How do I decide frequency of injections?

[LizWilsonpa]

Hi

I've been on here a couple of times now and benefited from advice.

I've had monthly B12 injections since 2015 but struggled with 'post-operative fatigue' over the last couple of years - this disappeared when I increased my B12 injection frequency. This came about because my GP stopped offering injections in March and I was (after some complaint) shown how to self-inject. As neurological symptoms had returned very soon after my (denied) injection was due I decided my levels must be very low and gave myself a fortnight of loading injections and then reduced to every 4 or 5 days.

I've seen a huge improvement in my health - and maybe overdid things, going from no exercise to daily walks and cycle rides, garage-sorting and a Qi Gong session or two. I've then had a slump - wondering if it's just a bug but it feels very similar to my pre self-injection days.

I've started injecting every other day now and feel that I'm again seeing an improvement.

I wanted to ask - is it likely that I will be able to reduce the amount of times I inject over time? It's worth it if it keeps me stable - but it's not pleasant really and I do wonder how much my thighs can take injecting every other day!

How do people decide how often they need the injections?

I'm not sure that feeling ill was linked to lengthening the time between injections, being very active or just some other illness and it's coincidence that I'm feeling better on increasing the frequency again of the injections.

Thanks, in anticipation

Liz

[Hidden]

Good morning liz you may have discovered your frequency that you need to stay feeling well.From what I’ve read here it’s a very long term thing for most people,I’ve been having the same thoughts myself I think we will always question are we doing the right thing and of course it’s only by trial and error can we know what’s right for us.

I’d say keep doing what your doing for a good year then try and gradually reduce,ive also tried reducing and to be honest I think it’s the wrong time of year for us because yes we do want to get out more if the weathers lovely like this and yes it does use up our b12 being more active but we have to get that balance for our mental health don’t we so I’d continue as you are then after summer look at how your doing again. As far as injection sites I do the tops of my arms like nurses did but pain free lol that works really well just keep your arm relaxed down by your side don’t raise it as that tenses the muscle,I soon found that one out lol, I alternate arms and inject every other day,that’s what keeps so many symtoms away for me.There’s no rush really is there and great your feeling the benefits like this so enjoy.take care xx

[LizWilsonpa in reply to Hidden]

Hi - thanks, a really helpful reply. Good to know that frequency is a tricky issue - sometimes feels as if everyone else is sorted! Your reply has given me confidence to go with what I think is working. Liz x

[Hidden in reply to LizWilsonpa]

Well done liz Just keep plodding away do what your comfortable with,last week I couldn’t stand the burning in my legs which I didn’t have before I started self injecting ,this week it’s almost gone,today I have so many positives so I just accept that this is a good day and there will be the odd blip day but overall I’m making progress.Take care x

[wedgewood]

I don’t think it was a coincidence when your symptoms started to return when you rather overdid your activities . You obviously need injections regularly . Why not inject every 4-5 days again , and then lengthen the time between injections till symptoms start to return , then take a step back ? I’ve been injecting I.M. weekly for the last 4years and it does not affect my thighs at all . You could do sub-cutaneous injections . Although they are not done in the UK with B12 injections , they are advocated in Germany . This information appears on the boxes of B12 I get from Rotexmedica. When using sub-cut , you can use a much finer and shorter needle —30G x 1/2 inch , which is less invasive than an I.M. injection . You can use such a fine needle as B12 is a water-based fluid . I know people who use this method ,and it works as well as I,M. You can sub-cut inject into your thighs or your tummy . ( google for info) Best wishes .

[Nackapan in reply to wedgewood]

Yrs I've started SC at home inbetween IM at my surgery.

I use a blue needle 21G to draw up as you probably do already and a yellow 30G to inject. Some usd a slightly bigger needed 27-30 G

So far so good. You need to be at least 2" away from belly button .

I found outer thigh just as effective.

I managed to get b12 on prescription . I'd also bought some. The prescription didn't supply needles.

Gp said tricky to supply needles. Nog a problem and cheaper to buy.

She knows I'm doing it with needles bought. Subcutaneously. It took months for her to decide to prescribe 'off licence ' I I tend to have more sc and less IM .

I personally couldn't face IM but the nurse does those.

I'm like you Lizwilsonpa trying to find a frequency so i can function. I do tend to havd ag least 3 days poorly after In jections?? Its still so unpredictable

Currently trying every 10 days after a year of 2 weekly.

So glad you gof to ride your bike ect .

Ivd not got to that point yet.

So what's working keep it up

T C

[LizWilsonpa in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks for your response. I'd not heard about people doing the injections SC before so will look in to. Sorry you're still struggling - hope you see some improvement with the increased frequency. You're right, if it works keep doing it. I got in my head that I should try to reduce. Thanks, Liz x

[Nackapan in reply to LizWilsonpa]

Yes I think we all do . It's odd isnt it. I suppose at the end of the day if the frequency keeps you functioning it's worth it.

I'm. Just not there yet.

[LizWilsonpa in reply to wedgewood]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I think as you say I'll keep with what I think has been working and then gradually look at lengthening the time - but not too soon. I don't think I'm feeling brave enough at the moment to change my method so good to hear your thighs are coping! Many thanks, Liz x