Private injections

[Daisy292]

I have just tried to book my b12 injection apparently I cannot get a injection for the foreseeable future??? I said I have them every eight weeks for the last eight years. I was told I have enough in my system to last two years??? Can anyone let me know where I can get a private injection I am in Aberystwyth

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Are you a PAS member?

If not might be worth joining PAS and discussing your concerns .

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....

Have you asked your GP surgery if they will consider giving you a prescription for B12 ampoules and teach you to self inject?

Link to another forum thread which mentions B12 jabs being stopped due to effect of Covid 19 virus on GP surgeries.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

I wrote a detailed reply on another forum thread with links to other B12 books, b12 websites, UK B12 documents and other B12 info which might be of interest.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

[JanCymru in reply to Sleepybunny]

Hi Sleepybunny,

Just a thought.... as there seems to be such a variation in the availability for our B12 jabs due to the current crisis, I wonder if it might a an idea if Martyn could contact the health minister, Vaughan Gethin and attempt to get an email or advice out to all the GP surgeries in Wales advising of the importance of patients receiving their B12 jabs, that it isn't a case of cancelling a 'routine' clinic etc, but a life-threatening condition that requires sustained injections to ensure the health of the individual, whether they are 8 or 12 or whatever weekly intervals.

Best wishes,

[Sleepybunny in reply to JanCymru]

He's has done ... see next link to new PAS news item.

Covid-19: Letter to Health Ministers and injections being stopped

pernicious-anaemia-society....

[JanCymru in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[JanD236]

The lack of understanding of PA is quite staggering!

[wedgewood]

This corona virus is bringing so many problems . I hear that several members have had their injections put on hold because of the situation at the surgeries . But they need them desperately. Are you prepared to self-inject?

Normally self-injectors in the U.K. obtain B12 ampoules from German online pharmacies without trouble . We hear now because of the. virus situation , they are no longer shipping to UK.

You can obtain B12 ampoules from an Australian company vitaminb12online.com They sell all three kinds of cobalamin . You can buy ampoules on their own , kits for intramuscular injections and kits for sub-cutaneous injections. The cost of shipping is included for UK customers .

b12horizon.co.uk. will, for a cost of about £90 send you an injection kit and arrange for a nurse to visit you and give you the injection

Hope this is helpful for you . Best wishes .

[Emmapemma]

I would call them again and ask to talk to a doctor as you need b12 to keep your immune system strong against Corona virus.

I work at a practice and was still giving b12injections yesterday.

We are cancelling everything that is not essential so someone must have got the wrong end of the stick there in terms of b12. Obviously if you have Corona virus symptoms stay at home and get someone to pick up a prescription to do the injection yourself at home if you can.

Good luck

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Emmapemma]

Thanks Emmapemma that is really useful information.

Daisy292 - suggest you ask to speak to either the practice administrator or the GP or both.

Make the following points:

a) B12 deficiency and susceptibility to infection

B12 is used by a lot of processes that go on in your cells, and this includes the proper performance of the immune system. One of the symptoms of B12 deficiency is more frequent infections.

b) You are being treated for a B12 absorption problem, not a B12 deficiency. The aim of your treatment is to prevent you becoming B12 deficient.

On average B12 from an injection is retained in the blood for 2 months after an injection of hydroxocobolamin

Whilst 1mg may represent several years for somebody without an absorption problem because of stores in the liver, the mechanism for releasing stores in the liver does not function properly (if at all) in someone who has a B12 absorption problem. It relies on the same mechanism as you use to absorb B12 from your food. This means that you are dependent on the levels of B12 in your blood - which only last for 2 months (on average)

c() So, basically, failing to continue treatment for patients who have B12 absorption problems will artificially create a group of individuals who are at greater risk from corona and other infections.

[Daisy292 in reply to Gambit62]

Thankyou really good advice I did get a call back from surgery and after looking at my notes I can now have b12 injection

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Link to blog post from B12 Deficiency Info website that gives suggestions on what to do if your b12 jab is delayed or cancelled due to being considered non essential treatment.

b12deficiency.info/blog/202...

[Sleepybunny]

Have a look at this news item from PAS website. It has info on what to do if B12 jabs stopped.

Covid-19: Letter to Health Ministers and injections being stopped

pernicious-anaemia-society....