B12 Urgent help Needed!!

[Shipra33]

I got my first Vitamin b12 injection today and it seems that I'm feeling really Very tired, infact worse than I usually feel after having it. Is this normal? Does it get worse before getting better?

I usually have a level above 600ng/ml over the past many years but for some reason I got it tested and it was 300ng/ml. I wasn't having any symptoms back then except some tingling.

So I never got any supplements bcaz it turned to be in the "normal" range of 200-900ng/ml.

Only after 2 months, the weird brain fog kicked in making me feel Like I'm in a dream sort of a thing, confused, disoriented with a lot of weakness and of course the tingling got worse. That is when I thought of seeing a Doctor and he initially gave me 750mcg tablets which I tried for a month and saw real slow progress. So I asked him if we could increase the dose so he just ordered injections.

And today was my first.

I actually feel worse after the injection.

What does this mean?

Somebody pls let me know. I'm kinda losing my mind now.

[Nackapan]

So perhaps tour level did drop again.

Yes you can feel worse before better.

[fbirder]

It's not at all unusual to feel worse when treatment starts. Stick with it.

[deniseinmilden]

What are your levels of folate, potassium, magnesium, iron and vitamin D like?

If you have B12 injections it could mean that one of these others has become limiting and therefore you are suffering from the deficiency symptoms of these as well.

[Shipra33 in reply to deniseinmilden]

I got my first shot yesterday. Never had any b12 injections before.

Mg was fine. Folate was also fine.

Vit D is also in range. No idea about Potassium.

[deniseinmilden]

It would be worth checking your potassium as that was the first one I thought of - or try eating/drinking potassium rich foods, maybe even with a sprinkle of LoSalt to see if that helps.

Bananas and coconut water, nuts, especially pistachios are some of the best sources but an online search will give you a better idea of what you like.

I hope you feel better soon.

[Shipra33 in reply to deniseinmilden]

Thank you so much. I will try that.

[meitu in reply to deniseinmilden]

I agree.

[Litatamon]

Shipra,

Just want to make sure that you know not to take potassium supplements, only up your potassium with food sources.

---------

Do not worry about feeling worse, it is not uncommon when starting out.

You might find that the fatigue, even though you are even more tired/fatigued, is a more natural and restful feeling after starting b12 injections.

I found that before shots my fatigue over years felt very "wired" and after it felt more natural. Even when there was a definite increase in fatigue with injections.

I also realized after b12 supplementation that I had suffered from poor sleep for decades. It was common for me to wake after a full night sleep exhausted. It is a totally different feeling now.

All the best to you.

[Shipra33 in reply to Litatamon]

Thank you so much!!

Also, how long did it take for you after starting the injections to completely feel normal?

[Litatamon]

How to answer?

I do not feel completely better Shirpa, unfortunately. But I am only five months in.

However, some of my issues completely disappeared with loading doses like absolute magic. Very grateful and lucky. Even months in I still suddenly remember how many issues I had before injections from head to toe, meaning I forget how bad it all was for me daily. So healing really is something!

When some of them tried to come back when I went to monthly shots (protocol here in Canada) I decided to self-inject. I made that decision so that I could inject every other day until I felt that there were no further improvements, since I had neurological symptoms. Still on every other day as I had some unexpected stress that I felt took me backwards (I have no proof that stress exasperated the issue but I was not pleased when cognitive issues returned a bit).

My legs - strength/muscle recovery - have been the most frustrating. But I found out that I was severely low in vitamin d as well. I struggle with pushing myself too far with being active and then I seem to hit a wall for two days. That part is frustrating.

I also want to tell you that I had a very intense - and I mean VERY - and painful episode that lasted at least 12 hours between my second and third loading shot. I honestly believe that it was nerve endings repairing. My doctor thought that was cuckoo but regardless I believe it. I had had intense nerve pain for over a year and after those bizarre twelve hours it has disappeared. Typing this part for everyone reading about loading shots, as it is not a straight line for everyone.

I also believe that magnesium supplementation has helped.

Hope it all improves soon for you Shirpa.

[amelirom in reply to Litatamon]

Hi , what type of b12 you use? Can you get the injections in Canada without prescription?

[Litatamon in reply to amelirom]

Yes. Just ask for it behind the counter at any pharmacy (b12 and needles/syringe).

Cyanocobalamin. Cheap too. Less than $5 at most (Shopper's Drug Mart and Metro are the most expensive in Ontario - I stick with Loblaws and Wal-mart).

If you want hydroxocobalamin or methylcobalamin you will be able to get either through a compound pharmacy, with a prescription from a naturopathic doctor (self-injection). But also note that many naturopathic doctors can give you a shot of methylcobalamin for a somewhat reasonable price.

I stick with cyanocobalamin because I can afford it. And because I gave methyl a try, and hated how I felt. Will probably try hydroxocobalamin when it fits my budget.

All the best.

[Litatamon in reply to Litatamon]

Just in case ---

Best to throw out vial after 28 days, even it is not finished.

[amelirom in reply to Litatamon]

Thank you !!

[Shipra33]

I'm glad it started to work out for you. Keep it going. You're doing great and will be completely fine in a few months for sure.

What was your b12 level when you were diagnosed?

[Litatamon]

I was 103.