B12 injections to supplements

[Davepolo]

I have been on b12 injections Every 10 weeks for 6 years in conjunction with folate tablets, at the start of the covid lockdown my drs surgery said I could no longer have my injections and should take b12 supplement 100mcg/ per day, I’m now on my third week of supplements I have constant pain, pins and needles and tiredness what

dose would make me feel slightly normal any help would be appreciated

[fbirder]

Download the information from the BSH - b-s-h.org.uk/media/18259/bs...

Phone your doctor and point out the section where it says -

"Patients should be advised to monitor their symptoms and should contact their GP if they

begin to experience neurological or neuropsychiatric symptoms such as pins and needles,

numbness, problem with memory or concentration or irritability.

"

Ask why you weren't advised to monitor your symptoms. Tell them that you do have neurological symptoms and you are worried about permanent nerve damage. Tell them you want your injections reinstated.

Also tell them that, as you have neurological symptoms, you want to be treated in accordance with the BNF and have injections every 8 weeks.

You may find it easier to put all that in a letter.

[Davepolo in reply to fbirder]

Thank you so much for the information I will draft a email as we speak

[wedgewood]

Excellent advice from fbirder . I would definitely put all that in a letter , then it will be on file .

[Davepolo]

I’m also having a large pulse in my neck frequently is this a symptom aswell

[Davepolo]

This is a draft of my letter do you think it will be good enough

Many thanks in advance

Dear Sir/Madam,

I’m writing with some concern about the advice I received regarding my B12 injections stopping and the advice for me to purchase my own supplements.

At no time did anyone discuss the BSH advice with me, no screening was given or advice as the BSH guidelines below.

I phoned the surgery to discuss my concerns and could not speak to a dr and was informed by a receptionist of the decision made by the surgery.

The advice from BSH is below

“Patients should be advised to monitor their symptoms and should contact their GP if they begin to experience neurological or neuropsychiatric symptoms such as pins and needles, numbness, problem with memory or concentration or irritability.”

Why wasn’t I given the advice to monitor my symptoms, I have neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms and I am very concerned about permanent nerve damage, and would like injections reinstated as soon as possible.

Also because I have neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms, I would like to have my injections every 8 weeks in accordance with the BNF.

I’m currently have aching all over my body, pins and needles and no energy and even more depression.

I believe this is because my absorption is not working taking supplements, as it does with the injections.

I had a phone consultation with the drs last week over a large pulsing in my neck the dr has organised a ECG which came back as normal but she did say she would speak to a colleague and get back to me regarding it.

I have added the text I received off you for your information

Also the British Society for Haematology advice is below

“Dear Mr Partington,

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, there are new guidelines from Haematology regarding the administration B12 Injections. The recommendation is to take B12 100mcg/ug Oral Supplements, 1 daily. They are available to purchase from the chemist or online. When the COVID-19 situation begins to settle we will review all patients currently on B12 injections.

Thanks, emma harrison

St Catherine's Surgery”

The BSH advice is as follows

British Society for Haematology advice during the COVID-19 pandemic for patients established on intramuscular hydroxocobalamin:

The need for intramuscular (IM) hydroxocobalamin should be discussed with each patient individually. We recommend that screening questions for COVID-19 infection are asked be- fore patients attend their GP surgeries. Alternatives to attending the GP surgery such as lo- cal pharmacies or home administration by district nurses should be explored.

As an alternative, oral cyanocobalamin can be offered at a dose of 1 mg per day until regular IM hydroxocobalamin can be resumed, i.e. once GP surgeries are able to do so safely, aim- ing to have a shortest possible break from regular injections.

Patients should be advised to monitor their symptoms and should contact their GP if they begin to experience neurological or neuropsychiatric symptoms such as pins and needles, numbness, problem with memory or concentration or irritability.

I look forward to hearing from you

[wedgewood]

👍👍👍

[Davepolo]

Just an update on this I had a phone consultation regarding my symptoms, the dr told me I should only be having injections every 12 weeks after having them for 10 weeks for the last 5 years, after some discussion I had full bloods done and will wait to see if I need to go back on injections, I know my symptoms and feel as tho this is a cost cutting exercise from my drs surgery and will be leaving g them as soon as the pandemic is over thanks for all the advice from everyone and I will keep you updated