Hello everyone, everything regarding vit b12 deficiency is new to me..I just found out that B12 serum is 138 and I have to start vit B12 loading shots from Monday..
I have to recognize that I am a bit anxious, I do have neurological symptoms like brain fog, dizziness, anxiety, headaches, nausea every morning, chest pain sometimes..and IBS symptoms every week.. I don’t know if it can be pernicious anaemia..as I was to see my GP because of my gut problems..
I am not that scared regarding what’s coming next or the reactions of B12 shots, my problem is that i am breastfeeding and I really want to continue to breastfeed my baby..I can’t find information regarding this fact, if it can affect my baby or not, I don’t think so, but I just want to be sure, that I am doing the right thing.
Is there anyone on injections and breastfeeding? Thank you so much for your replies, have a great day!
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AlexandraPp
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The B12 in your injections shouldn't affect breast feeding but I'm also rather unclear about whether being on injections works in the same way in ensuring that breast milk contains sufficient B12. You may want to consider using some fortified supplements as well as breast milk. Definitely don't stop with the breast milk though.
Suggest you follow up with mid-wife and see if they can advise.
Saw a documentary on B12 that during one part claimed that B12d in the mother can be passed on to a breastfeeding child if the mother does not bring up her own B12 levels (this is apparently not uncommon in vegan mothers and their children). I believe that it was on the PAS website but I am not certain. Will try to find it. Like Gambit62 said, a midwife might be able to provide solid answers.
Has GP tested you for PA, Coeliac disease and other causes of B12 deficiency?
Did you have gas and air during your labour?
Gas and air mix contains nitrous dioxide and this gas inactivates B12 in the body. It can take a while to build up B12 levels after exposure to nitrous oxide.
"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".
"I was to see my GP because of my gut problems.."
Have you been referred to a gastro enterologist?
"I do have neurological symptoms"
Does your GP have a list of all your symptoms, especially any neuro symptoms?
Have you been referred to
1) a neurologist?
2) a haematologist (see NICE CKS link)
In UK, patients with b12 deficiency with neuro symptoms are supposed to have more intensive treatment. See BNF, BSH and NICE CKS links for more info.
"have to start vit B12 loading shots from Monday"
How many loading shots is GP going to give you?
What pattern of treatment is GP giving you after loading jabs finished?
Vital to get adequate treatment or there is a risk of further deterioration including an increased risk of permanent neurological damage.
GP can find treatment info for those with and without neuro symptoms in their copy of BNF book Chapter 9 Section 1.2
Some UK areas have local B12 treatment guidelines which in some cases are very out of date. May be worth getting a copy of local area guidelines and comparing them with national guidelines.
If you suspect you are being under treated, read next link (info may be UK specific)
1) UK recommended treatment for B12 deficiency without neuro symptoms is ...
6 B12 loading jabs over 2 weeks followed by a jab every 2 or 3 months
2) UK recommended treatment for B12 deficiency WITH neuro symptoms is
A B12 loading jab every other day for as long as symptoms continue to get better then a jab every 2 months.
Worth noting that both patterns of treatment allow for maintenance jabs every 2 months. GP may not know this as there was a recent change in BNF treatment guidance.
Warning....
B12 deficiency is not always well understood by GPs and specialists so it pays to be well prepared for any appointments.
Help for GP
1) PAS website has section for health professionals which your GP may find useful.
I think it's good to carry on breast feeding. Wondering how old your baby is? As if on solids too you could include b12 /iron rich foods too. That's the only thing that runs low normally is iron is breast milk near to the time food is introduced. Good the defiency been found.
The main thing is you get well and get the injections needed.
Take care and hoping you feel better after treatment
I am currently breastfeeding and having injections. My doctor and her pediatrician don’t seem to be worried about it. I am having her b12 levels checked at 1 year to see if they’re sufficient. I’ll have to watch for PA in my children since there is a genetic presentation. I don’t have any of the science for you, but reassurance that someone else is experiencing the same.
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