Injecting once per week but B12 levels have dropped by over 50% in 7 months

[HKAnne]

Hello All,

I have been self injecting once per week for almost three years. My levels were over the limit, but thanks to my neurologist, (I have neurological symptoms and need to be over medicated) my GP has been allowing this.

However, I have just received my Thyroid Ultra Vit results from Medichecks and am horrified to see that my B12 levels have dropped from >300 in March '19 to 150 in October '19.

All my other results looked good/normal.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Anne

[fbirder]

Units?

Ranges?

Active B12 or serum B12?

[HKAnne in reply to fbirder]

Hi Fbirder,

Sorry should have said:

Units: pmol/L

Ranges: 37.5-188

Active B12

[Nackapan]

Have you felt ill?

Or are you able to over do it?

Is it a serum b12 blood test?

It does seem odd as you inject once a week and have been for a few years.

Was it tested at the same lab with same references

I thought once on injections there was no need to test levels. Were you concerned or symptoms returning?

[HKAnne in reply to Nackapan]

Hi Nackapan,

I have been feeling a bit run down and tired, have had to go to bed mid afternoon a couple of times during the week for the last month but I also have ME so I had put it down to that. Did not imagine it could be PA, as my levels have been way over the limit for a few years

All tests have been done at Medichecks.

It is an Active B12 blood test.

I have regular tests only because it is part of the Thyroid Ultravit package, I need to keep an eye on my Folate, Ferritin and Vit D, you automatically get B12 test included.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

A b12 injection will put your levels above the measurable range then the levels will fall. The difference in levels is likely to reflect when the bloods were taken in relation to injections. Both serum B12 and active B12 don't really mean much post loading shots and if you are on regular injections - unless the results are coming back low - symptoms are actually a much better guide to what is going on.

[HKAnne]

Hi Gambit62

Thanks for your reply, I understand what you have said. I always have my shot on Saturday morning and I usually have the Medichecks blood test on a Tuesday, I have a blood test every six months for my endocrinologist (for thyroid and other Vits which just happens to include B12) and the B12 result is always "over range", it just seems really odd that when I received my results today the level had dropped by over 50%.

I have been feeling very lethargic with dizzy spells for the last month with similar symptoms to when I was first diagnosed with PA - so it now makes sense that it is probably because my B12 levels are much lower.

[nkindia]

Which injection are you taking? Hydroxycobalamine or cyenacobalamine?

[HKAnne in reply to nkindia]

Hi Nkindia

I am taking Hydroxocobalamin

[nkindia in reply to HKAnne]

I think serum B12 tests are of no use once you start treatment. The only test that can help us figure out what's the B12 situation is MMA test ( Methyl Melonic Acid test) and also Homosystine level. Can you get that checked?

[HKAnne]

I am going to try to see my GP this afternoon and possibly get a referral back to the Neurologist

[snowbird1234]

if your body can't absorb enough of it from the foods you eat. Your intestines absorb vitamin B12 from food. A protein your stomach makes called “intrinsic factor” helps your body absorb it. When you don't have enough, you have a type of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia called “pernicious anemia.”

People who have pernicious anemia can't absorb enough vitamin B12 from food. This is because they lack intrinsic (in-TRIN-sik) factor, a protein made in the stomach

this leads me to ask about your weight, your habits/stress Level & diet....

worst case is:

Conditions that affect your small intestine, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite. Immune system disorders, such as Graves' disease or lupus. Been taking certain medications that interfere with the absorption of B12.

but Maybe you are stressed out & not eating heathy or eating some thing that blocks b12

I have low iron & low b9 & low b12....

when our blood is too Large it will not pass thru to give Oxygen to our body.....

Macrocytic anemia occurs when the red blood cells are unusually large. ... This means the blood is not as oxygen-rich as it should be. Low blood oxygen can cause a range of symptoms and health problems. Macrocytic anemia is not a single disease, but a symptom of several medical conditions and nutritional problems

contact me If I can help you... or Encourage You... hang ON,, you are about to find the Trouble... I am Praying for You to know the real problem...& Healing... I feel so so so much Better... I drink Liquid Iron & take pills & shots... & i hate it all but I am Worth IT...& You are Also

[HKAnne]

Hi snowboard1234,

I was diagnosed with PA by a Neurologist 3 years ago, I have positive intrinsic factor antibodies. My body does not absorb B12 which is why I self inject weekly.

My current concern is why the B12 levels in my blood have suddenly dropped during the last seven months when I have been injecting the same dose for the last two years.

My diet is very healthy, I am not overweight.

Thank you for your kind wishes.

[alamagpa]

Are you able to see a hematologist?