Hypothyroidism ,long term use of PPI medication and development of pernicious anaemia.

[sobs1962]

Does anyone here know what are the specific symptoms of pernicious anaemia are? I have hypothyroidism which appears to be Hashimotos and I believe that I have a T4 to T3 conversion problem. Recently I have seen a worsening of symptoms and I have experienced some quite frightening things such as dementia like symptoms,poor coordination,dropping things,knocking things over, light headedness, palpitations and chest pain. I was taken to hospital a few days ago and tests done to check the function of my heart and no signs of any actual heart problems. I do know from reading and research that if you have vitamin b12 deficiency that is left untreated and results in pernicious anaemia, any info would be greatly appreciated. Just quick mention I've recently stopped taking omeprazole which I was taking for at least 15 years.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I wrote a very detailed reply on another forum thread with links to symptoms lists, causes of b12 deficiency, info about PA tests, B12 books, B12 websites, UK B12 documents and other B12 info which you might find helpful.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

The symptoms you list can all be found on lists of B12 deficiency symptoms. See link above.

Hashimotos is an auto-immune condition and having one auto immune condition increases the chances of others developing. Pernicious Anaemia is an auto immune condition.

There are many causes of B12 deficiency eg diet, PA, Coeliac disease, H Pylori infection, exposure to nitrous oxide, fish tapeworm infection, Crohns disease plus others.

Do you mind me asking which country you are in?

Patterns of treatment vary from country to country and the type of B12 used can vary.

I am not medically trained.

[wedgewood]

Taking omeprazole , a proton -pump inhibitor, for 15 years , will have affected your ability to absorb vitaminb12 . You shouldn’t have been on them for that long - a few months is more than enough . I thought doctors knew this . So yes, you are exhibiting some symptoms of B12 deficiency . Whether this was caused by the Omeprazole , or by Pernicious Anaemia remains to be seen . If your symptoms persist , and you are eating a diet containing animal products ( the only source of dietary B12 ) you may have Pernicious Anaemia. P.A. is an auto-immune condition which rarely comes alone , and Hashimoto’s is a common companion auto-immune condition with P.A. ( there are about 100 others !)

Trouble is that the test for P.A. is unreliable if it tests negative, and has about a 50 % inaccuracy , leaving many P.A. patients with a negative diagnosis .