Do I have PA?

[kristianjones]

Another post from me, thank you for all the help with the last. I’m at a stage here where I’m now trying to figure out exactly what’s happening with me. I have now gained access to all my medical records and started trying to make sense of things. I was told in 2015 I have PA from a blood test. The b12 level was 155 and I had a “weak positive” parietal cell present in my results.

No IF test done. I was out on 3 loading doses, then 3 monthly injections since.

I had a blood test again in 2017 where they said my b12 was 2000+ and tried to stop the injections.

Folate was 10.2 at this time also. Not ever been tested again.

I don’t know what to do now.. symptoms are still here with 3 monthly injections. And I’ve read that you may not even have PA with parietal cells present? Do I even have PA?

Do I get an active b12 done now?

What other test should I have to get a PA confirmed diagnosis?

Thank you in advance. This forum is amazing

Kris

[fbirder]

The parietal cell test isn't too good for telling if you have PA as a lot of 'normal' people test positive.

An 'Active' B12 test will be sky high and tell you nothing.

To be diagnosed with PA then you really need a positive test for IF antibodies or metaplastic gastric atrophy restricted to the body and fundus of the stomach (needs a gastroscopy).

Having a B12 deficiency with no other obvious cause is a very good suggestion of PA. Especially if accompanied by high levels of gastrin.

But what's important is that you get the right treatment. Obviously every three months isn't enough for you. Ask the doc to increase them to every two months. The doc may not know that the guidelines changed a year ago. Ask them to look in the BNF.