Catching infections

[Eric69]

Hi

I have just been diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia.

I have had my first 6 set of injections and apart from the GP explaining that my stomach doesn't absorb B12, he hasn't really said much else.

My question is...

Am I more likely to catch infections easier? I'm concerned as I have also been really Ill with Sinusitis and been off work 5 weeks, I know when I go back I will be expected to work on a front facing reception desk, which deals with a lot of homeless people.

[Nackapan]

I imagine if you get well enough to work you will be at no higher risk.

Just keep your immune system strong with vit c from foods and any other supplements you need.

Have you had your folate vit d ect checked on your bloods. ?

[Eric69 in reply to Nackapan]

I've had a full range of bloods taken but they haven't said anything about vit d...

I'd say I'm almost 90% better but have also been referred to ENT specialist as the gland in my neck has been swollen for over 5 weeks, which I thought was due to sinusitis infection.

I am really worried that working, face to face with the public, will make me Ill again.

[Nackapan in reply to Eric69]

Going to a shop you can have the same risks or indeed the doctors surgery or hospital.

Wonderful you 90% better

How long did it take you?

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I found I was more prone to infections before I got b12 treatment.

Have you considered joining and talking to PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)?

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

PAS tel no 01656 769717 answerphone

PAS support groups in UK

pernicious-anaemia-society....

"I have had my first 6 set of injections"

How often will you have B12 injections now?

1) UK recommended treatment pattern 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 pattern 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

If you have neurological symptoms, my understanding is that you should be on second treatment pattern.

Neurological Symptoms associated with B12 deficiency can include ....

tingling, numbness, pins and needles, burning sensations, insect crawling sensation, tinnitus, muscle twitches, muscle fasciculations, flickering eyelids, restless legs syndrome RLS, vertigo, migraine, clumsiness, dropping things, bumping into things, strange gait (unusual way of walking), word finding problems, balance issues, brainfog, proprioception problems (problems with awareness of body in space).

I wrote a very detailed reply on another forum thread with links to B12 books, B12 websites, UK B12 documents/articles plus other B12 info.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

Hopefully there will be some useful info in it for you.

[Hidden]

If you have P.A. you will have a weakened immune system since autoimmunity is one of the leading signs of weakness in our body’s natural defences. There is a mistaken belief that because it is over active as in the case of autoimmunity that it is working to protect us. Actually it is compromised and is in fact harming us.

[Eric69 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, the reason I'm trying to find out is because I have a meeting with the occupational health on Monday.

I work as an administrator and sometimes have to work on a busy reception that has no screens, and a lot of people who come into reception, are people who sleep rough, with a lot of health conditions.

I have also just recovered from a chest infection and sinusitis.

[Hidden]

I am the HR Director for my business and I have staff with similar concerns. I am sympathetic as I have chronic health condition (PA and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency). Employers need to balance the legitimate concerns of staff who may have compromised health where work conditions may mean they are more susceptible to disease. If you have PA then your immune system is compromised. Your own GP should easily support that view. For example, I get the flu vaccination for that very reason only because I have a fragile immune system caused by my auto immune condition - I do not qualify for any other reason.

I hope the information here will help you with the OHS when you see them.

Best wishes.