group. Thank you.

[Queeniz]

Anytime you need to talk or just let it out just message me here x

[AZnana in reply to Queeniz]

Thank you so much. You never know when that is. My life is frustrating to say the least. And I think I have fired more doctors than I can count. New neurologist next week. I love my rheumatologist. My PCP is pretty great too. I had a neck fusion in April 2018 and my migraines have subsided, but I was left with the nerve damage and arthritis. But I get up almost every day and do stuff. Today was some laundry, mopping, general housework and cooking. We also have our 7 yr old grandson today, he is spending the night. He is my buddy. But after all of meds I am still in major pain tonight. Time to go knock myself out with something.

[Queeniz]

I’ve gave you my details so message me anytime babe x

[wedgewood]

Really sorry to hear of your health problems . You do know don’t you , that Pernicious Anaemia is sometimes diagnosed as M.S.?

I hope that you are getting sufficient B12 injections to keep the symptoms at bay . Many people here in the U.K. find it difficult to get sufficient B12 injections from their GPS. We all need differing amounts ,which leads to some of us having to self -inject ( this is easy and cheap, luckily)

Yes I’m afraid that auto-immune conditions ( and there are very many ) like Pernicious Anaemia, seldom come alone . I have P.A. and R.A. I often see from posts on here that thyroid conditions also accompany P.A.

You seem to be coping very well .

So pleased to welcome you on this forum . You will find nothing but help and encouragement here .( we have some excellent members with great knowledge . Sorry, I’m not one of them ) Very best wishes to you .

[AZnana in reply to wedgewood]

Thank you. In read quite a bit of the discussion about PA. I couldn't believe that in UK it is so difficult to get the prescribed dosages. I have lots of it. I get these little 1cc vials, 6 at a time to last the 90 days. I just go to the pharmacy and tell them how many syringes I would like. They prefer you have someone in your family or a friend inject them. When I moved and had to find a new Dr there were no questions whether I really had it or not. She prescribed the vials.

RA is a tough disease. I am sorry you have that. My aunt has it. They tested me for it and I do not have that.

[AZnana in reply to wedgewood]

Oh , the MS has been confirmed with a lumbar puncture. My neurologist insisted on it.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

If you want to read more about PA and B12 deficiency, these links might be helpful.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK. Has members in other countries.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS tel no [phone] answerphone

B12 Deficiency Info website

b12deficiency.info/

B12 Awareness (US website)

b12awareness.org/

Stichting B12 Tekort (Dutch website with English language articles)

stichtingb12tekort.nl/weten...

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).

"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".

[AZnana in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thank you. I had already been directed to that site. It has very good information.

[CatrionaNason]

Hi AZnana, I LOVE Arizona! When I was well I visited Cave Creek to spend a week in a retreat centre there every year. The MS/Fibromyalgia and Scleroderma, could in fact be PA unless clear evidence indicates otherwise. That means each consultant needs to truly understand PA and join the dots. Many PA sufferers also have arthritis and thyroid problems along with gastro problems. Take care, Catriona x

[AZnana in reply to CatrionaNason]

Yes, the other diseases have been verified by testing. We are planning on going to Cave Creek later this fall. The summer has been too hot to go and just walk around. We are now in the 80's and it is comfortable.