B12 Tablets because of Lockdown?

[Max1990]

I have recently been told I have low b12 and iron levels after suffering from heart palliations and tingling hands and feet for about 6 weeks. I have been given 50mcg Cyanocobalamin and told to take a multivitamin for 2 months and then retest.

My concern is that my diet is fairly decent eating alot of chicken, eggs and milk ect so I have to think I have an absorption issue rather than a consumption issue. So why has the GP given me tablets when online seems to imply I should be getting injections? I am thinking have the just fobbed me off for a few months while this pandemic is causing issues?

Funny thing is my symptoms seems to clear up after my blood test but came back after taking the tablets for 3 days. I am now 11 days in and still getting palpitations, should I be calling the GP back up or wait the full 2 months to retest. The palpitations are starting to stress me out and make me stressed and not want to do anything so any advise would be appreciated!

[Nackapan]

Yes would ring your Gp if you concerned stating all symptoms.

Sounds like your diet is good. You are right if an absorbtion problem you do need Injections.

Go by your symptoms. Was your folate checked too?

How low were your levels with iron and b12 ?

A multivit has alot of work to do.

I would get a print of your blood results and anything you dont understand ask the doctor .

Views can be given on here but no one is medical.

Just don't show your name of doctor if you post results.

Palpitations are a symptom of low b12 and iron .

[Max1990 in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks for the reply, the symptoms have eased the last couple days so I will see how I feel Monday as that will be a whole 2 weeks on b12 and multivit's.

To be honest I didn't ask enough questions when the doctor told me, I will be honest there was a lot of relief it wasn't something more sinister, as i'm sure you all know it can we nerve wracking waiting for the doctor to call with results. So I didn't ask about levels or folate as I hadn't done any research and they were just running a large generic blood test at the time.

Is there anything else I should be asking to try and figure out whats causing the lack of absorption?

[Nackapan in reply to Max1990]

Absorbtion can go down with age or can be an autoimmune problem. or loads of other things like Meds. Ect If you look on the PAS in formation of go to the magnifying glass at the top and type in what you want to know

Its overwhelming at first. GPS don't seem to be very knowledgeable either on this.

We support each other on here.

They my have fone the intrinsic factor test. This shows 50% of those with PA. If the test is negative it still doesnt rule out pa. High level serum B12 can give false positives. So best done before I Injections start . If they do it it's usually after low b12 found .

They seem to be seeing if you can absorb tablets

See how you go but do go by your symptoms.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

"my diet is fairly decent eating alot of chicken, eggs and milk ect so I have to think I have an absorption issue "

Might be worth writing out a typical weekly diet, food and drink for GP.

If you're eating a B12 rich diet then diet as a cause is less likely and more likely that that there is an absorption problem in the gut.

Link about "What to do next" if B12 deficiency suspected

b12deficiency.info/what-to-...

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

Have a look at my replies in the thread I linked to below which has links to B12 deficiency symptoms lists, causes of B12 deficiency, B12 books, more B12 websites, UK B12 documents and other B12 info including some hints on dealing with unhelpful GPs which might be useful.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

UK forum members have reported problems getting their B12 jabs during pandemic eg injections have been stopped/delayed/ frequency reduced or swapped for oral tablets.

I left a detailed reply about impact of pandemic on B12 treatment in UK in next link which might be of interest if you're UK based.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po.....

I am not medically trained.