How do I get tested for pernicious anemia?

[Autumn11]

I believe something is going on with my vitamin b...I just dont know what. I'm extremely tired, dizziness, heart palpitations, short term memory loss, shortness of breath, numbness in my toes, and I've been admitted to the hospital for mental illness- paranoia. My doctor has done several blood tests for vitamin b12..all came up high. I supplement with vitamin b12 so I'm not sure if its interfering with the test.I just dont feel normal! I eat cooked liver and supplement which helps me a lot. But I feel like it's not enough. Any test that could help me in getting a diagnosis? And how do I get tested for pernicious anemia? Also I live in the U.S.

[fbirder]

Pernicious Anaemia means that you cannot absorb B12. If you are taking oral supplements and your levels are high then you do not have PA.

That doesn't mean you do not have a B12 deficiency, your symptoms certainly fit. However, they also fit a lot of other things. Like a folate deficiency. Have you had folate levels checked?

Try to get tested for methylmalonic acid and/or homocysteine. These are chemical used up in two reactions mediated by B12. If their levels are raised then you are not getting enough B12 into the cells.

[Autumn11 in reply to fbirder]

No I haven't checked my folate..and thank you for your response and advice.

[Nackapan]

I'm sorry you've been so poorly. Yes your supplements would have affected the test. If high it would indicate you are absorbing your supplements. Are you injecting b12? If so the blood test wont mean anything.

The intrinsic factor antibody test is for PA .It can give false positives if you are on b12. If its negative you could still have PA.

If done away from b12 supplements and positive it's mostly accurate.

Others on here can give a better explanation and gap needed off b12 to do test.

Im. In the IK and for some reason was given a parietal cell antibody test . Not sure which test the US use.

I hope your blood test included folate and iron and anything else that could be the cause or adding to it.

There is something called functional b12

.I'm sure you will get more replies soon.

I hope you get the treatment you need to sort and settle your symptoms soon.

[Autumn11 in reply to Nackapan]

Thank you for your advice. I have taken an iron test came back within the range, in the lower range but doctor said I'm not anemic.

[wedgewood]

There is a test - called the Intrinsic Factor Antibodies Test ( IFAB) If it comes up positive, you definitely have Pernicious Anaemia. If it shows negative , it is extremely unreliable . It’s about 50% unreliable. So you can have PA even if it comes up negative! But really your symptoms should be treated with B12 injections . Even if B12 deficiency is not the cause of your problems , B12 injections will do you no harm . You cannot overdose on B12 injections. If you have P.A. , oral supplementation will not help , as you will lack the intrinsic factor , and also lack stomach acid , both of which are essential to B12 absorption. Yes you will need to stop supplementation of B12 for a few weeks before the test . You may well have a high homocysteine count if you have PA , but there are other causes . I had a high count before b12 injections , and it is now low after B12 injections , which are needed for life with P.A. Best wishes .

[Autumn11 in reply to wedgewood]

Thank you for the advice I will definitely look into IFAB test.

[amelirom in reply to wedgewood]

Hi, can I ask you if b12 injection or supplementation causes insomnia , or it supposed to help. I want to use methylcobalamin injection and i'm trying to solve my insomnia besides a ton of other health issues .

[fbirder in reply to amelirom]

Methylcobalamin in not better than cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. Indeed, it is probably worse.

b12science.com/B12Science/D...

[wedgewood]

If anything B12 supplementation should help towards healthful sleep , once you have got rid of B12 deficiency symptoms . Why do you want to use Methylcobalamin? Hydroxocobalamin is excellent , and cheaper . Some people have a bad reaction to Methyl .

[amelirom in reply to wedgewood]

I read about Methylcobalamin that is the best absorbed form of b12 , I don't know which one is better , I read a post here by a member she treat her tinnitus that she had for 8 years with hydroxocobalamin. I also have tinnitus that is unbearable , insomnia , shortness of breath , irregular heart beat, tingling in hands, depression ,memory loss and more. I went back to my doctor and I have told her to give my shots because I had only one cyanocobalamin and then she said to take pills and my b12 level went up after the shot and two months latter went down again. So I convinced her to give me shots but she said one100ml a month is enough , (I have asked for hydroxocobalamin) , I wonder if one shot a month is going to be solve any of my problems.

I also read about methylcobalamin that is responsible for the wake sleep cycle.I just don't know that what you read on internet is accurate.

BTW how is the corona virus where you are?

[wedgewood]

I know that tinnitus can be a Pernicious Anaemia symptom . I would feel like injecting every other day util it improves. You know that you cannot overdose on B12 . It’s worn a try .

[emilycatherine95]

Folate folate folate, definitely get tested for that, very similar symptoms as B12 but it’s your B9