Morning, would somebody be so kind as to tell me why my gp has said to have b12 every 6 months for two years?
I can't find any info why it should be 6 months?
I had a blood test and was told my level was 177 so just under, started loading doses and completed them 3 months ago. Starting to feel all symptoms coming back and rang the drs to ask why it's not 3 monthly and she said I can come back for a blood test and if they are low I can have them sooner, but kept saying the levels aren't that low and the gp that authorised it was doing me a favour! Which has really made me cross.
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Hellywelly1980
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Thank you for your reply fbirder, I have the symptoms pins needles, numbness etc etc. And because of those symptoms that's the reason she put me on 6 monthly.
Symptoms have returned within 3 months. I have to have a blood test to see what my levels are on monday but if they are within range I have to wait until September despite feeling like crap!
Think I will try to write a letter, not that I'm the best at trying to explain things, I probably come across as a forgetful moaner to the gp.
I wrote very detailed replies on another forum thread with links to B12 deficiency symptoms lists, causes of b12 deficiency, info about tests for PA, list of B12 books, other B12 websites, UK B12 documents, letters to GP about B12 deficiency and other B12 info which you might find helpful including some hints on coping with unhelpful GPs.
"why my gp has said to have b12 every 6 months for two years? "
Many forum members in UK have reported difficulties getting B12 treatment during pandemic.
BSH (British Society of Haematology) have issued advice for GPs to use during pandemic. See PAS news item from 25th May about latest BSH advice in link below .
It includes links to recent PAS news items and blog posts from B12 Deficiency Info which have suggestions on how to cope if injections stopped/delayed/swapped for oral tablets.
Local MP and representatives of devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and NI should be interested in your story if you are struggling to get adequate treatment.
Some forum members have contemplated going to local press/TV/radio although GP surgeries may view this as unhelpful.
Letters could contain symptoms lists, dates of diagnosis, personal and family medical history, extracts from UK B12 documents, requests for referrals and any other evidence that supports points made in in letter.
There are likely to be useful info in following guidelines/articles that you could include in any letter.
Try to track down the local guidelines on treatment of B12 deficiency for your area of UK. Some of these local guidelines are out of date. Most UK areas are likely to be using treatment guidance that is specific to pandemic.
"she said I can come back for a blood test and if they are low I can have them sooner"
BSH Cobalamin and Folate guidelines (link up page) says that testing of B12 levels after treatment has started is irrelevant.
I suspect your GP surgery is using out of date BSH advice on treatment during pandemic.
Check they are using the advice in link below.
Scroll down the page until you come to the box headed "B12 Replacement during Covid 19 pandemic"
Many people on here find oral tablets ineffective.
Warnings
1) B12 deficiency is not always well understood by GPs and specialists so it pays to be well prepared for any appointments.
2) Some GPs are not able to cope well with assertive patients so be prepared for GP/patient relationship becoming strained and have a back up plan eg another GP surgery to go to.
Sleepybunny thank you again. You have been great ! I just can't get my head around it all. Why don't gps just follow the same!
I'm in Gloucestershire so don't hold out much hope especially with a different dr saying the previous dr was doing me a favour! And my level wasn't that bad.
That's what I read once I was told I would have loading doses.
But the gp said every 6 months for two years because of my symptoms , I'm so annoyed that because I've queried it they now want me to go monday for a blood test to check my levels.
Just an update. I have a phone consultation on monday with the practice manager, but was told that they are not doing b12 because of the new guidelines to do with covid 19.
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