Symptoms not improving

[utsavjari]

I was having a b12 deficiency so my gp gave me methylcobalamin 500mcg/ml every alternate days(total 10 injections) but i still have some symptoms like constipation and breathlessness how long will it take for the symptoms to go?(I have already completed 10 injections)

I also have body balance issue while walking.

GP told me to give b12 shots once a month.

Should I continue with this once a month?

[fbirder]

If breathlessness was caused by a B12 deficiency then I would expect it to start going within a few weeks. It is also a symptom of iron deficiency. Have you had your iron levels checked?

[utsavjari in reply to fbirder]

Haven't checked my iron levels, I will talk with my gp

[Bellabab]

Certainly you should continue with the injections. You should also take a folic acid supplement.

[utsavjari in reply to Bellabab]

continue once a month? and I forgot to post that I take folic acid twice a week

[sea55red in reply to utsavjari]

My breathlessness has gone now - it was really bad. I have been taking 5mg of folic acid daily for 8 weeks now - I have them prescribed for 4 months. Not sure why you are taking the folic acid at the rate that you are - I don't think it is enough

[utsavjari in reply to sea55red]

So should I ask for more b12 shots(I have already had 10 injections alternate days and will continue with injections once a month)?

[Hidden]

If you have “body balance issues whilst walking “ you need a neurological assessment to find out why. Your GP can do a basic assessment for this. B12 deficiency does affect your nerves and if this is the reason for your balance issues then you need lots more B12 injections, the preferred Rx being injections every other day until symptoms go away or they stop improving. Good luck .

[gpw61]

Hi ive just finished my injections the process is slow but can feel improvements

Hope you improve just time i think

Everybody s different good luck

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

Good idea to have ferritin, folate and vitamin D checked- these are the ones most likely to be under range or low-range with B12 deficiency. Thyroid can struggle too.

I would not start supplementing before levels have been checked by GP arranging blood tests. You might be okay - but ask for a copy of results in case what seems fine is actually bumping along at low range.

I was low in iron and folate (but not out of range)and found to have osteoporosis of the spine so have vitamin D on prescription. I take a good multivitamin and mineral tablet daily because iron and folate often drop again. GP keeping a check on these regularly and I sometimes have to supplement on top of this tablet. The B12 I now manage myself and isn't tested - GP knows it will be high now.

Although I have a good diet rich in all of these , this still happens now and then. I haven't ever had as much as 5mg of folic acid daily though- seems very high to me.

Hidden is right - balance and difficulty walking can be nerve problems related to your B12 deficiency, shouldn't be left and should be investigated by a neurologist via GP. Neurologist appointments in UK tend to take a while: can be 6 months+.

In the UK, B12 treatment with neurological symptoms differs from B12 treatment without them. If these 10 injections is all you get, I do not understand your B12 treatment pattern -so am guessing you are not UK-based. What is the plan for after the 10 injections ?

[utsavjari in reply to Cherylclaire]

I am an Indian, after 10 injections I was told to get an injection once a month, I also had frequent headaches so I met a neurologist he had an MRI of the head(report said everything was ok) (at that time he also asked to get blood test, it is then i knew about my b12 and vitamin d deficiency)and when I asked him about nerve damage he said that there is no such issue with me. Can MRI tell if I have nerve damage?

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

I am not a medically trained person, utsavjari .

I have seen a neurologist, who also sent me for a brain scan ( fine)- and said that I did not need an MRI of the spine.

I did not have permanent or drastic problems with balance, numbness, tingling or walking.

I did also have nerve conduction tests -electromyography (EMG) done, which measures electrical function in large nerves in limbs - which was also fine.....have you had this done?

[utsavjari in reply to Cherylclaire]

Not EMG